Greece Named World's Best Retirement Destination for 2026

Sun-soaked, safe, and surprisingly attainable - Greece claims the top spot in International Living's 35th Annual Global Retirement Index, emerging as Europe's new value leader for retirees seeking culture, comfort, community, and easy access to Europe.

The guide evaluates the world's top destinations for retirees across categories, including cost of living, healthcare, housing, visas, climate and ease of integration.

"Greece's rise to number one marks a shift in Europe's retirement landscape," said Jennifer Stevens, executive editor of International Living. "For years, Portugal and Spain led the way, but recent visa changes and rising costs have retirees looking elsewhere. Greece now offers what many are seeking - a beautiful, welcoming, and affordable European base with accessible residency options and a lifestyle that feels rich in every sense."

Greece scored particularly high in climate, healthcare and housing - categories that reflect not only its natural beauty and quality of care, but also the welcoming culture that helps newcomers feel at home.

Residency options are another factor that set Greece apart this year. The country's Golden Visa program, which grants residency through property investment, remains one of Europe's most accessible, particularly now that Portugal has tightened its rules.

"All in all, when it comes to Golden Visa options, I'd say Greece is more than the new Portugal... it may be even better," noted International Living's Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann.

The 2026 Index draws on input from International Living's network of correspondents and expats around the world, combining real data with on-the-ground experience.

Why Greece Stands Out

With more than 8,000 miles of coastline, hundreds of islands, and over 300 days of sunshine a year, Greece offers retirees a high quality of life at a surprisingly modest cost.

"Greece quietly transforms the way you live," said International Living's Greece correspondent Leena Horner, who retired to Corfu four years ago. "It's not just one thing; it's the climate, the 'siga siga' attitude of taking life slowly, the vibrant community, and the daily connection with nature."

Horner and her husband live comfortably on about $3,400 to $3,500 a month. Comparable seaside homes rent from $700 to $1,200 a month, and a dinner for two with wine costs $35 to $60.

"The private healthcare here has been consistently good," Horner, an OBGYN, adds. "We pay ($300) a month total for private insurance for the two of us, primarily catastrophic coverage. For most routine care, we pay out of pocket and have never spent more than ($1,150) a year."

Even specialized care is a fraction of U.S. costs:

"When my husband needed laser treatment for a retinal detachment, it cost ($292) in total – treatment, follow-ups, everything. In the U.S., that would have cost at least $5,000."

Community life is another key factor.

"We live in a rural part of Corfu where locals and expats know one another," Horner said. "There's a willingness to connect and engage with others that's uncommon in more metropolitan locations.

"When I think back to our life in Boulder, CO - the long winters, the high cost of living, the constant busyness - it feels like a distant memory," Horner says. "Here, my mornings begin with coffee on the terrace, and more often than not, they end in the company of friends or with the sound of waves drifting through the evening breeze."

The full "Top 10 Retirement Destinations for 2026" list includes:

1. Greece

2. Panama

3. Costa Rica

4. Portugal

5. Mexico

6. Italy

7. France

8. Spain

9. Thailand

10. Malaysia