🇬🇷 Retiring to and Buying a Home in Greece (or Anywhere)? My 7 Lessons

[@mieke5740]

Good information, I agree with everything you said. Our family owns a holiday home near Kalamata for more than 20 years. I absolutely love to stay there, I love the people, the culture and the beautifull surroundings. Next year I will be retired and then I will spend 6 months a year in Greece. My Greek is still not good enough yet but I find the Greek people very friendly and easy to get in touch with. It's a small village and I make sure to buy some groceries in the few local shops and eat at the local taverna. So the locals can learn who you are and they try to communicate. We go to the Panigiri and because the village is very small we also go to funerals, to pay our respect to the family. This is very much appreciated. The biggest difference to my opion is that the pace of life is much slower than we are used to. When I am there, stress does not exist. If you have an appointment with the plumber to fix your sink don't expect that he arrives in time. It can be later or even a day later. I don't worry about that when I am in Greece. The words avrio and sigá sigá are often used. Go with the flow, adapt to the culture and don't call them in the afternoon during their siesta 🙂 And because I don't want to spend all my time at the beach after my retirement, I want to work as a volunteer in the dog shelter in a nearby town next year. Make a difference for these animals and have the opportunity to meet new people 🙂

[@GreeceExplored]

I agree with everything you say and I love Kalamata, it is one of the couple of places I would love to live as it has decent all year round life! The coast round there is perfect too with so many options.

[@phi32p]

My friend if you want to retire, then just basic greek is enough for you. Even if you don't speak greek at all, i don't think you will have any problem. Now if you want to work, that's a different story and you should speak the language to a good enough level (depending the job). Also a big disadvantage for native english speakers, is that greeks see them as opportunity to practice their english. So if you want to speak greek with a local, which is the best way to learn a foreign language, he will most probably respond to english to practice what he have learned. As for differences yes they are, but for plumbers or anything about construction, it has nothing to do with the pace of life but rather the big demand for people working in the field right now. I don't know how things are in kalamata, but where i live you literally can't find any and you have to wait to do your job.

[@GreeceExplored]

@@phi32p I agree mate, plus my wife is born and bred in Greece, an Athenian so I have my wife, who can do it all, and family here in Greece too, it makes a difference. One of the reasons I started this channel was because of my poor ability to learn Greek, and this gave me something in Greece I could actually, and perhaps I hope in a way contribute too. I have market access, but there s little point in me actually trying to get a job in Greece... better I create my own if I am honest. For those who need to Greek becomes more important...

[@skatapc]

Είσαι ένας υπέροχος άνθρωπος, σε ευχαριστούμε!

[@helgaioannidis9365]

I live on the island of Rhodes and accessibility isn't an issue here. The airport stays open all year round and there's flights to Athens and Thessaloniki on a daily basis and regular ferries to Athens. The island also has a 60.000 inhabitants town with a university and all sorts of shops (for the Brits, there's even Mark's and Spencers) and two hospitals, one public and one private. Rhodes also has a large international community with an association called SPOR that organises lessons for bilingual children in their mother tongue for several languages like English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Finnish. There's a catholic parish and the Germans have an ecumenic church there as well. While it's true that outside the tourist season (November to March) the island goes far more quiet, the island doesn't completely shut down, just the tourist stuff. Ikea, Lidl, Zara, H&M, McDonald's, stay open and operate normally as do most businesses in Rhodes town. Nevertheless I would recommend to people that want to move to Greece to visit a few times in different times of the year to get a realistic feeling for the place in general. And I fully agree that we're guests and have no right to demand that the Greeks change things for us. It's us who have to adapt, not them.

[@GreeceExplored]

I totally agree, the larger islands are ok generally all year round. I know that my father would be in trouble tho, can't fly or do long trips for his health... but the smaller islands? It totally depends on the individual.

[@altralinguamusica]

I think visiting the place at different times of the year is an extremely good idea. Seeing Athens in December once was an eye opener (I never imagined I’d be so cold in a flat, as the heating was controlled by the landlady and for the whole building, not individually!)

[@GreeceExplored]

@@altralinguamusica Totally agree, and when I do a vid on buying property I will have a section on things like independent heating etc... also age of buildings makes a huge difference in Greece.

[@helgaioannidis9365]

@@GreeceExplored also earthquake safety is an important issue in Greece. If you consider buying it's a good idea to check with insurances about what kind of buildings they do insure against earthquakes.

