I’m thinking of buying a property in Greece and one of my very wonderful friends sent me a link of your videos to watch. And I’m glad he did fantastic!! you’ve just got yourself a new subscriber
My Irish wife and I (from Wisconsin, USA) are moving to Kalamata this November after looking in Portugal, Spain, France, Ireland and in the States. He's right about Kalamata, It has it all and it's just the right size city for us with year around LIFE!
Thank you, but I am sure not true!!! and you may not say the same about my next video... decided to be slightly controversial... at least at the start, but hopefully (Greek) people will agree and see the light side.......fingers crossed.....
You cannot imagine the amount of BS and misinformation other expat channels shamelessly spread about living in Greece. I have stopped watching quite a few of them as I got really frustrated. People beware! If you are thinking about relocating to Greece, please do your own in depth research and take whatever you hear on expat channels with a huge grain of salt. Having said this, I have to say that so far Andrew is spot on with the info that he shares on this channel.
@@courseware1241 Thats very kind, thank you. I try to only talk about what I know, and am confident in, but everyone rightly has different opinions!! Next vid is deliberately a little more, risky.... 10 opinions..... and one or 2 picked for discussion... we will see...
@@GreeceExplored These are some of the areas. As a general comment we need expats but in the upcoming areas where property values are low. Everybody knows the touristic and prime areas because everybody has visited as a tourist by now.
Evia is rightfully your top choice. Not overrun by tourists (most tourists are Greeks), not overly expensive and only an hour from Athens. However, the roads aren’t always good and the island has been plastered with wind turbines (and more to be installed) in almost every mountain top. I am a native of the island and remember it back when it was more likely you would see pristine beaches empty than full of bathers. I remember it when it was covered in beautiful pine forests, before they were torched. The island, though close to Athens, feels a little out of the way. We prefer it this way. A little unknown, neglected even, forgotten. We are a welcoming people, but prefer peace and quiet.
Absolutely love your island Sir ❤ had a great stay in Rovies over 20 years ago . I remember going to eat one evening in Limni in the square under a big tree . It was packed and buzzing and 99% were Greek tourists . Wonderful meal 🙌🏽
Nice job! Greece is definitely on my retirement radar. When I lived there as a kid in the 70s, I went to school in Hilandri. Half the kids were Air Force kids (including me), and we lived mainly around Glyfada and Voula (the US base shared the runway with the International airport). The other half of the kids were embassy kids and lived mainly in Kifisia. The third half : ) were Greek or Greek-American kids, and I'm not sure where they tended to live. I have my eye on Paros and Lefkada, but I may need to give more consideration to a more populated area like Crete or Kalamata for a lot of the reasons you mention (hospitals, etc.).
Greek Healthcare is really good, hugely underestimated - accessible, capable and affordable, but having lived here a few years I have realised how important access is, can't be underestimated! I honestly think for retirement in the EU, you can't beat Greece, great weather, fab people and relaxed culture, Athens and the surrounding area is highly liveable, and for retired foreigners, living costs are good....
Just came across your videos. I really enjoy them - also this one. Thank you for all the work that goes into making them. Living quite near Kalamata since the beginning of Oktober (Kato Verga) and we love that city (and surrounding area) indeed. It has a great "energy" about it. Some people don't like cities in Greece, and equate "Blue and white" with Greece, but come and feel the atmosphere. You won't be disappointed. Also, the surrounding area is very nice and diverse. For people into hiking: Kalamata lies at the foot of Mount Taygetos (almost 120 km long, 2100 meters). Several beautiful trails start near Kalamata (or a little bit more South) with routes for all levels of hikers.
Thank you very much. I hope you are settling in well and I agree, Greece has a fantastic vibe to it and kalamata especially!! I am jealous that you live so close, that all year round life and the facilities. As you say, so much to do as well!!
I’m glad that you mentioned Evia. It’s my ancestral island and there are plenty of things to see and do. In one day you can go to wonderful beaches, go skiing, then soak in hot springs. Plus there are numerous small villages with wonderful people and food.
Glad you enjoyed. I have done a video on visas, it is a bit dry, and includes a section on the golden visa, though I am married to a Greek, so my experience is limited re. GV,
Hi , You forgot to mention that Kalamata has an International airport with charter flights in the summer to 20~30 destinations to Eupopean cities. Friends of mine who have property in Kalamata fly in from Paris for 50€. And the last one. I know you can't learn Greek but..... the only place name you pronounced correctly was Evia. The rest you slaughrted without mercy. Pls at least make an effort regarding then. Hurts my ears . Generally your commentary was spot on. Good day from Kalamata (and Athens Glyfada)
You are right of course, my daughter, who is very Greek (and fluent) also says my accent is horrible.... the problem with being Northern European and language blind..... And I love Kalamata! I would move there tomorrow, but my wife is an Athenian...
