What are the best Greek islands to buy a holiday home for private use and/or rental?
This page gives you a handy overview of possible options.
Greek (holiday) property offers in certain cases interesting conditions for private investors who are looking for a country house for sale in Greece…
Investing in a holiday home can be particularly rewarding on several Greek islands.
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Most beautiful Greek islands for buying a holiday home
Buying property in Greece can change your life drastically, in a positive way.
It can be real estate on the Greek mainland, but also real estate on one of the thousands of Greek islands…
Below is a list of some of the best Greek islands to invest in a holiday home:
Samos
The island of Samos is a beautiful Greek gem and part of the north-eastern Aegean Islands.
This is the perfect location if you want a new or special experience of the Greek islands. Samos gives a good idea of how the Greeks really live.
Samos has several beautiful archaeological sites to offer.
However, this island is and will remain most famous for its excellent beaches and abundant opportunities for walking, cycling and windsurfing.
In other words, Samos is attractive for tourists who seek a healthy balance between culture and nature, in a fantastic climate and without mass tourism.
Tip: Luxury holiday homes for sale
Check out your options to buy a holiday home on Samos for private use and rental.
You can currently invest in a luxury resort with the right to free weeks of private use on an annual basis and contractually guaranteed rental income.
You will acquire full ownership of a studio, flat or villa with a fantastic view of the bay.
Two facts about Samos
- Samos is the best Greek crossing point for those who want to visit Ephesus from the Greek islands. Ephesus is an ancient Ionian harbour city and one of the most important archaeological sites in Asia Minor (in the province of İzmir in Turkey).
- The inventor of the Pythagorean theorem, the philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, was born on the island of Samos (as the son of a wealthy merchant).
Hydra
The island of Hydra is one of the most picturesque Greek islands and belongs to the Saronic Islands located in the Gulf of Egina (also known as the Saronic Gulf).
Hydra is blessed with beautiful stone mansions and a charming atmosphere.
Several picturesque harbours, narrow alleys, churches, small shops and traditional taverns with fresh fish dishes complete the picture.
You won’t see any cars on the island of Hydra! Everyone moves around the island on foot, by bike, by boat over the water or by donkey.
This ban on cars creates a charming atmosphere and makes Hydra one of the most serene destinations near Athens.
Interesting fact: The island of Hydra was one of the first Greek islands to be discovered, before the islands of Mykonos and Santorini.
Crete: Largest of the Greek islands
Crete is the largest of all the Greek islands and the fifth largest island in the entire Mediterranean.
On the island of Crete, one can admire the remains of magnificent civilisations.
In addition, Crete also offers amazingly beautiful nature, including fertile valleys, beautiful beaches to relax and enjoy, impressive mountain landscapes with accompanying steep gorges, and so on.
Crete also offers the best of Greek cuisine.
It is a real pleasure to enjoy the rich gastronomic culture of this island.
Crete is a (small) world of its own, teeming with splendour.
The rich history and the expressive and friendly locals create a unique atmosphere and cosiness.
Santorini
Santorini Island belongs to the Cyclades and is without doubt one of the most spectacular islands in the world.
The streets of the towns of Fira and Oia are carved into the wall of a high crater cliff on the western side of the island.
Both towns offer beautiful views of the round crater left by a volcanic eruption and now filled with the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea.
The archaeological site of Akrotiri also offers a unique insight into the life of the Minoan civilisation (thanks to scenes frozen in time by the eruption of the past).
On the island of Santorini, it is also possible to party thanks to the lively nightlife of the town of Fira.
Tip: Avoid Santorini if you don’t like extremely popular (and crowded) summer holiday destinations in the Aegean…
Skyros
Skyros Island, also known as Skiros, is perhaps the least popular of the Sporades Islands group.
But it is one of the most beautiful islands of this archipelago, a true Greek unspoilt gem.
Skyros is relatively unknown and the least developed tourist island of the Sporades Islands group.
This means that it is a paradise destination for those who love unspoilt nature, seclusion and relaxation.
Unaffected by hordes of international tourists, Skyros is one of those Greek islands with a unique character and special traditions.
Think winding roads, a number of smaller villages, several remote beaches, one main town and some local ancient legends.
The island of Skyros offers deserted beaches to laze on without mass tourism, traditional architecture and a good network of beautiful walking paths.
In short, this island has a unique beauty and charm that makes it perhaps the most exceptional island in the Northern Sporades.
In addition, Skyros is a good base for island hopping to the nearby islands of the Northern Sporades, such as Skiathos, Evia, Skopelos, Alonissos, etc.
