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7 Best Places to Retire in Greece for a Relaxed Mediterranean Life
For the traveler, Greece has always been a source of fascination, what with its dramatic coastline, the way life is lived at a more leisurely pace and the history that is all but palpable.
Yet the country is drawing the eye of a different kind of visitor these days. Retirees in search of an attractive, inexpensive and tranquil spot for their golden years are making it a top consideration.
There is good reason for this: the climate is warm, one can find excellent healthcare (in the cities at least), and the cost of living is modest. Add to that the hospitality of the local communities and Greece has plenty to put on the table. The following seven locales stand out as the finest options for a retirement there, taking into account everything from the quality of life and access to medical care to how well they cater to expats.
1. Chania, Crete – Coastal Living with Charm and Comfort
The case for retiring in this part of the world is made by a harbor town that is as beautiful as it is well appointed, with no shortage of culture.
In Chania one finds an old-world charm tempered by the conveniences of a small, livable city. Daily life is set against the picture-perfect scene of the Venetian harbor, its colorful houses and the cafés along the sea. At the same time, there is solid infrastructure to be had, from modern supermarkets to a hospital.
Crete itself is blessed with perhaps the finest climate in Europe and a topography of mountains, beaches and traditional villages. Living costs are more modest than you would find in a major European metropolis, and an expat community is on the rise.
Ideal for: anyone who wants the slow pace and scenery of the Mediterranean without having to forgo modern comforts.
2. Nafplio – Elegant and Walkable Coastal Town
Nafplio has a claim to being one of the handsomest towns in Greece. The town’s appeal is hard to miss: there is the romantic neoclassical architecture, a tranquil harbor and hills with fortresses on them. No wonder it is popular with both foreign expats and Greek retirees; you will find the whole place to be safe, clean and easygoing.
Then there is the matter of convenience. A two hour drive puts Athens at your doorstep, so major city services, the airport or a top healthcare centre are never far away when the need arises.
In short, this is an ideal spot for a retiree in search of some charm and beauty but who does not wish to be put too far from what the big city has to offer.
3. Corfu – An Island with Greenery and Culture
There is much to recommend Corfu as a place to put down roots. This Ionian Sea island is among the greenest and most cultured in all of Greece, with a well established expat community and top notch healthcare to boot.
In the main town of Corfu one will find charming Venetian architecture, museums and streets that are a pleasure to walk. For an island of its proportions, the medical facilities are excellent; English is widely spoken by the doctors.
Then there is the matter of British influence left over from the colonial era. A good number of UK retirees have made their home here, so new arrivals from abroad will not find it hard to fit in.
Who it suits: Those looking for a strong support network of fellow expats, as well as an appreciation for the arts and a verdant landscape.
4. Athens – Best for Healthcare and International Access
There are good reasons to put Athens on the list for retirement: you will find world-class hospitals, a vibrant international community and no shortage of culture.
It is an apt choice for some, even if they are in the market for top-tier healthcare and might have otherwise been drawn to the small-town lifestyle. The city is well supplied with public and private hospitals as well as international clinics and specialists of every kind.
Then there is the matter of cost; Athens is more affordable than most European capitals. One can enjoy the walkability and character of historic quarters such as Plaka, Koukaki or Pagrati, with their local cafés and markets right on hand.
In short, it is best suited to anyone seeking the cultural depth and convenience of city living along with easy access to medical care.
5. Kalamata – Affordable Living and Great Quality of Life
There are good reasons to make Kalamata your retirement home: the cost of living is low, the coastline is beautiful and the local food is fresh.
An unheralded gem in the Peloponnese, this town has a more relaxed way of life than you will find in the larger cities, with a cultural scene on the up and plenty of room on its beaches. Getting around is easy; it is well served by road and has a small international airport for when you need to fly.
Then there is the produce. The region puts out some of the finest olive oil in Greece, and rent and other expenses are far less of a burden than in the more fashionable haunts.
In short, it is ideal for the retiree on a budget who does not wish to forgo a healthy lifestyle or the chance to live by the sea.
6. Thessaloniki – Cultural and Culinary Capital of the North
There is much to recommend a retirement in Thessaloniki: an atmosphere that is at once lively and laid back, fine dining, and public services of a high order.
As Greece’s second city, Thessaloniki has the feel of a “big village.” It is a place with a vibrant yet manageable quality and a good deal of community spirit. One can easily make of the city what one will, from the waterfront promenade to the markets and old ruins.
The food is something of a draw here, as are the top notch healthcare and universities, not to mention the public transport system. And for all this, the cost of living remains modest.
In short, it is well suited to those looking for the culture and camaraderie of a mid-sized town without sacrificing on amenities.
7. Syros – A Peaceful and Authentic Island
Syros may be in the Cyclades, but it is not like Mykonos or Santorini; one will not find the same tourist hordes here. The island has a neoclassical charm and a calm way of life that makes it an appealing place to put down roots.
Take the capital of Ermoupoli for instance. It is a pleasant town with a harborfront and stately 19th-century architecture, home to a community of locals who are there all year round. As the administrative seat of the Cyclades, Syros offers public services of a higher order than most of its neighbors, a good hospital being among them. The cost of living is reasonable and English is no barrier.
In short, this is the ideal spot for a retiree in search of an elegant yet unpretentious island existence, complete with the necessary services and a sense of community.
Final Thoughts
Syros may be in the Cyclades, but it is not like Mykonos or Santorini; one will not find the same tourist hordes here. The island has a neoclassical charm and a calm way of life that makes it an appealing place to put down roots.
Take the capital of Ermoupoli for instance. It is a pleasant town with a harborfront and stately 19th-century architecture, home to a community of locals who are there all year round. As the administrative seat of the Cyclades, Syros offers public services of a higher order than most of its neighbors, a good hospital being among them. The cost of living is reasonable and English is no barrier.
In short, this is the ideal spot for a retiree in search of an elegant yet unpretentious island existence, complete with the necessary services and a sense of community.
Wherever you choose, Greece rewards its residents with beauty, flavor, and a timeless sense of calm.
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