An island to consider would be Syros in my opinion. As the main island of the cyclades it is more lively off season, but not as touristic in the summer. However, top of my list is your number two, Kalamata. At the end it is a matter of accessibility for me.
really enjoyed this video! reinforces my choice of retiring next year to Nea Artaki, Evia...of course I have family there so that helps...lol! Thanks for sharing!
Andrew thank you for yet another video full of valuable information. I’d be glad to take the time and teach you correct pronunciation of the towns and Greek terms you site in your videos, via Zoom or Teams.
I'm selling my apt in Athens, south suburb Maroussi, next to Kifissia, Chalandri, close to the airport, 20 km from the sea next to a huge green area. I lived there for many years but now I moved to Ipirus
My wife and I are from Chicago but now that we're empty nesters we' be been spending half our time in Greece. We bought a condo in Chalkidiki in the town of Nea Plagia right on the water, which is 40 minutes worth of a drive from Thessaloniki and 10 minutes from Nea Moudania. We simply love it there. We also own a house up in the Menalon mountain range in Peloponnese. We don't spend as much time there but it's also amazing there. I'd urge you to check out Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki.
Try North Greece: less hot, more green nature, real winters, less tourists, cheaper, friendlier people (but also less lifestyle). Lots of towns are in population decline there (unlike the popular areas of the South) so you can find great opportunities.
Please give me some suggestions if coastal towns in Northern Greece(I am Greek living abroad and ready to retire) looking to buy a soundly built 2 story home. Thank you❣️
i dont know the population of Kos Syros Naxos and Kalymnos during the winter but i think they would be dead. Lemnos is also dead in the winter. Kavala and Thessaloniki are the best places to live in
I think Nafpaktos is a great option. 2.5 hours from Athens, 30 minutes from Patras, two beaches and a nice vibe. Nice taverns and bars and a lively feel.
yes, town of 2 haves really, the old tourist town, and the rest, new town, point taken though, well connected, though the costs for crossing the Rio Antirio Bridge are ridiculous!! 27.50 one way in a car I think.....
@@zeus-ow8li Crossing it twice every day would cost you 10000 euros. :) It would be cheaper to have two cars, one on each side of the bridge and walk across each time ahaaha
Excellent Andrew but its amazing even to me how even Athens in statistics beats other cities in europe as most liveable but people forget like you said what facilities are near you like doctors ,transport etc and not just Bars and Beach
I agree, the Healthcare here is especially good actually, I don't think people appreciate just how good it is. was having the same discussion with a Greek Doctor today!
Thank you Andrew for this video and your knowledge about greece. I will travel at Dezember and January to Athens and Kalamata to find an appartement in Kalamata to rent, because i want to move to greece next year. Greetings from Zwickau, Germany.
@@GreeceExplored Hallo Andrew,Thank you for your reply . We are well, and thoroughly enjoyed our chat with you in the lovely cafe bar in your home village of Paralio Astros. After our chat Andrew , and ,now listening to your advice in your latest video, we have decided to retire somewhere in that area of the Greek Riviera which we have enjoyed visiting and holidaying for many years. Due to our age Andrew, we know that the expense of buying their, is not feasible so, we are looking to rent a lovely apartment that we can rent long term . Maybe Andrew you could do a video to educate retirees like us to guide us through the system of renting and the problems that are likely to arise . Keep up with your videos Andrew ,it’s very comforting to hear you explaining the ins and outs of moving to Greece. Stay well Andrew , and hopefully,we can get back to you in the near future and this time ,enjoy a glass of wine with you . Sandra & John✨
@@bernadettehumby7844 Good luck with it, I have no experience of renting here, but I believe the law is very much on the side of the Tenant! so as good tenants I am sure you could find a good deal. It is great along the Athens Riviera too!!! keep me posted.
Good morning Andrew, Thank You for your reply, we think we are to old to buy Andrew , so, by renting for a while we can see how or where we will probably move to , but your right, Athens is a great place to settle down . Take Care and keep up with your videos . Top Class . ✨
I've been living on Rhodes for the last 20 years. If you're a person who needs a vibrant city life you won't like it, because we have only a bit more than 100.000 inhabitants with 60.000 living in Rhodes town. But if you like it a bit calmer but still want the security of a real hospital nearby, a cinema, all sorts of doctors, a variety of restaurants and cafes and the stuff a typical small European town offers, it might be the right place for you. Rhodes has a large community of foreigners from all over the world with a facility for the teaching of different mother tongues for bilingual children on the island, a catholic church, a German speaking protestant ecumenic church, two public mosques and a series of small associations for different activities from painting and pottery to tango, folk dances, bridge, environmental protection, volunteering fire brigades, etc.
Thank you for the great information, and you are so right, it is all bout what people are comfortable with and their expectations. research and settling on an area with open eyes and no romanticism is so important!
