Cretes slow pace also applies to the bureaucracy system, so if you suffer from high blood pressure or are looking to get away from stressful paperwork, perhaps take up meditation or yoga while filling in all your official forms. In fact, in some areas such as Hora Sfakion and Souda, plenty of people head out to the local market or pop to their neighbours for coffee without locking up. However, Cyprus also has some more middle eastern and Turkish influences, youll definitely notice it if you choose to move to Northern Cyprus. Name: Gabi Ancarola Latest Blogs by English Expats Living in Greece Cariad in Crete If youre thinking of moving to Greece then renting a property can be a good idea before settling down permanently. Hi, this might be helpful: https://kefaloniapulse.homeinkefalonia.properties/?p=41780. The forms are relatively simple and require similar documents to the residency application. People may indicate one way and then turn another, drive up the other side of the road, stop to have a chat, or even crash traffic lights. 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. and impressive gorges. The visa will allow you to stay in Greece for more than 90 days, and that way, you can live in the country for the duration of the application process. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. The ranking is based on 43 factors including quality of life, personal finances, cost of living, health care and education. Ampelakia is located in Thessaly, and this mountainous region means its fairly quiet with little tourism. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. Here is a quick rundown of the pros and cons of living in Greece, many of which will be expanded upon below. Some things need to be bought on ferries from the mainland, so they can be pretty pricey. Unless youre retiring to Greece, setting up your own business, or have disposable income, you might find employment a challenge. And, with such a big island, there are many unexplored roads to discover. Greece offers many different atmospheres for living, and which is best will depend on your personal needs and goals. Probably the most popular area for expats to move to is between Chania and Rethymnon, in an area known as the Apokoronas. Greece is an extremely vibrant country that is famed throughout the world for its year-round good climate, detailed history, beautiful architecture, and unique culture. This interview is part of theAsk an Expat series. Its a great time of year to bond with locals and make yourself a part of the community on Crete. Some links on this website are affiliate links. However, the island is large enough to have everything you might need. You can join that to ask any questions you may have about life here including finding housing, getting a visa, etc., Also Read: A Moving Abroad Checklist: Things to Do Before You Move Abroad. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. Crete has a large number of expats who live on the island all year round alongside the local population, so although the months between November and May are quieter, there is still plenty to do. Greece Expat Forum: Moving to Crete| Expat Exchange Theres not much that I dislike about the island. But, one of my absolute favorites is The Well of The Turk, in the heart of the Turkish district of the Old Town. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. However, just like any other place on earth, Crete does have a few drawbacks, too. Even though technically that is true, some of the bureaucrats here still ask you for one for certain things, like if you buy a car here you still have to get a residence permit. Difficult to say what expats living in Crete think of it, maybe someone will come by and leave a comment. If you havent already fallen in love with one part of the island, wed recommend travelling around a bit until you find the place that steals your heart. Im looking for a guide to applying for the heating allowance. Also unlike other European hospitals where you have to wait for a long time to be seen by a specialist, here the wait is not long at all. But the British Consulate said The system allows for permitted absences from your country of residence. However, while you are applying for your residency and visas, you will have to have private health insurance. Finally, I also like having tourists join my gastronomic tours of the city every summer, I have fun showing them the alleys of our charming old town and taking them on a savory journey among the staple dishes of our cuisine.. 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. This will of course, be better in cities, but even rural areas have access to internet. Temperatures do dip as low as 2-3 degrees in the winter months, and there are occasional bursts of winter rain or snow. There is a website called 'Living in Crete' that answers all your questions on paperwork etc. we were looking at corfu but just found out that there is no international English speaking schools we can send our kids to. Along with the glorious weather and amazing food, the pace of life is something many expats dream of in their retirement. I ended up living in Milan for 22 years and enjoyed how easy it was to travel around the world from Europe.. Popular Areas for Brits Athens. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. But youll also find plenty of support. Yes, the island is very safe all year round. Property value has gone up in recent years with an apartment in the city center of Chania costing anywhere between. City Guides | Travel the World | Living Abroad | Travel Guides | Adventure Travel | Digital Nomad Life | Valencia, Spain | California, USA | The Netherlands | How to Plan a Trip, I consent to the storage of my data according to the Privacy Policy, - From Short Trips to Traveling the World & Living Abroad -, Living in Cuba: Things You Want to Know Before Moving Here, A Perfect Catalina Island Day Trip the, Why You Shouldnt Buy Seashells or Take Them, A Moving Abroad Checklist: Things to Do Before You Move Abroad, Things to Know if You Want to Go Sailing in Greece, Why Moving Abroad is Such a Valuable Experience, Things to Concider Before Moving to Another Country. He writes for Expatra alongside a number of other regular clients. If you are a non-EU national, the easiest way for you to secure a European residency is to buy a property worth 250,000 and over. Heraklion's Koules is a beautifully restored fortress surrounding the city's harbor, built by the Venetians in the