Greece just got named the number one spot in the world to retire. This comes from International Living’s 2026 Global Retirement Index. The country jumped from seventh place last year to the top. Many people are excited about this change.
Experts say Greece offers what retirees want most right now. It has beautiful views, warm weather, good health care, and low costs. Jennifer Stevens from International Living called it a big shift. She said Greece gives a pretty, welcoming, and cheap base in Europe with easy ways to stay long-term and a rich way of life.
One big reason is the cost of living. A couple can buy a two-bedroom house by the sea in places like Kritsa on Crete for around $150,000. Rent for seaside homes often runs from $691 to $1,151 a month. Monthly expenses for many retirees stay under $3,500, much less than in big US cities. Food, like fresh fish and veggies from local markets, tastes great and costs little.
The weather helps a lot too. Greece gets over 300 sunny days a year in many areas. The Mediterranean climate means mild winters and hot summers perfect for beach time and outdoor walks. The famous “siga siga” styleโmeaning slowly, slowlyโlets people relax and enjoy life more.
Health care scores high. Private plans cost about $288 a month for a couple, and it’s good quality. Public options exist too for residents. Many say it’s better and cheaper than back home.
Getting to stay is easier now. The Golden Visa program lets you get residency by buying property starting at about โฌ250,000 (around $290,000). It’s one of the most open in Europe, especially after other countries made rules stricter. There’s also a visa for people with steady income from outside Greece.
The lifestyle feels special. Think village life with fresh markets, friendly neighbors, and the sea always close. Expats like Patricia Mahan and Dan Matarazzo moved to Kritsa in 2023. They wanted to live by the water in an affordable spot with village charm but near doctors, airports, and shops. Patricia said it matched what they dreamed of.
Greece has thousands of islands and long coastlines. You can pick a quiet spot or something busier. The food follows the healthy Mediterranean dietโlots of olive oil, veggies, and fishโthat helps people live longer.
Other places rank high too. Panama came in second with great discounts for retirees and cheap health care. Costa Rica took third for its green nature and blue zones where folks live long. Portugal, Mexico, and Italy follow close behind.
But Greece stands out this year because other favorites like Portugal and Spain got more expensive or changed visa rules. Greece stayed affordable while keeping its charm.
This ranking comes from experts, expats, and real data. It looks at things like housing, visas, climate, and how easy it is to fit in. Greece did great in climate, health care, and homes.
For anyone thinking about retirement, Greece looks like a smart pick. It mixes sun, sea, good food, and value. More people from the US and elsewhere are moving there. If you want a slower pace with beauty all around, this might be the place. The index shows it’s winning heartsโand now the top spotโfor good reason.