Greek Travel Community

Trying to Figure Out Where to Retire in Greece...

1 - 8 of 8 Posts
redsoxdw_

redsoxdw_

Active member
I am not quite there yet, but I am looking to retire in Greece - I just am not sure where is the best place to go. My family is originally from various places all over Greece, and I do have family and friends all over the country. However, I am not really tied to a particular location. I was thinking that Athens might be the best location for practical purposes - there's a lot to do, plus here are a lot more "services" there (hospitals, shops, restaurants, etc). However, it might be a little more expensive than other places in Greece? I am also looking at other places, like Peloponnese, Crete, Kefalonia, Zakynthos... What do you guys think?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
I would consider looking into the Peloponnese. It's beautiful and some parts of it are close enough to Athens for you to have some of the services you might be looking for. It's not super close, but might be close enough. And I think the Peloponnese is less expensive than the Athens area.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
I retired to Rhodes to the village of afandou in 2009. best thing I did. Have no regrets.The health service is great by my own experience.A few years ago I fell & broke my left hip.Had replacement hip surgery.The treatment I received was excellent.My doctor in the village also works @ Euromedica The private hospital on Rhodes.I cannot fault him.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
Kefalonia, Rhodes and Crete as well as the Peloponnese if you wish to be on mainland are great options already with strong expat communities and large enough to have hospitals, regular transport and other necessary infrastructure.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
The Greek Vibe said:
Kefalonia, Rhodes and Crete as well as the Peloponnese if you wish to be on mainland are great options already with strong expat communities and large enough to have hospitals, regular transport and other necessary infrastructure.
Click to expand...

This is really great advice. I think I need to research where the expat communities are the strongest and maybe go from there?
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
Why do you want to move where there are expats . I live on Rhodes & stay away from them.Moved ro Rhodes to intergrate with the locals. Not become part of little britain
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
Tpebop said:
Why do you want to move where there are expats . I live on Rhodes & stay away from them.Moved ro Rhodes to intergrate with the locals. Not become part of little britain
Click to expand...
I second that! It seems like it would be more fun to really dive in and learn about the Greek culture. It's something to think about.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
I'm not there yet either but I'm getting ready for it. I bought an apartment in inner city Athens (not the touristy areas though - stayed away from Plaka/Monastiraki). I'm used to living in a city and prefer the vibrancy and variety of things to do. Athens has so many cultural events all year around from plays, operas, music, cinema, restaurants, cafes, bars, etc, etc, etc. But it's also a great location to just get on a ferry boat and pick any one of 200 islands to go to. Accommodation is cheap on the islands so I can go for months if I want. Also from Athens I can go to the airport and fly to Paris/Madrid/Berlin/etc. It was a no-brainer for me. It all depends on what you prefer.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hash
1 - 8 of 8 Posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION AND READ OTHER GREEK INFO:

Last-minute travel tips in Greece

I love to travel to Greece and I do so whenever I can. There's an art to it, though, and I am never really going into it "blind". It's a good idea to start by thinking generally about where you might want to go.

Athens is usually the starting point for most travelers, with its iconic Acropolis offering panoramic views and a history lesson all in one spot. If you're a beach lover, head towards the Cyclades for stunning beaches and the classic, postcard-worthy Santorini sunsets. Or, if it's history you're after, the ruins of Delphi or the ancient city of Mycenae will surely captivate you.

Then, we need to figure out how to get where we want to go. For island hopping, the ferries are an experience in themselves – though if you're time-strapped, consider a local flight to get you to the major islands quickly. On the mainland, a mix of car rentals and public transport can be efficient and economical, especially when visiting sites off the tourist map. Keep an eye on the schedules and book in advance if possible to save time.

Sometimes I rent a car, to be honest it's the easiest for me.

The rest of the details tend to sort themselves out. For example, you can book your lodging as you go along, especially off-peak.

Taking a culinary tour of Greece

I would like to take a tour or create my own itinerary to do nothing but visit Greece to eat all the food. I want to go to some unique and memorable destinations. For many reasons, both Ikaria and Crete are on my list. I will have maybe two weeks in Greece so I truly don't have the itinerary fleshes out. Or if anyone can recommend a tour company, that would be good too.

Some questions:

Best Time to Visit: What's the ideal time of year for such a tour, considering weather, food seasons, and avoiding peak tourist crowds?
Must-Visit Places: Besides the obvious choices like Athens and Santorini, are there any off-the-beaten-path locations that are a foodie's dream?
Local Experiences: Are there particular cooking classes, food markets, or local farms that offer a deeper dive into Greek cuisine and its preparation?
Travel Tips: Any logistical tips for traveling within Greece that might make moving from one culinary destination to another smoother?

Thanks in advance!

Visiting Delphi worth it?

I am trying to figure out if visiting Delphi is worth it. I want to fit seeing as many historical sites as I can into my itinerary. I've always been fascinated by ancient cultures and their histories, which naturally puts places like Athens and Santorini on my list. Recently, I've been reading up on Delphi and am intrigued by its significant historical and cultural value, not to mention its picturesque landscapes.

Given its status as the center of the world in ancient Greek civilization and the home of the famous oracle, it sounds like a place full of fascinating stories and ruins. However, I'm also aware that Greece is full of remarkable places to visit, each with its unique allure.

Pack List for Trip to Greece in Spring

I have a trip to Greece planned in the spring. Mainly, I want advice on the weather. In the meantime, I made my best guess and came up with a list. Anything to add or subtract?

Clothing
  • A light rain jacket or windbreaker: For the inevitable April showers
  • A couple of long-sleeve shirts: For those cooler mornings
  • A lightweight sweater: For layering when temperature changes
  • A pair of comfortable pants: Think breathable fabrics like cotton, and a pair of jeans.
  • Shorts and a sundress: For warmer afternoons
  • Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll be exploring villages and ancient ruins, so cushioned soles are a must.
Accessories
  • A versatile scarf: Can double as a shawl on cooler evenings
  • A wide-brimmed hat: For sun protection
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen: Essential for beach days
  • Reusable water bottle: To stay hydrated without contributing more waste

Travel Tips for Naxos

I'm planning a trip to the island of Naxos soon and I'm reaching out for some guidance and tips.

First off, I've heard that Naxos is a haven for foodies – any recommendations on local foods I absolutely must try or the best places to eat?

Exploring the cultural heritage of Naxos is also high on my agenda. I understand there are plenty of historical sites and ruins that abound. For those of you who've wandered the island's ancient paths, which historical spots would you say I need to see??

Also, I’d love to hear about your favorite beaches. Are there any hidden gems I should know about? Places that aren’t too crowded perhaps?

Thanks!
Sign up for a free account and share your thoughts, photos, questions about Greek food, travel and culture!

WorldwideGreeks.com is a free online forum community where people can discuss Greek food, travel, traditions, history and mythology.
Join Worldwide Greeks here!

JOIN COMMUNITY FOR FREE

LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT
Back
Top