22.10.2026
Best Islands to Retire in Greece
Based on recent data of ours, almost one in three buyers (30.8%), mainly retirees, from abroad are looking for a property in Greece for a permanent residence.
Market Insights
Greece has long had a reputation as one of the more affordable places in Europe to buy a holiday or second home. Prices have risen over the past few years, so the picture is more nuanced than it once was, but the value case is still real. Here is an honest look at how Greece compares with other popular European markets, and what makes it worth considering.
How Greek Prices Compare
Greek property prices have climbed steadily since the post-crisis low, and they are no longer the bargain of a decade ago. Even so, they remain well below the major Western European capitals. According to Bank of Greece and Spitogatos data for late 2025, asking prices in central Athens sit at around €2,400 per square metre, rising to roughly €3,300 in the northern suburbs and around €4,000 or more along the southern coast. Thessaloniki averages in the region of €2,600 to €2,900. Crete and other regional markets offer entry points lower than Athens, though prime coastal and island locations command a premium.
Set against the major capitals, the gap is still substantial. A central apartment in Paris or Amsterdam costs several times more per square metre than its equivalent in Athens. Greece is also competitive with, or below, Lisbon and Madrid, which have seen sharp increases in recent years. The headline, then, is not that Greece is the cheapest market in Europe, but that it offers strong value relative to lifestyle, climate, and rental potential, particularly for buyers from higher-cost markets. These are approximate figures that vary by area and move over time, so it is worth checking current data for the specific location you have in mind.
Strong and Steady Demand
Greece continues to attract international buyers, drawn by competitive prices, the climate, and a straightforward buying process for foreigners. Much of the underlying demand for holiday lets is supported by tourism, which has been at record levels.
According to the Bank of Greece, 2025 was a record year, with around 38 million international visitors and tourism revenue passing €22 billion. That sustained demand helps keep occupancy high for well-located rental properties in tourist areas, which is part of what makes Greece appealing to buyers thinking about letting their home when they are not using it.
Rental Potential
In popular areas, a well-positioned home can earn useful rental income, especially over the summer. Demand is particularly strong in Crete and the Ionian islands, where coastal properties draw both seasonal tourists and longer-staying visitors. Returns vary a great deal by location, property type, and how often you let, so it is more useful to look at realistic figures for a specific area than at a headline percentage. We are happy to talk through what is achievable in the places you are considering, and to give a grounded view rather than an optimistic one.
Other benefits of buying in Greece
Greek Hospitality
Greeks are warm and welcoming, and it is easy to feel at home, especially in smaller islands and villages where you quickly become part of the community.
Cost of Living
Day-to-day living in Greece is more affordable than in much of Western Europe. Even Athens and Thessaloniki work out cheaper than Paris, Rome, or Amsterdam, particularly on rent and eating out.
Climate and Lifestyle
The long, warm summers and mild winters are a large part of the draw, especially for buyers from Northern Europe. Summers are genuinely hot, regularly well above 30°C, with cooler, greener winters. The relaxed pace suits holiday use and retirement alike, and the healthcare and social infrastructure provide a solid safety net.
Conclusion
Greece is no longer the rock-bottom market it was after the crisis, but it still offers some of the best value in Europe for a second home, paired with a climate, lifestyle, and rental demand that few other markets match. As always, the right advice on the legal and tax side makes the difference. We've been guiding international buyers to their ideal home in Greece since 1991. You are welcome to speak with us for a no-obligation consultation.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Property prices, taxes, and residency rules change, and individual situations vary. We recommend consulting qualified legal and tax professionals before making any decisions.
