Seaside towns can be fantastic places to live. Being close to the beach and the water, enjoying long strolls along the coast or simply relaxing on a sun lounger has long drawn people to the sea. But with such prime locations often come hefty price tags, especially in tourist hotspots across Europe. 

Luckily, there are still some gorgeous coastal gems where house prices won’t break the bank. While this one is outside of the UK, it's a place worth knowing about. In the Sicilian town of Mascali, a four-bedroom penthouse with sea views and private parking is currently on the market for just €89,000 (roughly £76,000). That’s something completely unheard of in the UK’s seaside towns.

According to Idealist, the property is located in the seafront district of Fondachello di Mascali, a popular summer destination. 

The penthouse includes a large living room, a compact kitchenette with a sea view, three cosy double bedrooms, a bathroom that doubles as a laundry room, and a spacious terrace perfect for al fresco dining. 

It even comes with a private garage that can fit up to three small cars.

The property is listed by Consoli Immobiliare, who describe it as ideal for summer holidays, with restaurants and shops on the ground floor and the beach just across the street.

But it’s not just one listing. There are currently a number of bargain homes for sale in Mascali.

A two-bedroom flat is up for grabs for just €73,000 (£62,000), while a three-bedroom flat is listed at €79,000 (£67,000). 

One detached three-bedroom house is even priced at €69,000 (£58,000) - less than a single year’s rent for some in the UK’s most expensive cities.

Mascali sits on the eastern coast of Sicily, around 30km (18 miles) northeast of Catania and just 15km (9 miles) from Taormina. 

Nestled between Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea, the town was rebuilt after being destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 1928.

Today it has historic churches, beautiful sea views, and easy access to both mountain trails and coastal beaches.

According to Sicily Discovery, the area is full of history, with ancient ruins, Norman-Byzantine frescoes, and traditional churches scattered throughout the surrounding villages. 

The town is also known for its wine, particularly the locally produced Nerello di Mascali, which is often served at the popular mid-August Festival of the Fish.

And it’s not just affordable, it’s sun-soaked too. According to Holiday Weather, Mascali enjoys long hours of sunshine throughout the year, with temperatures peaking in August and the sea reaching an inviting 27C  in summer.