The best cities in Cyprus to live in: a professional review

Greece is a country with thousands of years of history, an azure sea and an incredible variety of regions. From bustling Athens to the tranquil islands, every corner of the country has its own rhythm, climate and opportunities, including prices. Choosing the right location to live in such an environment is not an easy task. Our article is designed to help you in this difficult endeavour. We will tell you about the best cities in Greece to live in.

Athens and Attica: the pulse of the country

Attica concentrated finance, culture, international schools and major medical centres. Athens is not just the capital, but the centre of gravity of Greek land. Here, Greek property provides liquidity and the market is steadily rising: over the past three years, prices have increased by an average of 12-17% by district.

The centre – Plaka, Kolonaki, Metz – offers housing at €2,500-4,000 per m². Dormitory neighbourhoods – Perama, Ilioupoli – start at €1,500. Attica remains attractive for relocation due to its mild climate, access to the sea, metro and stable social environment.

A key feature is direct air links to Europe, the USA and Asia. This makes Athens an entry point into the country and a comfortable base for obtaining a residence permit in Greece through investment.

Thessaloniki: a northern vector of opportunity

Thessaloniki is the second metropolis of the country and the centre of the Macedonia region. It is listed as one of the “best cities in Greece to live in” due to its combination of cultural heritage, university environment and low prices. The average cost is around €1,800 per m², with rents yielding stable returns of up to 5.6% per annum.

The city is aimed at active young people and those seeking a balance between the metropolis and a measured life. Transport is developed by the new metro, the coastline overlooks Termaikos, and the evening promenade turns working days into an easy holiday resort. Thessaloniki is actively developing IT and tourism – creating jobs and demand for accommodation.

Islands as a lifestyle: from Corfu to Santorini

The island part of the country offers not just climate and scenery, but a special rhythm – measured, aesthetic and investment-conscious. Here property is not only a roof over your head, but also an asset with predictable returns. Each island forms its own image: from green cosiness to elite status.

Corfu

The green island in the Ionian Sea is on the list of “Greece’s best cities to live in”. A combination of nature, British architecture and high rental demand. Prices start from €1,700 per m² and rental yields of 9-11% in high season.

Crete

The largest island in the country with developed infrastructure, international schools and clinics. Heraklion and Chania, the two main cities, are actively developing new residential projects. Crete utilises a combination of climate, transport accessibility and a strong economy. Property in Crete in Greece remains one of the most sought after.

Rhodes

Europe’s sunny island is a stable investment. The cost of housing grows by 8-10% annually. The east coast remains the leader in the number of transactions. The combination of ancient architecture, developed tourism and proximity to Turkey makes Rhodes strategically attractive for buying a home.

Santorini

Unique geology, whitewashed buildings, volcanic landscapes. Santorini doesn’t fall into the “affordable housing” category, but it’s firmly on the list of the country’s best cities to live in. For those looking for status, not just a view. Prices start from €4,000 per m², but the liquidity of the object is maintained even in the crisis.

Beaches and infrastructure: where to live in Greece

The choice of region determines not only everyday life, but also access to key services. Below is the only list in the article with selection criteria:

Five factors that determine the best cities to live in:

1. Climate – 300 days of sunshine a year on Crete, minimal humidity on Rhodes, cool breezes on Corfu.
2. Sea and beaches – Halkidiki holds the lead with 92 Blue Flag beaches.
3. Infrastructure – Athens and Thessaloniki lead the way in the number of medical centres and English language schools.
4. Property prices range from €1,200 to €4,500 per m² depending on location and type of accommodation.
5. Residence permits – available for purchases from €250,000, programmes have been running steadily since 2014.

Halkidiki: synergy of nature and comfort

Halkidiki unites three peninsulas – Kassandra, Sithonia and Athos. The first is a tourist centre, the second is a secluded green paradise, the third is a monastic autonomy with restrictions. The best towns to live in this region are Nea Mudanya, Pefkohori, Nikiti. Housing prices start from €1,400 per m². This makes buying affordable for private investors and families planning to relocate.

The region takes advantage of picturesque bays, coniferous forests and crystal clear sea. Villas with panoramic windows, apartments by the sea and houses with swimming pools are being built here. The area is popular with families due to its quietness, safety and proximity to Thessaloniki – 1.5 hours by car.

Where to buy property in Greece without overpaying

When choosing a destination, it is important not to overpay for a brand, but to calculate profitability and potential. Greece’s regions for living are not just the coasts. Epirus and Thessaly offer houses among the mountains and lakes with prices starting from €900 per m². In the Peloponnese builders are creating settlements with autonomous infrastructure – schools, shops, kindergartens.

Where is the best place to live in Greece is a question of balance. Patras is a ferry hub with a university atmosphere. Volos – a city with direct flights to Europe. Trikala – a leader in the digital environment and the country’s “smart city”. These locations rarely appear in tourist brochures, but are on the list of the best cities to live in for those who value tranquillity and autonomy.

Moving and calculating: the best cities in Greece to live in

The minimum budget for obtaining a residence permit in Greece through the purchase of property is €250,000. For this amount you can buy an apartment in Thessaloniki, a townhouse in Attica or a house in Corfu. Transaction costs are on average 7-10% of the value (taxes, notary, lawyer, registration).

Property prices in Greece are growing moderately. Over the past 12 months, the average increase according to the Bank of the country was 10.3%. The main growth is observed in Athens, Chania and Rhodes. Against this background, the market remains stable, especially in the context of European inflation.

For long-term residence, not only the budget is important, but also the structure of demand. If there are tenants, property yields 3.5-7% per annum. Demand is growing for housing with autonomous heating, terraces and solar panels – such options pay off faster.

