Greece has become a retirement hot spot for 2026

Retirement in this European country is as easy as a Mediterranean breeze.

The annual Global Retirement Index, published by International Living, narrowed down the best destinations to spend your golden years in 2026.

The round-up accounted for a range of lifestyle considerations, including the cost of living, access to health care, climate and visa offerings.

One seaside European country knocked out the competition, usurping last year’s reigning champs like Panama and Portugal.

Pensioners, look no further than Greece.

The welcoming Mediterranean country earned top marks as the ideal retirement destination. Greece ranked first for its visa programs, low cost of living, affordable housing, consistently good healthcare and its breezy coastal climate.

Recent visa changes and rising costs in former European hotspots, like Portugal and Spain, lowered their rankings, according to the publication.

Greece’s residency programs are among the friendliest in the world, according to Travel and Leisure. Home shoppers can seek out its Golden Visa, and retirees can specially apply for the country’s Financially Independent Person permit. For those not yet ready to leave the rat race, the country’s Digital Nomad Visa makes working abroad easy.

Healthcare is an increasing priority as we age, and Greece earned a score of 89 out of 100, based on both quality and cost. The destination boasts a well-developed healthcare system and internationally trained doctors, according to International Living.

The outlet’s Greece correspondent, Leena Horner, called her private healthcare in the country “consistently good,” costing her and her husband roughly $288 per month.

Greece offers expats an especially wallet-friendly lifestyle. Rent for seaside homes range from just $691 to $1,151 a month, the outlet reported. International Living estimated that a couple can live comfortably in many parts of the country for less than $2,000 each month.

Low expenses leaves plenty leftover to enjoy the country’s olive oil-rich cuisine and bottles of its world-famous ouzo.

Those over 60 fleeing blustery northern winters can expect to enjoy Greece’s hot, dry summers and mild winters. While scorching heatwaves may deter newcomers from settling in the capital city of Athens, the dreamy island destinations that dot the country’s coast offer easy escapes.

Panama and Costa Rica trailed behind Greece in the ranking’s top three spots. Panama’s highly accessible residency options beat out even Greece, while Costa Rica’s lush climate rose above the rest.

The 2026 round-up saw Portugal bumped from second place to fourth, but the country and its fellow EU members like Italy, France and Spain stuck around in the top 10, alongside other retirement favorites like Mexico, Thailand and Malaysia.