Greece has secured a spot among the top 10 places to retire in 2025, according to International Living’s Global Retirement Index. Ranked eighth globally, Greece offers retirees an appealing mix of lifestyle, affordability, and natural beauty. Expats like Leena Horner, who retired to Corfu, highlight the unique appeal of this Mediterranean gem.

“I settled in Corfu, where breathtaking landscapes and sparkling turquoise waters seem to leap straight out of a postcard,” says Horner, according in an article of internationalliving.com. “Life moves at a gentler pace, inviting me to slow down and savor every moment.”

Horner emphasizes the strong sense of community in Greece. “My neighbors have become friends, and the local expat community provides a comforting sense of belonging. Simple joys, like gathering for potluck dinners or playing board games, make life here truly special.”

Affordability is another major draw. “Outside of tourist hubs like Athens and Santorini, it’s easy to live comfortably on a modest budget. Weekly market shopping costs me around €60–€80, and dining out at a taverna with wine is just €15–€20,” she explains.

Greece’s healthcare system also stands out. “The public and private healthcare services are excellent and affordable. For example, a specialist appointment with tests can cost as little as €100,” notes Horner.

Flexible visa options like the “Digital Nomad Visa” and “Golden Visa” further enhance Greece’s appeal, allowing retirees to settle long-term.

“In the end, Greece isn’t just a place to retire; it’s a lifestyle that embraces simplicity, warmth, and a deep connection to nature and history,” Horner concludes.

Source: internationalliving.com

Greece, home to around 6,000 islands and islets—227 of which are inhabited—offers a plethora of destinations. However, not all islands can balance the challenges of mass tourism with their local needs. According to express.co.uk, Syros, a gem in the Cyclades, has distinguished itself by being ranked the second-most welcoming destination globally and the top in Europe by Booking.com.

Branded as a “quiet paradise” compared to its busier Cycladic neighbors, Syros has remained relatively under-the-radar despite its stunning architecture, serene beaches, and laid-back atmosphere—qualities that have disappeared on many other Greek islands.

Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, travel expert and Breathing Travel founder Carolin Pilligrath noted: “Santorini is another destination feeling the strain of overtourism. As picturesque as it appears in the photos, the island’s narrow streets and stunning viewpoints can become overwhelmingly crowded, especially during peak season.”

Syros, on the other hand, feels like a world away from Santorini. (Image: Getty)

Pilligrath added: “Unlike its busier neighbours, Syros offers a more authentic Greek experience with its beautiful beaches and neoclassical architecture. I spent a few days here wandering the cobblestone streets, enjoying the local tavernas, and it was a delightful escape from the crowds.”

With a history spanning over 3,000 years, Syros showcases diverse architectural styles in Ermoupoli, its capital. The island’s French, Venetian, and Ottoman influences reflect its rich past, including a period of Ottoman rule from 1522, during which it retained significant religious and economic freedoms.

The medieval hilltop town of Ano Syros, above the capital, is a must-visit. Its residents chose the elevated location to guard against pirate raids, and it’s home to the Church of St. George, a historic Catholic structure perched at the summit.

Source: express.co.uk

In 2024, approximately 340,000 Turkish citizens and Europeans of Turkish descent visited the northern Aegean islands, according to the General Police Directorate of the North Aegean. Of these, 71,648 utilized the seven-day ‘express visa’ introduced in April 2024 following an agreement between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to amna.com.

“This agreement gave wings to relations on both sides of the Aegean and allowed the development of this major wave of Turkish tourists,” said Aris Lazaris, General Secretary of the Union of Tourist and Travel Agencies of Lesvos, in an interview with ANA-MPA.

The ‘express visa’ not only facilitated travel for Turkish visitors but also encouraged mixed groups, where European citizens of Turkish descent traveled with Turkish relatives. Over 30,000 European Turks visited Greek islands in this way while on holiday in Turkiye.

The visa program has significantly boosted local economies, particularly on Lesvos, Chios, and Samos. With the ‘express visa’ set to expire on March 31, local stakeholders are advocating for its renewal, anticipating even greater tourist numbers in 2025.

Bookings for Muslim religious holidays in March already indicate a surge, and Turkish visitors continue to visit the islands even in the low season, with weekends in January seeing strong numbers.

Source: amna