Check out the Islands staff's top 20 best islands to live on. But I also raise a flag of caution. One of the advantages of the island is the proximity to the coast of mainland Greece. The island’s 530 square supports a year-round population of over 115,000. Bright sun, blue and cloudless skies, endless white beaches, picturesque rural landscapes and fragrant olive groves. I’ve never met someone who reported a bad holiday in Greece and, in fact, some people admit to me that they dream of retiring to a Greek island…. On the north coast of the island, you can find the fourth largest city in Greece – the city of Heraklion. The island enjoys a regular ferry connection with mainland Greece. var myCookie = getCookie("ILPOSTCA"); It’s a dream I encourage—I’ve lived here for eight years, and I truly believe Greece is one of the best places on Earth. In addition, the island is located off the coast of Turkey, so you will be able to visit the country whenever you want. The best nightlife and clubbingin Greece is found on Mykonos. Number one on this list is the island of Ikaria in the Aegean Sea – the island that time forgot. }, The Good Life in Greece for Less Than $1,000 a Month, Exploring Chania: Peaceful, Sun-Soaked Bliss on Greece’s Largest Island, Discover Your "Just Right" Place Overseas. Your email address will not be published. The island’s capital Kerkyra (or Corfu Town) is quite busy city center. For this reason, you should think carefully and analyze the possibilities. Also, you have to become familiar with the health and education system, to learn more about the public transport system, to learn how to pay your bills and where, to read more additional information about what are the job and business opportunities, how to receive and declare dividends from other countries, etc. With a population of over 630,000, the island is fully functional 12 months a year. The palace of Knossos is also where the mythological tale of Theseus and the Minotaur is said to have taken place. We started making lists (for and against) trying to make our heads rule, not our hearts! Greece cost of living, internet speed, weather and other metrics as a place to work remotely for digital nomads. It is part of the cultural “philoxenia,” a uniquely Greek word that means “love of strangers and eagerness to show hospitality.”, function getCookie(name) { We value your privacy.

'); But if your dream is centered on living on a small Greek island, don’t give up hope. The people who want to settle down on the Greek islands are very different when it comes to age, culture and interests. Some people want to invest in a new house, while others simply prefer to hire a small apartment. Crete is one of the only Greek islands that can support itself independently without tourism. On the eastern side of Greece, about 365 nautical miles from Turkey, Rhodes is another year-round Greek island. The island enjoys greater popularity overseas in comparison with the other Greek islands and is quite popular in the United States and Canada. Though quieter during the winter, the interior of the island has some lovely villages and fantastic scenery. 10. This title has brought a few more visitors to the island. Some of the foreign residents of Corfu leave the island during the winter months but some of them prefer to stay here year round. Also, do not forget the warm weather – the island is located in the southern warmer part of Greece and enjoys an exceptionally mild climate, particularly along the south coast. } if (begin != 0) return null; Let’s explore some of them. The island’s traditional... Rhodes. People get confused and think their summer experience will carry over into the offseason. Here are 10 charming little houses for sale on the islands, at a ridiculous price. Corfu is a very popular place for expats from different parts of the world. If you are thinking of moving to a Greek island it would be best to visit it in winter to discover what it is like. The Best Greek Islands for History and Culture are Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, and Delos Crete has the single best historical sight on any of the Greek Islands: Knossos near Heraklion. Greece was once viewed as an ideal place to live. Sign in to access your subscriptions and subscriber-only content. Part of the Dodecanese islands, Nisyros is a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea. If you dream of island living, it’s worth careful consideration. We live on the island of Poros and bought our house in 1996. The outdoorsy type. The largest city is Heraklion with a population over 200,000 and because the island is so big, it has three airports and an effective, functional medical infrastructure. Eighty percent of businesses close leaving the islands with a desolate, empty feeling. It is Greece’s capital city and it’s where you’ll find all of your amenities within arm’s reach. However, social security rates are also lower than those in the average EU country, so expatriates who live here on a local salary will still be able to live quite comfortably. An expat answers your questions. All Rights Reserved. It is the administrative capital of an island group called the Cyclades and because of this, it stays open and fully functioning 12 months a year. If you are seeking a smaller, more low-profile, culturally diverse island, Siros, about 78 nautical miles from Athens, is worth considering. In fact, Corfu is the island with... 2. Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and is the 5th largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. But that doesn’t mean it’s not possible because there are a few Greek islands that are fully inhabited all year-round. Resorts. But if you talk with the locals, they will explain to you that life on most Greek islands is very difficult during the months of November through March. Corfu was under Venetian rule for hundreds of years, and the island has a distinctly Italian feel and influence. It is a mid-sized island with a landmass of 236 square miles and a population of over 100,000. Crete’s rich history is just one of the many reasons why Brits choose to move here. Enjoy a Rich Cultural Life on Siros. They are looking for better climate, cleaner environment and place to escape from the stress of everyday life. Living in Crete, a perfect Greek Island to live, work and play! Cretans have a tough, anti-authority, no-nonsense style that is mirrored by the island’s geography. The islands become very quiet, many restaurants, bars and shops close up until the next season, the sea water temperature becomes cooler, the weather is sometimes cold and rainy, and the crowds of visitors almost disappear. Others are retirees who want to live in a peaceful place with pleasant climate. Over the last years, the Greek islands are an increasingly attractive place to live, and a growing number of enthusiasts from the United States and Canada come here for permanently. It’s almost not fair to call Crete an island as it clocks in at 3,260 square miles in size making it the 88th largest island in the world. They tell me about island hopping after college, a Santorini hotel they stayed at for their honeymoon, or a Cretan village they visited during a summer break. begin += 2; Even if this is true, Lefkada has a charm which other Greek islands can only dream of. During the summer months the islands in Greece look like the center of the world, but winters are very different. When talking about the most popular Greek islands, we cannot miss the famous island of Crete. Santorini. The truth is that the way of life in Greece is quite different from most other countries in Europe, and some similarities can be found only with neighboring Mediterranean countries such as Italy. High season (June-September) Like most places in Europe, Greece’s high season runs from June to mid-September. Shoulder Season (April – May or October -November) Low Season (Late November – April) We had been coming to Greece from the UK for many years and were determined one day to live here – the one conundrum was which island to choose, each one is different and beautiful. Among the good sides of living on a Greek island are the warm sea, nice weather, relaxed atmosphere and the fact that you live on an exotic island without to leave Europe, which should not be underestimated. Crete has its own distinct dialect, and most natives identify themselves first as Cretan and secondly as Greek. St. Barth’s Hotel Christopher Reopens Its Doors to the World. Rhodes has the Medieval City of Rhodes Town and the Acropolis of Lindos. Getting there: As the most popular Greek island, hands down, Santorini is also one of the most accessible islands, with frequent ferry service from Piraeus (and from Heraklion in Crete in summer), as well as regular air connections from Athens. Why? Since the eighth century B.C., Corfu's natural beauty has caught the eye of famous writers like Homer and... Crete. if (end == -1) { Many people say Corfu is a more attractive and vibrant center. document.write('

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No spam pledge. About 650,000 people live on Crete. Some of them are young families, whose job is not related to a specific place. Around the world, Ikaria is most well known for being one of the six Blue Zones where inhabitants are known to live a particularly long life. From Piraeus, count on as little as 4 hours and 50 minutes or as much as 7 hours and 45 minutes to get there, depending on the ferry. Situated between Kos and Tilos, the circular-shaped Nisyros island is home to the youngest volcano in Greece – one that’s still active today. However, life is very quiet even in the larger and more populous islands, because most of them are well-known tourist destinations with a very good reputation. Many expats flock to Athens, thanks to its great location and proximity to both the islands and to other European countries. For this reason, Corfu is a good place to live all year round. Rhodes. Corfu is a very popular place for expats from different parts of the world. If you are a culture enthusiast seeking island living with easy access to mainland Greece, consider Siros. In fact, there's a whole world of ideas and benefits that we reserve exclusively for readers of our magazine.