[@LondonPower]

No I dont agree with you I am Greek and if you see bad things happened you are free to changed it 😂

[@tyxeri48]

As a foreign retiree in Greece, I generally agree with what you said. Concerning accessibility, though, I'd say that larger islands like Corfu, Chios, Lesvos, and Rodos meet all of these needs. Also, they are pretty alive and well in winter. Concerning the language I'm afraid I have to disagree. Learning the language is important if you want to make real friends and have true relationships. The Greek language actually is not that hard, there is a rationale in it, and once you understand the mechanism, it's a piece of cake. I am fluent in Greek and I am delighted to have conversations about all kinds of things with my Greek friends.

[@GreeceExplored]

I agree with you on the islands, re. language, I am terrible at languages, and having been going to, living in, married to Greece for 25 years am embarrassed by my inability to learn Greek. you are very lucky you have found it easy, not everyone does, but I haven't found it to be a major barrier to my friendships and ability to live in Greece, I learn what I can.

[@gdshiplashing8239]

My wife and I love your videos. We will be very interested in your experience of buying property and visa information. This fall we will be making our first visit to Greece and bringing my 81 year old father, which is his first visit to Greece as well. My Great Grand parents were born in Greece. Keep up the great job on your videos.

[@GreeceExplored]

I am certain you will have a great time, Spring and autumn are the best times to visit the mainland too. I will do some vids on both in the next few weeks, though they will just be my experiences and opinions, I have no legal expertise!!

[@steveb2400]

The best real information I have heard. Thank you very much! I would not have guessed you were 50...thought you were in your 30's.

[@GreeceExplored]

Thank you! on both counts - I will tell my wife :)

[@stevegavrilos21]

Excellent information well presented in an easy to understand and humble manner. Thank you for your helpful service.

[@GreeceExplored]

Thank you for commenting, appreciated!

[@hidingbehind7256]

as a Greek who now lives in Australia, I absolutely love your videos! I cant wait to move back there in the future. I am visiting again in 2025 with my family and I hope that we visit the Peloponnese cause I have never been there and it is a very fascinating place to me. Thanks for letting me explore my country through your channel!

[@GreeceExplored]

Thank you, every time I think I have reached the end of what I can offer, a comment like yours makes me do a few more!

[@graciousgreek]

Kalamata is great all year round. Even living in one of the nearby villages, the area really has it all. I had to deal with the KEP. I had no issues at all, in and out (to get a document stamped).

[@GreeceExplored]

I agree, I love it down there!!!!

[@terencerodbard9038]

I lived for 9 years before the pandemic in the Peloponnese and agree with all your points. The last is to my mind, as good as the first!🕺

[@GreeceExplored]

Thank you and I am glad you enjoyed We came here straight after Covid, I hope you get back.

[@terencerodbard9038]

I lived for 8 years up on the coast in Diakofto and then a year in Crete. I’m back for most of September, and then later in October staying mainly in Mycenae which is a special place. So can’t stay away really, which I’m sure you might understand. Enjoy your time in Greece. I like your videos of the area. It’s a quality of life that doesn’t exist easily in the UK anymore. Terence

[@GreeceExplored]

@@terencerodbard9038 Thanks, and yes I love everything Mycenaean... Planning to do the Acropolis of Kazuma soon, though that will not be a popular vid!

[@bebop54]

considering a move to Greece please take this very excellant advice .. i couldn't agree more ....💯👌

[@GreeceExplored]

Thank you! appreciated.

[@marywiseman6576]

I love Greece I love the fact that the shops close on Sundays holidays the middle of day to rest. The language isn’t hard to lean with the right teacher and cultural understanding. They have more freedoms as well as care for others like no other country ❤

[@GreeceExplored]

I agree, though some of us just find languages very difficult unfortunately!! Totally agree about the Greek people and culture though, a fantastic place to live and it upsets me when people do the country down.

[@Ntimitree]

​​@@GreeceExplored we as Greeks have the right to address the everyday problems of this country. That you as an expat do not see it at all. This is your reality not the Greeks reality who struggle everyday to make a living.

[@johnwhittaker6433]

please continue the series, i'm fellow brit interested in making the move. I have been to Greece many times (always in the summer) and have always contemplated making the move.

[@GreeceExplored]

I will, anything you would like to see me cover in particular? Thank you foe the support too!

[@acaviness7579]

I definitely would like more of your videos! Great job!

