Greece is home to over 11 million people, and we're not surprised as it is one of the sunniest places to live in the world. This beautiful country is famous for it's idyllic islands and beaches, great cuisine, greek mythology and ancient architecture. With 227 inhabited islands, you will be spoilt for choice when deciding where your new home is going to be. To help you out, we have shortlisted some destinations we think are worth considering when moving to Greece:
Athens
When people think of Greece, they tend to think of it's incredible history which spans over 3,400 years and a large majority of this can be found in the city of Athens. Athens is home to some of the most breathtaking sights of Greek history, including many ancient monuments, buildings and ruins that date back thousands of years. There are also two Unesco World Heritage sites located here, Acropolis of Athens and the medieval Daphni Monastery, so you will never be short of things to explore.
As well as rich history, Athens is quickly becoming a hot, modern European capital. It's a very lively place to live, with a wide range of excellent restaurants, cafes and bars to choose from when socialising, and a very popular nightlife scene. There are also many parks and green spaces here too, where the locals gather together after a long day to watch the sun set over this beautiful city.
If you like to get around, Athens is home to great transportation links. The metro is very reliable, offering quick access to practically anywhere on the main land and to the ports, which will take you to the country's idyllic islands. So, if you are thinking of regularly holidaying on some of the most beautiful islands in the world, you are only a stones throw away.
Santorini
Famous for it's blue domed white buildings, Santorini is one of Greece's most popular islands. You may expect this island to be jam packed with tourists, however there are plenty of traditional villages situated well away from the holidaymakers, as well as vineyards and local restaurants and bars located along the islands charming back streets.
Santorini is home to some of the most unique beaches in the world, due to the islands volcanic origins. The beaches here are a variety of colours but all have the same crystal-clear waters and amazing views of the Aegean Sea. If you are a water sports fanatic, you will be pleased to know that a large number of the beaches here are well kitted out, with leisure activities for the whole family. You can also find some lovely restaurants and traditional tavernas along the coast line, too.
On the topic of restaurants, Santorini is renowned for it's fantastic Mediterranean cuisine. There are a whole range of restaurants to choose from, from fine dining in some of the most beautiful restaurants and hotels in the world, to the more traditional Greek tavernas located along the islands idyllic streets. As well as being spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out, there are also plenty of sights and attractions to see, such as volcano hikes and sailing trips around the island.
Rhodes
Being the 4th largest island in Greece, Rhodes also has a lot to offer for those that live there. It is also the island that has the longest summer, and so who would say no to this incredible place. It offers some of the most fantastic beaches in Europe with perfect waters for water sport activities such as wind surfing, kite surfing, jet skiing and many more.
If you are looking to live a traditional Greek lifestyle, then Rhodes could be the perfect place for you with idyllic back streets completed with tavernas, bars and cafes. Living on this island, you will not be isolated from good healthcare or employment opportunities, and the capital, Rhodes Town, is where you can find the majority of the facilities you will need.
Rhodes island is also heaving still heaving in history still to this day, including the Acropolis of Lindos and the 4th century Temple of Athena Lindia, which was dedicated to Greek goddess Athena so there will be more than plenty for you to explore. Beyond the walls of the Old Town, you will find the oldest inhabited city in Europe. You can follow the gorgeous cobbled streets to explore the islands mosques, public baths and public buildings which date back to the Ottoman period. Today, the Old Town is an Unesco listed site.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki is located in the north of the country and portrays a good balance of a modern Greek city and a historic escape. It is home to many ancient buildings and sites such as the Ancient Forum and the Rotunda, which dates back to the 4th century.
Apart from it's fascinating historical sites, this city has a newly-developed waterfront which offers a whole range of activities for everyone, such as bike rides and regulars tours to see some of the islands famous landmarks. If you are a keen socialiser, then you will be spoilt for choice with the range of restaurants, bars and evening entertainment options, such as theatres, cinemas and festivals. With so much to do, you may be worried that in the summer months your new home will be inundated with tourists, however it is considered to be one of the quietest cities in Greece during the summer.
Another pro of living in Thessaloniki is that it is one of the most affordable places to live in Greece, but on the other hand it tends to be chillier in the evening in comparison to other Greek destinations mentioned in this blog post.
Kos
The beautiful island of Kos offers bright sun all day long, crystal clear waters and some of the most unique monuments in the world. There are many beaches to explore here, some of which are quieter than others. There are a range of bustling beach bars if you fancy some atmosphere, or there are more disclosed locations if you want some peace and quiet, such as Kamila, Limnionas, Markos and Paradise.
If you are a budding cyclist, then Kos could be the perfect Greek island for you. The majority of the island is very flat but if you fancy a challenge, then you can cycle up the large hill which is located at the center of the island. There are many bicycle lanes which span across the island and there are convenient bicycle parking facilities all over.
Like the majority of Greek islands, Kos is thriving in Greek history. Kos Town is home to some of Greece's most famous landmarks, including Hippocrates Tree, where the father of medicine, Hippocrates, held discussions with his students back in Greece's Classical Period. You can also visit Neratzia Castle, which dominates the east of the port in Kos Town.
If are a keen history lover or want to move somewhere oozing in culture, then Greece is the perfect destination for your new home.
Get in touch with us today on 0800 019 8556 or visit our removals to Greece page for further information on how Pickfords can help with your upcoming move.