The 6 Best Greek Islands to Retire To (and Why)

The 6 Best Greek Islands to Retire To (and Why)
Greek island life blends history, sun, and community for a dream retirement.|©iStock/pawel.gaul

“What’s your favorite Greek island? Which one is best to retire to?”

These are two of the most common questions I hear, and it’s no surprise. With more than 100 inhabited islands, Greece offers an extraordinary variety of lifestyles, landscapes, and communities. If retiring to a Greek island is your dream, rest assured: it’s entirely possible to build a fulfilling and enjoyable life here.

Islands are a lot like people, each having their own unique character and personality, and some are especially well-suited to expat life and retirement living. Below, I share my top picks for the best Greek islands to retire to, and what makes each one special.

1. Crete: The Island for Every Taste

Crete offers island charm with strong infrastructure and top healthcare.
Crete offers island charm with strong infrastructure and top healthcare.|©iStock/Gatsi

Crete tops my list because it combines the best of Greek island living with practical advantages like top-notch healthcare, reliable accessibility, major universities, and solid infrastructure. Despite its popularity, Crete retains a strong local character and offers year-round livability well beyond the summer tourist season.

As the largest island in Greece, spanning 3,260 square miles (8,450 km²), Crete is home to several well-developed towns, including Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos. Each offers its own distinct appeal: Heraklion with its museums and universities; Chania with its Venetian harbor and charming old town; Rethymno’s vibrant cultural scene; and Agios Nikolaos with its relaxed coastal lifestyle. Whether you prefer urban energy, peaceful seaside villages, or quiet mountain retreats, you’ll find it here, all within a few hours’ drive.

Crete appeals to history lovers, with famous sites like Knossos, Phaistos, and Gortyna connecting daily life to the island’s rich past. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate its diverse landscape, featuring over 150 Blue Flag beaches, dramatic gorges like Samaria, and snowcapped mountains in winter. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, the climate is ideal for an active outdoor lifestyle—hiking, swimming, gardening, or simply relaxing in a coastal café. Animal lovers take note: Takis Shelter in Ierapetra is the largest animal shelter in Greece, home to over 400 dogs and 70 cats.

In terms of infrastructure and accessibility, Crete ranks high. It has two international airports—Heraklion (HER) and Chania (CHQ)—as well as multiple ports that offer frequent ferry services. Healthcare is excellent, with the University General Hospital of Heraklion recognized as one of the most advanced in the country, alongside numerous private clinics that serve locals and expats. For shopping convenience, Crete has large supermarkets and chain stores, including Lidl, and starting in 2025, Heraklion will be home to a newly opened IKEA.

With a population of over 600,000, Crete offers the infrastructure of a small country with the soul of an island. It has a strong expat community, particularly in Chania and Rethymno, and a lower cost of living than many Western countries. Its blend of ancient history, Mediterranean beauty, and modern comforts make it a top-tier choice for retirement in Greece.

2. Corfu: Where Italy Meets Greece

Corfu mixes Greek beauty with Italian flair and a lively expat scene.
Corfu mixes Greek beauty with Italian flair and a lively expat scene.|©iStock/Balate Dorin

If you love Greece and Italy in equal measure, Corfu might be the island for you. Located in the Ionian Sea between mainland Greece and Italy, Corfu boasts a colorful past and a vibrant present, with fortresses, castles, and a lively capital town. It has a strong Italian influence, and you can expect to find as many pasta restaurants serving limoncello as Greek tavernas offering ouzo.

Because of its strategic location, Corfu has been ruled by Corinthians, Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, and the British before joining modern Greece in 1864. With a full-time population of over 100,000 and an international airport (CFU), featured in the James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only, the island, particularly Corfu Town, remains active year-round.

Corfu Town deserves special mention. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its cobbled streets are filled with charm and character. It’s easy to spend hours shopping, strolling, wine tasting, and snacking your way through this picturesque downtown. Of all the Greek islands I’ve visited, Corfu Town ranks as one of my favorite capital towns.

