Crete, Corfu and Mykonos are all hugely popular islands . However, there are minimal crime reports, and very few people actually experience anything dangerous. sign up for my newsletter
If you head into the larger towns like Chania and Heraklion, youll find you still feel very safe. This festival involves lots of ceremonies by the water, and youll find lots of swimming events. Difficult to say what expats living in Crete think of it, maybe someone will come by and leave a comment. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. When saving to move to the island, youll need to factor in how many things you can take with you. Greece offers everything you could want from a new life abroad, including great weather and lower living costs. Again, an estate agent can help ensure everything is above board. Even heading out to a local coffee store will only cost you 3 for a regular coffee. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. I just booked a trip and upon arrival talked to locals to find a place to live. Hi folks, sorry for a slow reply but I only just joined this forum. kind regards Chania in recent years has become kind of a hotspot for expats and digital nomads, which makes the atmosphere of the town feel alive and vibrant all year round.. Living on either island is the dream for many. For example, you could do your main grocery shopping in Lidl supermarkets which saves you a lot of money. Temperatures do dip as low as 2-3 degrees in the winter months, and there are occasional bursts of winter rain or snow. The climate here is primarily Mediterranean, meaning mild winters and warm summers. Even if the weather is not the best to swim in winter, theres something magical about visiting the pink sand beach of Elafonisi without the crowds, enjoying the uniqueness of the southern coast of Crete all alone.. Please could you send me details of a recommended estate agent who can help an expat with a house purchase. Just like everything else on the island, house prices can also vary massively. I was just wondering if you know anything about the tax situation between Greece and the UK. Most of these villages are within half an hour's drive of Chania where you can find all the services you need year round, including good local supermarket chains called Marinopoulos and INKA, and also branches of LIDL. Other things are also reasonably affordable on Crete. Just sent you the contact details, hope this helps. The rest has to be imported from the mainland. Utility bills are also lower in Greece. It was accepted into the EU in 1981, and since then, the country has grown from strength to strength. As with many European countries, Greece enjoys a relaxed way of life that might take some getting used to. Greece has introduced a retirement income tax of 7%. Most of these villages have year round services but on a smallish scale. Its very common for locals to watch you struggle with a few words and then just respond with perfect English. Pin it! Its in close proximity to the Greek islands and has good international connections. I truly want to thank you for your very rich, informative and helpful writings. Life in the mountains is more similar to life in other Mediterranean countries, where the year is divided into growing and harvesting produce. Required fields are marked *. As you can imagine, the country offers amazing food and wine, a great climate, and rich history and culture. Generally speaking, the quality of healthcare in Greece is quite high. Of course, if you do this, you have to accept the risk. wondering about the daily earthquakes/tremors and what expats feel about these? we have one child thats still in primary and one thats just started secondary? Simply put, you invest 250,000 in property in Greece and receive residency in 60 days. Thanks for the interesting article. Otherwise, they will only tax your earnings inside the country. Owner of marketing company A to Z Marketing. As I mentioned in another article, always expect the unexpected when driving here in Crete. The island does get a fair amount of rain, giving it the lush vegetation and ensuring it doesnt become desert in summer. hi there, I dont live in greece, but we are considering it too! Subscribe. If you plan to stay and/or work on the island for longer than 3 months, you need to sort out your residency. Crete has a very low crime rate, and the Greek culture means that youre sure to get help as you age. Crete is a great place to retire to at any age. Do you want city living or countryside living? Can anyone tell me what might be a good approximate cost for all the following in Crete???? Yes, there are three things that every visitor to Crete should do: 1. The weather in Crete is pleasant in winter, hovering at around 10 degrees, although some of the mountains will get a dusting of snow. For many people, living in Crete full-time is a dream come true. Your email address will not be published. Great informative story/interview. