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
International investors have been paying closer attention to Greece for a few years now. Keeping up this pace, new survey data shows just how far that attention has grown. Greece has moved into first place among institutional investors targeting hospitality assets in Europe. More specifically, it has overtaken Italy, Spain, and France, the countries that traditionally led this ranking.
What the Survey Actually Found
The figures come from two industry surveys presented in June 2026: the Investor Pulse Check, carried out at the IHIF EMEA hospitality investment conference in Berlin, and a separate survey of international subscribers to Hospitality Investor. Both were shared at a Questex event held in partnership with Enterprise Greece. According to the findings, 82% of respondents see Europe as their main region of interest. Within that group, 63% named Greece and Italy as the most promising gateway markets, with Greece taking 43% and Italy 29%. Spain and France followed at 14% each.
The investors surveyed are largely looking at mature, professionally managed hotel assets rather than renovation projects. Analysts quoted in the coverage point to strong tourism growth, rising visitor numbers, and Greece's position as a link between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East as reasons for the shift. Geopolitical uncertainty elsewhere is also pushing capital toward markets seen as more stable, and Greece is benefiting from that redirection.
Which Locations Stand Out
The survey also pointed to specific destinations. Athens and the islands remain the strongest draw, including islands close to the capital where older three-star properties are being upgraded. Mykonos, Paros, Milos and Santorini continue to attract attention. Crete is gaining ground too, helped by new infrastructure and better flight connections. Interest in the Peloponnese is more limited but growing. Porto Heli has already attracted investment, and Kalamata is starting to appear on investors' radar as local infrastructure improves. Crete, the Ionian Islands and the Peloponnese happen to be three of the regions where Elxis has been active for years, and where we're expanding further.
Conclusion
To sum up, tourism strength, political and economic stability, and a position as a gateway between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East: these are the reasons investors give for choosing Greece, and they're the same reasons our clients give for buying here. Greece's reputation, at every level of investment, keeps climbing. That said, if you've been thinking about a move, the timing has rarely looked better.
