The best regions to retire to in Greece

Greece has plenty to offer retirees, but choosing where to settle is about more than sunshine and sea views. We reveal the five best regions to retire to in Greece, comparing property prices, healthcare, transport and everyday living.

Morning swims, long lunches overlooking the sea and evenings spent in a local taverna – it’s easy to imagine enjoying your retirement in Greece. But the place you love visiting on holiday might not be the best place to call home all year round.

Interestingly, our 2026 reader survey found that Crete was the most popular Greek region among prospective buyers, followed by the Ionian Islands. But are these the best places to settle? We’ve looked at the data to find out.

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How we ranked the best regions to retire to in Greece

To find the best places for retirement, we've considered property affordability, healthcare, transport links, climate and year-round amenities. We've also looked at what matters most to buyers in our 2026 reader survey.

Crete was the most popular Greek region among prospective buyers, chosen by 24.4%, followed by the Ionian Islands. The Peloponnese was the most popular second-choice location. And when it comes to finding a home, 74.4% wanted to live by the sea, while 79.3% considered a view essential.

Budget is another factor. Our Cost of Living Index 2026 found that everyday expenses were 24% cheaper in Greece than in the UK. Meanwhile, 30.9% of prospective Greek property buyers in our survey had a budget of €100,000–€199,999.

To compare affordability between regions, we've used September 2026 asking-price data from Indomio [1],[2]. While these figures reflect advertised prices rather than completed sales, they give a useful indication of where your money could go further.

So, which regions come out on top?

What are Greece's best regions for retirees?

1. Crete

• Best for: Year-round island living, healthcare and established international communities.
• Where to look: Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos.
• Regional asking price: €2,603/m² [1].
• Why it ranks first: Crete combines many of the things retirees look for in Greece without requiring them to give up the practical benefits of living near a major town or city.

Crete is also the most popular Greek region in our 2026 buyer survey.

Unlike some smaller Greek islands, Crete has substantial year-round communities, hospitals, universities and two major international airports.

Chania is particularly popular with overseas buyers. Its Venetian harbour, markets and beaches make it an appealing place to settle, while nearby villages offer more space.

However, property prices around Chania can be relatively high. Buyers looking for better value might consider areas around Heraklion or the eastern part of the island.

Rethymno is another option, particularly if you want a walkable town with shops, restaurants and services close to home.

For healthcare, Crete has major hospitals in Heraklion and Chania, alongside other regional facilities.

The island's size is an advantage, although distances can be deceptive. Living in a remote mountain village may mean a lengthy drive for specialist medical appointments.

The downside: Crete is not necessarily the cheapest island, and some coastal areas become crowded in summer. Winters can also be wet, particularly along the northern coast.

2. The Peloponnese

• Best for: Buyers seeking more space, mainland convenience and comparatively affordable homes.
• Where to look: Kalamata, Nafplio, Koroni and Pylos.
• Regional asking price: €1,832/m² [1].
• Why it ranks highly: The Peloponnese combines coastal towns, countryside and historic villages with the practical advantage of being connected to mainland Greece.

The Peloponnese also offers comparatively good value.

According to Indomio's September 2026 figures [1], average asking prices in the Peloponnese were around 30% lower per square metre than in Crete.

For buyers hoping to keep their property purchase below €200,000, that's a difference worth investigating.

Kalamata is an excellent starting point. It has a lively centre, waterfront restaurants, supermarkets, medical facilities and an airport with international connections.

You can enjoy the coast without being dependent on a seasonal holiday resort.

Nafplio, further east, is another appealing option. Its historic centre is particularly walkable, with cafés, shops and restaurants open throughout the year.

The surrounding Argolid region also offers opportunities to find village properties within driving distance of the coast.

For those considering a smaller town, Koroni and Pylos on the Messinian coast are worth exploring.

The downside: Public transport can be limited outside larger towns, so a car is often essential. More remote properties may also be some distance from specialist healthcare.

3. The Ionian Islands

• Best for: Green surroundings, seaside homes and established overseas communities.
• Where to look: Corfu Town, Gouvia, Argostoli and Lefkada Town.
• Regional asking price: €3,083/m² [1].
• Why they make the list: If your retirement plans involve spending plenty of time outdoors, the Ionian Islands deserve a place on your shortlist.

Corfu, Kefalonia and Lefkada are particularly popular with overseas buyers.

The islands are greener than many parts of Greece, with olive groves, wooded hillsides and sheltered bays. The trade-off is generally wetter winters.

Corfu has a longstanding international community, making it easier to meet other overseas residents. Corfu Town also offers shops, medical facilities and services throughout the year.

Gouvia and the surrounding east coast are worth considering for access to amenities.

Kefalonia appeals to buyers looking for a smaller island community. Argostoli, its main town, provides essential services and a hospital.

Lefkada has an advantage over many other islands because it's connected to the mainland by road. That can make travelling around Greece considerably easier.

Property prices are generally higher than in the Peloponnese, although costs vary substantially between islands and locations.

