Best Areas and Cities in Greece for Foreigners to Live

How to Choose a Location in Greece

Greece is divided into several completely different worlds. The major cities are Athens and Thessaloniki. Islands are a separate story with tourist season and winter silence. Mainland Greece - Peloponnese, Central Macedonia - quiet and affordable.

Before looking at specific areas, answer three questions for yourself. Do you need urban infrastructure year-round? Do you have school-age children? Is proximity to an international airport important? The answers will immediately narrow your choices to 2–3 options.

This guide covers 7 key locations - from prestigious Kolonaki in Athens to quiet Nafplio in the Peloponnese. For each - prices, advantages, disadvantages, and who it suits.

Athens: General Overview for Relocation

Athens is a capital city with a population of approximately 3.5 million in the metropolitan area. Everything is concentrated here: Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport, most embassies, best hospitals, and international schools.

The city is divided into districts with very different characters. The same Athens includes prestigious Kolonaki, bustling Omonia, and quiet suburban Nea Smyrni. The distance between them is 5–10 km, but the difference in atmosphere is enormous.

Public transport in Athens includes the metro, buses, and tram. The metro operates well but does not cover all areas. During evening rush hours, you can spend 40–60 minutes in traffic. Many expats prefer to live near a metro station.

Kolonaki: Elite Center of Athens

Kolonaki (Kolonaki) is the most prestigious district in Athens. Located on the slopes of Lycabettus Hill in the city center. Expensive boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants, contemporary art galleries.

Diplomats, top executives, and wealthy Greeks live here. Streets are clean, architecture is beautiful, security is high. Walking distance to the Acropolis is 20 minutes.

Rental Costs in Kolonaki:

Suitable for: couples without children, professionals, those who value status and central location. Less convenient for families with children due to lack of parks and difficult parking.

Disadvantages: high prices for everything, tourist crowds in summer, little greenery, parking is nearly impossible.

Glyfada: Beach and Comfort for Families

Glyfada (Glyfada) is a southern suburb of Athens on the coast of the Saronic Gulf. Approximately 20 km from the city center. Families with children and those seeking to combine urban conveniences with the sea live here.

The area is well-developed: shopping centers, restaurants, schools. Beaches are within walking distance. The atmosphere is calm but not provincial. Many expats and military families live here - there is an air base nearby.

Rental Costs in Glyfada:

Suitable for: Families with children, those who love the sea and beach, expats on long-term stays. There are several well-reputed private schools.

Drawbacks: 30-40 minutes to Athens center by tram or car. Summer tourist traffic increases. Metro does not reach this area - a car or tram is necessary.

Kifisia: northern green suburb

Kifisia (Kifisia) is a district in northern Athens, approximately 14 km from the center. The greenest suburb of the capital. Wide boulevards lined with plane trees, villas behind fences, quiet streets. Historically, it was a retreat for Athenian aristocracy.

The climate here is different: noticeably cooler in summer than the center thanks to the vegetation and elevation above sea level. This is an important advantage for those who suffer from Athens heat in July-August.

Kifisia rental costs:

Suitable for: Families, retirees, those who value peace and nature. 30 minutes to the center by metro (Line 1).

Drawbacks: Expensive, similar to Kolonaki. Far from the sea. Winter can be damp and cold.

Nea Smyrni: calm middle-class area

Nea Smyrni (Nea Smyrni) is a district south of central Athens. Quiet, clean, residential. Greek middle-class residents live here - families, retirees, young professionals.

The main square of the district is one of the best in Athens: a large plaza with cafés, playgrounds, local shops. An atmosphere of neighborly, cozy life. Almost no tourists.

Nea Smyrni rental costs:

Suitable for: Families with moderate budgets, those who want to live among Greeks rather than in an expat bubble. 20 minutes to the center by metro.

Drawbacks: Not the most architecturally beautiful district. No access to the sea. Fewer international schools nearby.

Omonia and districts to avoid

Omonia (Omonia) is the central square of Athens. A historic place, but today one of the most troubled areas of the city. High level of street crime, drug trafficking, illegal migration. Unsafe at night.

