Side, Turkey

This seaside town has a population of just 13,596, a far cry from the thriving 60,000-strong metropolis it once was. The ruins of the ancient city remain a draw, but the modern Side is a popular tourist hub that has struggled with its identity. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with the city's status changing multiple times over the centuries. And while Side's location on the southern Mediterranean coast offers sunny appeal, the town has also weathered its share of natural disasters and foreign invasions. Overall, Side is best suited for those seeking a laidback Mediterranean lifestyle, if they can tolerate the occasional bout of administrative red tape.