Loving your videos! For me I will keep my investment properties for income in the states and want to live in Greece or maybe choose a nearby place for winter. I prefer not to buy just rent and i have good income . I tend to like the beautiful walking towns but it’s nice to have amenities . I guess I just need to just island hop. If it wasn’t for my small dog which gets a little nervous on short flights, so I’m not sure how he would do on a long flight . But I would be there now. . I’m 57 so now is the time .
It is always the time if you love Greece, prices are going up, I think to an extent Greece is entering a boom period in some respect, but I am also mindful that for many Greece is very challenging. Delighted you love my videos, Thank you. Hope I can continue to make content you find valuable!! and good luck with your move!
Great video thanks like you say your a city guy personally I am not but it’s definitely better to be in at least a bigger town whit all year round life.
Thank you so much Andrew for all your information. You cannot imagine how much your videos are helping. We are in love with Greece and planning to move as soon as possible. Mesenia is in our mind (especially Koroni) but want to visit Lefkada before deciding as there is something about it that attracts my attention even though I have never been. What do you think about Lefkada? Is it all shut in the winter?
Thank you. To be honest both will be pretty dead in the winter, Koroni included. I have friends there (in Koroni) and everything is closed, but at least with Koroni you can go places easily in a car!
Thanks Andrew, I didn’t know Koroni was closed in the winter. Still, I just love the place! We will be going in a couple of months to have another wander around and also to see what it is like in the winter. Thanks xx
The northern half of the island was full of pine forests. A very beautiful area. These burned a couple of years ago. The government directed all its firefighter planes to a fire that was burning outside of Athens at the same time, letting Evia burn. It burned for a whole week. Now the only forest remaining is in the central part of the island. It’s only a matter of time before that goes, too.
@GreeceExplored thank you so much, Andrew! I'm really interested in the Halkidiki area ( Sithonia - Nikiti, Neos Marmaras) however I understand you don't cover that area because you live in southern Greece, but I'm sure the areas I mentioned may be in a similar range. I also understand that there is a base price set by the local, but builders may go higher if they decide due to increased material and property acquisition cost. I'll look forward to watching that video and thanks in advance for covering that topic)
@@stevegavrilos21 All properties in Greece have an objective value which is set by the Government. this is usually, but not always significantly lower than the selling price (or actual market value) of the property. It is the minimum value which all taxation of the property in sale or purchase will be based, but if the property sale value exceeds this, then the taxes will also rise in proportion. It is also used in other matters such as inheritance tax determination etc. Good luck with your Hunt!!
Yes and no, you can buy a property, house here, but unless you have Greek or EU residency, you won't be able to live here outside the normal periods of stay, typically 90 days in every 180. I have a vid on buying a house, and another on EU visa options :)
Your recommendations are spot on ! I’m tickled that you love and live in my country, especially kalamata which happens to be very special to me… it’s where my mom was born! I was born in Athens but grew up in Ano Glyfada and attended Elliniko high school, one block away from the old airport ! I’m very familiar with all that has been developing and have been following the Ellinikon project very closely ! Unfortunately I would never be able to afford to live in that new development LOL I live in the US and I’m in the process of buying an apartment in the neighborhood of Ano Glyfada where I grew up, fancy zip code without the price tag been that it’s 10min away from the beach! It’s a lengthy process but I have a great lawyer over there that is giving me great advice and the fact that I’m Greek helps a tad 😂 There has been a void in my life since I left Greece at 17 and the only way to fill it is by returning and retiring in the land that I came from! I really enjoyed your video and the fact that you talked about areas that are very dear to me ! Cheers!
Thanks, much appreciated. We have just inherited a small apartment in Northern Athens, and I may do some vids on that experience and refurbishment next year!
You are incorrect about Evia, unless you are only planning to drive to Chalkida. Past there, you are risking your life on the roads that are available inside the island. There is even a place (on the national road network, not on some out of the way hill road) were the state had erected a sign saying "you are passing through this road on your own responsibility". That's how nasty the roads are there. Good for you of even knowing of the island. It proves that you are way ahead of the usual content creators on the subject.
There’s many places other than Chalkida on Evia - like the hot springs in the north in Edipsos, the beaches on the east coast like in Agreed an Anna, and of course the skiing at Dirfys. Also there are many wonderful little villages in the interior. The sign is there to encourage drivers to be cautious and perhaps drive slower than they normally would. The island is extremely mountainous with extensive and numerous hairpin turns that require careful and slow navigation. Many people did not heed the warnings and sadly ended their lives. The roads themselves are top quality asphalt, so the warning has nothing to do with the state of the road surfaces.
