Life in Greece: Pros and Cons
Greece is a country known for its rich history, warm climate, and stunning landscapes. It attracts not only tourists but also people looking to settle down for a permanent life. What are the pros and cons for those considering Greece as a place to live? Let’s break down the main aspects.
Pros of Living in Greece
Nature and climate
Greece is famous for its Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are mild with no harsh frosts. Most of the country is surrounded by the sea, creating perfect conditions for beach vacations and water sports.
Thanks to mild winters and hot summers, Greece is ideal for those who enjoy warm weather. Along the coast, temperatures rarely drop below 10°C in winter, and in summer, they hover between 30°C and 35°C. Moreover, Greece enjoys over 300 sunny days a year, which contributes to a positive mood and good health.
The country’s picturesque landscapes include not only azure beaches but also green-covered mountain ranges, olive groves, and vineyards. Greece is one of the few places where you can ski in winter and relax on the beach in summer without leaving the country.
Culture and lifestyle
Greece is renowned for its ancient culture and traditions. The people place great value on family ties, enjoy a relaxed pace of life, and are always ready for friendly conversations.
Greeks are known for being very friendly and open-hearted. They are always willing to help, even if they don't speak foreign languages. Family plays a significant role in society, and holidays are often celebrated with relatives. This is one of the reasons why Greek cuisine and traditional ways of life have been preserved.
Greek culture is rich with historical and architectural landmarks. Athens, Thessaloniki, and the islands are full of museums, ancient ruins, and classical structures such as the Acropolis, Delphi, and the Palace of Knossos. Festivals, carnivals, and national holidays provide opportunities to experience the country’s cultural heritage.
The Mediterranean diet, based on fresh vegetables, seafood, olive oil, and spices, is considered one of the healthiest in the world. Greece is a true paradise for food and wine lovers.
Education
Primary Education
Public schools in Greece are free, but education is in Greek, which might be a challenge for children of foreign nationals. However, in larger cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, there are private English-speaking schools that follow international standards. To enroll in a school, foreign parents must have a residence permit in Greece.
Higher Education
Greek state universities offer free education to both Greeks and foreign students. Foreign students are allocated quotas, and admission is based on the high school diploma without exams. The courses are taught in Greek, and foreign students spend their first year learning the language at the university before they can join the regular program. Greek diplomas are recognized throughout Europe and the world.
Athens and Thessaloniki also have branches of renowned British universities where education is conducted in English. The diplomas issued do not mention that the degree was earned in Greece, making it an affordable way to get a prestigious British education. Tuition ranges from €6,000 to €8,000 per year, depending on the university and program.
Accessible residency programs
For foreigners wishing to live in Greece, several residence permit options are available:
- Golden Visa. Granted to real estate investors starting at €250,000 for a 5-year period. It’s one of the most accessible residence permits in Europe.
- Digital Nomad Visa. A program designed for remote workers, allowing them to legally live and work in Greece.
- Financially Independent Visa. For people with a stable income from abroad who do not need to work in Greece.
Cost of living in Greece
Greece offers a relatively low cost of living compared to Western Europe. The cost of products and services is lower than in many EU countries. A typical meal at a restaurant costs about €15, and rental prices in Athens start from €400 per month. Utility bills can range from €100 to €150, depending on the season and the location of the accommodation. The monthly grocery bill for one person is between €200 and €350.
Real estate
Real estate in Greece remains an attractive investment option for those planning to relocate. Prices vary widely depending on the region: in Athens and popular islands like Mykonos and Santorini, the cost per square meter can range from €3,000 to €15,000. In smaller cities and mainland areas, like Thessaloniki or the Halkidiki peninsula, prices range from €1,500 to €3,500 per square meter.
Purchasing property worth €250,000 or more grants a 5-year Golden Visa, with the potential to apply for Greek citizenship after 7 years of residence. The real estate market remains stable, especially in tourist areas, Athens, and Thessaloniki, where renting out property offers a good return. The average rental price ranges from €400 to €700 per month.