[@GreeceExplored]

Thank you- really appreciated!

[@christs3634]

Good points. Accessibility issue is the main purpose that half the population of Greece is based in Athens! You said that yourself!

[@GreeceExplored]

Yep... Everywhere is beautiful though.

[@athanasiospapailiou4974]

Great video! My life is split between London and Paralio Astros. Let's grab a coffee next time we're in the same place. ☕

[@GreeceExplored]

Happy to, I am back early September until Xmas. When are you about?

[@zedsian]

Being a local at Kalamata it is quite rare that i feel the need to travel to Athens for something that is missing from here. And even if i have to travel there, nowadays it only takes 2 - 2,5 hours.

[@GreeceExplored]

I agree, I love Kalamata and it is one of the places I would definitely retire too, has also been the subject of some of my most popular videos.

[@afreedom7147]

For me language is essential! It opens so many doors where you can actually understand what it means to truly live in Greece

[@jupite1888]

Excellently said if you go with the flow its heaps easier, when l first went to Greece the afternoon siesta's were getting on my nerves with shops closing etc for afternoon but like you said you once accept it and its easier

[@GreeceExplored]

I agree totally, I am also a big fan of a siesta...!

[@nyjelj]

Great video. Very informative and you cover a lot of ground in just a short time. I'm a naturalized Brit in the US, contemplating retiring to the Peloponnese in the next year or so, after a short visit when we drove around to scout. I would really appreciate a video on buying real estate, and/or visa application, as I've been researching both. Thanks.

[@GreeceExplored]

It is a great place to live, but obviously do your research! I would look at the major places, Nafplio and Kalamata in particular. I will do some other videos on property and visas in the next few weeks.

[@bartvankampen1161]

Your information is to the point and valuable to me, thank you so much! I'd love to see more videos from you.

[@GreeceExplored]

Thank you, I will do more in the coming weeks. Glad you enjoyed!

[@jone7940]

Your videos are very informative and enjoyable. Thank you. Yes. A video about visas and property purchasing would be great.

[@GreeceExplored]

Thanks, much appreciated. I will do these vids in the next few weeks, they will just be my experiences and opinions, I am not a lawyer!

[@blueflame3081]

Thank you, your points struck home and are making me rethink where to retire. I enjoyed your walk and talk - at one stage I thought you might be strolling along the beachfront at Lyme Regis... Would really appreciate your thoughts/advice on obtaining visas and buying property; videos please!

[@GreeceExplored]

I was in Lyme Regis! I did a not so popular video on it a couple of weeks ago! I will do a couple of vids on visas and property in the next few weeks, though can only do so from my experience as I have no legal qualifications!

[@anilakazimi2669]

I completely agree with what you described in this video

[@GreeceExplored]

Thank you, much appreciated!

[@AlfGillham]

Very helpful and realistic. Information on visas and renewing would be helpful for those of us here, especially after Brexit. Some ref. to the online communities and which are the most helpful would be good too. Thanks

[@GreeceExplored]

My wife is a member of Foreigners living in Greece, on Facebook. Despite my KZbin I don't do any other social media... I think it may be what you are looking for. There is a lot of information on there. I will do more vids on Visas and Property in the next few weeks, but can only do so to relate my experiences and I have no legal qualifications. It was hard after 2020 initially to get a residency visa as it took time for the post Brexit framework to be developed, but I think it is relatively defined now.

[@billrodriges3557]

Great video, thanks, I'm watching with pleasure! Really very cool!!!

[@GreeceExplored]

Thanks, my next vid published in a couple of hours are suggestions as to where to retire in Greece. hope it is useful!

[@Moa617]

Great video. We’re thinking of buying a house in Mani and maybe retire their in 10 years. We’re learning a lot from you. Thanks for that.

[@GreeceExplored]

Thanks, Next week is a vid about my experiences of buying here... may or may not be useful. Beautiful tower houses and other houses in Mani, but a bit quiet for me!

[@mattfeltz7262]

Yes please on the videos on visas and property purchase process

[@GreeceExplored]

I will cover both in the next few weeks, but they will be based on my simple experiences, having purchased 2 properties in Greece, and obtained a residency visa. I am no legal expert!!!

