Greece

Many Brits choose Spain and Portugal but another destination has topped a retirement ranking thanks to its affordable lifestyle, Golden Visa and Mediterranean climate

The world’s top retirement destination for 2026 has been unveiled, and it might not be where you’d expect. While many Brits dream of retiring to the sun-soaked towns of Spain or Portugal, a new contender has emerged.

The UK’s often dreary weather leaves many yearning for a change of scenery as they enter their golden years. But choosing where to spend your retirement isn’t just about finding a sunny spot – you also need to consider factors like cost of living, healthcare, housing, visas, climate and how easy it is to settle in.

Every year, International Living’s 2026 Annual Global Retirement Index takes all these factors into account to reveal the best place in the world to retire. And this year, a country has topped the list for the first time ever.

Greece has been crowned the ultimate retirement destination thanks to its affordable lifestyle, private healthcare, accessible visa options and enviable Mediterranean climate.

“Greece’s rise to number one marks a shift in Europe’s retirement landscape,” said Jennifer Stevens, Executive Editor of International Living. “For years, Portugal and Spain led the way, but recent visa changes and rising costs have retirees looking elsewhere.”, reports the Express.

“Greece now offers what many are seeking-a beautiful, welcoming, and affordable European base with accessible residency options and a lifestyle that feels rich in every sense.”

The Mediterranean nation scored highly across climate, healthcare and housing categories – essential factors for those seeking to settle abroad.

Greece’s Golden Visa scheme, which offers residency through property investment, stands out as one of Europe’s most straightforward options, especially following Portugal’s recent policy changes.

International Living’s Global Diversification Expert Ted Baumann said: “All in all, when it comes to Golden Visa options, I’d say Greece is more than the new Portugal… it may be even better.”

The publication’s Greece correspondent Leena Horner relocated to Corfu four years ago with her husband. The couple maintain a comfortable lifestyle on roughly €2,900-€3,000 monthly, approximately £2,600.

Coastal properties typically rent for €600 to €1,000 per month, whilst a meal for two with wine ranges from €30-€50, maxing out at around £44.

Reflecting on her relocation, Leena said: “Greece quietly transforms the way you live. It’s not just one thing; it’s the climate, the siga siga attitude of taking life slowly, the vibrant community, and the daily connection with nature.”

Greece features over 8,000 miles of coastline and enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine annually. European locations have dominated the 2026 rankings, with Greece, Portugal, Italy, France, and Spain all securing spots in the Top 10.

The Top 10 Retirement Destinations for 2026

1. Greece
2. Panama
3. Costa Rica
4. Portugal
5. Mexico
6. Italy
7. France
8. Spain
9. Thailand
10. Malaysia

Leah Williams and Joshua Scully were lured to Mykonos, a Greek island popular with tourists, by watching videos posted on social media apps, such as TikTok and Instagram

A British couple who booked a holiday after watching videos on TikTok and Instagram left Mykonos early — because there was “nothing to do”.

Leah Williams and Joshua Scully claim restaurants and bars at Platis Gialos on the Greek island took their bookings only to close for the season before they got there last month. The couple, who have children, have now warned tourists “not to believe everything you see on social media” following their miserable experience.

They say clips and photographs on TikTok and Instagram — often posted by businesses on Mykonos — were actually taken in the summer, but they believed they portrayed a warm and bustling environment in the autumn. Leah, 27, said in fact beaches were empty amid the cloudy and windy weather, while all the shopfronts appeared to have their shutters down. She and her partner eventually ditched Mykonos for Cyprus, spending more than £700 on new flights and accommodation.

And the gloom nearly derailed Josh’s plans to propose to Leah during a sunset boat tour. This was cancelled so Joshua, 30, popped the question on a boat he hired in Paphos, Cyprus, instead.

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But on the island of Mykonos, Leah and Josh found they could only have food and drinks during the hotel meal times. They felt there was “nothing to do” — hindered by the unfortunate weather — and so rarely left their first hotel room.

Leah, who lives in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, with Joshua, said: “We’ve got children so it’s rare we get a chance to go away. We were given a few dates we could go in October.

“I knew it was off-season and everyone was saying it was shutting at the end of October so we decided to book it. There were lots of little bars and restaurants and we booked them, we had confirmation from all of the places.

“The week before travelling a lot of them sent us emails to cancel our bookings because they decided to shut for the season. I knew the weather wouldn’t be boiling hot, but there was nothing open around our hotel, there was nowhere we could get a drink from or get snacks, we could only eat at the times the hotel restaurant was open.

“If we wanted a drink outside of those times, we just couldn’t get one because there was nowhere. We walked for about half an hour and walked to all the shops around us and they were all shut.”

Leah, who is an aesthetic practitioner, has now warned holidaymakers to not believe everything on social media, as the couple had done their research and were still disappointed.

“Don’t believe everything you see on social media; I had looked at things on TikTok and Instagram and places in Mykonos were posting on their Instagram stories photos of sunny days and sunsets… We were booked for five nights and we ended up staying two. The day after we got there, we looked at flights to Cyprus because we knew the weather was better there,” the mum continued.

