6 Stunning Greek Islands Where You Can Comfortably Retire on $2K a Month

Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Retiring on a Greek island might sound like a pie-in-the-sky dream, but it’s actually more affordable than you might think. There are several Greek islands where a couple can retire comfortably for about $2,000 a month that also provide an incredible quality of life for the duration of your golden years.
A recent International Living report identified the top Greek islands for retirement that happen to be affordable, too. Here’s where to move if you want to experience the island life in retirement.
Crete: Greece’s Largest Island With Top Healthcare and Beaches
- Monthly living costs for a couple: $1,800-$2,200
Crete is the largest island in Greece and provides a comfortable setting year-round for retirees. Benefits of living on Crete include excellent healthcare, accessibility and solid infrastructure. There’s also no shortage of things to do, from exploring historic sites like Knossos to spending time on one of the island’s over 150 beaches.
Corfu: A Cultural Crossroads With Easy Travel Access
- Monthly living costs for a couple: $1,700-$2,100
Located between Italy and Greece, Corfu offers an ideal blend of both cultures. It’s home to an international airport, which makes it easy for you to visit loved ones and vice versa. Corfu is also the site of Corfu Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features cobblestone streets filled with places to shop, dine and drink local wine.
Syros: A Hidden Gem for Arts and Architecture Lovers
- Monthly living costs for a couple: $1,800-$2,200
International Living called Syros “one of the most architecturally and culturally distinguished towns in the Aegean.” There you’ll find the Apollo Theater, the Syros International Film Festival, a classical music festival, and regular exhibitions and lectures.
Naxos: The Cheese Capital With Mythical Charm
- Monthly living costs for a couple: $1,600-$1,900
Naxos is a lesser-known Greek island with a population of just 20,000. If you love cheese, you’ll be happy retiring here, as it’s called the “cheese capital of Greece” and is home to more than 10,000 cows. With a strong mythological history and plenty of beaches to explore, there’s plenty to do here year-round.
Rhodes: Sun-Soaked Living with Ancient History
- Monthly living costs for a couple: $1,700-$2,000
Located near Turkey, Rhodes is where you should retire if you love the sun — the island boasts an average of 300 sunny days a year. It’s home to a UNESCO-listed Old Town, over 40 beaches and a robust infrastructure.
Evia: Mainland Access With Island Tranquility
- Monthly living costs for a couple: $1,400-$1,800
Although you might not be familiar with Evia, it’s actually the second-largest island in Greece. It’s connected to the mainland by two bridges, making it easy to access top-of-the-line healthcare and other amenities. But there’s no shortage of creature comforts on Evia itself, with its own hospital, numerous restaurants, shops and beaches.