5 Best Places to Live in Greece and 2 to Avoid

5 Best Places to Live in Greece
Greece offers expats ancient beauty, island charm, and a relaxed lifestyle.|©iStock/Freeartist

Greece has long been a beloved summer destination, known for its breathtaking islands, delicious cuisine, and affordable living. In recent years, however, it has become an increasingly popular choice for retirees seeking a relaxing place to spend their golden years—and for expats looking for a change of pace.

If you’re considering making Greece your new home, here are five of the best places to settle down—along with two that might not be the right fit.

1. Chania, Crete

Island life with history, sunshine, and a strong expat community.
Island life with history, sunshine, and a strong expat community.|©iStock/Gatsi

If you’ve always dreamed of island living but are wary of the Greek islands’ winter slowdowns, Chania in Crete could be the perfect place for you. Crete—roughly the size of Delaware—is Greece’s largest island and one of the few with an economy not entirely reliant on tourism.

Chania (pronounced “han-ia”) is the second-largest city on the island, home to over 110,000 people. Located on Crete’s northwest coast, it’s renowned for its picturesque Venetian harbor, charming Old Town, and stunning beaches. The city also offers excellent practical benefits: a large port, an international airport (CHQ), a public hospital, numerous private clinics, and a vibrant expat community.

With its lively social scene, Chania offers plenty of opportunities to connect with others, and English is widely spoken. Blessed with around 300 sunny days each year, it’s one of the brightest cities in Europe. Combining a mild climate, rich history, and a welcoming atmosphere, Chania strikes the perfect balance between modern convenience and traditional Cretan culture, making it a fantastic place to call home.

2. Kalamata, Peloponnese

Affordable beach-city living just 2.5 hours from Athens.
Affordable beach-city living just 2.5 hours from Athens.|©iStock/photo_stella

Kalamata, located in the southwestern part of mainland Greece, is an ideal home base for those seeking a blend of beach and city living. Renowned for its famous olives, this city is one of Greece’s hidden gems, offering easy access to all the amenities of Athens while boasting beaches that rival those of the country’s best islands. Thanks to the improved national highway, the drive from Athens now takes around 2.5 hours by car. Kalamata also has its own international airport (KLX), making it an accessible destination.

The cost of living in Kalamata is lower than in Athens, and the city enjoys mild winters and long, sunny summers—ideal for outdoor activities year-round. The year-round population of around 70,000 swells during the summer months as tourists flock to the area. Kalamata’s central location in the Peloponnese makes it a perfect base for exploring the surrounding coast. For instance, you can take the scenic drive to the village of Kardamili in under an hour to enjoy the annual Kardamili Jazz Festival.

With its combination of affordability, natural beauty, and accessibility, Kalamata is a great choice for those looking to enjoy a relaxed yet vibrant lifestyle in Greece.

3. Naxos, Cyclades Islands

A peaceful island escape with stunning views and great food.
A peaceful island escape with stunning views and great food.|©iStock/Balate Dorin

Naxos, a beautiful, low-profile island in the same group as Santorini and Mykonos, offers laid-back island living, natural beauty, and a thriving expat community. Known as “the cheese island of Greece,” Naxos is famous for both its graviera cheese, a complex cheese with a rich, nutty flavor, as well as its Naxos potatoes, which grow in the island’s rich volcanic soil and are known for their distinctive flavor and texture.

The largest island in the Cyclades group—with an area of about 170 square miles (430 square kilometers)—Naxos offers geographic diversity, ranging from rugged mountains to lush valleys and stunning beaches. The island has a year-round population of about 20,000 residents, mostly concentrated in or near the capital town, Hora. Unlike more tourist-heavy islands like Santorini and Mykonos, Naxos maintains a peaceful, authentic atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle.

The cost of living in Naxos is relatively affordable, with lower prices for food, housing, and utilities compared to more popular tourist destinations in Greece. Healthcare services are sufficient for general needs, and residents have access to more specialized medical care on nearby larger islands or in Athens if needed. The island’s welcoming community and slower-paced life make Naxos an appealing choice for those looking to enjoy a peaceful home in a beautiful setting.

4. Nafplio, Peloponnese

Coastal charm, history, and walkable streets near Athens.
Coastal charm, history, and walkable streets near Athens.|©iStock/Kisa_Markiza

Located on the eastern Peloponnese coast, about two hours by car from Athens, the city of Nafplio offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea, a charming Old Town with cobbled streets, and historic sites like the Palamidi Fortress and Bourtzi Castle.