“There was nothing to do but sit in the room. The weather was a big part of it. I’d looked at a spa and things like that to give us something to do and nothing was open.

“It was raining all day. There was only one place that didn’t cancel on us but that was after we left. This one place posted a really nice sunset and we were there and it was dark and miserable.

“They are probably posting pictures from summer and make you think that’s what you’re going to get. We didn’t want to waste it just being sat in a room all week. The weather in Cyprus was really nice, everywhere was open.”

A PRETTY town on a island in Greece has opened a new €3.5million (£3million) marina to visitors.

The brand new marina in Nydri, which is located on the Ionian island of Lefkada, is set to attract more tourists, visitors and yacht owners to the area.

Having opened back in April, the marina has 73 berths for yachts up to 15 metres.

The marina was developed to make access to the Ionian islands better.

While there is a small bridge from the mainland which makes the island accessible via car, the new marina should help to improve nautical tourism.

Deputy Maritime Minister Stefanos Gkikas, stated: “This project marks a vital development that will foster prosperity not only in Nydri but across the entire island of Lefkada.”

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He added that the upgrades make the destination competitive with the likes of Croatia, Montenegro and Albania.

He said: “It is crucial for the Ionian Islands to experience such significant growth in maritime tourism.”

The project was also part of a wider development plan to expand marine tourism in the islands.

Other projects include adding a 100-berth marina in Vassiliki.

Nydri itself is a pretty resort town to explore, just under 10 miles from the main town.

The town curves around the bay and has a few quaint taverns and restaurants to explore.

Head to the harbour to see boats bobbing up and down on the water.

Or venture to Dimosari Waterfalls – a popular hiking spot that leads to Dimosari Gorge and its waterfalls, which you can even swim in in the warmer months.

As a whole, this island of Lefkada is known as the ‘Caribbean of Greece‘ thanks to its exotic, Caribbean-like natural landscape.

On the island, visitors will find sprawling beaches, such as Porto Katsiki which is bookended by dramatic cliffs and has soft, golden sands.

One recent visitor said: “Great beautiful beach with beautiful blue water! The road after is already an experience and beautiful views!”

The island’s main town is also worth exploring – it features lots of little alleys, a long promenade and several restaurants and bars.

One of the top restaurants to head to is Antivaro, which won a TridAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award for 2025.

On the menu, you could opt for a meat grill with chicken, pork, beef, pita bread and french fries for €27 (£23.78).

Make sure to look at the buildings as well, many of which have Venetian architecture.

Throughout the town there are a number of landmarks worth exploring too, such as the Church of Pantokrator and the Church of Agioi Anargyroi.

Or head to a museum, such as the Phonograph Museum, the Folklore Museum or the Archaeological Museum.

The island is littered with different accommodation spots, meaning there is something for every type of holidaymaker.

For example, you could stay at Armeno Beach Hotel from £72 per night.

The hotel has a restaurant, with free breakfast included and beach access.

Alternatively, head to Lefkas Hotel, which has a pool and is a two minute walk from the sea – it costs from £43 per night.

The best way to get to Lefkada is by flying into Aktion National Airport, which is about an hour away from Lefkada.

Some airlines fly seasonally to the airport – for example, you could fly with easyJet from London Gatwick to Aktion Airport in April 2026 for £171 return.

Alternatively, you can fly into Athens and drive, which takes around five hours.

Flights from the UK to Athens in December cost as little as £28 return from London, £61 return from Bristol and £71 return from Manchester.

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If you are looking for more inspiration for holidays to Greece, then one expect has shared four better value islands where locals go on holiday.

Plus, the smaller Greek island with 70 beaches that experts warn you should see before it gets too popular.

ATHENS, Greece — Kimberly Guilfoyle, a former California prosecutor, television personality and close ally of President Trump, officially took office Tuesday as the first U.S. female ambassador to Greece.

Guilfoyle, 56, who was once engaged to Donald Trump Jr., presented her diplomatic credentials to Greek President Constantine Tassoulas after being sworn in Sept. 29 in Washington.

The former Fox News host’s arrival comes as the United States works to boost liquefied natural gas exports to eastern Europe through Greek port facilities.

U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum are expected in Athens this week for talks focused on expanding Western gas exports to war-torn Ukraine through a modified multinational pipeline network.

Guilfoyle and the visiting officials are scheduled to meet with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and attend ministerial meetings organized by the Washington-based Atlantic Council.

Since 2018, Greece and the United States have strengthened military ties, including expanding U.S. access to Greek bases and increased involvement of American defense contractors in Greece’s multibillion-dollar armed forces modernization program.

Guilfoyle attended a black-tie welcome reception over the weekend in Athens. Joined by local business leaders and several Cabinet members, she took part in a lively Greek dance — linking arms with other guests and keeping pace as the music sped up.

“I know we will do amazing things for these two exceptional countries,” she told attendees. “I will not disappoint the United States of America. I shall not disappoint Greece.”

At Tuesday’s ceremony, Guilfoyle presented her credentials after the new ambassadors from Norway, Harriet Berg, and Canada, Sonya Thissen.