[@manapualabs]

Looking at retiring in Greece and just coming to the realization that we will have to live in or around Athens. Not my first intention, but the facts about the difficult accessibility from the islands. We've been looking at along the coast near Glyfada, to be away from the city center, but close to the train. Thanks for your thoughts and looking forward to further insights. 😎

[@GreeceExplored]

Good luck with it, Athens is fine, Glyfada is pricy though, I am doing a vid this Friday, 25 places I would live and retire in Greece, Glyfada is mentioned, but I cover I think 6 areas of Athens.

[@spyroszagouris6747]

Wonderful information about Greece very well said chap. It's true what u said going with the flow or else u will never adapt or blend in were defenetly not there to change their way of life but to cherish this georgous land with these wonderful friendly people 😊

[@GreeceExplored]

I agree, and thanks for the kind comment too!

[@SavingSweetWilliam]

Really enjoyed watching this. Recently bought in Zakynthos, not looking to retire for a long while yet but lots of food for thought here 👍 Thank you

[@GreeceExplored]

I am doing house buying next week, so I hope tallies with your experiences!!

[@SavingSweetWilliam]

@@GreeceExplored look forward to it. I like the pace of your vids.

[@taybak8446]

I do enjoy your videos even if I don't really plan on moving to Greece. You've got a pleasant way about you which is appreciated. It'd be nice if you did videos with a slightly personal side added. Getting to know more about you and your lifestyle in Greece for instance. Anyway, I find Lyme Regis quite nice, so it's kind of ironic you left a beautiful place to go live in an equally beautiful place.

[@GreeceExplored]

Thanks, I kind of agree but my wife has banned me from saying to much!!

[@JimmyTheGreek2000]

You just mentioned the main reasons not to relocate to the small islands ! The is why the Peloponnese or Crete are good options. The Peloponnese, Poros Islaalnd and Lefkada island and Evia Island are connected to the mainland by bridges and causeways !

[@GreeceExplored]

I agree there are lots of great places,

[@darlenemyles9375]

Very insightful and informative thank you so much ♥️ 😊

[@GreeceExplored]

Thank you, I am delighted if it has been of use to you!

[@barblue3]

Thank you for this video ! ❤

[@GreeceExplored]

I am glad you enjoyed, thank you for commenting!

[@xeniablessed7724]

well done sooo true and amazing video!

[@bradleylocke4336]

Another great video cheers 😊

[@GreeceExplored]

Thank you, Appreciated!!

[@mikmak1900]

thanks mate - new subscriber

[@GreeceExplored]

Hope I am worth it! Glad to see you here :) Thanks!!

[@beverley5697]

Great video. Very useful information and things to consider. Thanks. I love that you're walking n the UK filming this. I was trying to make out where you are. Is it St. Ives in Cornwall?

[@GreeceExplored]

Thank you, 2 towns, The seaside town is Lyme Regis, and the main shops and parks are Cheltenham. Glad you enjoyed!!

[@beverley5697]

@@GreeceExplored Thank you. It looks very much like St. Ives.

[@sheilashipton8340]

Thank you, great insight & info.

[@GreeceExplored]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed!

[@PaulWebb-v6l]

Love your videos. Yes on your topic ideas.

[@GreeceExplored]

Thanks, I will cover them in the next few weeks!!

[@jawadhaddadin8713]

Thank you for sharing this is very insightful! wish you all the best. Would you be able to share about the best places to invest in real estate for foreigners?

[@GreeceExplored]

I am doing a vid on buying property next week, but I believe in buying a property as a home, not as an investment. People need homes to live in.

[@jawadhaddadin8713]

@@GreeceExplored Great I believe in that as well. I want to buy old properties to convert them into lively homes for those seeking them. Also, empty land plots to build residential apartments (homes) if possible.

[@geogeo2299]

Andrew when discussing accessibility, please consider that seaplane routes are about to be established between the Greek islands and the mainland, on top of the existing ship routes. www.youtube.com/@hellenic_seaplanes Also, the bigger of the islands have their own airport.

[@GreeceExplored]

They have been discussing them in the Peloponnese for the last couple of years too. I am only speaking from my experience and opinions to date.

[@sdepountis]

I think that, since you have already made the decision to live somewhere, you should definitely learn the language. It opens all sorts of possibilities and opportunities. I also think it's a good thing you mentioned that a lot of improvement has been made against bureaucracy. Still a lot to be done, but things are improving. Also thank you for saying that you need to adapt to the culture, not the other way around.

