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Property buyers comparing Greece's two biggest cities usually ask this first, and the answer is a clear yes: Thessaloniki is generally cheaper than Athens. As the capital and the country's economic engine, Athens draws more demand, and prices follow. Thessaloniki, Greece's second city, offers much of the same urban appeal, a long waterfront, wonderful food, and a lively cultural scene, at noticeably lower prices. The main trade-off is on the investment side, where Athens tends to have the edge. Here's how the two compare, and where Thessaloniki's value lies.

This is a comparison we know especially well, because our head office is in Thessaloniki and Halkidiki sits right on our doorstep. The two suit very different ideas of life in Greece. Thessaloniki is a real city, the country's second largest, with year-round energy, culture, and steady rental demand. Halkidiki is its summer coastline, a string of beaches and seaside villages an easy drive away. There's no outright winner. It depends on whether you want city living or a place by the sea, and the good thing is that the two are close enough that you needn't choose blindly. Here's how they compare.

Dreaming of owning a holiday home abroad? The Second Home Expo in Maastricht is the ideal place to take the first step. On 24 and 25 January 2026, the MECC Maastricht will once again welcome thousands of visitors and international property specialists under one roof. Elxis – At Home in Greece will be present to guide prospective buyers interested in purchasing property in Greece. 


The Second Home Expo is one of Europe’s leading exhibitions for second-home buyers, bringing together experience, inspiration, and expert advice in a single location. With a presence dating back to the fair’s inception in the 1990s, Elxis has participated in over 100 editions, reflecting decades of experience in Greek real estate.

Greece has once again proven its enduring appeal on the global tourism stage. In 2025, the country was officially voted the best destination for Americans for the fifth consecutive year, according to the prestigious Global Traveler GT Tested Reader Survey Awards. This remarkable achievement highlights Greece’s consistent popularity among U.S. travellers and further strengthens its reputation as a world-class destination, not only for tourism, but also for real estate investment.  Greece remains a safe, attractive, and high-value destination to visit, invest in, and potentially call home.

Greece is entering a period of significant legal and tax reform that will affect homeowners, buyers, and investors throughout 2026. From new property tax rules and updated Golden Visa regulations to the largest inheritance law reform in 80 years, these changes aim to modernise the real estate sector and create a more transparent, stable environment. Below is a concise overview of the most important updates to be aware of in the new year.

In Greece, the holiday season does not end on New Year’s Day. Instead, it culminates in one of the most symbolic celebrations of the year: Epiphany, known in Greek as Theofania. More than a religious holiday, Epiphany in Greece represents the triumph of light over darkness, a spiritual “new beginning” for individuals and communities.  For anyone living in Greece, or dreaming of owning a home here, Epiphany offers one of the most authentic snapshots of local culture. From the blessing of the waters to ancient folk rituals, this day reveals the deep connection between the Greek people, nature, and tradition.