early 13thcentury. Although no simple list of pros and cons will ever be enough for making a decision about something like residency, it at least helps you get an idea of what its like to live in the country. You simply make your choice and proceed from there. Youll find more private options available in urban areas, but there are still private hospitals in rural areas too. Here driving can get very interesting, so you must be prepared for anything when on the road. This is something youd pay top dollar for in countries like the UK. and a bus route around sitia etc as i dont drive. Had bern thinking of Greece as a retirement possibility from Hamburg Germany Most expats who move to Crete in later life said their main concerns were the language barrier and healthcare. Stray cats and dogs are familiar sights in the centre of large towns and even in small villages. EU residents will generally face little difficulty with this process, but the same isnt always true for non-EU residents. Hi there, you can also check out the visa hunter blog, which has loads of useful links about moving somewhere, paperwork, useful contacts and stuff you have to consider before going in a foreign country (for each country separately). This is also the time of year for the olive harvests, which means long workdays and lots of meals with family, friends, and neighbours. However, there is very little support from other expats if you live in one of these regions. After years of teaching both English and Italian at the University of Buenos Aires, I traveled to Italy for a scholarship. Save. The Greek island of Crete is especially popular with expats. However, if youre looking for a faced-paced lifestyle to keep you young, you might prefer one of the other islands or the mainland. The landscape ranges from fertile coastal plains to rugged mountains and from busy metropolitan cities to quiet hillside villages. 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. Unlike some of the smaller islands, Crete doesnt become a ghost town during the winter months. If youre someone who generally avoids walking at night, then public transport on Crete is considered safe although not necessarily reliable! Theres also a property tax that ranges from 0.001/m to 13/m depending on the area, property value, building date, etc. Serenissima in Chania is a highlight. Some of the main tourist attractions are closed for work in winter so there are few tourists and its a great time to explore the island, eat out and go shopping without being surrounded by tourists. Speaking Greek will definitely make this easier, but dont move to Greece assuming youll easily find a job. "Living in Crete. Good luck and I would do it in a heart beat! Probably the most active one in the winter is Kalyves as there is also a local Greek community which requires shops and services. This is the best way to get in touch with the locals, learn about their lives on the island, and discover incredible places that not everyone knows about. English Expats In Crete, Greece Choose 1 Nationalities Living in Crete, Greece English Latest Blogs by Expats Living in Greece more expat blogs Crete If you plan to study or work in Crete, you will need to apply for an additional permit, but this is less urgent than securing your residency. And that is why as a tourist you should not make it so obvious that you are tourists, just dress like one of the locals. Here is a quick rundown of the best places to live in Greece. But all in all, I can say I feel really safe living in Crete.. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. I spend most of my time living and working abroad and use this website to share "the good, the bad and the ugly" of traveling and living abroad. The internet cost is around 40 per month, and the speed doesnt compare to the internet in large cities. Position: Med Aide - PRN - Assisted Living in Crete (24hr/month) Overview: TABITHA'S. PURPOSE: We empower people to live joyfully, age gratefully. As with other countries, this is less true in more rural areas, but either way, some knowledge of Greek would be very useful. Here things move at a slow pace (siga siga) also someone who enjoys the outdoors, taking long walks, or hiking, Crete is blessed with beautiful beaches, gorges, and mountains. In Athens, you can expect to pay around 9.50 per square metre, but only 5.25 per square metre in somewhere like rural Thessaloniki. Cost is around $2.20. In fact, most people say the only problem walking after dark is the lumps and bumps on the road, which might cause you to trip. You can take language classes with other expats if you move to a large town. Crete is a very varied island which means it has a lot to offer and very distinct areas. here you will find very useful information, and tips about Crete. It can be distressing to see them starving, and many people find it off-putting. Retiring in Crete Greece How to choose the best place to move to. The downside is that come summer, it is very touristy. Simply put, you invest 250,000 in property in Greece and receive residency in 60 days. There is a large British expat community there, in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. When saving to move to the island, youll need to factor in how many things you can take with you. I honestly believe that Im truly blessed for living here, and Im thankful for it every single day of my life.. Before we start, heres one piece of advice: Greece and therefore Crete follow the Greek Orthodox church. Well, one of the things that you will find frustrating is the paperwork, Bureaucracy is something that you will deal with and you will have to be very patient. Pros and cons, residency and property matters, cost of living, and the most popular places to live. Read This, 10 Things You Might Hate About Living In Crete. If Crete sounds like the place for you, jump on a plane or a boat, and find out! Crete has a very low crime rate, and the Greek culture means that youre sure to get help as you age. If you have questions or need more information about your Golden Visa options, we have a complete guide to EU Golden Visa Schemes and you can also contact us via our Advice page, we will be happy to help. You can find all the details in our guide Greece: Visa & Residency Options for non-EU Nationals. In this guide, weve done some digging to find out what its really like living on Crete as an expat all year round. It's an ideal place for those who love outdoor activities, such as hiking, swimming, and snorkeling. The