@@jamesxanthios1317 Top quality asphalt? Are you gaslighting me? On the one hand you say "people died on that road" and on the other hand you are saying "top quality asphalt"? Anyway, nice effort, but I live in that place, ok? We are risking our lives here to go from place A to place B. You want to come and gamble your life on our "top quality aphalt"? Sure, come along. Don't complain when you end up in a ditch and the next ambulance is 5 hours away. If anyone else hears your lies though and THEY come here and get harmed, their blood is in your hands, for tricking them. Top asphalt hahaha I'll screenshot this and send it to other locals to have a laugh. Even the biggest sycophants won't dare say that here :D
@@ΤάσοςΚαυσοκαλυβίτηςLOL I think you’re being a little harsh. The roads are not that bad. Evia is not rural Africa for heaven sakes. I may not live there but I have driven throughout many parts of the island and I found that the roads were fine. Of course I did see many road-side shrines placed where someone had died but they could have been driving erratically or drunk or hit by someone else doing the same. We see those road-side shrines in many countries anyway. Besides, everyone knows about the difficulty with driving in Greece so only experienced foreign drivers who are confident with their abilities would dare drive there anyway.
@@jamesxanthios1317 > I think you’re being a little harsh. No, I am not. Do you know that in order to reach the northern part of the island only three roads exist? A) The aforementioned dangerous road, now permanently closed "for construction". B) The mountain road, which is full of pot-holes, has no barriers and you can fall straight down the cliffs now that the forest is burned. Also at some points there have been landslides and the road is narrow and only "one way" exists, for both directions. C) The roundabout road, which also passes through the burned mountains and in many places is like someone used mortar shells on it. I tried to take a trip to the monastery of St. David. Since you know the place I assume that you might know where it is or even visited it. Well the road used to be "ok". The fire and the subsequent rains have turned it into a hellscape that even a 4X4 (which we had) faced significant issues to traverse. We reached the monastery, sat for an hour for the afternoon service and then had to leave way before the sun went down because noone wanted to risk their lives on that road at dusk. > Of course I did see many road-side shrines placed Did you know that those shrines represent only a fraction of the accidents? A lot of the families do not want or cannot afford to place one. Also, noone places such shrines if it is a tourist that had an accident. ;) By all means, come again. :P
After raising my kids in Greece and working in Greece with a Greek income I'd definitely not make it financially in Germany after retiring. I'd also be really far away from my children.
Great job Andrew! Thanks for sharing! Please let me know if you have some good contacts for realtors, lawyers, etc that can help in the buying process. Let me know how I can contact you.
I’m thinking of buying a property in Greece and one of my very wonderful friends sent me a link of your videos to watch. And I’m glad he did fantastic!! you’ve just got yourself a new subscriber
That is very kind, thank you, I hope I continue to make content you find worth watching!!! and thanks for the sub, appreciated!
My Irish wife and I (from Wisconsin, USA) are moving to Kalamata this November after looking in Portugal, Spain, France, Ireland and in the States. He's right about Kalamata, It has it all and it's just the right size city for us with year around LIFE!
I thought this was my account!
I hope you enjoy, let me know if there is a good expat community down there too!
We recently visited Kalamata and found it to be a lovely place with very friendly people and just a nice feeling.
@@shetlandsheep3081 It is a hidden gem I think, different to the islands of course but has loads to do and enjoy
Andrew is The only youtuber expat that knows what he's talking about...
Thank you, but I am sure not true!!! and you may not say the same about my next video... decided to be slightly controversial... at least at the start, but hopefully (Greek) people will agree and see the light side.......fingers crossed.....
You cannot imagine the amount of BS and misinformation other expat channels shamelessly spread about living in Greece. I have stopped watching quite a few of them as I got really frustrated. People beware! If you are thinking about relocating to Greece, please do your own in depth research and take whatever you hear on expat channels with a huge grain of salt. Having said this, I have to say that so far Andrew is spot on with the info that he shares on this channel.
@@courseware1241 Thats very kind, thank you. I try to only talk about what I know, and am confident in, but everyone rightly has different opinions!! Next vid is deliberately a little more, risky.... 10 opinions..... and one or 2 picked for discussion... we will see...
@@GreeceExplored These are some of the areas. As a general comment we need expats but in the upcoming areas where property values are low. Everybody knows the touristic and prime areas because everybody has visited as a tourist by now.
Evia is rightfully your top choice. Not overrun by tourists (most tourists are Greeks), not overly expensive and only an hour from Athens.
However, the roads aren’t always good and the island has been plastered with wind turbines (and more to be installed) in almost every mountain top.
I am a native of the island and remember it back when it was more likely you would see pristine beaches empty than full of bathers. I remember it when it was covered in beautiful pine forests, before they were torched.
The island, though close to Athens, feels a little out of the way. We prefer it this way. A little unknown, neglected even, forgotten. We are a welcoming people, but prefer peace and quiet.
Absolutely love your island Sir ❤ had a great stay in Rovies over 20 years ago . I remember going to eat one evening in Limni in the square under a big tree . It was packed and buzzing and 99% were Greek tourists . Wonderful meal 🙌🏽
Bro, you're really cool, thanks for the review, I enjoyed watching your video!
