Forget Italy, Retire To This Mediterranean Gem With Sunny Beaches, Seaside Villages, And A Low Cost Of Living

Many people nearing retirement dream of a leisurely lifestyle, scenic views, and a low cost of living. While Europe offers some iconic coastal cities to retire to, some countries are a bit more affordable than others. Forego Italy and other retirement hotspots in Southern and Western Europe to spend your golden years in one of the laid-back villages on the exquisite Mediterranean coast of Turkey, also called the "Turquoise Coast," boasting golden sands and ancient cities. 

Deemed the Turkish Riviera, the sunshine-drenched beaches and sweeping views of the aquamarine sea stretch for 600 miles along the Mediterranean, spanning roughly from Bodrum to Antalya. In comparison, the so-called Italian Riviera spans for 217 miles along the Liguria region. Historic hamlets dot the shores of both areas, but the cost of living is quite different, as it is generally lower in Turkey than Italy. While its Italian counterpart boasts popular areas like Cinque Terre and Portofino, visitors can explore the Turkish Riviera's gems like Alanya and Kaş.

Turkey's charming seaside stretch is highly enticing to retirees for more than just its attractions. Finances go further for people on a fixed income here. Retired expats on a monthly budget of $1,500 to $2,500 can comfortably cover food, healthcare, and housing, per the blog Turkey Expert. For instance, Expatistan reports that the average dinner for two at a neighborhood restaurant in Antalya runs about $14, while a 900-square-foot rental costs between $333 and $546 per month. Compare this to Genoa (the heart of the Italian Riviera), where the online calculator site estimates that the cost of dinner for two and monthly rent runs for $47 and a maximum of $1,312, respectively. 

Beyond the more affordable living in the Turkish Riviera, along the turquoise coastline is one of Europe's most beautiful beaches, Ölüdeniz Beach, which boasts the eye-poppingly azure Blue Lagoon. One Tripadvisor reviewer says, "With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft sandy shore, and stunning mountain backdrop, it offers a peaceful and unforgettable experience." An entrance fee of around $3 gives visitors access to the Blue Lagoon, a protected national park, but the neighboring Belcekız Beach is a free, idyllic spot for scenic strolls. Another option is the 7 miles of golden sands at Patara Beach, which also serves as a sanctuary for loggerhead turtles. 

The Turkish Riviera also includes two of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Temple of Artemis at the Ephesus Archaeological site is at the northwest end of the coast, just over an hour's drive from Izmir. The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus is in the heart of Bodrum, "Turkey's Mykonos" and an under-the-radar seaside haven.

Kaş is one of the beguiling coastal towns here beckoning retirees. The expat-friendly, walkable village is a sensory feast. Vibrant, fragrant flowers bloom before dazzling white façades, and sweeping Mediterranean vistas can be seen from cliffside porches perched along this seaside sanctuary. Cafés along cobblestone streets offer a feeling of community, as does the weekly outdoor market where local fare and handmade goods can be found. The seaside village's bustling but relaxed vibe makes it an enticing destination in which to spend life's later years. 

About a five-hour drive east of Kaş or two hours from Antalya, you'll find a cornucopia of culture in the shops and eateries lining the cobblestone streets of Alanya. Historical sites such as Syedra are about 30 minutes from Alanya, but its balmy beaches with an average of 300 days of sunshine annually may be the bigger draw, especially for retirees. Cleopatra Beach (also spelled Kleopatra) stretches just over a mile along the Mediterranean. Named for the Egyptian queen who is rumored to have bathed here with Mark Antony, the gilded sands here are renowned for an interesting reason: they don't cling to beach-baskers. 

Milas-Bodrum Airport (BJV) is a good landing spot for those who want to start on the Turkish Riviera's west side, while Gazipaşa-Alanya Airport (GZP) is close to the eastern end. Public transportation is readily available around the region. And if ever the desire to get away from this retirement paradise strikes, easy day trips to sunken cities, islands, and even to the nearby Greece can transport you to other worlds and have you back home for dinner.