December 5, 2025 | 02:53 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - For years, Greece has been known as one of the popular tourist destinations for foreign visitors. But that's not all for this European nation. Greece is also the best place for retirees to spend the rest of their days.
One of the most significant decisions after retirement is deciding where to live. Some prospective retirees may want to stay in their current place of residence, while others plan to move abroad.
Why is Greece Considered the Most Desirable Place to Retire?
According to the 2026 International Living's Annual Global Retirement Index, Greece is the best retirement destination in the world. "For years, Portugal and Spain led the way, but recent visa changes and rising costs have retirees looking elsewhere," said Jennifer Stevens, executive editor of International Living, as quoted from Travel + Leisure.
Stevens added that Greece now offers what many people are looking for: a beautiful, welcoming, affordable place to live in Europe with easily accessible housing options and a luxurious lifestyle in every sense. Not only that, she said Greece is where retirees can "stretch" their money.
International Living involves input from experts and concrete data in compiling the annual rankings, including finding the best global destinations for rewarding and low-cost retirement. Some categories evaluated include visas, ease of integration, and cost of living.
Greece takes the top spot, besides scoring well in three specific categories: healthcare, housing, and climate. This includes aspects of healthcare services, such as the affordability of private healthcare services. Leena Horner, a correspondent in Greece, said that private healthcare services "have been consistently good" in the country. She spends a rent of 250 euros or around $290 per month for herself and her husband.
Retirees can find comparable beachfront homes for rent ranging from 600 euros or about $700 to 1,000 euros or about $1,200 per month. This country is suitable for those who enjoy summer and relatively mild winter weather. Additionally, Greece is one of the easiest countries to obtain citizenship, thanks to its Golden Visa program.
If interested in living overseas after retirement, besides Greece, there are other countries with each of their own advantages. Like Panama, known for its extensive retirement discounts, and Costa Rica, built on environmental well-being and longevity.
Other options include Portugal, loved for its culture and affordability; Italy and France for a more luxurious experience; as well as Spain, Thailand, and Malaysia, as reported by Times of India.
Read: Top 8 Best Places to Retire in Australia for a Fulfilling Golden Years
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