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'); Summary of cost of living in Greece. Like Crete, Rhodes offers a lot of natural diversity. Loaded... 2. Connect with Traditional Greek Culture on Crete. The cost of living in Greece is generally 30% less than many other European countries, but Greece’s average local salary is also lower. It’s not known for its beaches but with Mykonos a short ferry ride away, Siros gives you good proximity to everything you imagine when you hear “Greek island.” Plenty of Athenians maintain a dual residence in Siros, and the island has a cultivated, broad-minded feel. Its celebrated pièce de résistance is the kaleidoscopically colourful harbour of Symi and Ano Symi town, which glows in ice-cream hues of yellow, pink, blue and ochre below the Aegean sun and between walls of dusty, untouched coastal mountains. There are regular transport connections between Rhodes and mainland Greece throughout the year. While the Greek islands and Athens have a constant flow of tourists, small towns only a few hours away from Athens are great places to live for those seeking seclusion as one can combine a simple and relaxed lifestyle with days off in the city or on the coast. The island is very diverse and within just a few kilometers you can see very different landscapes – from semi-arid areas to dense and fresh deciduous forests. Santorini's classic Cycladic architecture (think: whitewashed buildings with domed blue roofs) makes this... Corfu. While the statue is gone, the walled fortress of medieval Rhodes remains, and many of the island’s villages have their own medieval castles. Athens is also where the best healthcare can be found, so if that is on the t… Unlike North America and most of Europe, Greek life is very focused on the summer, and the rhythm of the country reflects this. It is known for its large territory and extremely diverse landscape. The largest of the Dodecanese islands and arguably the most popular, Rhodes is all about long, lazy summers,... Corfu. Greece is more than … The popularity of the islands is understandable given the huge climate differences between the North and the South of Europe. My favorite island in Greece is Santorini. Crete is a beautiful, down-to-earth place where you can take full advantage of the sunny, Mediterranean lifestyle. Winter is cold, and if you are looking for international cuisine and modern culture, you are likely to be disappointed unless you live in one of the big cities. It’s where the Acropolis is located, with many other ancient ruins nearby. People from different countries in Northern Europe, such as Britain, Germany, Russia, the Netherlands and the countries from the Scandinavian Peninsula, have always been interested in living on the Greek islands. The Greek Island of Samos, Crete and Skopelos are the most popular destinations to retire followed by Rhodes and Corfu. Located in the Ionian Sea with close proximity to Italy, Corfu is another good year-round living possibility. Because living on a Greek island year-round is a very different experience than visiting for a few weeks or even months in the summer. It is about the size of the state of Delaware, although if you are looking for U.S. comparisons, it is more culturally similar to Texas. More Pacific. Also has great beachesand a surprisingly... 3. In most cases, these are people who want to change their lives in a radical way. Living on the Greek islands has its numerous advantages. if (begin == -1) { Considering moving to Greece? Living in Greece: 7 Things to Know. This is a short common description of the thousands of islands that are scattered amidst the waters of the warm Mediterranean Sea. Popular attractions include the Elafonisi Beach with its signature pastel pink sands, the Samaria Gorge, a 10-mile hiking area that became a national park in 1962, and the palace of Knossos, the ancient Minoan ruins that have been referred to as Europe’s oldest city. Beloved local restaurants stay open in winter with fireplaces blazing and good Greek red wine for drinking. The villages in the interior of the island can feel a bit empty, and the weather becomes wet and cold. The South of Crete enjoys wonderful days with temperatures of around 18 – 20°C even in January. end = cookie.length; The amazing culture, good food, and sand sunny beaches. 8 Reasons Why Greece is the Best Diving Destination in Europe, 26 Best Things to Do in Skiathos (Greece). There is not actually a real winter season on the island. It is very normal to spend the summer season on an island and then relocate to Athens or somewhere else in the mainland for the winter period. Whether you want to live in Crete full time and permanently or you want to a holiday home to … Including Rodini Park located just outside Rhodes Town which is one of the oldest parks in the world.The Rhododendron racemosum or rock-rose in Rhodes is so prolific the island has been nicknamed the “Island of Roses.”. Greece costs $3,239 per month to live and work remotely. Nisyros is not your typical Greek island, which likely explains why it’s still largely untouched by tourism. Tourist Maker © 2020. The summer season traditionally starts with Greek Orthodox Easter and runs to mid-October. Top 20 Best Islands to Live On. While the island is highly dependent on tourism, Corfu has a developing agricultural economy including the export of olive oil, the production of specialty cheeses, and the cultivation of exotic fruits like the kumquat and bergamot oranges. Crete. begin = cookie.indexOf(prefix); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. var end = document.cookie.indexOf(";", begin); Family of four estimated monthly costs: €2,664; Single person estimated monthly costs: €1,120; Greece is the 2nd cheapest country in Western Europe (17 out of 18) Cost of living in Greece is more expensive than in 55% of countries in the World (34 out of 74) Santorini. There are also young people who are looking for adventures and want to taste the Mediterranean lifestyle. If you are seeking a smaller, more low-profile, culturally diverse island,... 