Thank you, really appreciate it!!
Nice job! Greece is definitely on my retirement radar. When I lived there as a kid in the 70s, I went to school in Hilandri. Half the kids were Air Force kids (including me), and we lived mainly around Glyfada and Voula (the US base shared the runway with the International airport). The other half of the kids were embassy kids and lived mainly in Kifisia. The third half : ) were Greek or Greek-American kids, and I'm not sure where they tended to live. I have my eye on Paros and Lefkada, but I may need to give more consideration to a more populated area like Crete or Kalamata for a lot of the reasons you mention (hospitals, etc.).
Greek Healthcare is really good, hugely underestimated - accessible, capable and affordable, but having lived here a few years I have realised how important access is, can't be underestimated! I honestly think for retirement in the EU, you can't beat Greece, great weather, fab people and relaxed culture, Athens and the surrounding area is highly liveable, and for retired foreigners, living costs are good....
Just came across your videos. I really enjoy them - also this one. Thank you for all the work that goes into making them.
Living quite near Kalamata since the beginning of Oktober (Kato Verga) and we love that city (and surrounding area) indeed. It has a great "energy" about it. Some people don't like cities in Greece, and equate "Blue and white" with Greece, but come and feel the atmosphere. You won't be disappointed. Also, the surrounding area is very nice and diverse. For people into hiking: Kalamata lies at the foot of Mount Taygetos (almost 120 km long, 2100 meters). Several beautiful trails start near Kalamata (or a little bit more South) with routes for all levels of hikers.
Thank you very much. I hope you are settling in well and I agree, Greece has a fantastic vibe to it and kalamata especially!! I am jealous that you live so close, that all year round life and the facilities. As you say, so much to do as well!!
I’m glad that you mentioned Evia. It’s my ancestral island and there are plenty of things to see and do. In one day you can go to wonderful beaches, go skiing, then soak in hot springs. Plus there are numerous small villages with wonderful people and food.
Just check Ioannina in the northwest. Nice video!
I'm really enjoying these videos. Would love to see an insight to obtaining a golden visa, from a non real estate agent perspective. Cheers.
Glad you enjoyed. I have done a video on visas, it is a bit dry, and includes a section on the golden visa, though I am married to a Greek, so my experience is limited re. GV,
Hi ,
You forgot to mention that Kalamata has an International airport with charter flights in the summer to 20~30 destinations to Eupopean cities. Friends of mine who have property in Kalamata fly in from Paris for 50€.
And the last one. I know you can't learn Greek but..... the only place name you pronounced correctly was Evia. The rest you slaughrted without mercy. Pls at least make an effort regarding then. Hurts my ears .
Generally your commentary was spot on.
Good day from Kalamata (and Athens Glyfada)
You are right of course, my daughter, who is very Greek (and fluent) also says my accent is horrible.... the problem with being Northern European and language blind..... And I love Kalamata! I would move there tomorrow, but my wife is an Athenian...
Maybe add some text of the city names when you mention it. It may be a pain but worth it!
@@elstamatakos1709 I do list all the names in the vid description, and also chapters, but point taken
Greece is a shit hole
An island to consider would be Syros in my opinion. As the main island of the cyclades it is more lively off season, but not as touristic in the summer. However, top of my list is your number two, Kalamata. At the end it is a matter of accessibility for me.
Thanks for the tip, I personally love Kalamata, would move there tomorrow, but my wife is an Athenian......
really enjoyed this video! reinforces my choice of retiring next year to Nea Artaki, Evia...of course I have family there so that helps...lol! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you, and family helps a lot! I hope you have a great time and a successful move!!
@@GreeceExplored thank you very much!
Andrew thank you for yet another video full of valuable information.
I’d be glad to take the time and teach you correct pronunciation of the towns and Greek terms you site in your videos, via Zoom or Teams.
Thanks, but my family speaks fluent Greek, I am just not good at it, maybe a hearing issue - never been good at languages, I wish I was better.
I'm selling my apt in Athens, south suburb Maroussi, next to Kifissia, Chalandri, close to the airport, 20 km from the sea next to a huge green area. I lived there for many years but now I moved to Ipirus
My wife and I are from Chicago but now that we're empty nesters we' be been spending half our time in Greece. We bought a condo in Chalkidiki in the town of Nea Plagia right on the water, which is 40 minutes worth of a drive from Thessaloniki and 10 minutes from Nea Moudania. We simply love it there. We also own a house up in the Menalon mountain range in Peloponnese. We don't spend as much time there but it's also amazing there. I'd urge you to check out Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki.
Thank you for the valuable information, I am sure it will be useful to some people, I have heard it is lovely up there!
Thanks Andrew you know your stuff. Great video
Embarrassed, but thank you!!