[@GreeceExplored]

I do agree and am trying, but I am really terrible at languages

[@evangelosnicolaou4127]

Hi great information .I lived in Cyprus for 10 years we had everything there , Pharmacy every corner,great hospital s.But still lacking action in the winter . Cypriot s go to Athens for a change the environment.lol .But UK the best country by far 😊

[@GreeceExplored]

Thank you, I have heard Cyprus is great, especially for Brits but have yet to visit.

[@stellanbrunnsberg3209]

Thanks, very intresting and easy

[@wheretoretire3315]

I retired to an island in the Bahamas and the issues are pretty much the same.

[@AmaleKokoschinsky]

great video. where are you walking around? it is beautiful!

[@GreeceExplored]

2 places, the Sea side is Lyme Regis and the town Cheltenham, both in the UK

[@altralinguamusica]

Great, informative video! I’d like to hear more about your experience learning and using the language, what benefits it has had. Has not speaking (good) Greek ever hindered you when your wife wasn’t around?

[@GreeceExplored]

My Greek is terrible, embarrassingly so, but I have always been terrible at languages unfortunately, something in my brain doesn't click. Generally I can manage, I can think around things with the limited Greek I have, or if it is going to be too complicated I avoid the situation until she can help. I think having no Greek would be an issue. I can listen to a conversation and as long as I concentrate keep the general trend 80% of the time, but I struggle to participate except in simple discussions. I wish I could do better.

[@selena2250]

I heard in Crete, things are open all year. Is that where you are talking about?

[@GreeceExplored]

Crete is big and yes you are right!

[@sillywill72]

Very good! I recommend Kalamata

[@GreeceExplored]

I do too, I love Kalamata and it is one of the places I would happily live in Greece all year round, Some of my most popular guides are focussed on Kalamata and the region to.

[@DoYouSpeakGreek]

You're retired? You seem so young! Thank you for this video!

[@GreeceExplored]

Glad you enjoyed, Just have to decide what you want to do in life and chase the hope!

[@DG1965]

If you are a greek person the words or concepts "retired" and "retiree" are somehow difficult to understand. They don't exactly mean "συνταξιούχος" i.e. someone who was working for a certain amount of years and reached a certain old age and has the right to stop working and collecting the social security money. In this case "retired" means that the person has enough savings or investments accumulated so that he can afford to quit his 9 to 5 job or close down/sell his business and lead a free life. This can happen at any age 50, 60 or even much younger. In Greece given the financial situation or the bad financial long term planning and (sorry to say) ignorance of most of the people this is unfortunately very uncommon and therefore most of the greeks work until a very old age.

[@-WhiteWolf_]

Where is this place you made the video? Looks fantastic!

[@GreeceExplored]

2 places, the town by the sea is Lyme Regis and the park, shops are Cheltenham, both in the UK. The weather was good which helps but both are fantastic.

[@bernadettehumby7844]

Good morning Andrew, you mention Kalamata is a place that you would like to move to , if I may ask you, which part of the coast line near Kalamata you would recommend to retire to ? My wife and I are due to arrive in Naplion soon and intend to drive along the route to Kalamata. We enjoy your videos very much and your voice is quite reassuring to listen to,keep them coming . John 👌

[@GreeceExplored]

Morning. If I didn't already live near Nafplio, I would consider living in Nafplio, lovely place, but Kalamata has a couple of things that for me beat Nafplio, proper commercial area, beautiful beaches and fewer all year round tourists, plus it is bigger. I am not entirely sure where we would live to be honest, but 2 areas spring to mind. firstly a nice apartment in the centre near the old town, good for shops restaurants etc all year round - we like to walk to places, or second a house or villa round the beach to the east of the town. away from the port. Jealous you are looking!! Next week my video is all about me experiences of buying our home, and how we did it (provided I finish it) - There is a lot to include...

[@bernadettehumby7844]

@@GreeceExplored Good Morning Andrew , Thank you for your prompt reply and for your tips , we are in a bit of a quandary, we are both OAPs, living in the Netherlands and spent many many years enjoying Greece and all the wonderful people who have remained great friends. Trouble is Andrew, we are probably over reading some of the comments regarding buying property but ,we are going to take a look around Naplion, but when my wife watched the video of where you live ,her eyes lit up . There are so many beautiful places ,far too many to take it all in . So Andrew, we are so looking forward to forward to our visit in a few weeks , I hope we bump into you so I can buy you a drink as a Thank You for your videos . May you prosper 👏👏

[@GreeceExplored]

@@bernadettehumby7844 Happy to meet for a drink if you want, I am back in Greece next week until Xmas. Nafplio or the surrounding areas are fine for me, Paralio Astros etc where I live. if you want to meet email me. (I also have Dutch ancestry). [e-mail] What I would offer is that Kalamata hospital doesn't have a great reputation, form what I have heard, Nafplio Hospital is ok, the best in the area is Argos, but obviously for anything serious it has to be Athens, which at least is fairly easily accessible.