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The police told me I had lost my rights and to go to the immigration/aslym center. Ministry for Migration and Asylum website, compare international health insurance options, How To Access Healthcare When You Move Abroad. Generally, this must be completed at the Greek consulate in your home country. Generally, all along the north coast of the island have excellent public transport, making it easier if you dont drive. we have been to Crete a couple of time and have noticed that agios nikolaos seems to be very popular with expats and has many shops, it is beautiful! It's a good place to come if you're determined to learn the local lingo and get involved with the local community, because there's not such an international crowd as elsewhere. Add in the historic interest and bustling nightlife, and its got the potential to be top of most peoples lists. When it comes to the Greek lifestyle, there are many aspects worth praising. In border areas, such as Rhodes and Crete, properties are restricted and your application must go through a committee. Its very picturesque and has more small villages compared to the north. Of course, like all places, there are some slightly less-safe parts, but in general, Crete is the type of place you can spend an afternoon in your garden and not worry about locking your front door. You can expect to pay upwards of 130 per person per year, but this will depend on your age and any existing health conditions. If your Husband is young and is not working just ensure he does not go out and party with the locals. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. I have lost my beneficy status. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? Old buildings and village walls are the ones that get damaged, as the majority of the new builds are designed to withstand earthquakes, meaning that Greek cities and towns are less likely to experience serious structural damage. And Crete celebrates lots of religious holidays; there is basically one a month. Can you help at all? Ferry companies that connect mainland Greece to Crete: Crete schools with addresses and contact details , Crete hospitals, health centres, regional clinics and other information on healthcare . Your email address will not be published. The best way to do this is with the Golden Visa as it brings a lot of advantages, but not everyone has the spare cash to invest. Life in Crete can be a contradiction when it comes to the cost of living. There is a website called 'Living in Crete' that answers all your questions on paperwork etc. Is it a similar situation for us as with UK expats? Its good to know beforehand what to expect. International schools are found mostly in Athens, but also on Thessaloniki and Crete. Underneath the busy tourist industry is a super laid-back island. Whether you choose to live in the most famous Blue Zone of the world, Ikaria, or in the capital, Athens, you will be surrounded by fantastic nature, mouth-watering dishes, unbelievable culture, tradition, and friendly people. Greece is not known for having a fast bureaucratic system, so youll want to allow as much time as possible to get the paperwork sorted. Driving on the island is another thing you will have to get used to, if you are the kind that screams at the driver next or in front of you, then I suggest you take some relaxation therapy before moving to Crete lol. The Living in Crete book The Living in Crete book is a valuable resource giving in-depth and detailed information - all that you need to know before and after a move to Crete or a property purchase - packed with information, advice, tips, useful local addresses, telephone numbers and links. Of course, there is much on offer in terms of activities, sports and keeping fit and healthy. The capital of Greece, Athens, is named after the goddess Athena. The tourists usually go to the big beaches because they are not familiar with the island, expats who live here, know the small hidden spots, where they can go and have a swim and a picnic. Another thing that you will find frustrating and I have mentioned this in my other article about moving to Crete, its the slow pace at what things are done, and the laid back attitude of the Greek people, although its a good thing, and that is one of the reasons you want to settle in Crete, it can get very frustrating when you have a leaking sink that needs to be fixed. It can depend on who you are talking to here, what mood they are in etc. International health insurance can be quite expensive. have you any Greek speaking friends who can do that? The capital city of Greece, Athens, is an obvious choice for expats. Once youve found an area right for your needs, the next logical step is to buy a property. But a modest, modern house will set you back around 250,000. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I just came back after four years, I don't envy you. Many non-EU citizens including Brits, USA citizens, etc., can stay in Greece for up to 3 months without a visa. If you are wondering about visas and residency, you are in the same boat as other non-EU nationals. You aren't allowed to earn income unless you have a work visa. Language can be a barrier at any age. The Greek authorities can refuse your residency for this. Greece is a fantastic country. I am sure one of the things that you will have on your mind as you consider retiring in Crete Greece, is the medical facility and the quality of the services offered.