Santorini, Mykonos, Crete Among Top 10 Beach Destinations for Wealthy Investors

The Greek islands of Santorini, Mykonos and Crete are among the top 10 beach destinations for wealthy investors according to the Nomad Beach Index 2021 that was recently released by Hong Kong-based consulting firm Nomad Capitalist.

Published in the online edition of CNBC, the index graded beach destinations best suited for entrepreneurs, investors, stockbrokers and other high-net-worth individuals looking to invest, relocate and/or gain residency or citizenship.

It aggregated data from more than 30 sources, ranking each on a scale from 1 to 50 for beauty (30 percent of index ranking); services, taxes and immigration (20 percent each); and safety (10 percent). Thirty-six beaches were ranked in total.

Crete and Mykonos rank sixth on the list along with Cozumel in Mexico, while Santorini shares seventh place with Langkawi, Malaysia, and the Dominican Republic.

The Cayman Islands tops this year’s list, thanks to its status as a Caribbean tax haven for investors who do not wish to deal with the complicated tax laws of other countries, according to Nomad Capitalist.

Other Caribbean nations such as Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, Dominica and St. Lucia — along with the Bahamas —also made the top 10.

Top 10 Beach Destinations for Wealthy Investors

1. Cayman Islands
2. Antigua and Barbuda
3. Bahamas; St. Kitts and Nevis
4. Budva, Montenegro
5. Algarve, Portugal; Vanuatu
6. Crete,; Mykonos, Greece; Cozumel, Mexico
7. Langkawi, Malaysia; Santorini, Greece; Dominican Republic
8. Dominica; St. Lucia; Mauritius; Ambergris Cay, Belize; Isla Colon, Panama
9. Grenada
10. Puerto Rico; Balearic Islands, Spain; Cebu, Philippines; Corn Islands, Nicaragua; Hvar, Croatia

Chania, Crete. Photo Source: Visit Greece

Greece looks to attract more digital nomads

Meanwhile, Greece is speeding up procedures for the launch of a special visa for digital nomads with a draft bill that was recently tabled in Parliament by the Immigration and Citizen Protection Ministries.

The draft bill also foresees the introduction of special residence permits, that will allow digital nomads from other countries to relocate to Greece.

In addition, it will promote Greece’s tax and and insurance incentives, and the country’s comparative advantages.