Where to live in retirement – top 5 Greek villages
Sometimes it is rather difficult to retire and continue to live for your own pleasure in your own country. Therefore, those who can afford it, think about moving abroad. The most popular European destinations – Spain, Portugal and Malta – are really not expensive for many. Greece is another matter.
Why Greece?
Greece is a wonderful country for a comfortable life. This is partly due to its geographical position: it occupies the south of the Balkan Peninsula and the islands in the Ionian, Mediterranean and Aegean seas. In Greece, a short warm winter (temperatures rarely fall below +10 ° C in winter) and dry, hot summers (from +26 to +29 ° C).
Mediterranean type of food, which adhere to the Greeks, prevents the development of heart disease and normalizes cholesterol. It is based on fruits, vegetables, potatoes, whole grains, rice, beans, nuts, chickpeas, lentils, herbs and olive oil. By the way, Greece is the third largest exporter of olive oil in the world and one of the leaders in Europe in terms of the volume of tomatoes and fruits grown.
The average life expectancy of Greeks is longer than in most European countries: 78 years for men and 83 years for women against 83 and 80 years, respectively.
The average life expectancy of Greeks is longer than in most European countries: 78 years for men and 83 years for women against 83 and 80 years, respectively, syressen / Depositphotos
One of the important arguments in favor of Greece is its availability. Prices for Greek real estate fell sharply after the 2008 crisis and today they are much lower than in most European countries. According to the German portal Statista, a square meter in Greece costs 2,846 euros, which is 20% cheaper than in Malta, 25% less than in Portugal and 35% less than in Spain.
If the islands and the capital are teeming with tourists, then small villages a couple of hours drive from Athens is a great place to live for those who seek solitude. Here you can combine a simple and relaxed lifestyle with a weekend in the city or on the coast.
Kyriaki
The village of Kyriaki is located two hours from Athens on the western slope of Mount Helikon. It is located in a picturesque place seven kilometers from the Gulf of Corinth. Today, a little more than 2 thousand people live in Kyriaki.
The village of Kyriaki is located two hours from Athens on the western slope of Mount Helikon.
Sogal / Greek Wikipedia
On the central square is the church of John the Baptist, a little further – the old chapel of Agios Nikolaos and the theater. Next to the village is the park Aravnitsa – it is believed that walks in the coniferous forest help with insomnia and fatigue.
Gur
The picturesque village of Gura was built at the foot of the mountain of Ziriya in the valley of the Olvios River, 2.5 hours from Athens. As travelers say, the atmosphere of Greece at the beginning of the XIX century has been preserved here. The hills of Ziria, dotted with fir trees, are a terrific place for hiking or traveling by car.
The picturesque village of Gura was built at the foot of the mountain of Ziriya in the valley of the Olvios River, 2.5 hours from Athens
Georgios Pazios / Wikimedia
From the village you can walk to Doksa Lake (the walk will take about two hours). Here is a three-story monastery of St. George, whose windows offer stunning views of the mountain landscapes of Corinth. Visitors to the monastery are treated to sweets, which are prepared by the monks of rose petals.
Chrisso
At the foot of Mount Parnassus is the village of Chrisso – a little over 700 people live here. From Athens, the village is separated by 2.5 hours by car. Traditional stone churches have been preserved in Chrisso, and the village itself is surrounded by beautiful olive groves.
At the foot of Mount Parnassus is the village of Chrisso – a little over 700 people live here.
Costas78 / Wikimedia
Just three kilometers from Chrisso are the monuments of Delphi – the sanctuary, which today are included in the UNESCO heritage list. According to myths, it was here that two eagles met, sent by Zeus from opposite ends of the earth in order to find the “navel of the earth.”
Polydrosos
Polydrosos is another village built on the slopes of Parnassus, but a little closer to Athens: the journey to the capital takes about two hours. Today in Polydrosos live about a thousand people.
Polydrosos – another village built on the slopes of Parnassus, but a little closer to Athens
Hansi667 / Wikimedia
A few kilometers from Polydrosos there are very small villages Lilea and Ano Polydroso and the famous Byzantine monument – the temple of Paleopanagia. Lovers of longer walks can go to the village Arakhova, the path to which lies through a large national park. Half an hour from Polydrosos – the largest ski resort in Parnassus, which will delight those who enjoy winter sports.
Steni
The village of Steni is located on the slope of Mount Dirfi on the island of Evia. Thanks to two bridges connecting the second largest island of Greece with the continent, the road from Steni to Athens takes less than two hours.