Syros
Syros belongs to the Cyclades group of islands in the Aegean Sea. Syros may not be as popular as its neighbouring islands Mykonos, Santorini and Paros, but therein lies its charm.
With its beautiful Cycladic landscape without too much tourist bustle, Syros is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to relax and unwind on the Greek islands.
Syros is a relatively small island with a dynamic, cosmopolitan capital.
You will also find flourishing seaside resorts and an impressively beautiful agricultural region, various archaeological remains as well as unspoilt beaches without hordes of tourists.
Fact: Syros is the cradle of rembetika, a form of Greek traditional music characterised by simple and catchy rhythms.
Rhodes
The island of Rhodes belongs to the Dodecanese archipelago. Together with Kos, Rhodes is considered the major islands of the Dodecanese.
Rhodes combines a cosmopolitan atmosphere with medieval architecture in a unique way!
Natural and pure scenery, picturesque villages, imposing buildings and old towns are combined with excellent restaurants, fantastic beaches, fashion boutiques and a vibrant nightlife.
The island’s most important monument is the old town of Rhodes, Rhodes Town, which has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
This city is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. The Street of Knights, the Palace of the Grand Master and the Venetian Castle are the most famous sights there.
In short, the island of Rhodes has everything one could wish for: Stunning ancient and medieval ruins, amazing gastronomy, spectacular beaches and an exceptionally lively nightlife.
The only disadvantage is that everyone knows Rhodes…
Tinos: Pilgrimage site of the Greek islands
Tinos Island is located at the northern end of the Cyclades archipelago and can be considered one of the most enchanting Greek islands.
This island is known as a place of pilgrimage of the Greek islands because of the church Panagia Evangelistria (Megalochari).
This church can be considered the spiritual heart of the Greek islands as it attracts thousands of believers yearly who long for healing.
Apart from the religious role that Tinos plays, this charming island also offers numerous other attractions and a unique atmosphere.
Think of surprisingly beautiful picturesque villages, beautiful dovecotes, unique local stone houses, beautiful fields walled by beautiful stone boundary walls, the marble village of Pirgos, squares, churches, beautiful sandy beaches and stunning architecture.
As far as activities are concerned, Tinos offers a wide range of possibilities (such as various types of water sports, festivals, wine tasting, unforgettable treks, yoga, shopping, etc.).
Corfu
The island of Corfu belongs to the 14 Ionian Islands that lie off the Greek west coast.
Corfu has beautiful lush vegetation (green hills), a still fairly classic interior with typical mansions and is also blessed with an unspoilt coastline.
Corfu is one of the most romantic islands of the Ionian archipelago thanks to its idyllic beaches and its unique culture (interesting museums) and atmosphere.
This island has many unique old landmarks and a vintage look (19th century genre) with influences from the English, French and Venetians.
In Corfu Town, a nostalgic charm drips from the walls.
You can walk through beautiful, cosy cobbled streets, visit various museums, go to the Liston promenade and Spianada square, and so on.
In addition, Corfu is characterised by a heavy dose of international culture and a thriving tourist industry, which is less interesting for those looking for peace and quiet on a small scale.
Chios
Chios is the fifth largest Greek island by area and is part of the Eastern Aegean Islands.
This island, like Samos, is located near the Turkish coast. There is also a ferry route connecting Chios with Turkey (Cesme port).
This island is characterised by beautiful medieval villages such as Olympi and Pyrgi.
These unique vintage villages are distinguished from other Greek villages by their exceptional architecture and fortress-like construction.
The traditional houses of Chios are really something special. The facades of these classical houses are decorated with special motifs (black and white).
Moreover, these villages are divided by countless narrow alleys that create a labyrinthine feel.
Apart from its architecture, Chios also offers wondrously beautiful beaches (Mavra Volia is the best beach on the southern side of Chios) and picturesque landscapes.
The island of Chios is highly recommended if you wish to avoid mass tourism without sacrificing natural beauty or authenticity.
The relaxed atmosphere, the picturesque coastal villages with lovely taverns, the local hospitality, the cosy seaside resorts and the natural beauty make Chios a popular destination for family holidays!
Sifnos: Culinary hotspot of the Greek islands
Sifnos is located at the western end of the Cyclades archipelago and is considered the Greek island with the best and most delicious cuisine due to its thriving culinary scene.
Furthermore, the island of Sifnos is blessed with a typical Cycladic atmosphere. You will find beautiful whitewashed houses, dovecotes and chapels, as well as enchanting sandy beaches!
Sifnos is also a green island with beautiful natural landscapes, ravines, hills, mountain peaks, slopes and secluded beaches.
Please note: Sifnos is popular during the summer months and is then often overrun by Greeks from Athens.