Try North Greece: less hot, more green nature, real winters, less tourists, cheaper, friendlier people (but also less lifestyle). Lots of towns are in population decline there (unlike the popular areas of the South) so you can find great opportunities.
Please give me some suggestions if coastal towns in Northern Greece(I am Greek living abroad and ready to retire) looking to buy a soundly built 2 story home.
Thank you❣️
For me it's:
In Athens: Nea Smyrni, Palaeo Faliro, Argyroupolis
Outside of Athens:
1. Chania
2. Rethymno
3. Alexandroupolis
4. Kavala
5. Thessaloniki
6. Kalamata
7. Myrina (Lemnos)
8. Chios
9. Lesbos
10. Kalymnos
11. Kos
12. Syros
13. Naxos
Thanks for the information! useful to anyone interested.
i dont know the population of Kos Syros Naxos and Kalymnos during the winter but i think they would be dead. Lemnos is also dead in the winter. Kavala and Thessaloniki are the best places to live in
@@flukos79 No, they are not. They are just not as lively as Thessaloniki.
@@paokman 30000 μόνιμους κατοίκους σίγουρα δεν έχουν
@@flukos79 Όχι, αλλά δεν θα σου λείψει κάτι.
I think Nafpaktos is a great option. 2.5 hours from Athens, 30 minutes from Patras, two beaches and a nice vibe. Nice taverns and bars and a lively feel.
yes, town of 2 haves really, the old tourist town, and the rest, new town, point taken though, well connected, though the costs for crossing the Rio Antirio Bridge are ridiculous!! 27.50 one way in a car I think.....
@GreeceExplored 14 euro's one way. You wouldn't want to cross it every day that's for sure.
@@zeus-ow8li Crossing it twice every day would cost you 10000 euros. :) It would be cheaper to have two cars, one on each side of the bridge and walk across each time ahaaha
Excellent Andrew but its amazing even to me how even Athens in statistics beats other cities in europe as most liveable but people forget like you said what facilities are near you like doctors ,transport etc and not just Bars and Beach
I agree, the Healthcare here is especially good actually, I don't think people appreciate just how good it is. was having the same discussion with a Greek Doctor today!
Thank you Andrew for this video and your knowledge about greece. I will travel at Dezember and January to Athens and Kalamata to find an appartement in Kalamata to rent, because i want to move to greece next year. Greetings from Zwickau, Germany.
Good luck with that, Great place to live I think.
I see a MAC store....I'm sold!!!❤
Brilliant Video Andrew, well done 👍
Thank you, Hope you guys are well and glad you enjoyed!!
@@GreeceExplored Hallo Andrew,Thank you for your reply . We are well, and thoroughly enjoyed our chat with you in the lovely cafe bar in your home village of Paralio Astros. After our chat Andrew , and ,now listening to your advice in your latest video, we have decided to retire somewhere in that area of the Greek Riviera which we have enjoyed visiting and holidaying for many years. Due to our age Andrew, we know that the expense of buying their, is not feasible so, we are looking to rent a lovely apartment that we can rent long term . Maybe Andrew you could do a video to educate retirees like us to guide us through the system of renting and the problems that are likely to arise .
Keep up with your videos Andrew ,it’s very comforting to hear you explaining the ins and outs of moving to Greece. Stay well Andrew , and hopefully,we can get back to you in the near future and this time ,enjoy a glass of wine with you . Sandra & John✨
@@bernadettehumby7844 Good luck with it, I have no experience of renting here, but I believe the law is very much on the side of the Tenant! so as good tenants I am sure you could find a good deal. It is great along the Athens Riviera too!!! keep me posted.
Good morning Andrew, Thank You for your reply, we think we are to old to buy Andrew , so, by renting for a while we can see how or where we will probably move to , but your right, Athens is a great place to settle down . Take Care and keep up with your videos . Top Class . ✨
I've been living on Rhodes for the last 20 years. If you're a person who needs a vibrant city life you won't like it, because we have only a bit more than 100.000 inhabitants with 60.000 living in Rhodes town. But if you like it a bit calmer but still want the security of a real hospital nearby, a cinema, all sorts of doctors, a variety of restaurants and cafes and the stuff a typical small European town offers, it might be the right place for you.
Rhodes has a large community of foreigners from all over the world with a facility for the teaching of different mother tongues for bilingual children on the island, a catholic church, a German speaking protestant ecumenic church, two public mosques and a series of small associations for different activities from painting and pottery to tango, folk dances, bridge, environmental protection, volunteering fire brigades, etc.
Thank you for the great information, and you are so right, it is all bout what people are comfortable with and their expectations. research and settling on an area with open eyes and no romanticism is so important!
Agreed …..,Kalamata…..I’m biased…..it’s my home town ……Nice informative video
……..ALex🇬🇷
I wish it was mine too!! thank you, much appreciated.