Corfu is a strong contender for retirement, especially for those who enjoy a quiet, peaceful winter and a lively, social summer. With regular direct flights from the UK, including London, Glasgow, Manchester, and more, it has long been a favorite among British retirees, contributing to a welcoming, English-speaking community. Whether you’re drawn by its cultural richness, natural beauty, or international flair, Corfu offers a dynamic yet relaxed lifestyle that’s ideal for retirement.

3. Syros: An Island for Culture Lovers

Culture thrives in elegant Syros, home to theaters, festivals, and art.
Culture thrives in elegant Syros, home to theaters, festivals, and art.|©iStock/Charalambos Andronos

If culture tops your list of retirement priorities, Syros (also spelled Siros) deserves serious consideration. As the administrative capital of the Cyclades—the island group that includes Mykonos and Santorini—Syros stands apart with its refined charm, elegant architecture, and vibrant, year-round atmosphere.

At the heart of the island lies Ermoupoli, one of the most architecturally and culturally distinguished towns in the Aegean. Unlike the whitewashed minimalism typical of many Cycladic islands, Ermoupoli exudes a more continental feel, with neoclassical mansions, Venetian-style balconies, and grand marble-paved squares that give the town a stately, European elegance.

A cultural gem in its own right, Ermoupoli is home to the Apollo Theater, a miniature replica of Milan’s La Scala, which hosts everything from opera and classical music to modern theater. Syros also boasts a full calendar of artistic events, including the Syros International Film Festival, a Classical Music Festival, and regular exhibitions and lectures, making it a true cultural hub in the Aegean.

Beyond its artistic and cultural appeal, Syros offers an authentic island lifestyle. With a year-round population of over 20,000, the island maintains a strong local community and a relaxed, authentic pace of life that appeals to long-term residents. Cafés, markets, and waterfront tavernas remain open throughout the year, making it one of the few Greek islands that doesn’t slow to a crawl in the winter months.

Syros has a small regional airport (JSY) with regular flights to and from Athens, though ferries are the most popular way to reach the island. Depending on the ferry you choose, travel from Athens takes between 2.5 and 3.5 hours.

4. Naxos: An Authentic Greek Island Experience

Naxos offers beaches, mountains, and authentic village life.
Naxos offers beaches, mountains, and authentic village life.|©iStock/Balate Dorin

A lower-profile island that is growing in popularity, Naxos is the largest island in the Cyclades, with a land area of 170 square miles (440 km²). Despite its size, the island isn’t densely populated, with a full-time population of under 20,000 people, about half of whom reside in Naxos Town. Known as the cheese capital of Greece, Naxos is home to more than 10,000 cows and produces famous local cheeses like Naxos Graviera and the bold, aged arseniko.

This mountainous island is a paradise for nature lovers and mythology enthusiasts alike. From pristine beaches to dramatic peaks, Naxos offers diverse landscapes. For an outdoor adventure steeped in ancient Greek mythology, hike 1,640 feet to the top of Mount Zas (Mount Zeus), the highest mountain in the Cyclades. According to legend, the cave on this mountain is where Zeus, the king of the gods, was raised as a youth.

The island features a vibrant expat community and is becoming a hub for the digital nomad scene. A regional airport (JNX) offers flights to Athens, and there are numerous ferry options, making Naxos a fairly accessible island. Expect the ferry ride from Athens to take 3.5 to 6.5 hours. For those seeking an authentic Greek island experience with excellent gastronomy and a varied landscape, Naxos is a solid option.

5. Rhodes: The Medieval Island of Greece

Rhodes combines medieval history with over 300 days of sun.
Rhodes combines medieval history with over 300 days of sun.|©iStock/John_Walker

Near the coast of Türkiye and the largest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes combines rich cultural heritage, well-developed infrastructure, and an exceptionally sunny climate, averaging over 300 days of sunshine a year.

