Greece has officially been named the best country in the world for retirement in the 2026 Global Retirement Index by International Living. When people plan for retirement, choosing the right place to live becomes important. Many want to stay near home, but more retirees are now choosing to move abroad for better weather, lower living costs, and a peaceful life. For them, this new ranking is big news.
International Living’s annual index studies several factors such as cost of living, climate, visas, healthcare, housing, and how easy it is for foreigners to adjust. Greece has always been popular, but this is the first time it secured the No. 1 spot. It earned high scores, especially in healthcare, housing, and climate. The publication says Greece offers a rare mix of good quality of life and affordability, something harder to find in other European countries like Spain, France, or Portugal.
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Healthcare facilities
Healthcare is a major reason for Greece’s top ranking. Private healthcare is easily accessible and surprisingly affordable. According to International Living, private coverage for a couple costs around EUR 250 per month. Cities like Athens and Thessaloniki have modern hospitals with English-speaking doctors. Even on islands, medical care is reliable, and travel distances to bigger hospitals are short.
Low-cost seaside house
Housing is another big advantage. Retirees can rent seaside homes for EUR 600 to EUR 1,000 per month. Islands like Crete, Rhodes, Corfu, and Naxos offer peaceful coastal living, while Athens and Thessaloniki provide more urban options at lower prices compared to other European capitals.
Greece’s Mediterranean weather is another reason retirees love it. With over 250 sunny days a year, life naturally shifts outdoors—market visits, sea walks, and meals in open-air restaurants. Summers are hot and perfect for swimming, while winters remain mild.
Greece also makes relocation easy. Retirees often use the Financially Independent Person permit, while property buyers choose the Golden Visa. The Digital Nomad Visa is useful for those still working part-time.
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Other options for retirement
The country’s diversity makes it even more appealing, with over 8,000 miles of coastline, more than 200 inhabited islands, mountains, historic sites, and villages. If not Greece, retirees also consider Portugal, Italy, France, and Spain, which remain strong choices.
