June 24, 2025, 3:26 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Spending your retirement on a Greek island—with the sun on your face, delicious food, and the sea right at your doorstep—sounds like a dream? Then it’s worth checking out the latest ranking from the U.S. magazine International Living. They’ve identified the most beautiful Greek islands that are particularly well-suited for a relaxed retirement.
After many years of hard work, numerous retirees dream of spending their retirement abroad. Central to this is the desire for a quieter, slower-paced life–preferably in a place far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Such retreats can be found on islands, far from the mainland’s chaos. Greece, in particular, attracts with a variety of idyllic islands that offer perfect conditions for a relaxed retirement. But which one is best suited for retirement? The U.S. magazine International Living has explored this question and selected its favorites. TRAVELBOOK presents the ranking.
Crete is the Best Greek Island for Retirement
According to “International Living,” Crete is the number one destination for retirees to move to–and for good reason. Greece’s largest island combines the best of Greek island life with modern infrastructure, top-notch healthcare, and good accessibility. Despite its popularity, the island maintains its authentic character and offers a high quality of life not only during the peak season. Those who crave culture alongside idyllic beach life during retirement will find it in larger cities like Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno, and Agios Nikolaos. Historical sites such as Knossos and Phaistos also tell of the island’s rich past. Additionally, the diverse nature with its gorges, beaches, and mountains invites an active lifestyle.
Also interesting: 5 charming villages in Crete worth visiting
Another advantage of this Greek island as a retirement spot is the healthcare system. The University Hospital in Heraklion is among the best in Greece, and numerous private clinics are also available. The author of “International Living” describes Crete with its “blend of ancient history, Mediterranean beauty, and modern comfort” as an ideal place for retirement. Additionally, according to “kretatipp,” the island’s population is accustomed to “welcoming retirees from all over the world and integrating them into their social fabric”–so it shouldn’t be too difficult to make connections locally.
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The 6 Best Greek Islands for Retirement
Greece offers a wide range of islands as retirement destinations, catering to every taste. This diversity allows retirees to choose the island lifestyle that suits their individual rhythm and needs–from quiet and traditional to lively and international. These are the 6 best Greek islands for retirement:
- Crete
- Corfu
- Syros
- Naxos
- Rhodes
- Evia