Spent a lot of time at Maria's camping ,loved the market at the train station . Love kalamatta and Kypirrisia
valuable content, thank you
Much appreciated, Thank you for taking the time to comment!!
Loving your videos! For me I will keep my investment properties for income in the states and want to live in Greece or maybe choose a nearby place for winter. I prefer not to buy just rent and i have good income . I tend to like the beautiful walking towns but it’s nice to have amenities . I guess I just need to just island hop. If it wasn’t for my small dog which gets a little nervous on short flights, so I’m not sure how he would do on a long flight . But I would be there now. . I’m 57 so now is the time .
It is always the time if you love Greece, prices are going up, I think to an extent Greece is entering a boom period in some respect, but I am also mindful that for many Greece is very challenging. Delighted you love my videos, Thank you. Hope I can continue to make content you find valuable!! and good luck with your move!
Been to kalamata a few times.no bad ,but there are many lovely places around there.
Great video thanks like you say your a city guy personally I am not but it’s definitely better to be in at least a bigger town whit all year round life.
Thank you so much Andrew for all your information. You cannot imagine how much your videos are helping. We are in love with Greece and planning to move as soon as possible. Mesenia is in our mind (especially Koroni) but want to visit Lefkada before deciding as there is something about it that attracts my attention even though I have never been. What do you think about Lefkada? Is it all shut in the winter?
Thank you. To be honest both will be pretty dead in the winter, Koroni included. I have friends there (in Koroni) and everything is closed, but at least with Koroni you can go places easily in a car!
Thanks Andrew, I didn’t know Koroni was closed in the winter. Still, I just love the place! We will be going in a couple of months to have another wander around and also to see what it is like in the winter.
Thanks xx
@@Stellairam Best to go and spend some time there off season and see how you feel! Kalamata is relatively close!
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The only thing is that it gets brutally hot in the summer in most of the country but especially in Athens and in places like Kalamata.
for many of us, why we really want to be here...
I have also forgot to mention that the quality of the video is impressive! Did you change anything in your setup?
I have a new Camera and Mic, still learning to use them though!
I consider Halkidiki to be the most beautiful place in Greece!
I have never been there but I have heard it is beautiful too.
I would be a little concerned about the wildfire danger on Evia. That’s true all over Greece, of course, but Evia seems especially prone.
fingers crossed,
The northern half of the island was full of pine forests. A very beautiful area. These burned a couple of years ago. The government directed all its firefighter planes to a fire that was burning outside of Athens at the same time, letting Evia burn. It burned for a whole week. Now the only forest remaining is in the central part of the island. It’s only a matter of time before that goes, too.
@@nextwave1314That is sad. I hope the fires were not deliberately set, as seems to happen all too often.
Is the island of Poros "livable", or strictly a touristy place? It is small, yet has easy access to Athens.
Hi. You are in my favorite place to have a coffee in Kalamata
I like Casa Marina too!!
@@GreeceExplored Nice of you to mention Koroni too. My father is from there.
You forgot about Ithaki, most beautiful island in Greece..
What is the current price range in Euro/sq metre for smaller locales - existing and new build- near the sea like Gythio, Nafplio, Kalamata ?
I have a video on that (already recorded) in the next few weeks, I don't include Kalamata specifically, but will do a follow up if popular.
@GreeceExplored thank you so much, Andrew! I'm really interested in the Halkidiki area ( Sithonia - Nikiti, Neos Marmaras) however I understand you don't cover that area because you live in southern Greece, but I'm sure the areas I mentioned may be in a similar range. I also understand that there is a base price set by the local, but builders may go higher if they decide due to increased material and property acquisition cost. I'll look forward to watching that video and thanks in advance for covering that topic)
@@stevegavrilos21 All properties in Greece have an objective value which is set by the Government. this is usually, but not always significantly lower than the selling price (or actual market value) of the property. It is the minimum value which all taxation of the property in sale or purchase will be based, but if the property sale value exceeds this, then the taxes will also rise in proportion. It is also used in other matters such as inheritance tax determination etc. Good luck with your Hunt!!
I have a question; do I have to get a golden visa to be able to buy a house in Greece and live there? The 800 k euros is a lot.
Yes and no, you can buy a property, house here, but unless you have Greek or EU residency, you won't be able to live here outside the normal periods of stay, typically 90 days in every 180. I have a vid on buying a house, and another on EU visa options :)
Do they have Argos in Argos?
@@charlybeagrie1119 no, Argos, Acadia, never really understood the fascination with naming British companies after Greek Places….
Your recommendations are spot on ! I’m tickled that you love and live in my country, especially kalamata which happens to be very special to me… it’s where my mom was born!
I was born in Athens but grew up in Ano Glyfada and attended Elliniko high school, one block away from the old airport !
I’m very familiar with all that has been developing and have been following the Ellinikon project very closely !