The downside: Ferry and flight schedules can be reduced outside the tourist season. Specialist healthcare may also require travelling to the mainland, so consider the practicalities carefully.

4. Athens and Attica

• Best for: Retirees who prioritise medical facilities, public transport and city amenities.
• Where to look: Palaio Faliro, Nea Smyrni, Glyfada and eastern Attica.
• Regional asking price: €3,218/m² [1].
• Why it makes the list: Greece's capital offers some of the country's best healthcare facilities, excellent transport connections and plenty to do year-round.

Athens might not be the first place that comes to mind when imagining retirement by the Mediterranean, but it has some considerable advantages for permanent residents.

The wider metropolitan area has major public and private hospitals, specialist medical services and Greece's busiest international airport.

Public transport is also more extensive than in most other parts of the country, making it possible to live without relying on a car for every journey.

For retirees who enjoy city life, Athens offers museums, restaurants, markets and cultural events throughout the year.

You don't necessarily have to live in the busy centre, either.

Palaio Faliro provides access to the coast and tram connections, while Nea Smyrni has a residential feel, local shops and a central square.

Glyfada, on the Athens Riviera, is another popular coastal option, although property prices can be considerably higher.

Buyers with smaller budgets could investigate eastern Attica or less central neighbourhoods.

The downside: Athens can be hot in summer, traffic is heavy and air pollution can be a concern. Popular coastal suburbs also command a premium.

5. The Dodecanese

• Best for: Warm weather, coastal living and an active outdoor lifestyle.
• Where to look: Rhodes Town, Ialysos, Ixia and Kos Town.
• Regional asking price: €2,696/m² [2].
• Why it makes the list: The Dodecanese islands, particularly Rhodes and Kos, are worth considering if sunshine and access to the sea are high on your retirement wish list.

Rhodes is one of Greece's larger islands, with a substantial permanent population and services that operate beyond the tourist season.

Rhodes Town offers the strongest combination of shops, healthcare, transport and cultural attractions.

Nearby Ialysos and Ixia are worth investigating if you'd prefer to live outside the town centre while remaining close to amenities.

Kos is another option, particularly around Kos Town, where everyday services are easier to access than in more isolated villages.

Both islands have international airports and hospitals, although some specialist medical treatment may require travel elsewhere.

For buyers interested in walking, swimming and spending time outdoors, the climate is a major attraction.

The downside: Summer temperatures can be intense, while tourist activity drops considerably during winter. Smaller islands in the Dodecanese are less practical for retirees who need regular medical care or frequent flights to the UK.

Make your retirement budget go further

When buying a home in Greece, exchange rates can make a big difference to how much your pounds will buy. And if you'll be receiving a UK pension, currency fluctuations could affect your monthly income too.

A currency specialist can help you plan your transfers and explore ways to protect your budget against exchange rate movements.

Where is the best place to retire in Greece?

For most retirees, we'd put Crete at the top of the shortlist.

It combines the appeal of island living with established towns, healthcare facilities, international connections and a wide choice of properties.

However, the best choice ultimately depends on your priorities.

If affordability is the main consideration, the Peloponnese could be a better fit. If you want to live near the sea in an established international community, consider Corfu or Crete.

For anyone concerned about healthcare access or travelling regularly to the UK, Athens and Attica have practical advantages.

It's also worth considering how a location changes outside the summer months. A village that feels busy and sociable in August can be very different in January.

Before committing to a property, try spending several weeks in your preferred area during winter. Visit the local shops, check transport connections and find out how far you'd need to travel for medical appointments.

What should I know before retiring to Greece?

Once you've decided where you'd like to live, there are a few practicalities to sort out. Greece features in our 2026 ranking of the easiest places to retire overseas, but British citizens without relevant EU residence rights will generally need a visa or residence permit to stay beyond 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. The financially independent person visa is one option for retirees who meet the eligibility requirements.

You'll also need to arrange healthcare. Some UK State Pension recipients may qualify for an S1 form, which can provide access to Greek state healthcare, while others may need private health insurance.

Finally, consider how moving abroad could affect your pension, taxes and inheritance arrangements. Our guide to retiring to Greece covers these practicalities in more detail.

What should I do next?

Once you've narrowed down your preferred region, start comparing properties and planning a viewing trip.

Our Greece property listings can help you see what your budget might buy in different locations.

 Homes for sale in Greece

It's also worth speaking to local professionals who understand the buying process, residency requirements and property market.

Speak to a Greece property expert or download our free Greece buying guide to help plan your next steps.

Summary

Crete is our best all-round region for retirement in Greece, offering healthcare, international connections and year-round communities. The Peloponnese stands out for affordability, while the Ionian Islands suit coastal buyers. Athens provides excellent access to services and the Dodecanese appeals to those seeking sunshine and outdoor living.

FAQs

Sources:

[1]: https://www.indomio.gr/en/agora-akiniton/

[2]: https://www.indomio.gr/en/agora-akiniton/nisia-aigaiou/dodekanisa-perifereia/