[@bernadettehumby7844]

@@GreeceExplored Thank You Andrew, I will e-mail you when we arrive in Nafplio,we arrive on the 17 September for a full week ,it will be a pleasure to meet up with you . John👌

[@GreeceExplored]

@@bernadettehumby7844 Happy to meet!

[@NenaPapadopoulou-te4uu]

It depends the island. There are islands that are open winter and summer. In Syros as an example it has 25.000 permanent population hospital courts and almost 1 hour away from Mykonos 😅

[@GreeceExplored]

Agree, but the Greek Gov says any island with a population greater than 3001 is a 'large' Island... there are larger islands, and larger islands. It is also about frame of reference. Anyone moving there from lets say London or NY will find anything other than perhaps Crete isolated in the winter!!

[@NenaPapadopoulou-te4uu]

@@GreeceExplored any land surrounded by the sea is isolated but those islands have airports too. I would advise before moving to an island they should research what this island provides. As a Greek I would not prefer islands at winter. Too much moisture that makes winter strange. I live in an island from May to the end of September perfect period

[@janetclift9857]

O looking at England so clean & litter free, Greece has rubbish everywhere, it's depressing, living in Greece 25yrs 😢

[@danmc2678]

#8 The food. If you are a foodie like me and you already live where there is a huge variety of ethnic choices like in the U.S. you will miss the choices. Yes, Greek food is fantastic but like most countries, you are eating the food of the country and outside of developed large multinational cities, your choices will be limited.

[@GreeceExplored]

Yes, the food does sometimes get a little 'samey' outside the big cities... but the raw materials are fantastic here which helps a lot. I used to run a (large) food business, so i have some insight to this, but I am not a chef!

[@ATHENS15]

Thanks for sharing. Greek hospitals and health care I am not so sure.

[@GreeceExplored]

I know, but trust me on this, compared to the UK system at the moment they are accessible and available and even affordable. The UK system is entirely broken, perhaps in part due to Brexit.

[@desertbluesplaylist7550]

@@GreeceExploredVery true. Just found you, applying for my Greek passport by descent and this is spot on. Subscribed :) Thank you.

[@GreeceExplored]

@@desertbluesplaylist7550 Thank you, Let me know your experiences!! I am going to do a visa vid in a few weeks.....

[@katerinagiannioudi401]

I've lived in the UK and trust me, the health care system in Greece is better. Private doctors are cheap and easy to access.

[@GreeceExplored]

@@katerinagiannioudi401 I do agree, it is a huge difference now, especially with the appalling waiting times in the UK

[@kevztunes]

Where in England did you film this vlog?

[@GreeceExplored]

2 places, the town by the sea is Lyme Regis and the park, shops are Cheltenham, both in the UK. The weather was good which helps but both are fantastic.

[@kevztunes]

@@GreeceExplored Thanks, I have been a British expat since 1976 and lived in a variety of locations around the globe over the past 5 decades. I just thought the video backdrop looked rather pleasant. I agree with your assessment/points here...I also love Greece and am married to a Greek-Canadian wife for some 40 years. Greece is indeed a wonderful place to retire...and yes, it also has its certain challenges, pros n cons, etc., just like everywhere else. Enjoy...

[@spbangioul]

The accessability issue for the islands you mentioned is not at all, like that, there are more than 20 airports on all main islands. Most of them are international, in fact 15 of them are international

[@GreeceExplored]

It depends on your perspective and frame of reference. for meany expats and retirees, they are very isolated in comparison to experience.

[@Nikosk00]

public healthcare is actually really good. many private hospitals rely on public ones to do surgeries and stuff. i d recomend public ovr private for serious stuff any day

[@GreeceExplored]

I agree, unless it is urgent... my MIL needed surgery in 4 weeks to survive..., and was given a 6 month lead time by the public system....

[@tr1b1tur]

Yesterday, the first heart and lung transplant on a 52-year-old mother was successfully completed at the Attikon public hospital.

