Engel & Völkers
  • 12 min read
  • 22/07/2025

Holiday Home in Greece: Trends & Top Destinations for 2025

Greece remains a top destination for those seeking a valuable holiday home that also offers a high quality of life. Which areas stand out, what do buyers prefer, and what trends are shaping the market in 2025?

Luxury villa with a pool and bean bag chairs. White building with windows, and a view of the landscape.
Photography by: Uknown

Greece remains one of the most attractive destinations for those looking to purchase a holiday home, whether for private use—as a place of relaxation—or as an investment. Both international and Greek buyers are looking for a combination of quality of life, natural beauty, and stable value. Their approach is now more strategic than ever, based on data and criteria that truly matter.

The Market Report by Engel & Völkers Greece highlights the new standards set by buyers and the areas attracting the most interest, painting a picture where quality, strategic location, and aesthetics play a leading role.

Table of Content

  1. What Are Holiday Home Buyers Looking for in Greece?

  2. Which Are the Most Popular Areas for Second Home Purchases in Greece in 2025?

  3. The Cycladic Islands That Stand Out for Holiday Home Purchases

  4. The Dodecanese Islands That Stand Out for Holiday Home Investment

  5. The Most Popular Regions in the Peloponnese for Holiday Homes

  6. The Saronic Islands That Stand Out for Holiday Home Investment

What Are Holiday Home Buyers Looking for in Greece?

As shown, Second Home buyers in Greece have steady and specific standards, regardless of budget. These include sea views, privacy, energy efficiency, modern architecture, and year-round accessibility.

On many islands like Paros and Mykonos, sea views are a must, while for high-budget buyers, beachfront property is the main criterion.

The market is no longer defined by recovery but by a steady and continuous evolution. Buyer preferences are shifting, expectations are rising, and Greek real estate appears more mature and ready than ever to meet these new conditions.

Buyers’ standards are becoming increasingly specific, and certain regions of Greece consistently emerge as top choices.

But which are the leading destinations for Second Home investment?

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The Cycladic Islands That Stand Out for Holiday Home Purchases

The authentic Cycladic architecture, unique beaches, and lifestyle that the Cyclades offer make them timelessly popular for holiday home investment. Buyers are attracted by both the aesthetic appeal and the investment potential of the islands.

Paros

The Island combining natural tranquility and strong investment potential

Paros has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations in the Cyclades real estate market. Paros’ property market has stabilized and is likely to continue its steady upward trajectory.

About 60–70% of buyers are foreigners, mainly from France, Switzerland, Germany, and Israel. The average asking price reaches €4,500/sq.m., with prices in prime locations like Naoussa exceeding €8,000/sq.m.

The highest demand is recorded in the area between Naoussa and Ambelas, followed by the coastal zone from Pounta to Agia Irini.

The island continues to experience robust construction activity, with new projects enhancing both tourism infrastructure and investment appeal. There’s a noticeable increase in luxury homes and hotel development, yet there's a significant shortage of smaller villas (up to 170 sq.m.), which continue to sell rapidly.

Mykonos

The Cosmopolitan island with high demand

The cosmopolitan island of Mykonos is one of the most popular and dynamic destinations for buying a holiday home in Greece, consistently attracting global investor attention.

Roughly 60–70% of homebuyers in Mykonos are foreigners, mostly from Italy, Lebanon, and France.

Demand focuses on move-in-ready properties. Popular areas include the island’s western side near Chora, Agios Ioannis, Aleomandra, and eastern coastal locations such as Ftelia, Kalafatis, and Kalo Livadi.

Average prices range from €7,500 to €12,000/sq.m.

Syros

A timeless charm with investment prospects

The capital of the Cyclades, Syros, combines Greek traditional elegance with a vibrant and multicultural character. It shows strong investment potential due to the growth of new accommodations and short-term rentals.

About 60% of buyers who prefer residence in Syros are foreign, primarily from the UK, USA, Australia, Germany, Lebanon, and Israel.

Kythnos & Kea

Authentic Cycladic identity and easy access from Athens

  • Impressive Villa with Pool in Kythnos

    Kithnos, Southern Aegean, Greece

    Impressive Villa with Pool in Kythnos

    €1,750,000

    • 4 Bedrooms
    • 4 Bathrooms
    • ~174 m² Living area
    • ~6,200 m² Plot surface
  • Investment opportunity in Kythnos

    Greece

    Investment opportunity in Kythnos

    €1,950,000

    • 10 Bedrooms
    • 8 Bathrooms
    • ~240 m² Living area
    • ~4,200 m² Plot surface
  • Blue cape
    Reserved

    Kithnos, Southern Aegean, Greece

    Blue cape

    €370,000

    • ~35,000 m² Plot surface

Their proximity to Athens and their genuine Cycladic charm make Kythnos and Kea two of the most attractive and rapidly developing destinations for holidays and Second Home purchases.