The city is best known for the Palamidi Fortress, a Venetian structure perched on a hilltop overlooking the town, and the famous 999 steps visitors must climb to reach it. Nafplio is highly walkable thanks to its compact size, well-preserved historic center, and pedestrian-friendly layout. The town has a laid-back vibe, yet remains vibrant with a welcoming community of both locals and expats.

With a full-time population of approximately 25,000 people, the cost of living is relatively affordable compared to larger cities like Athens. Healthcare services are available, with good hospitals and clinics located in the nearby city of Argos. With easy access to Athens and other Greek destinations, Nafplio offers a balanced mix of peaceful living and proximity to modern conveniences, making it another solid option as a place to call home.

5. Athens, the Capital of Greece

Greece’s vibrant capital, rich in culture and urban energy.
Greece’s vibrant capital, rich in culture and urban energy.|©iStock/SHansche

For those seeking an active, dynamic, and vibrant city, Athens is a wonderful choice. With a population of over 3 million, the city has been referred to as the “new Berlin” for its emerging art, culture, and alternative scene.

Named after its patron deity, Athena—the goddess of wisdom—Athens weaves together rich history, diverse culture, a thriving expat community, and all the perks of urban living. It has the biggest airport in Greece (ATH), three ports, and a relatively efficient public transportation system that includes a metro, trams, buses, and trolleys.

Athens is home to some of the best healthcare facilities in Greece, including well-equipped hospitals, specialized medical centers, and experienced healthcare professionals. Because it’s densely populated, you can expect a higher cost of living than in other parts of the country. That said, it still compares favorably to most other European capital cities.

If a vibrant, urban home is what you seek, Athens is a great choice.

Two Places to Avoid

The cities listed below aren’t necessarily bad choices—everyone has different preferences, and for some, these locations might be a perfect fit. However, for the average expat, these two cities lack the ideal mix of qualities that make a destination well-suited for foreigners looking to relocate to Greece.

Kavala, Northern Greece
Scenic but remote; lacks amenities and expat infrastructure.
Scenic but remote; lacks amenities and expat infrastructure.|©iStock/Kazakov

Located in northern Greece, about 95 miles (153 kilometers) from Thessaloniki, Kavala is a beautiful coastal city with a mix of ancient Greek ruins, Ottoman landmarks, and more. However, the city has a more industrial character, with fewer international amenities compared to other popular expat-friendly locations in Greece.

Like many smaller Greek cities, economic struggles have led to some neglected areas. Some roads and public spaces feel worn down, public transportation is limited, and there’s a lack of large-scale shopping or entertainment. Due to its northern location, the weather is harsher—expect grey, rainy winters with occasional snowfall, and humid, hot summers.

Because of its more remote location, Kavala has fewer expat communities and less international support. If you’re attracted to northern Greece, Thessaloniki might be a better option.

Heraklion, Crete
Busy city life with few green spaces and higher housing costs.
Busy city life with few green spaces and higher housing costs.|©iStock/isabela66

Heraklion is the largest city on the island of Crete. While Crete itself offers stunning landscapes, Heraklion can feel overwhelming due to traffic and pollution. As the administrative and economic center of the island, the city is busy and often noisy—you can expect loud motorbikes, congested roads, and frequent honking.

Not particularly known for its charm or aesthetic appeal, Heraklion is dominated by post-war concrete buildings. It also lacks green space, with very few parks, making it less attractive for those seeking nature within city limits.

The city doesn’t have a metro or train system, and its buses can be unreliable. Without a car, getting around can be frustrating. Additionally, housing prices here are higher than in other parts of the island due to the dense population.

Heraklion does have some redeeming features, including nearby beaches and easy access to the ancient Minoan ruins of Knossos. However, if you’re interested in living on Crete, towns like Chania or Rethymno may offer a more appealing lifestyle.

Final Thoughts

Greece offers a wide range of living experiences, from bustling cities to serene island retreats. Whether you’re drawn to the rich history of Athens, the stunning landscapes of Crete, or the laid-back charm of Naxos, there’s a place to suit every lifestyle.

The beauty of Greece is that there are so many incredible options to choose from. By considering your personal preferences and practical needs, you can find the perfect place to enjoy your new home in this beautiful Mediterranean paradise.

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