This Sun-Soaked Country in the Mediterranean Was Named the Best Place to Retire in 2026

Greece greets you like a gilded daydream—a sun-splashed symphony of flavors, folklore, and foam-kissed shores.

It's a place where meals are not merely eaten but experienced , from the sizzle of fried feta drizzled with warm honey to moussaka that melts in your mouth. It's a place where a glittering galaxy of islands scatter across the cerulean sea, from Santorini's chalk-white cliffs to Crete's rugged, rolling hills. And it's a place where history comes alive in the present day, from Doric columns and myth-laden paths to sun-warmed stones that have witnessed empires rise and fall.

Greece is not just a place you visit; it's a place that envelops you until you feel, even for a moment, like part of its timeless tale. And, as it turns out, it's a rather welcoming place, too.

International Living recently released its Annual Global Retirement Index , and it selected Greece as the No. 1 best place to retire in 2026, based on a variety of categories including cost of living, access to healthcare, climate, visas, and more.

The index is a culmination of more than 40 years of on-the-ground experience and in-depth reporting from International Living 's network of expats and correspondents. The 35th annual report has rounded up 24 countries, comparing, contrasting, ranking, and rating them each.

"[In Corfu], my mornings begin with coffee enjoyed on the terrace, and more frequently than not, they conclude in the presence of friends or with the soothing sound of waves drifting through the evening breeze," writes Leena Horner for International Living . "The pace of life here is relaxed, yet it is far from dull. It is consistent, communal, balanced, and unexpectedly rich."

Horner adds that Greece offers more than just a change of scenery for those who hear the coast calling.

"You'll find that not only can you live at a lower cost, but you can also embrace a rich and fulfilling lifestyle," she writes.

U.S. citizens travel visa-free to Greece for up to 90 days under Schengen rules. But if you're an American thinking about moving to Greece, there are several visa options and residence permits depending on how you plan to live there.

Most retirees look into the Financially Independent Person (FIP) Visa, which is sometimes called the " Passive Income / Retiree Visa"). This visa is for individuals or retirees with stable passive income or savings who don't plan to work in Greece.

If you're not quite ready to retire but want to scope out Greece as a potential future base, here's a breakdown of some of the other main pathways for U.S. citizens to move to Greece:

• Long-Stay / National Visa (Type D) + Residence Permit: This is for those who plan to stay more than 90 days (for work, study, relocation, etc.).

• Digital Nomad Visa / Residence Permit: This is for remote workers, freelancers, or self-employed people earning abroad who want to live in Greece.

• Golden Visa Program (Investment / Real-Estate Route): This is for people who are willing and able to make a significant investment—often a real-estate purchase—to get residency. (Base cases start at around €250,000, but in high-demand areas like large cities and certain islands, thresholds are much higher.)

• Student Visa / Permit: The Student Visa is for students admitted to Greek universities or educational programs.

You can find more information on visa eligibility and requirements by visiting the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Greece .

This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 9, 2025, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.