daily cost of life on the island is pretty cheap, especially when it comes to fresh, locally-grown foods. You will need your passport and proof of address and some additional documents. Community boards online offer a solid tie to other expats, with plenty of people looking for English-speaking work. Many people prefer retiring in Crete Greece because of the warm weather, and the relaxed atmosphere of the Cretan living. Id suggest, however, to read as much as you can about living in Crete before making any decision. iI went out for a holiday when I was 18 years old and just never really came home again.i have been backwards and forwards a few times over the years but I always end up going back.If you stay longer than 6 months then you will need a residence permit which you can obtain from your local police station.you will need to open a bank account and have enough money to live on if you are not working.The life in greece is fantastic but wages are a lot lower than in the UK.Good luck! The Greek authorities can refuse your residency for this. If you want to check it out more closely, visiting hours are 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in winter and 8.30 a.m. to 7 p.m. in summer, every day except Mondays. 1.10%. If you want to brush shoulders with celebrities and live the high life on the island, the northeastern village of Elounda is a charming fishing village turned playground of the rich and famous. We currently live in Australia. As with anywhere else, rental prices vary massively depending on the area. Many expats report they feel safer walking at night on Crete than they did in the UK. Lets talk about retiring in Crete Greece, and the cons and pros of living in Crete. Both violent crime and drug-related crime rates are considerably lower in Greece. You will need to apply while living in the country, so you may want to get a visa first. I live in the western end near Chania and there are a number of big hotels and holiday concerns which are hiring at the moment for the 2009 summer season. Plaka and Kokkino Chorio a little east of Chania town have ex-pat communities. Foreign citizens can move to Greece to live permanently. This doesnt make a difference to your eligibility though. Similarly, you can only be evicted for not paying rent, so renters generally have more rights in Greece than in countries like the UK or the USA. As I mentioned The size of the island gives you the option of choosing different kinds of lifestyles. It really depends on your preferences. And Crete celebrates lots of religious holidays; there is basically one a month. Winter is also the time of year for one of Cretes most famous and most enjoyable events. Another good thing about retiring in Crete Greece is the fact that Crete has a very low crime rate. For example, utilities cost around 30% less, internet is 20% less, and renting an apartment in central Athens will set you back at around 670 compared to 3,150 in central London. Yes, there are three things that every visitor to Crete should do: 1. Most rental agreements require a deposit equivalent to two months rent, and utility bills may or may not be included in the rental price. The INCO, The Cultural Organisation of the Foreign Residents of Aghios Nikolaos, is very busy and an excellent resource for expats in the area. Shelters on Crete are full so contacting on is almost a pointless exercise. Crete; It's the biggest island in the country, and it offers a laid-back pace of life, a warm climate, and wonderful sandy beaches. Everything you need to know about living in Crete as an expat - the pros and cons, the cost of living, the best places to live, how to integrate better and much more. Some things such as local foods are dirt cheap, making day-to-day life very inexpensive. Want To Move To Greece? Read This First | British Expat Guide I wonder if you can help me. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 2 years ago. If you plan to move to Crete, you may decide to head to one of the remoter places such as Sissi or Kato Zakros. Standard bank accounts are needed to become a Greek tax resident and will come with a debit card for payments. Expats In Crete, Greece If you are looking to connect with expats in Greece, then this page brings together all the latest expat blogs Greece written, any interviews, articles and news items we have here at ExpatsBlog.com. Of course, when the tourist season comes, I always suggest people pay close attention to their surroundings, especially in very crowded areas. Also many Americans complain that they want to get back to the US it takes a certain kind of person to appreciate what Greece has to offer. Water sports (windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking) are potential activities to do in our vacation time. The main reason behind moving to Crete was that Greece has always been my dream place to live, and after visiting the island summer after summer, I couldnt resist I had to stay.. To be honest, I did not use any resources. I lived in Crete for 3 years with a Greek man about 28 years ago but have gone back frequently and have . Real Estate in Greece Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Greece. Greece enjoys a lower cost of living than some other countries, such as the UK. This requires more documentation, however, including proof of funds and their source. The area known as Apokoronas, situated between the major towns of Chania and Rethymnon, is home to the highest density of expats on the island. Greece puts a lot of emphasis on family, spending time outdoors, and tradition. These cookies do not store any personal information. Generally speaking, the quality of healthcare in Greece is quite high. Crete experiences warm weather even in the winter in comparison to other European countries. Just sent you the contact details, hope this helps. The island is home to many expats from all across Europe and the rest of the world, meaning anyone looking to move to Crete in the future will find a warm welcome and plenty of support. Great informative story/interview. Lots of building, renovating, road repairs, shop changes, and more happen over the winter months giving the island a different kind of buzz. These documents must be submitted to your local police station or the Aliens Police if youre based in Athens. EU citizens must apply for a residence permit after three months, but this is more of a formality. Freestanding and semi-detached houses and cottages are also found throughout the country.