[@GreeceExplored]

@@tr1b1tur Good News, I agree, healthcare in Greece is good, people like to rag on it, but when you have experience of other systems, you realise it is not at all bad!

[@Nikosk00]

@@GreeceExplored some 10-15 years ago on a similar case for my father i sent a simple e-mail to the minister of health. we did not have any relations with the then goverment or the minister himself. next day his secretary called us and by the end of the week the surgery was done. dont know if it has happened for anyone else or we were just lucky but it worked

[@barbarawilliams1745]

❤

[@zelotis7169]

Crete has 630.000 population not 150.000, all the rest are quite accurate. God bless

[@flukos79]

Good points. There are exceptions. Crete and Euboea are obviously very big islands and you won't face accessibility issues. Thasos island, the northernmost island in the Aegean has very little accessibility issues, Lefkada island which is connected to the mainland through a bridge, Lesbos island, Chios island and Rhodes which are big islands and are relatively close to the Turkish mainland won't face accessibility issues. You mainly refer to the Cyclades

[@GreeceExplored]

You are of course right, but my general point was people come on holiday and get carried away with what they see in the summer....

[@sophiepye-v5y]

cant you order it online

[@kims1912]

What kind of visa did you get?

[@GreeceExplored]

My wife is Greek so I get residency - 5 year first, then 10. there is a renewable 3 year retirement visa should you meet the criteria, but to apply you have to have a 1 year Type D first. I have a video on it - a bit dry, EU (Greek) visas, residency and citizenship.

[@nicolascas2380]

Where You was walking there?

[@GreeceExplored]

A Place called Lyme Regis in the UK

[@vladimirnovakovic3495]

Lesson 1, marry a Greek. The other are then superfluous.

[@GreeceExplored]

Well, I have to agree with this!!

[@georgiosinfa7962]

Why should you go buy property and retire by an island if you're not a...teenager or on your 20s? Why should you need to be so crowded in a famous island with tens of thousands of tourists? I came from U.S. and I bought an affordable house first by the sea in mainland, just 1 hour distance from Athens, Summertime has the "island" feeling, wintertime has everything around me and most of the houses have people retirees like me. Athens is just 55 min away and big city capital of the region is in 10 min distance, with Banks, Public facilities, medical facilities, or anything should I ask for shopping or good time.... Greece has beautiful coastline and places, and cities by the sea, that you never miss any kind of "famous or not" Island..

[@GreeceExplored]

I agree.

[@TheCyricson]

Really? Are you talking about islands with 100 ppl? Just go to Chios Samos Rhodes Mitilini Evoia and the list goes on.

[@tomzamp8547]

You can only retiree in one of the major cities everywhere else is abandoned during the winter with no infrastructure and services not even health care is not provided in a reasonable distance . You have towns which in the summer have over 1000 residence drop to less then 10 during the winter months. You also have to take in account Greece has high taxations and is one of the most expensive countries to live one just has to compare gas and grocery prices. Not to mention utility bills out of this world the prices are so high that the government steps in with benefits so the people won’t freeze to death and have some what of heating or air conditioning. Greece is no fairy land with bureaucracy and corruption leading the way a simple task with the government in another country turns into a nightmare in Greece

[@GreeceExplored]

I tend to agree. I think ultimately it comes down to the individual and their expectations and experiences. Busy for one can be dead for another, but I agree with all you say here. You need to be on a major Island minimum, or near a major conurbation. Even a Major island scan be a pain, you can't just jump in your car and visit the mainland easily.

[@voulakampouraki]

I fully agree 💯 you I am Greek and we have to suffer with the cost of living the prices going up every day,

[@katerinakorvesi180]

For workers, Greece is becoming more and more difficult. As for the National Hospital, they have abandoned it without staff, without materials, they do not repair the damages, to force people to go to private hospitals. Recently my friend took out a loan to go to a private hospital because the national hospitals did not have a working CT scanner. We are afraid of getting sick. 😢

[@GreeceExplored]

I know, Greece is not perfect for many people, but I also believe it is better than many think, Greece is not exclusive in the current challenges and seems to fair better than other places I know and have lived. It is all about a frame of reference I think. In one country I lived, the key health policy was to end 2 in a bed in public hospitals.

[@TheCyricson]

Well...why not Greek friends?!!

