Retire in Greece

"Quiet, a few expats with the main recreation and nightlife centred around tavernas and beaches," said one retiree in living in Paros, Greece.

"Life for a retiree in Greece and its surroundings can be quite enjoyable. There is an active expat community, with many retirees from other countries living in the area. There are plenty of cultural attractions to explore, such as ancient ruins, museums, and galleries. There is also plenty of recreation to be had, such as swimming, hiking, and sailing. For those looking for nightlife, there are plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs to explore. All in all, Greece and its surroundings offer retirees a great place to enjoy their retirement," explained a retiree in Greece.

"Do a lot of research before you decide to retire abroad, we did extensive enquiries into all aspects and still had things to learn on the way," said a retiree who moved to Paros, Greece.

"My wife and I just moved to a small village in eastern Crete about two months ago after years of coming to the island. My strong advice is to spend as much time as possible in as many locations as possible in as many different seasons as possible. Living here is different than visiting. My stronger advice is to get a good lawyer and real estate agent if planning to buy or even rent. Learn some Greek before moving and do not expect things to work like your present location. Be patient, respectful and allow yourself time to acclimate to the new way of life," said one retiree in Greece.

"One of the most challenging aspects of retiring in Greece is the cost of living. Greece has a relatively high cost of living compared to other countries in Europe, and this can be difficult for retirees on a fixed income. Additionally, the country's economic situation has been unstable in recent years, making it difficult to plan for the future. Another challenge is the language barrier, as many people in Greece do not speak English. This can make it difficult to access services and communicate with locals. Finally, the healthcare system in Greece can be difficult to navigate, and the quality of care may not be up to the standards of other countries," explained one retiree living in Greece.

"Retiring in Greece can be a rewarding experience due to its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and friendly people. The Mediterranean climate offers mild winters and warm summers, making it an ideal place to enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Greece also has a vibrant culinary scene, with a variety of traditional dishes to explore. Additionally, the country is home to some of the world's most stunning beaches, offering a perfect place to relax and soak up the sun. Finally, the cost of living in Greece is relatively low, making it an attractive option for retirees on a budget," said a retiree who moved to Greece.

"Greece has a public healthcare system that provides free or low-cost healthcare services to its citizens. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is managed by the Ministry of Health. Healthcare services in Greece include primary care, hospital care, mental health services, and preventive care. Primary care is provided by general practitioners, while hospital care is provided by public and private hospitals. Mental health services are provided by psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. Preventive care includes vaccinations, health screenings, and health education," explained one retiree living in Greece.

"I disagree with the statement that you have to go to Athens for anything serious. I had two serious operations in my local hospital. As I have the Greek Healthcare, I only had to pay for my Chemotherapy and had excellent care before and after treatment," said one retiree in living in Greece.

"Thessaloniki, being a cultural city.. has many nationalities mixed together.. Much more so than when I first arrived in Greece.. There are many groups/organizations here in Thess. I.W.O.G. International Women`s Organization of Greece e-mail: [email protected] They meet on the 2nd Wednesday of every month (not in summer) for coffee, networking & social activities.. yearly membership 35 euros or guest fee 5 euros ( this pays for your tea/coffee , cake/snack at the meetings )there is also a raffle & 2nd hand book store, all money raised goes to local charities... T.O.W.E.R. ( Thessaloniki Organization for Women Employment & Resources ) Non for profit organization to help women ... It is not a job agency..! web site: www.tower4women.gr
e-mail: [email protected] During the first week of June, all the country specific clubs get together to raise money for local charities... with the International food festival , with over 30 countries taking part.. this year it will be held on Sunday 6th June at Aretzou plaza Krini , next to the beach..," explained one retiree living in Thessaloniki.

"Northern Greece is extremely restricted in terms of Clubs and Associations. If you speak the language it is a little easier to meet people, I have been involved in charity work which I found in Drama's Government offices. I would recommend joining a Gym or local Swimming Pool," said one retiree in living in Drama, Greece.

"Expats in Greece often join local clubs and activities such as language classes, sports teams, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, visiting museums, or exploring the local markets. Additionally, many expats join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats living in Greece. Finally, expats can also meet people by attending local meetups, networking events, and social gatherings," explained a retiree in Greece.

"Family is the most important thing to the Greeks which is nice as the family are becoming less important in many countries. Some Greeks work very hard as life here can be tough as the salaries are very low and the change to the euro affected many people in a negative way. However, the Public Sector seems to where to work for an easy life. Socialising is extremely important to people here and the Greeks do not stop talking, which often sounds like they are arguing as conversations are often loud and seemingly aggressive. Coffee, coffee, coffee! The bars are busy from morning to night, mostly with young people drinking the national favorite. It is also nice to go out on a Saturday night and not see drunken louts on the streets, as you do in the UK, Sport is not so important in this country and it's impossible to find Clubs to join. However they are strong football fans (especially after the Euro) and they also like beach volleyball and basketball," remarked one retiree in Drama.

"As a general rule, peoples priorities here are work & family... Well family comes first.. But Greeks in general are very sociable, if you make the effort to speak to your neighbors, especially if you have children you'll find them to be friendly.. Okay so some expats object to there neighbors interfering (as they see it ) Greeks will give you their opinion (whether asked for or not ) on everything from whether your child should be wearing a jacket or not, to what food your making that day ... I know nothing about sport, but my son informs me that there are 4 football teams for Thessaloniki.. 1. PAOK 2. ARIS 3. IRAKLIS 4. APPOLON KALAMARIAS Thessaloniki has a great variety of clubs, bars, tavernas & restaurants.. The last 5years or so has seen a change, with Indian, Chinese & Japanese restaurants opening.. We also have Mac Donald's, Pizza Hut and coming soon... Kentuky Fried Chicken...! So you won't get to home sick... Night life generally doesn't get started til after 10pm.. So don't be surprised when your new friends ask you out for a drink at the time you'd usually be thinking of going to bed..," said a retiree who moved to Thessaloniki, Greece.

"Learn Greek before you come! Make sure you bring your sense of humour with you and plenty of patience. Die your hair dark brown and get a good tan so you blend in. But come, it's a cool country and the weather is perfect," commented one retiree living in Drama, Greece.

"1. Expats should research the cost of living in Greece to ensure they can afford to retire there. 2. It is important to understand the healthcare system in Greece and to make sure that expats have adequate health insurance coverage. 3. Expats should also familiarize themselves with the tax system in Greece and any applicable tax treaties with their home country. 4. It is important to learn the language, as English is not widely spoken in Greece. 5. Expats should also research the different types of visas available and the requirements for obtaining them. 6. It is also important to research the different types of housing available in Greece and the associated costs. 7. Expats should also consider the cultural differences between their home country and Greece and be prepared to adjust to a new way of life," explained one retiree living in Greece.

"In Greece, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, parks, and outdoor activities. The country is known for its stunning coastline, which offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities. There are also many parks and gardens throughout the country, providing a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Additionally, Greece is home to a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and camping. For those looking for a more urban experience, there are plenty of cafes, restaurants, and bars to explore," said one person who retired in Greece.

"People living in Greece typically buy groceries from local markets, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Other shopping can be done at department stores, boutiques, and specialty shops. Additionally, many people in Greece shop online for items such as clothing, electronics, and home goods," explained one retiree living in Greece.