The best cities in Greece to live in: conclusions

Buying property here is not just an investment, but a choice of everyday style. Greece’s best cities to live in offer comfort, growth potential and stability. Athens gives rhythm, Thessaloniki gives balance, Halkidiki gives tranquillity, Crete gives autonomy and Santorini gives prestige. The country is open to those who want to invest, relocate or obtain a residence permit. Proper selection of the region and analysing the infrastructure make the purchase a strategic step rather than a risk.

On an island where the sun shines 340 days a year and taxes don’t warm the air any more than necessary, powerful reasons to invest in Cyprus property have developed. Financial rationality is combined with European comfort. The benefits are not advertised here – they are proved by figures, stability and concrete stories.

Taxes that don’t squeeze

The Cypriot tax system for investors is characterised by simplicity and predictability. The capital gains rate on the sale of properties is 0% if the property is not a business. Corporate tax is 12.5%, one of the lowest in the EU.

The absence of inheritance tax and exemption from dividend tax for non-residents reinforce the benefits of property investment in Cyprus. This tax architecture allows not just to preserve capital, but to systematically increase it.

Liquidity and price growth

The island has seen a steady rise in prices, with over 45% since 2016 in popular areas including Limassol, Nicosia and Paphos. The reasons to invest in residential property are reinforced by limited supply, especially on the coast, and demand from EU and Middle Eastern nationals.

High liquidity is ensured by an active domestic market and attractiveness to foreign buyers. Properties in central locations are renting for 5-7% per annum. With the right choice, the asset turns into a source of stable income, not just a worthwhile asset.

Rental yield and commercial potential

Commercial properties in Cyprus offer yields of up to 8-10% per annum, especially in Larnaca and Ayia Napa, where tourist and logistics areas are developing. Long-term leases provide stable payments, short-term leases maximise returns in season.

Reasons to invest in residential or commercial property include rental potential. Major IT companies relocating after 2022 have created demand for offices and premium accommodation. Especially in Limassol, which has become known as the “Silicon Quay”.

Permanent residence through purchase: an easy way to the EU

The way into the European legal framework is through permanent residence in Cyprus through property investments. The minimum threshold is €300,000 in a new building. The term of registration – 2-3 months. The residence permit is valid indefinitely, subject to retention of ownership of the property.

This mechanism does not require passing exams, language skills or permanent residence. The purchase provides status and peace of mind, especially against the background of unstable regions. Reasons to invest in Cyprus property include this tool of legal, predictable migration traffic.

Safety

The safety of life in Cyprus exceeds the European average: the crime index is 36 out of 100, similar to the Czech Republic and Austria. The streets of Larnaca and Paphos remain calm even at night. Crime news here is as rare as rain in August.

This is an important factor for investors, especially family investors who are considering relocation or long-term rentals. Confidence in the future and the safety of the asset is part of why the market is stable and attractive.

Sustainable market and openness to foreigners

The property market shows stability: even in the crisis years there was no collapse. Foreigners account for up to 30% of buyers, and in some regions – more than 50%. Registration of transactions is under the control of the Land Department, which excludes fraud.

The reasons to invest in Cyprus property are strengthened by the transparency of legislation, the absence of double taxation with a number of countries and clear rules for non-residents. This market is not just open, it invites mutually beneficial co-operation.

Infrastructure, medicine and comfort of everyday life

Health care offers a European level of service with a flexible choice between the public and private sectors. Private clinics in Nicosia, Limassol and Paphos are included in international accreditations, providing services in English, Greek and Russian.

The GESY system covers all residents and residence permit holders, providing access to a wide range of specialists. The average cost of an appointment is €15-20, making treatment affordable while maintaining quality. This reinforces the reasons to invest in Cyprus property for long-term residence and rental accommodation for families and retirees.

Cyprus property: income, status, protection

The benefits of asset ownership are not limited to returns. The investor receives not only profits, but also currency protection, multi-access to EU jurisdictions and a reputational asset. Property becomes an instrument of financial and personal security.

Investments in premium apartments, villas by the sea or boutique hotels demonstrate a return on investment of 8-11 years with a competent management model. New complexes in Larnaca and Paphos offer an option with guaranteed returns and turnkey management. A loyal tenant base is being formed due to the high standard of living and the region’s status as an international relocation centre.

Cyprus market open to new formats

The market is constantly adapting to new demands. After 2022, segments have become more active: digital offices, flexible spaces, properties for expats. This renews the reasons to invest in residential property, especially when choosing a commercial destination.

Construction companies are offering deferred payment terms, lowering the starting barrier to entry. Government measures to digitalise transactions and introduce green certificates increase the attractiveness of a new fund. Projects aimed at energy efficiency and autonomy – the trends of the coming years – are emerging.

Reasons to invest in Cyprus property: summarise

The way of investing in facilities combines financial efficiency with the comfort of living. The key advantages of investing in the housing market are concentrated in specific benefits:

1. Taxes are low, plain and simple.
2. Permanent residence permit – can be issued without bureaucracy and is valid indefinitely.
3. Yield – 5-10% per annum depending on the type of lease.
4. The market is steady, with prices predicted to rise.
5. Liquidity is high due to demand from foreigners.
6. Safety is above the European average.
7. Health care – European quality, including the private sector.
8. High standard of living – average life expectancy is 82 years.
9. Property in Cyprus for foreigners – no restrictions on purchase.
10. Pros of buying property in Cyprus – legal transparency, protection of rights.

This combination of factors makes island property an asset that is resilient to crises and fluctuations. With the right strategy, investments bring not only income but also strategic advantages.