Cities & Hotspots

Athens is the practical year-round base; Thessaloniki is younger and more compact; Crete gives more space and nature with island logistics.

  • AthensOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • ThessalonikiOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • CreteOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.

Best Time of Year

April to June or September to October Conditions vary by city, so check the local forecast before booking a long stay.

Air Quality, Simply

Air is usually manageable, though Athens traffic, summer heat and wildfire smoke can affect comfort. Island air is not a guarantee during fires.

Use the city-level AQI or official air-quality service before planning long outdoor days, especially if you have asthma or are travelling with children.

Getting Around the Country

  • International arrivalCompare the main gateway airport with the city you actually want. A cheap flight can create an expensive onward journey.
  • Between citiesCheck rail, coach and domestic-flight time including airport transfers, luggage and seasonal disruption.
  • Inside citiesEach city guide covers the local mix of public transport, taxis, ride-hailing, walking and driving.
  • DrivingCheck licence recognition, insurance, tolls, parking and road conditions before renting a car or scooter.

Housing & Cost of Living

  • RentCapital, coastal and visitor-heavy markets can be completely different. Compare like-for-like homes and contract lengths.
  • DepositsVerify the property, owner or authorised agent, inventory, notice terms and payment trail before transferring money.
  • Daily costsGroceries, transport, healthcare and imported goods often matter more than a headline rent figure.
  • Family costsSchool fees, insurance, larger housing and transport should be priced before choosing the city.

Hospitals & Healthcare

Hygeia, Metropolitan Hospital and major public hospitals serve Athens; Crete has good regional options but less depth. Call 112 for emergencies.

SIM, eSIM & Local Apps

Cosmote, Vodafone and Nova offer eSIMs. Free Now and Uber work in larger cities; e-food and Wolt cover delivery.

  • Mobile networksCosmote, Vodafone Greece and Nova are the main mobile networks. Coverage on islands can differ from Athens and Thessaloniki.
  • Ride appsFree Now and Uber taxi dispatch are useful in Athens; islands and smaller cities still rely on local taxis.
  • Food deliveryefood and Wolt are the core food delivery apps in the main cities.
  • PaymentsCards are common in Athens and tourist areas, but cash remains useful on islands and in smaller businesses.
  • Home internetCosmote, Vodafone and Nova fixed-line/fibre availability varies by building; check installation timing before remote-work leases.

Working & Remote Life

  • Legal positionRemote work and local employment can be treated differently. Match your visa, tax and company arrangements to what you actually do.
  • ConnectivityTest home internet, mobile backup and power reliability at the exact address before a long lease.
  • WorkspacesUse day passes to compare coworking, call space and commute before paying for a membership.
  • CommunityIndustry groups, recurring activities and professional events are more useful than relying only on broad expat groups.

Long-Stay & Paperwork

  • Residence permitsNon-EU residents should use official migration/residence guidance and local appointment systems; Greece's digital nomad route has specific proof rules.
  • AFM and AMKAAFM tax number and AMKA/health-system access can affect banking, rentals and healthcare.
  • TaxAADE rules, residence days and foreign income need proper advice before making Greece a base.
  • DrivingIsland and mainland driving are different decisions. Check licence validity, insurance and parking before renting long-term.
  • Admin habitKeep lease, utility bills, tax number, insurance and appointment paperwork consistent.

Schools & Family Fit

International and bilingual schools are usually concentrated in the largest city hubs listed above. Ask about curriculum, admissions dates, language support, transport, deposits and whether the school year matches your current country before choosing a neighbourhood.

Safety & Practical Risks

  • Personal safetyUse city-level advice: neighbourhood, time of day and transport habits matter more than broad country labels.
  • Health and weatherUnderstand heat, storms, flood, fire, air-quality, altitude or sea risks before choosing a season.
  • MoneyUse traceable payments, verify rentals and keep emergency access to more than one card or account.
  • Official adviceCheck government travel, immigration and health sources before decisions that affect status or safety.

Who It Suits

Seasonal movers, families and remote workers who want European access and a long outdoor season.

Before you move: visa rules, hospital access, mobile registration and app coverage change. Confirm the current position with the relevant official provider before making a non-refundable commitment.