Advantageous geographical location
Greece’s strategic location makes it convenient for travel both within the country and across Europe. Athens and Thessaloniki are major air hubs, making it easy to fly anywhere in the EU. Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Volotea operate, offering affordable flights to numerous destinations.
Greece is an incredibly diverse and picturesque country, with thousands of islands, each with its own unique atmosphere, architecture, and traditions. You can spend years discovering new places – from the famous Santorini and Mykonos to the lesser-known but equally charming islands. The variety of routes and the mild climate make it possible to enjoy travel year-round.
Ecology and products
Greece has a high level of environmental quality, which positively impacts the health of its residents. The country has minimal heavy industry, and its light industry is limited, ensuring clean air and low levels of pollution. Greece is also known for the high quality of its food: fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat are plentiful, and local olive oil is considered among the best in the world.
Greek cuisine
Greek cuisine is a true symphony of flavors, based on fresh, natural ingredients. Olive oil, aromatic herbs, seafood, fresh vegetables, and cheeses are the main ingredients of traditional Greek dishes. It’s known for being healthy, balanced, and simple to prepare.
Seafood lovers will appreciate the variety of dishes made from fresh fish, octopus, and shrimp, all seasoned with Mediterranean spices and lemon. Greece is also famous for its cheeses, especially feta, which is commonly used in salads and baked goods. Greeks are the world’s top consumers of cheese.
Safety
Greece is one of the safest countries in Europe, with a low crime rate. The main risks are petty thefts in tourist areas, but serious crime is rare. Violent crime is very low, and both locals and tourists can walk through the streets safely, even late at night.
Language
One of the advantages of living in Greece is the language comfort for foreigners. Unlike many other European countries, most locals, especially the younger generation and service workers, speak English fluently, making it easier to adapt. Moreover, films and TV shows in Greece are often shown in their original language with Greek subtitles, allowing you to enjoy content without dubbing and further improving foreign language skills.
Cons of Living in Greece
Economy
Greece suffered severely from the 2008 global economic crisis, and its effects are still being felt. The introduction of the euro and a lack of flexibility in monetary policy worsened the situation, while high levels of bureaucracy and corruption made it harder to recover. Unemployment, especially among young people, remained a problem for many years.
In recent years, the economy has shown signs of recovery, thanks to tax reforms, small business support, and foreign investment. Tourism and shipping continue to be key sectors, but Greece is also focusing on developing other industries like technology and renewable energy. Despite the positive changes, life in Greece is still hindered by high taxes, a complex bureaucracy, and limited job market opportunities.
Career
For foreigners who do not speak Greek, the job market is quite limited. Most available positions are in tourism and agriculture, and salaries are lower than in other EU countries. Most types of residence permits do not allow foreigners to officially work in Greece. Greece is more suitable for remote work. The developed internet infrastructure, availability of coworking spaces, and pleasant climate make it an attractive destination for digital nomads and freelancers. Here, you can enjoy life by the sea while working in comfortable conditions without the hustle and bustle of big cities.
Healthcare
The public healthcare system in Greece is not in the best shape. Government-run hospitals are often overloaded, and waiting for an appointment with a specialist can take weeks or even months. This is partly due to the emigration of skilled doctors to more developed countries and budget cuts in healthcare.
The private healthcare sector offers better services and modern technology. Most doctors are fluent in English, so many people prefer to visit private clinics, where the level of service and qualifications is significantly higher.
Bureaucracy
Greece is known for its complex bureaucracy, which can significantly complicate life for both locals and foreigners. The state apparatus is overloaded, and even getting a simple certificate can take days. Many administrative processes require numerous documents, signatures, and visits to various authorities.
The Southern mentality also plays a role – Greeks tend to take their time. Often, speeding up the process is only possible if you have connections in government structures or go through intermediaries who help navigate the bureaucratic maze.
Although the government has been introducing digital services, and many documents can now be obtained online, bureaucracy remains one of the main challenges for life in Greece.
Conclusion
Greece is a great place to live, especially for those who value a warm climate, nature, and a relaxed pace of life. However, it is important to consider the downsides related to the economy and job market. For those willing to adapt, the country can offer comfortable living conditions and promising opportunities.
