Actors, Royalty and Athletes Buy Their Own Piece of Greek Paradise

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Table of Contents

Which VIP’s and Royalty own a home in Greece?

 

Tom Hanks, the King of the Netherlands, and Giannis Antentokoumpo are just a few of the names to make the list.

Costa Navarino
Costa Navarino

Tom Hanks’s Home in Greece

When it comes to Hollywood stars that have made Greece their second home, Tom Hanks tops the list.

The Oscar-winning actor, who is married to Greek-American actress Rita Wilson, owns a 450 square meter villa on the beautiful island of Antiparos in a property acquired in 2004.

 

The six acre property is located between the villages of Glypha and Chora and offers the actor, who starred in Forest Gump and Cast Away, valuable privacy and protection from prying eyes.

 

His Antiparos and Patmos Homes

Antiparos, located opposite the island of Paros, has been drawing celebrities despite its small size. Others reportedly spotted in its tiny chora (main village) include Matthew McConaughey, Madonna and Bruce Springsteen.

 

Hanks, who has even been awarded honorary Greek citizenship, is believed to have purchased a second home in Greece, on Patmos Island. In 2018, Hanks purchased a villa in the Skala area of a home featuring classic Dodecanese architectural style. The home offers plenty of luxury and comfort but it is a nearby heliport located on the exclusive island, which clinched the deal.

 

Hanks says “Greece is a haven… I’ve been around the world, I’ve been to the most beautiful places in the world, none of them tops Greece. The land, the sky, the water, it’s good for the soul, it’s a healing place.

Antiparos Island

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Home in Greece

Among the big names to recently buy a home in Greece is NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Milwaukee Bucks basketball star made his first large investment in Greece, buying two villas at the super luxurious Costa Navarino complex, in Messinia, southwestern Greece.

 

Greek press reports that the cost of each villa ranges from 1.25 to 1.8 million euros. Each has its own private pool and garden, 3 or 4 bedrooms and basement on land stretching over a total area of between 700 to 1,300 square meters.

 

Antetokounmpo, also known as the Greek Freak, is said to have visited the Costa Navarino complex, located next to areas such as Pylos and Methoni, and has fallen in love with its amazing natural beauty.

 

Apart from providing world leading golfing facilities, Costa Navarino also provides other advanced training facilities that drew the basketball star’s attention.

Methoni
Methoni, Near Costa Navarino

Dutch King’s Home in Greece

On the mainland, close to the resort town of Porto Heli, the King of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander, and his family, have purchased their own Greek villa.


According to Dutch press, the king and queen Maxima bought the Greek villa in the town of Kranidi about a decade ago from German advertising photographer Manfred Rieker for 4.5 million euros.


The villa features a swimming pool, a private marina and a private beach in a highly exclusive part of Greece.

Looking for something in particular?
BlogHistory & Culture

Clean Monday in Greece: Customs and Traditions

In Greece, Clean Monday (Καθαρά Δευτέρα / Kathara Deftera) doesn’t feel like a quiet religious date on a calendar. It feels like a reset button ...
White Greek house model with blue shutters on marble surface surrounded by Euro banknotes and property documents in sunlight
BlogMarket Insights

Long-Term Rentals in Greece: Rules, Income, and Legal Requirements

Greece has long been a favourite destination — and increasingly, foreigners are choosing not only to spend holidays here, but to invest in property as ...
Webinar
BlogWebinars

Free Webinar: Greece as a Retirement Destination: What You Need to Know

Retiring in Greece is a dream shared by many. The sunshine helps, of course — but so does the slower pace of life, the everyday ...
Photo by Second Home Expo
Blog

Meet Elxis at the Second Home Expo in Antwerp

Could you see yourself with a place of your own in Greece, close to the coast and the Mediterranean lifestyle? If this idea seems appealing ...
Greece air travel
BlogIn The News

Greece Air Travel: A Turning Point & What 2026 Brings for Property Buyers

When people think about buying property in Greece, they usually focus on location, views, lifestyle, and price. One factor that often gets overlooked, until it ...
Santorini
Blog

Santorini is One of the Top 3 Most Romantic Places in the World

Santorini: A Timeless Romantic Destination for 2026 Santorini has long been synonymous with romance and in 2026, that reputation feels stronger than ever. Recently ranked ...
Your search results

Compare Listings

Featured in

Receive the latest news

Join over 20.000 subscribers and stay informed on the latest market insights, updates, tips and more

We’ll send you our best articles, expert insights and newest listings.​

Personalized Greek Real Estate Guidance

Tell us more and our team of real estate specialists will get in touch! 

This quick form takes less than a minute to complete. We only need minimal information to get started.

Step 1 of 3

Your inquiry will be reviewed within 24 hours on business days.