[@michaels7045]

Interesting and informative vid; and I would like to hear about investing in property and also about the visa process. I am American but currently live in EU, and I have recently been playing with the idea of buying property in Greece. I absolutely love Greece, I go every chance I get. Would definitely consider it for a retirement option for myself.

[@GreeceExplored]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed, a bit of a departure from my normal vids too. I will definitely do vids on property and visas, but can only do so from my experience, rather than perhaps offer legal advice etc!!

[@frankdaneluzzi3503]

My thoughts exactly on all your lessons. Your Canadian friends are wondering when you both will be back in Astros?😉

[@discover_peloponnese]

Another great video, lots of good information. We are hoping to retire part time in Greece and have found the process of purchasing a home and getting set up is 100% worth the effort. It is a very special place ❤

[@GreeceExplored]

@@discover_peloponnese Thank you, really appreciat your positive comment too!

[@katerinagiannioudi401]

Majority of Greeks speak English so its not that difficult to communicate.

[@GreeceExplored]

I do try, but I just am terrible at languages

[@skypickle29]

Half the doctors left Greece when the austerity measures were instituted and their salaries were cut 50%. If you want to be seen within a reasonable amount of time, add a few thousand Euros to your wallet for 'gifts'. Otherwise be ready to wait.

[@GreeceExplored]

I agree, It was a disaster, but though it may be hard to believe, it is so much better than the UK health system now. I have extensive experience of both and The Greek system though far from perfect is more accessible than the UK equivalent. Yes I agree Private healthcare is useful, but the Greek system generally better regardless since Brexit... Waiting times in Greece are generally better, costs significantly lower and the doctors I have met fantastic.

[@barblue3]

Not true! Every time I’ve needed a doctor I never had a problem! First and foremost Greek doctors are the best. Secondly everywhere you go you have radiology centers. Hospitals tons pharmacies etc also health coverage in Greece is much cheaper than other countries especially North America. You said you wait??? Try going to the emergency room in North America you wait for hours and hours if you’re not bleeding or having a heart attack. I don’t know which doctors left but I’ve never had a problem getting one.

[@GreeceExplored]

@@barblue3 I agree, totally, the Greek Healthcare system is much better than the UK too.

[@Ws-tc5jb]

Retiring to greece with money from somewhere else is not the point.the point is to be able to retire in greece from money from greece.impossible

[@GreeceExplored]

I appreciate it is difficult for many Greeks, but for people who have had careers overseas, it is a great option. The world is not fair.

[@spirosdeligiannopoulos9199]

Greece is Athens. The rest is touristic decor.

[@SteveGaudi1976]

nonsense

[@AngLou-p2q]

My friend I’m an immigrant to the USA me and my wife make 220 thousand a year If you come to Greece with an American English or German salary it’s like your rich but Greeks make 600-1000 a month and now Greece is more expensive almost in everything gas food restaurants more expensive. Also people in Athens are extremely friendly but people in the suburbs are hillbillies vlaxe they kill dogs foles put puppies in bag throw them in the ditch etc also ther jealous id they see you with an expensive German or American car or watch or if you make a lot more money people at villages are extremely rude 1-3 months vacation ok but any more they’ll start snitching on you roufiane you can tell that peoples mentalities are left behind the whole world moves forward Greece moves backwards they are crazy with politics even if their politians destroyed the country turkey is not my country but I’ve been there look at the airport greatest in the planet cheap food restaurants hotels more friendly

[@nikoskyriakou8096]

You will regret it later on. I am sorry to tell you but Greece is not the country to retire. The government will find ways to steal from you no matter what. I am not saying that in other countries this does not happen but in Greece it happens in the worst way possible. I am saying all these as a local here.

[@alexandros6000-l6w]

Crete is the answer

[@GreeceExplored]

one of them

[@johnedwards315]

"you are there to adapt and not to make others to adapt to you"👌👌👌👌👌👌🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 If you could fathom how few foreign settlers understand that.... ALSO. GREEK IS NOT DIFFICULT. EVEN SMALL KIDS SPEAK IT. You are just lazy to make the effort because a bit of English here and there saves the day. Why try? We are living in a language. Not in a country. Especially when you refuse to learn the origins of what you already speak anyways. Overall a good effort. Prople need their fantasy bubble though. Who are you to prick it?

[@GreeceExplored]

Trust me, I would love to speak Greek well, but I am terrible at languages, always have been, something in my head just doesn't work when trying to hear and understand unfortunately...