Key Takeaways
- Greece has been named the world’s best retirement destination by International Living’s 2026 Global Retirement Index.
- Western Greece offers some of the country’s best scenery, coastlines, and amenities, yet it’s less crowded and less costly than other parts of the country.
- U.S. retirees can live in Greece by buying property for at least €250,000 (about $293,000) or having a steady, monthly income of at least €3,500 (about $4,100).
International Living’s 2026 Global Retirement Index named Greece the world’s best retirement destination, with judges citing its affordable lifestyle, accessible visa options, excellent private health care, and more than 300 days of annual sunshine.
But Greece has over 8,000 miles of coastline and hundreds of islands. Where, exactly, should you go? If you want a mix of postcard-worthy beaches, everyday amenities, and prices that won’t drain your nest egg, the western mainland and its nearby Ionian Islands deserve a hard look.
Here are five spots worth putting on your list.
Navagio (Shipwreck) Beach, Zakynthos
With its limestone cliffs, turquoise Ionian waters, and iconic shipwreck, Navagio Beach is consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world. And if you retire on the island of Zakynthos, you could have it on your doorstep.
Away from the crowds of Navagio beach, which is only reachable by boat, you’ll find peaceful towns and villages, affordable dining, fresh markets, a public hospital, nature trails, miles of crystal clear waters, other idyllic beaches, and regular ferries to mainland Greece.
Popular spots include Zakynthos Town (the capital, with the most amenities), Alikanas, and Tsilivi. With the exchange rate, property prices on Zakynthos average $2,300 to $3,500 per square meter, meaning a two-bedroom apartment can cost $175,000 to $300,000, depending on the location and whether the property has water views. Making this beach life more than just a fantasy? The cost of living here is 27% less than in the U.S.
Porto Katsiki, Lefkada
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Another one of Western Greece’s most breathtaking beaches is Porto Katsiki, known for its dramatic cliff backdrop, long sandy stretches, and deep blue, crystal‑clear waters.
The island, conveniently accessible by bridge to the mainland, has many spectacular beaches, coves, panoramic sea views, and hiking spots. It is also dotted with towns and quaint hillside villages with cafes, tavernas serving fresh seafood, and charming streets for strolls.
Popular places for retirees include Athani, Nidri, Vasiliki, and Lefkada Town—the island’s capital that’s closer to the mainland, with an airport and hospitals. Property here tends to be slightly more affordable than Zakynthos or Corfu, with prices starting from about $150,000 for a two-bedroom apartment.
Paleokastritsa Beach, Corfu
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Surrounded by white cliffs and hills, Paleokastritsa is a visually stunning series of small coves and bays that attracts millions of tourists each year. Nearby, you can find pleasant and affordable places to settle. The cost of living is attractive, too—about half that of the U.S.
Corfu is the most developed of the Ionian Islands. Less than half an hour away is Corfu Town, the capital, with excellent healthcare facilities, international services, an airport, a friendly expat community, and cobblestone streets rich in culture and history.
You also don’t need to worry about getting cabin fever. Corfu is one of Greece’s main and most populous islands, and there are regular ferries connecting it to the mainland as well as other Greek Islands and countries like Italy.
Monolithi Beach, Preveza
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Known for its long length, soft golden sand, shallow, crystal-clear waters, easy parking, and nearby restaurants, Monolithi beach is a great spot to catch some sun, relax, cool off, and go for a swim.
It’s also close to Preveza, a lovely city in northwestern Greece that offers a decent balance of beauty and comfort. It’s full of cafes, markets, and cultural events, is surrounded by magnificent beaches, walking spots, and archeological sites, and has good health care and an airport.
Mainland properties in this region often list for under $120,000 for modest apartments, making it one of western Greece’s best values. In addition, the cost of living here is about 45% less than in the U.S.
Tip
Greece’s Golden Visa thresholds vary by location: €800,000 for popular islands like Corfu and Zakynthos, €400,000 (about $470,000) for mainland towns like Preveza and Parga, and €250,000 (about $293,000) for properties needing a renovation, regardless of location.
Valtos Beach, Parga
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Valtos beach, a long, golden-sand stretch of coastline framed by green hills, olive groves, and crystal-clear Ionian waters, is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and seaside strolls. It’s also very accessible. The beach is just a walk or drive away from the picturesque town of Parga, which is about an hour north of Preveza.
Parga is a picturesque town with colorful houses, a Venetian castle, museums, restaurants, markets, and cafes. It also has a strong sense of community; all the essential services, including banks, post offices, and pharmacies; ferries linking it to the islands of Paxos and Corfu; and numerous other amazing beaches, such as Lichnos Beach and Kryoneri Beach.
What It Costs to Retire in Western Greece
A retired couple in western Greece can live comfortably on $2,900 to $3,500 a month (€2,500 to €3,000)—covering rent, food, utilities, health care, and the occasional dinner out. That’s about 30% less than comparable coastal living in the U.S.
Rent for a seaside apartment runs $700 to $1,200 a month. Dinner for two with wine at a local taverna costs $35 to $60. Private health insurance—often just catastrophic coverage, since routine care is inexpensive enough to pay out of pocket—runs about $150 per person per month.
For residency, Americans have two main paths: the Golden Visa (requiring a property investment starting at about $293,000 for renovation projects, and upward from there, depending on the location) or the Financially Independent Person visa, which requires proving you have a steady monthly income of about $4,100.