In Kythnos, development is limited to tourism infrastructure, with a rise in villa complexes. Around 60% of property buyers are foreigners, mainly from France, Germany, and Italy.

In Kea, investment potential is stronger, with a new luxury resort under development. About 60% of buyers who prefer a property in Kythnos come from Germany, the UK, France, and North America.

The most sought-after properties in Kea are seaside villas with private pools and unobstructed sea views.

Andros

The noble island with low profile and natural beauty

The northernmost Cycladic island, Andros, is gaining more interest from those seeking a holiday home close to Athens without sacrificing natural beauty and island authenticity.

Half of the buyers are Greek—mostly Athenians seeking a weekend escape—while the other half are foreign, mainly from Italy, France, Switzerland, with a small share from the UK and Israel.

The properties in Andros that buyers tend to prefer more are detached houses or villas with sea views, ideally close to the shoreline or organized beaches.

The most in-demand zone stretches from Fellos to Paleopolis, including Gavrio, Batsi, and Ano Aprovato.

Tinos

For authentic Cycladic living

With its spiritual character, traditional architecture, and classic Cycladic identity, Tinos is becoming a rising destination for those seeking a more meaningful, peaceful, and authentic living experience.

Around 70–80% of buyers are foreigners from Germany, Northern Europe, the USA, and Canada.

Demand focuses on traditional or newly built homes in Tinos that blend into the landscape, located near coastal or semi-mountainous villages.

Properties with views, privacy, and aesthetic quality are preferred, along with homes suitable for renovation.

Antiparos

For privacy and discreet luxury

With its crystal-clear waters, relaxed atmosphere, and easy access to and from Paros, Antiparos stands out as one of the most desirable destinations for purchasing a Second Home, particularly among affluent international buyers.

Limited land availability, strict building regulations, and low-density development contribute to the island’s appeal.

Around 75% of property buyers in Antiparos come from Italy, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

The most sought-after areas include Chora, Soros, and Agios Georgios.

Santorini

The island of timeless value offering new market balance

Santorini remains one of the most iconic destinations, with high property values, strong return opportunities, and a stable demand base. The fact that prices of properties in Santorini temporarily dropped attracted buyers seeking more affordable holiday homes.

Approximately 80–85% of buyers are international, from the USA, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy, who are looking for luxury holiday residences with views of the caldera that can also be utilized for short-term rental.

Naxos

An island with growing demand and emerging investment potential

Naxos is gaining ground as a key destination for holiday home buyers seeking a new lifestyle.

Demand increased by 16% in 2024, driven by international buyers interested in short-term rental opportunities.

There was also a 10–15% increase in property prices, especially for villas and coastal properties.

Roughly 90% of buyers are foreigners—from the UK, Germany, Italy, Australia, Canada, Israel, and the USA.

Villas and detached houses in Naxos, between 80–150 sq.m. with sea views or proximity to the beach are in the highest demand.

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The Dodecanese Islands That Stand Out for Holiday Home Investment

The Dodecanese Islands combine authenticity and historical charm with high-quality tourism infrastructure and easy international access. Which islands stand out?

Rhodes

A mature market with strong investment interest

The island of the knights shows high demand for various types of properties, thanks to a combination of developed infrastructure and natural beauty.

Around 60–65% of buyers are foreigners from Germany, the UK, France, Belgium, Italy, and Israel.

Properties in Lindos are a top choice for luxury investments and short-term rentals, with the city of Rhodes and Ialyssos also drawing strong interest.

Short-term rental yields can reach up to 7% annually, boosting investment appeal.

Despite the increase in the Golden Visa threshold to €800,000, properties in Rhodes still offer accessible investment opportunities.

Symi

Authentic identity with rising demand

Symi’s traditional architecture and tranquil lifestyle make it a standout destination for buyers from the UK, Germany, France, and Italy, mostly retirees or digital nomads who value cultural heritage.

Interest is growing, driven by the possibility of qualifying for the Golden Visa, as prices are close to the €400,000 threshold.

