With its sun-soaked islands, ancient heritage and diverse landscapes, Greece offers property buyers an extraordinary range of options. From cosmopolitan cities to sleepy stone villages, each region offers something unique – but how do you choose where to buy?
Greece is a country of remarkable variety, with more than 200 inhabited islands spread across the Aegean and Ionian Seas and a mainland that is 80% mountainous. This dramatic geography, paired with a mild Mediterranean climate, steadily improving infrastructure and welcoming property laws, makes Greece one of the most attractive places in Europe to buy a home.
Whether you’re searching for a modern apartment in central Athens, a vineyard in the Peloponnese or a clifftop villa on Santorini, this guide will help you decide where to start your property search and how to find the right location to match your goals.
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Contents
- Mainland Greece
- Ionian islands
- Cyclades islands
- Crete
- Dodecanese islands
- Sporades and Evia
- Argo-Saronic islands
Mainland Greece
Many buyers focus on Greece’s islands, but the mainland can offer far more value for money, fewer crowds and excellent transport connections. It’s also more varied than you might expect – from modern Athens to idyllic seaside towns on the Peloponnese coast.
Athens and Attica is the hub of contemporary Greece. Athens is buzzing with energy and culture, with the 2024 economic figures continuing a positive post-pandemic recovery. The city centre mixes ancient history with affordable flats and an increasingly lively arts scene. Rail and air links make it a prime option for those needing regular access to the UK or other EU cities.
The Athens Riviera extends south from the capital along a scenic coast dotted with beaches, pine forests and elegant resorts such as Glyfada and Vouliagmeni. You’ll find a mix of new builds and older homes, with prices starting higher near the sea but growing more affordable further along the coast.
80 kilometres west of Athens you’ll find Corinth. This port town offers good infrastructure and lower home prices. Nearby villages such as Vrachati or Kiato are laidback and perfect for buyers after more privacy or easy access to beaches.
The Peloponnese peninsula offers diverse landscapes, from olive-covered hills to long stretches of sandy coastline. It’s a great choice for nature lovers and buyers who value peace and traditional Greek living. Nafplio is a standout with its neoclassical waterfront homes and Venetian fortress. The city’s picturesque setting, rich history and affordable cost of living have made it an increasingly popular destination, especially among remote workers and retirees.
Athens is a mix of old and new
Ionian islands
The Ionian islands lie off Greece’s west coast, closest to Italy. These verdant, mountainous islands are greener than most of the Aegean region and are known for clear turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs and lively expat communities. Many UK buyers appreciate the milder winters and the region’s cultural ties to western Europe.
Corfu is the best known island in this group. It blends Venetian-influenced architecture with buzzing towns and quiet coves. Corfu’s north-east is famously popular with British buyers, yet smaller inland villages offer equally picturesque homes at lower prices.
Kefalonia is a firm favourite of families and couples thanks to its natural beauty and relaxed pace. Its international airport connects with several European cities during summer months, though winter connections remain limited. Kefalonia Town (Argostoli) offers shops and restaurants year-round, while villages like Assos and Fiskardo enchant with charm and sea views.
Ithaca, smaller and quieter than Kefalonia, offers a more secluded lifestyle. Approachable only by ferry, it’s ideal for those prioritising privacy and simplicity. Property options are more limited but there’s scope for renovation projects with breathtaking panoramas.
Cyclades islands
The central Aegean’s Cyclades islands epitomise the iconic image of Greece: whitewashed houses tumbling down hills toward shimmering blue seas. Direct flights from Europe and frequent ferries via Athens make them accessible, although high demand has driven up prices.
Mykonos is glamorous, bustling and ideal for buyers seeking luxury villas or turnkey rental investments. With daily flights in high season and advanced tourist infrastructure, it’s consistently among Greece’s most expensive locations per m². Popular areas include Elia, Agios Lazaros, Agia Sofia, Houlakia and Tourlos.
Santorini, sculpted by ancient volcanic eruptions, offers dramatic views and a steady influx of high-end tourists. The signature blue-domed churches and clifftop dwellings provide some of Greece’s most recognisable imagery. Fira and Oia command premium prices, but inland villages like Pyrgos can be cheaper and feel less commercialised.
If you’re seeking more authenticity and tranquillity, consider Paros or Naxos. With growing infrastructures and ferry access from Athens, these islands are gaining popularity among people who want to balance charm with value.
Mykonos is an excellent option if you’re looking for rental returns
Crete
Crete is Greece’s largest island and one of Europe’s most self-sufficient territories, with a rich culinary, historical and architectural heritage. Its sheer size brings opportunity – whether for city-style living in Heraklion or Chania, or for rural escape in mountain villages.
The island offers diverse property types, from modern homes to crumbling stone cottages ripe for renovation. Chania and Rethymno, on the north coast, suit those needing amenities while wanting attractive seafronts.
Southern Crete is notably quieter, with rustic charm and affordable housing. However, the terrain is rugged and some areas are accessible only by winding roads. Prospective buyers here should budget for possible upgrades such as insulation or rainproofing, as older homes may lack modern construction standards.
Dodecanese islands
Located in Greece’s south-easternmost waters, the Dodecanese islands benefit from long summers, intriguing architecture and cross-cultural influence from nearby Turkey. These islands enjoy over 300 days of sunshine per year, which attracts both tourism and long-term overseas residents.
Rhodes is the most developed in the group, with a medieval old town, several medical facilities and a large international airport. The north of the island is busier, but inland villages and southern areas such as Gennadi or Lachania are more affordable and less touristy. Buying in Rhodes offers year-round living potential due to its larger local population and services.
Kos offers a gentler pace, with long beaches and charming port towns. Kalymnos, known for rock climbing and its fishing heritage, is less commercial but provides authentic Greek island living. Check flight routes carefully if year-round access is important.
Sporades and Evia
The Sporades islands in the north-western Aegean are lush, hilly and less affected by overdevelopment. Skiathos is the main airport, making it the easiest international access point to the group. It offers broad beaches and a classic resort atmosphere, especially in summer.
Skopelos, made famous by the film ‘Mamma Mia!’, is more traditional and much quieter, known for its distinctive stone houses and vineyards. Some ferry routes operate year-round between the islands and the mainland via Volos or Thessaloniki, providing important access for buyers planning longer stays or remote working.
Alongside the islands, Evia is a large and mountainous region connected to the mainland by bridge. This makes it one of the most practical places in Greece for a second home, as you can drive there from Athens in under two hours. Property in Evia is still attractively priced, especially in smaller towns. Northern Evia’s pine forests and sandy beaches draw in local and international buyers alike.
Argo-Saronic islands
Just off the coast of Athens, the Argo-Saronic islands are some of the most accessible in the country. Fast ferries can deliver you from the port of Piraeus to Aegina in around an hour, making these islands perfect for weekenders and commuters.
Hydra and Spetses are popular among artists and writers, partly due to their ban on private cars. These islands are peaceful, high-end and busy throughout the year thanks to their proximity to the capital. However, limited space and exclusivity mean homes here tend to carry steep price tags.
Need help planning your Greek property purchase?
Choosing where to buy in Greece is just the beginning. You’ll need a clear understanding of the buying process, legal implications and currency risk. At Your Overseas Home, we give you trusted guidance every step of the way.
With over 100 years of combined experience in overseas property, we connect buyers with approved local partners including estate agents, lawyers and mortgage experts. Whether you want to arrange a virtual viewing from home or join a tailored tour to visit properties in person, our team is on hand to help.
Book your free consultation with a property expert today and take the first confident step towards buying your new home in Greece.
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