Lagos, Portugal

With a population of just 31,049, Lagos may seem like a quaint coastal town, but the reality is a busy tourist hub. Summers bring an influx of visitors, swelling the ranks to over 22,000 in the city center alone. While the vibrant nightlife and scenic beaches are a draw, the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache - the town was once a center of the European slave trade, after all. With its Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, Lagos is best suited for those seeking a laidback lifestyle near the ocean.