Larger homes of Symi sell for around €2,500–€6,000/sq.m., while smaller properties remain more affordable.

Many parts of the Peloponnese are attractive for Second Home purchases due to easy access and unrivaled natural beauty. Four areas stand out:

Argolis

Historic charm and long-term investment value

Argolis is a mature yet continuously evolving market, ideal for long-term investments. Between 60–75% of buyers are foreigners, coming from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Belgium, the USA, Switzerland, Israel, as well as from Greece. Argolis is home to Greece’s “Saint-Tropez,” Porto Heli, as well as a multifaceted destination, the picturesque town of Nafplio.

Both the new luxury residences in Porto Heli and the renovated classic homes in Nafplio are steadily growing, representing smart investments for short-term rentals.

Corinthia

Constant development with increasing investment appeal

Corinthia’s real estate market is steadily developing, thanks to its strategic location. Roughly 55–65% of buyers are foreigners from the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, the UK, France, and Scandinavia—mainly older couples with mid-to-high incomes.

Greek buyers, mostly from Athens, look for holiday homes close to the city.

Small-scale tourism investments are increasing, particularly in Loutraki.

Popular areas include Xylokastro, Derveni, Kiato, and Vrachati, with average prices of €2,500–3,500 in Loutraki and Perachora, and €2,000–3,000 in other towns.

Laconia

Authentic character and growth prospects

  • Authentic Stone Tower in Monemvasia Fortress

    monemvasia, lakonia, greece, Monemvasia, Peloponnese Region, Greece

    Authentic Stone Tower in Monemvasia Fortress

    €695,000

    • 2 Bedrooms
    • 2 Bathrooms
    • ~165 m² Living area
    • ~68 m² Plot surface
  • Stone Villa with Sea Views in Monemvasia

    Foutia, Peloponnese Region, Greece

    Stone Villa with Sea Views in Monemvasia

    €450,000

    • 3 Bedrooms
    • 2 Bathrooms
    • ~220 m² Living area
    • ~301 m² Plot surface

Laconia is an emerging destination known for its authenticity. About 50–65% of interested buyers of residences in Laconia are foreigners from Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK, France, and the USA.

There’s rising interest in boutique hotels and stone-built suites, with increasing potential for short-term rentals.

Popular areas include Monemvasia, Gythio, Mavrovouni, East Mani, Plytra, Pachounari, and Elafonisos.

Messinia

A backdrop of authentic luxury and nature

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Messinia is one of the most up-and-coming areas of investment interest, mainly due to tourism and institutional development in Costa Navarino.Most buyers of residences in Messinia are foreigners—from Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, France, the UK, the USA, and Israel, while 25–30% are Greek.

Buyers focus on quality and natural beauty. Top areas include Pylos, Gialova, Costa Navarino, Kalamata, Verga, Mikri Mantineia, Koroni, Finikounda, Stoupa, and Kardamyli.

The Saronic Islands That Stand Out for Holiday Home Investment

Close to Athens yet with distinct identities, Hydra and Spetses combine high-end lifestyle, rich cultural tradition, and strong investment returns.

Hydra - Spetses

Islands with unique architectural aesthetic and high demand

The most cosmopolitan and best-preserved architecturally are the Saronic islands of Hydra and Spetses.

Buying a classic home in Hydra or a property in Spetses is considered a low-risk, high-value investment, offering excellent income potential.

About 70–85% of buyers come from the UK, Germany, France, Belgium, the USA, and Israel. The typical buyer profile includes high-income investors, artists, entrepreneurs, and politicians. Their interest is increasingly focused on purchasing and renovating historic properties intended for short-term rental.

Chalkidiki

Quiet holidays and strong investments

Properties in Chalkidiki are especially attractive for holiday home buyers.

The majority of buyers are from abroad, with 40% from Central Europe, 30–35% from the Balkans, and significant interest also coming from Israel and Turkey.

Property values have increased by approximately 7.2% annually over the last five years, outpacing the Greek national average of ~5.4%, with further growth expected in 2025.

The most in-demand towns include Pefkochori, Paliouri, Polychrono, Chaniotis, Nikiti, and Elani.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions about buying a holiday home in Greece

Contact

Contact your personal advisor

Headshot of a young woman with long blonde hair, wearing a black blazer and gold necklace, against a white background.
Portrait of Nikoleta Tzeliou

Engel & Völkers Greece

Athens Tower 2-4, Mesogeion Avenue (10th Floor)

11527 Athens, Greece

Tel: +30 211 105 500 0