Greece has long been more than just a holiday destination. For decades, writers, musicians, and artists have chosen it not only for its beauty but also for its sense of peace, light, and authenticity. From sun-drenched villas to neoclassical city apartments, the country has inspired some of the world’s most remarkable homes. In this article, we explore famous international figures who made Greece their home or retreat.
Robert Redford
Robert Redford, the legendary American actor and Sundance Film Festival founder, spent a memorable five months living in Greece. While details about the exact property remain scarce, he reportedly stayed in Crete, near Heraklion, surrounded by historic villages and breathtaking mountain views that stretch down to the sea.
Redford, who always saw travel as part of his education, recalled: “In 1967, I took my family, and we returned to Europe. We lived for six months in Spain, in a small town called Mijas, and then we went to Greece—first to Heraklion and then to the interior of Crete.”
He was so captivated by the island that he even tried to convince his family to live in one of the caves in Matala. Redford said of his experience: “I love Greece and the Greeks.”
During his stay, he explored Crete extensively, visiting Elounda and many other scenic spots, discovering the island’s rich culture, landscapes, and unmatched hospitality. Even as a seasoned world traveller, he noted that he had never encountered hospitality like that of the Cretans. This sentiment highlights why Greece has long inspired artists, writers, and creatives from around the world.
Jackie Kennedy Onassis
Jackie Kennedy Onassis is another well-known figure closely connected to Greece. Her marriage to shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis brought her to the private island of Skorpios, one of the most exclusive properties in the Ionian Sea. Jacqueline Lee Kennedy Onassis, better known as Jackie O, served as First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963.
The Onassis estate on Skorpios became a symbol of elegance and sophistication, hosting celebrities, royals, and world leaders, and setting a standard for luxury living in Greece that continues to this day. The island, located off the coast of Lefkada, remains one of the world’s most famous private properties.
While Skorpios has now been transformed into an exclusive resort, its legacy as Jackie O’s private retreat still resonates, inspiring high-end real estate across the Ionian Islands and showcasing the allure of Greek island living for discerning buyers.
Jean-Paul Gaultier
The French fashion designer bought an over 90 sq. m. apartment in 2012, also described as a maisonette, on Voreou Street in Athens, Greece, near the Monastiraki area, for approximately €350,000. The apartment is located on the 6th and 7th floors of a neoclassical building and features a terrace with a view of the Acropolis.
Gaultier chose Athens for a home, finding inspiration in its culture. His close relationship with Greece is also reflected in his words:
“Greece is my second home. I appreciate her energy, the warmth of her people, her gastronomy, and the combination of oriental and western elements”.
Leonard Cohen
One of the most iconic examples is Leonard Cohen who bought a whitewashed stone house on the island of Hydra in 1960 for only $1,500. The famous Canadian songwriter and poet had a lifelong connection to this island, where he lived full-time for seven years and used it as a quiet space for relaxing or working.
Leonard Cohen passed on his great love for Hydra to his son, Adam. In fact, the house now belongs to him, and he spends many of his summers there. He also shared some pictures of it on his social media:
Patrick Leigh Fermor
Another example is Patrick Leigh Fermor, who built his own home and lived in Kardamili, Mani. Surrounded by olive trees and views of the Messinian Gulf, the house became a meeting place for writers, scholars, and friends from all over the world. His home was later (in 1996) donated to Benaki’s Museum and now operates as a venue for educational activities, seminars, fellowships, and cultural events in partnership with Universities in Greece and abroad.
Nestled in a Mediterranean garden filled with cypress and olive trees, fragrant shrubs, white oleanders, and wildflowers cascading toward the sea, stand three stone-built structures: the Main House, featuring three suites; a writer’s studio designed in traditional Greek style; and a charming Guest House situated beside the main residence.
Path to Leigh Fermor House
Sitting Area, Leigh Fermor House
Anthony Quinn
The famous actor was another of the early American celebrities to really enjoy the Greek Islands. His famous movie, Guns of Navarone, was filmed in Rhodes in 1961. He fell in love with Rhodes’ natural beauty and cultural depth and even bought land to create an international arts and film centre, envisioning a creative retreat that celebrated Greek culture and lifestyle. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it due to bureaucratic problems with the Greek state. This caused him bitterness that lasted until his death in June 2001 at the age of 86.
The area is now known as Anthony Quinn Bay, a name that stuck because locals used it to refer to the area after Quinn’s involvement. For the residents of Rhodes, the beach bears his name, and this fact will forever remind them of his time here and how much he loved this country. After all, both Crete and Rhodes have only pleasant memories of him.
Other Celebrities Who Own or Used to Own Property in Greece
Nowadays, Greece continues to attract modern icons. Though not living here, many celebrities choose to buy property in Greece to enjoy their holidays. Here are some examples.
Rowan Atkinson
Known to everyone as Mr. Bean, after many visits to the Greek islands, he decided to buy his own house for getaways and vacations. After many visits to Andros and, in general, to the entire Aegean and Crete, he decided to invest in a property where he could spend his summer holidays carefree.
Catherine Deneuve
The French actress previously owned a house in Syros, Greece, reportedly in the Delfini coastal area, but she has since sold it and now owns properties in that same region. Before that, Deneuve’s first property was a neoclassical-style house in the sophisticated town of Ermoupolis on Syros. A few years later, she decided to sell it and replace it, as reported at the time, with an island building in the Parakopi area. It was an upscale resort with high standards.
She later moved to Delfini, a coastal area on Syros, where she now owns several smaller properties. The Delfini area is known for its tranquil atmosphere and pristine, clear waters.
The Enduring Allure of Greece
From Hydra’s stone mansions to Athens’ neoclassical rooftops and Crete’s sunlit villas, these homes reflect more than architectural beauty; they tell stories of passion, inspiration, and belonging. For many artists, Greece offered what few other places could: light, freedom, and authenticity.