Tourists pass through Omonia on the metro - and that is correct. Living here is not advisable, even despite low rental prices.

Other districts to approach with caution:

• Exarchia (Exarchia) - historically an anarchist district with protests, graffiti, occasional riots. Some young expats choose to live here deliberately, but it is not suitable for families.
• Attiki (Attiki) and Metaxurgheio - working-class neighborhoods with high numbers of homeless migrants. Prices are low, but the atmosphere is tense.
• Piraeus (center) - a port city with its own character. Areas around the port are noisy and not the safest. However, Piraeus Mikrolimano and Pasalimani are pleasant fishing harbors.

General principle: the lower the rental price in central Athens, the more questions arise about district safety. Check the specific street, not just the neighborhood name.

Thessaloniki: the second city for living

Thessaloniki (Thessaloniki) is the second largest city in Greece, capital of Northern Macedonia. Population is approximately 1 million in the metropolitan area. A university city with a young atmosphere and developed gastronomy. Prices are 20-30% lower than Athens.

Two main districts for expats:

Kalamaria (Kalamaria) - a suburb east of the city center, on the shores of the gulf. Quiet, green, with good schools. Popular among families. 2BR rental - €800-1,200 per month. Good transport links to the city center.

Thessaloniki City Center - lively, student-oriented. Many cafes, bars, cultural events. Rental is cheaper: 1BR from €500. Suitable for young people and singles. Noisy in summer.

Comparison Athens vs Thessaloniki:

Thessaloniki is a good choice for those who do not need capital city bustle but value urban infrastructure.

Crete: the most inhabited island

Crete is the largest island in Greece. It has everything for permanent residence: hospitals, universities, an international airport in Heraklion, a second airport in Chania. Not a seasonal resort, but a genuine region.

Heraklion (Heraklion) - capital of the island, largest city. Developed infrastructure, university, good hospitals. Less touristy than Chania. Moderate prices. 2BR rental - €600-950 per month.

Chania (Chania) - western part of the island. Venetian harbor, more touristy and photogenic city. Very popular among European expats. 2BR rental - €700-1,100 per month. Quiet in winter, lively in summer.

Rethymno (Rethymno) - between Heraklion and Chania. Small cozy town with a university. Lower rental: 2BR from €500.

Many foreigners from Germany, United Kingdom, Netherlands live on Crete. Russian-speaking community exists but is small. The language of communication is English, German in some places.

Disadvantages of Crete: In winter, life stalls in tourist areas. Part of restaurants and shops are closed from November to March. In some settlements, a car is essential.

Other islands: Corfu and Rhodes

Corfu (Kerkyra) - an island in western Greece, former British colony. The greenest Greek island due to high humidity and rainfall. It has one major advantage: a British international school. This is important for families with children oriented toward British education.

The atmosphere on Corfu is more Western European than on other islands. The city's architecture is UNESCO-listed. 2BR rental in the city - €700-1,000 per month. In winter the island is quiet, but infrastructure operates year-round.

Disadvantages of Corfu: Heavy rainfall in winter. Limited choice of schools and hospitals. Flights often routed through Athens.

Rhodes (Rhodes) - a large island with an international airport and developed infrastructure. Historic center is a UNESCO site. Active life year-round. 2BR rental in the city - €650-950 per month.

Rhodes is convenient for those who travel frequently: direct flights to a number of European cities. Russian-speaking community exists - a tourist island with history.

Peloponnese and Nafplio: a quiet alternative

Nafplio (Nafplio) - a small historic town 150 km from Athens. First capital of independent Greece. Venetian fortress, cobblestone streets, peaceful life. Very beautiful - and very quiet.

People who deliberately choose a slow pace live here. Retirees, artists, freelancers. The town is small - about 14,000 residents. Everyone knows each other.

Rental here is 2-3 times cheaper than Athens. 2BR apartment - €400-650 per month. House with garden - €700-1,200.

Disadvantages of Nafplio: No international schools, no large hospitals, no direct air service. To Athens - 2 hours by car. Not the best choice for families with children and people with serious medical needs.