At the heart of the island lies Rhodes Town, home to one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval quarters. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is a labyrinth of cobbled streets, Gothic architecture, and imposing fortifications built by the Knights Hospitaller, who ruled the island from 1310 to 1522. Walking up the Street of the Knights to the Palace of the Grand Masters, you’ll feel transported back to the Middle Ages, with buildings restored to reflect their historical grandeur.

But Rhodes isn’t just about history. With over 40 Blue Flag beaches, it’s also ideal for beach lovers. From the golden sands of Tsambika Beach to the windsurfing spot of Prasonisi, the island’s diverse coastline caters to all types of water enthusiasts. The interior offers lush valleys and traditional villages, providing a tranquil contrast to the bustling seaside resorts.

With a population of over 115,000 full-time residents, Rhodes maintains a vibrant community even in the off-season. The island’s infrastructure supports full-time living, with the General Hospital of Rhodes offering a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, cardiology, orthopedics, and more. Rhodes has an international airport (RHO) with flights to Athens and major European cities, as well as regular ferry connections.

For those seeking a blend of historical intrigue, natural beauty, a sunny climate, and reliable infrastructure, Rhodes is a great choice.

6. Evia: The Bridge Between Island Life and Mainland Greece

Evia offers natural beauty and easy mainland access via bridge.
Evia offers natural beauty and easy mainland access via bridge.|©iStock/Anna_Jedynak

You may not have heard of Evia (also spelled Euboea), but it holds the surprising distinction of being the second-largest island in Greece, right after Crete. Located about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Athens, Evia is connected to the mainland by two bridges, giving residents easy access to some of the best healthcare and services in the country. What sets Evia apart is its rare blend of natural beauty, year-round accessibility, and authentic Greek living—all without the tourist crowds that often overwhelm more well-known islands.

At the heart of the island is Evia’s capital city of Chalkida, a bustling port town that combines the urban conveniences of hospitals, shops, and restaurants with coastal charm. Its waterfront promenade is perfect for afternoon strolls.

With a landmass of 1,411 square miles (3,655 km²), Evia offers a wide range of geographical diversity. The northern part of the island is known for its lush forests, natural hot springs in Aidipsos, and quaint traditional villages, making it a hub for wellness and relaxation. The central region features rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves, while the south feels more remote and untouched, ideal for those seeking solitude and immersion in nature.

Beach lovers will find plenty of clean, uncrowded options along Evia’s long, rugged coastline, from the tranquil waters of Agia Anna Beach to the dramatic, surf-friendly waves of Chiliadou Beach. Expect good water quality and clean surroundings throughout the island.

With just over 200,000 full-time residents, Evia remains relatively sparsely populated, except for the municipality of Chalkida, which is home to nearly half of the island’s population. Thanks to its reliable infrastructure and close proximity to Athens, many typical island challenges are minimized here. For those seeking affordable living, varied landscapes, a vibrant local community, and easy access to the capital, Evia offers a compelling and under-the-radar option for retirement in Greece.

Final Thoughts

With its distinct and geographically varied islands, Greece offers an exceptional range of retirement destinations to suit nearly every lifestyle and preference. From the self-sufficient island of Crete, with its mix of bustling cities, coastal towns, and mountain villages, to the continental elegance of Syros, each island boasts a personality of its own. Corfu, an Ionian island, offers a blend of Greek and Italian influences with a cosmopolitan flair, while Naxos appeals to those seeking authenticity, nature, and tradition in the Cyclades. The sun-soaked medieval charm of Rhodes in the Dodecanese attracts history lovers and beachgoers alike, while Evia—connected by bridge to the mainland—combines accessibility with the quiet charm of island life.

This diversity in landscape, climate, culture, and infrastructure means retirees can choose an island lifestyle that aligns with their personal rhythm, whether that’s peaceful and traditional or vibrant and international.

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