Long term
- published on 1/25/2024
Best Places in Greece for Expats
From its fascinating ancient landmarks to its 6,000 beautiful islands, to its mythology and cuisine, Greece has plenty to offer for those looking to relocate here. The weather is an attractive feature as well, where you can relax in the sun or explore the diverse landscapes in your free time.
We’ve created a guide that looks at the best places to live in Greece for expats that are suitable for a range of different lifestyle preferences.
Thessaloniki
Located in the north-east of Greece, Thessaloniki is home to 800,000 people, making it the second most populous city in the country.
Thessaloniki has a Mediterranean climate, but experiences a range of weather. In the summer months, expats can take part in water sport activities and relax on one of the city’s many beaches, but could see chilly temperatures in the winter with a lot of rainfall.
For people relocating for work, some of the main industries in the city include pharmaceuticals, tourism and textiles. When looking at places to live, neighbourhoods you could consider are Vardaris, an exciting area of the city with plenty of restaurants and the notable White Tower, or Ano Poli, situated in the hills of the city where you can enjoy stunning views.
Expats living in Thessaloniki can also sample the delicious food on offer throughout the year, such as array of seafood and its famous souvlaki. The city is also known for its rich Greek history, comprising of the Byzantine Bath, Aristotelous Square and the Hagia Sophia.
Athens
With a population of 3.1 million people, Greece’s capital Athens is the largest of the cities in Greece. Situated on the south-east coast of the mainland, it is a great place for expats who are looking for a vibrant city atmosphere and lots of amenities.
The main industries found here incorporate textiles, shipping and transport, presenting many job opportunities for those relocating to Greece for work. Tourism is a big sector as well, with Athens seeing approximately 5.6 million visitors in 2022 alone.[1]
Transport options to help you travel around the city include a metro system, tram line and railway. Athens International Airport also provides convenient travel to other internationals hubs, while ferries are an alternative mode of travel to destinations such as Chania, Santorini and Paros.
During the move abroad process, organising your finances is one of the most important tasks, helping you to understand your budget. Check out our blog here for some useful budgeting tips ahead of your relocation.
Rhodes
The largest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes is home to over 100,000 people. It has its own airport and multiple bus routes to complete your journey around the island, but there is additionally the choice to take in the picturesque landscape by bicycle if you like being outdoors.
One of the central locations expats could consider living in is Rhodes Town, which has a charming old town full of history, and a harbour that was once home to the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven ancient wonders of the world.
Other locations to think about here include the clifftop village of Lindos, situated on the east coast of the island, known for St. Paul’s Bay and its iconic acropolis. Kallithea is another option too, found on the northeast part of Rhodes, where you can swim in its thermal springs and wander around its many coves.
If you’re thinking about moving to Greece, make sure you check all of the visa and permit regulations well in advance of your trip so you have enough time to prepare and get your documents organised. An overview of visa requirements for living in Greece can be found here.
Corfu
Corfu is found in the northern part of Greece on the Ionian Sea, and has a population of nearly 100,000 residents.
Corfu Town, with its UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, is ideal for expats that enjoy historic sites and Venetian architecture. Whereas the quieter Palaiokastritsa could be right for those who prefer a quieter lifestyle, with stunning beaches to explore on your doorstep.
Similar to other Greek islands, Corfu has regular buses for transporting you across the island, and an airport for domestic and international flights. However, having a car might prove the easiest way to get around, particularly to remote areas.
The main industry in Corfu is tourism if you’re wishing to work here, as well as agriculture. Make sure you do thorough research when looking for a role to find the most suitable job, and also whether you need to have any particular language skills or other knowledge in order to apply.
Crete
Ther largest of the Greek islands, Crete is another place on our list that is great for expats. It is around 8,450km2 in size and is famous for its stunning beaches, wonderful landscapes and Bronze Age palaces.
There are great transport links in Crete; the island has 3 airports for travel to various destinations. Public transport consists of regional buses that are regular and can provide a cheaper form of travel, while ferries are available for connections to nearby islands.
Notable sites on the island include the old Venetian Harbour, Knossos Palace and the Imbros Gorge to name a few. If you’re moving here for work, then it’s worth knowing that the leading industries here are tourism and agriculture.
Heraklion is the capital of Crete, with a population of approximately 175,000 people, making it a busy city on this island that has lots of amenities for expats. Other options to contemplate in Crete include Chania, which has a lot of historic charm, or Rethymno, where fishing boats line the harbour and there are many archaeological sites to visit.