The Peloponnese in general is interesting for people who want to buy a small house by the sea or an olive grove. Real estate prices here are among the lowest in Greece.

Attica: suburbs cheaper than Athens

Attica is a region around Athens. There are suburbs that are significantly cheaper than the city while maintaining convenient access to the capital.

Marathon 42 km northeast of Athens. A small town with a historic battlefield. Quiet, green, with beaches. 2BR rental - €500-750 per month. Downside - approximately one hour by car or bus to central Athens.

Porto Rafti Eastern coast of Attica, approximately 35 km from Athens. A fishing village with good beaches. Very quiet in winter - most establishments are closed. Lively in summer. 2BR rental - €500-800 per month.

These locations are suitable for those working remotely and wanting to reduce expenses while maintaining access to Athens. A car is essential.

Cost of living: district comparison

The cost of living in Greece depends heavily on the chosen location. Athens is approximately 1.5-2 times more expensive than provincial areas. Islands during tourist season are more expensive; in winter - cheaper.

Housing rental (per month):

Groceries (Athens, supermarket prices):

Other expenses (Athens):

Monthly budget (family of 3, Athens, excluding rent): €1,800-2,800. With rent for a 2BR in an average neighborhood - approximately €3,200-4,500 per month.

Infrastructure: what to check before relocating

Before choosing a specific neighborhood, verify several practical aspects.

Healthcare. In Athens and Thessaloniki - major hospitals with good equipment. On large islands (Crete, Rhodes, Corfu) - local hospitals. In small towns and villages - only medical clinics. If you have chronic conditions, ensure the required specialist is within reasonable distance.

International schools. In Athens there are several: Athens College, Campion School, ACS Athens, St Catherine's British School. In Thessaloniki - Anatolia College. In Corfu - British School of Corfu. Outside these cities - only local Greek schools or online education.

Internet and telecommunications. In cities - stable fiber from €25 per month. On small islands and mountain villages - may have only ADSL or mobile internet. For remote work, check the specific address.

Transportation accessibility. Athens - major hub: direct flights to most European capitals. Crete (Heraklion, Chania), Rhodes, Corfu - international airports, but fewer flight options. From Nafplio and Peloponnese villages to the nearest airport - 1.5-2 hours.

Banks. After the 2015 crisis, the Greek banking system stabilized. Major banks: Alpha Bank, Eurobank, National Bank of Greece, Piraeus Bank. Opening an account as a foreigner with residency permit - possible, but requires a document package. Without residency permit - only in limited cases.

How to legally live in Greece

For staying in Greece longer than 90 days, citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and other non-EU countries need a residence permit. One of the most popular pathways is the Greek "Golden Visa" through real estate investments.

Main investment thresholds (2026):

• €800,000 - real estate in Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini, and islands with population over 3,100 residents.
• €400,000 - other regions of Greece.
• €250,000 - only conversion (commercial property to residential) or restoration of architectural monuments.

Residence permit issued for 5 years with renewal option. Residency is not mandatory - property ownership is sufficient. The program includes spouse, children up to age 21, and parents of both spouses without age limit.

Short-term rental (Airbnb) of property purchased for residency permit is prohibited - this will result in status cancellation and a €50,000 fine. Long-term rental for 1 year or more is permitted.

Detailed information about the program - on the page Greece Residence Permit through Investments.

Taxes and finances for residents

Greek tax residency arises when residing more than 183 days per year. This is important to understand when choosing location and lifestyle.

Main taxes for individuals:

Special regime for new residents. Greece introduced a preferential tax program for foreigners transferring tax residency to the country. A fixed tax of €100,000 per year on foreign income—regardless of amount. Valid for 15 years. Suitable for wealthy individuals with high foreign income.

Property transfer tax upon purchase is 3.09% of the property value. VAT of 24% applies to new construction (permit issued before 31.12.2024—with VAT; after—without VAT). This is important to consider when selecting a property.

For tax planning, we recommend consulting with a Greek tax lawyer before relocating, not after.