Unfortunately I would never be able to afford to live in that new development LOL
I live in the US and I’m in the process of buying an apartment in the neighborhood of Ano Glyfada where I grew up, fancy zip code without the price tag been that it’s 10min away from the beach! It’s a lengthy process but I have a great lawyer over there that is giving me great advice and the fact that I’m Greek helps a tad 😂
There has been a void in my life since I left Greece at 17 and the only way to fill it is by returning and retiring in the land that I came from!
I really enjoyed your video and the fact that you talked about areas that are very dear to me !
Cheers!
Thanks, much appreciated. We have just inherited a small apartment in Northern Athens, and I may do some vids on that experience and refurbishment next year!
@@GreeceExplored Wow that’s awesome congrats! I’ll be looking forward to those videos in the future!
What about Piraeus and its suburbs?
It's ok. It's part of the Athens urban area. Quite residential, middle class and affordable.
You are right of course, but I don't know it very well unfortunately.
What about Piraeus Athens?
I am certain it is lovely, but I haven't spent time there so couldn't include it. I will go down and take a look for the future.
You are incorrect about Evia, unless you are only planning to drive to Chalkida. Past there, you are risking your life on the roads that are available inside the island. There is even a place (on the national road network, not on some out of the way hill road) were the state had erected a sign saying "you are passing through this road on your own responsibility". That's how nasty the roads are there. Good for you of even knowing of the island. It proves that you are way ahead of the usual content creators on the subject.
There’s many places other than Chalkida on Evia - like the hot springs in the north in Edipsos, the beaches on the east coast like in Agreed an Anna, and of course the skiing at Dirfys. Also there are many wonderful little villages in the interior.
The sign is there to encourage drivers to be cautious and perhaps drive slower than they normally would. The island is extremely mountainous with extensive and numerous hairpin turns that require careful and slow navigation. Many people did not heed the warnings and sadly ended their lives. The roads themselves are top quality asphalt, so the warning has nothing to do with the state of the road surfaces.
@@jamesxanthios1317 Top quality asphalt? Are you gaslighting me? On the one hand you say "people died on that road" and on the other hand you are saying "top quality asphalt"? Anyway, nice effort, but I live in that place, ok? We are risking our lives here to go from place A to place B. You want to come and gamble your life on our "top quality aphalt"? Sure, come along. Don't complain when you end up in a ditch and the next ambulance is 5 hours away. If anyone else hears your lies though and THEY come here and get harmed, their blood is in your hands, for tricking them.
Top asphalt hahaha I'll screenshot this and send it to other locals to have a laugh. Even the biggest sycophants won't dare say that here :D
@@ΤάσοςΚαυσοκαλυβίτηςLOL I think you’re being a little harsh. The roads are not that bad. Evia is not rural Africa for heaven sakes. I may not live there but I have driven throughout many parts of the island and I found that the roads were fine. Of course I did see many road-side shrines placed where someone had died but they could have been driving erratically or drunk or hit by someone else doing the same. We see those road-side shrines in many countries anyway. Besides, everyone knows about the difficulty with driving in Greece so only experienced foreign drivers who are confident with their abilities would dare drive there anyway.
@@jamesxanthios1317 > I think you’re being a little harsh.
No, I am not. Do you know that in order to reach the northern part of the island only three roads exist? A) The aforementioned dangerous road, now permanently closed "for construction".
B) The mountain road, which is full of pot-holes, has no barriers and you can fall straight down the cliffs now that the forest is burned. Also at some points there have been landslides and the road is narrow and only "one way" exists, for both directions.
C) The roundabout road, which also passes through the burned mountains and in many places is like someone used mortar shells on it.
I tried to take a trip to the monastery of St. David. Since you know the place I assume that you might know where it is or even visited it. Well the road used to be "ok". The fire and the subsequent rains have turned it into a hellscape that even a 4X4 (which we had) faced significant issues to traverse.
We reached the monastery, sat for an hour for the afternoon service and then had to leave way before the sun went down because noone wanted to risk their lives on that road at dusk.
> Of course I did see many road-side shrines placed
Did you know that those shrines represent only a fraction of the accidents? A lot of the families do not want or cannot afford to place one. Also, noone places such shrines if it is a tourist that had an accident. ;)
By all means, come again. :P
Hi all, how good is Kalamata for someone with a kid who speaks English as a second language? Young kid.
Depends what other languages they speak, Most people speak Greek in Kalamata.
@GreeceExplored No wonder )) Have to check if there are any international schools there (I expect not).
@@konstantink6220 I don't think they are, most are in Athens.
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nauplio any day
How about everybody retires in there country of origin
After raising my kids in Greece and working in Greece with a Greek income I'd definitely not make it financially in Germany after retiring. I'd also be really far away from my children.
Why?
Great job Andrew! Thanks for sharing! Please let me know if you have some good contacts for realtors, lawyers, etc that can help in the buying process. Let me know how I can contact you.