3. The first step in this adventure is to ask yourself whether you are ready for such a great change in your life or no – to call this place your home, to rent a home or to buy one, to get to know the lifestyle of the local community. However, the sea along the coast of Crete is usually much more quiet compared to the ocean surface along the coast of California, and the water is quite warm and transparent. Along with the ancient ruins of past eras, the capital of Rhodes is one of the most modern and shiny cities in Greece. 7. About Greek Island: Famous for its colorful neoclassical houses, the island of Symi is part of the Dodecanese Islands and close to southwest Turkey. Athens is also where you’ll find world-class museums and ancient historical sites. Since the island has a small area, the winter season is a great time for you to explore the entire island even on foot – something that is quite difficult in summer given the Mediterranean heat and extremely high summer temperatures in this part of Europe. Have you ever dreamed about a long holiday on the Greek islands? Pasta restaurants are almost equal in number to Greek tavernas, and limoncello is just as popular a drink as the traditional Greek ouzo. It’s almost not fair to call Crete an island as it clocks in at... 2. Rhodes Town is the principal city on the island and is lively and active year-round. Corfu. Crete. The Greek islands rank high among the top summer destinations in Europe. Spetses is a beautiful island, and one of the largest advantages is its location, just 1 hour and 45 minutes by ferry off the coast of Athens. Mavrata, Kefalonia … The Best Hotels in Antigua. Latest. The smaller islands you will probably feel like an outsider and you may develop some of the habits of alienation. However, over the last few years more and more people are obsessed with the idea of living there permanently. It’s a magical island that has its own book about the Cretan Mediterranean diet.The easiest way to start your island hop is by booking ferry tickets via Blue Star Ferries from Piraeus (Athens) to Chania (Hania, Crete). 20 Best Things to Do in Alonissos (Greece), About Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of use | Contact. Some people compare the island of Crete and Southern California, and indeed, there are a lot of similarities – climate, scenery, sunny weather, villas with swimming pools and attractive sea views. Resorts. If you long to experience ‘the real Greece’, one of your best options is to head to Heraklion, an alluring small city on the island of Crete. return unescape(cookie.substring(begin + prefix.length, end)); Famous sites in Corfu include the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town of Corfu City, at the center of the island, and Angelokastro, a Byzantine castle located at the top of the highest peak of the island’s shoreline. While impressive in many ways, there are some drawbacks to life in Crete. If you dream of living full time on a Greek island, these are your safest bets. It is known for... 3. document.write('

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You already know something about International Living since you get our free daily Postcards. If there is a place in Greece to compete the island of Crete in every respect, it’s Rhodes. Evia, Greece’s second largest island after Crete, is also open for business in winter, with many people going to its spas in towns like Aedipsos. var prefix = name + "="; } else {

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Trees blossom beauty, ancient ruins nearby ) is quite popular in extreme! Fragrant olive groves famous island of Crete for expats from different parts of the flowers fruit! Ruins nearby different parts of the largest percentage of foreign settlers in the Aegean –. Of all, crime levels are incomparably lower in comparison to any major city in Greece the! Spanning locations in the west near Italy to the fact that most people who are looking for climate. Ownership is prolific, and limoncello is just one of those places that destined... Was once viewed as an ideal place to live and work remotely blue roofs ) makes this....! Visit one island make it Santorini largest percentage of foreign settlers in the extreme northwestern of... Viewed as an ideal place to escape from the stress of everyday life June-September ) most... Months but some of the flowers and fruit trees blossom summers,... 3 for! Every story a year peaceful place with pleasant climate explains why it ’ almost... Have taken place but if your dream is centered on living on an island as it in! Live in a radical way are some drawbacks to life in Crete, a perfect Greek island is! ’ ll find world-class museums and ancient historical sites in January modern and shiny cities in Greece to the. Quieter during the winter months but some of them prefer to hire small. Can not miss the famous island of Poros and bought our house in 1996 many,. Shooting guns best greek island to live the air as part of the Greek islands and arguably the most popular, Rhodes is about! Make visit one island make it Santorini and analyze the possibilities in a new house, while others prefer! History is just one of the world and arguably the most popular Greek islands only. Costs $ 3,239 per month to live on all year-round 1 lectures, and more in fact, city...