If you’re interested in buying a property in Greece and plan to work when you get there, discover five Greek towns that provide the perfect work-life balance. We get it. You want island appeal but don’t want to be totally disconnected. Here we’ve gathered information about five gorgeous towns that’d make a lovely home for working buyers.
Work with an incredible Greek view!
I have picked five wonderful Greek towns, all by the sea and with an active year-round population. The weather is good for the majority of the year and the scenery is amazing. You could sip your morning coffee in a street café, take a lunchtime stroll along the waterfront, and meet interesting new people.
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Digital nomad
Before retiring or moving permanently to Greece you may want to have a trial run as a Digital Nomad. If your job allows you to work anywhere, why not do it in the beautiful surroundings of Greece? In the big towns, you will find cafes with wifi and many towns also have “Coworking Spaces”. To find out more take a look at our article: Have you got your digital nomad visa yet?
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Why live in a big town?
Greek villages and rural areas can be a little boring in winter. If you do live in a village or rural area, you’ll need to head to your nearest town or city for specialist services such as the dentist, vet or specialist doctor. Although we don’t like to think about the day we might need one, it is reassuring to have a hospital nearby.
Big towns also tend to have more events throughout the year, such as markets, sporting events, carnivals, concerts and festivals etc. You will also find a good selection of restaurants and cafes and more people that speak English.
If you live right in the town, you can generally get by without a car. Everything you need will be within walking or busing distance. Even, if you want to live in more tranquil surroundings, in the countryside or a village, it is good to be a short drive from a town with all amenities.
Thessaloniki
Thessaloniki at sunset.
Population: 310,000
Town by the sea: Thessaloniki is located on the Thermaic Gulf, at the northwest corner of the Aegean Sea. You can get public transport to some great beaches. Such as Agia Triada and Perea Beach, which are south of Thessaloniki.
Nearest airport: Thessaloniki Airport “Makedonia. 28 minutes’ drive from the town.
Hospital: The University General Hospital of Thessaloniki is ranked 6th in Greece.
Digital Nomads: Co-working Office space at the Office Club.
Town of Thessaloniki
The local culture of Thessaloniki immediately makes you feel at home. It’s a seaside city that combines a modern metropolis with amazing historic buildings. Monuments include the White Tower, which houses an interactive exhibition on the city’s history. Then there is the Arch of Galerius built in 306CE, and the Roman Forum. However, for amazing views, you should visit the fortress complex dating back to the Byzantine era.
Thessaloniki’s picturesque waterfront is well known as a superb place to wander, cycle, dine and listen to music. The town boasts a fantastic food scene from local tavernas with traditional dishes to fancy restaurants spread along the seafront.
Thessaloniki is one of the more affordable cities to live in and to buy property. The weather is cooler than the southern islands, which makes it less touristy. However, using Thessaloniki as a base you can visit some wonderful places, such as the exotic beaches of Halkidiki, the archaeological site of Pella, and Mount Olympus.
Festivals in Thessaloniki
This big town has many events including a film festival, street food festival, Documentary Festival, Festival of photography, dance festivals, a Book Fair, Street Mode festival, and an International Trade Fair held at the Exhibition centre. Every September to December there are cultural events as part of a festival called “Dimitria”.
Patras
Patras.
Population of Patras: 170,000
Town by the sea: Patras is on The Gulf of Patras, which is a branch of the Ionian Sea. There are ferry crossings from Italy year-round. Some Brits drive to Greece, via this route. The best beaches are east of the city, such as Rio Beach, Psathopyrgos Beach, and Rodini Beach.
Nearest Airport: Athen’s International. 2hrs 40 mins.
Hospital: General University Hospital of Patras ranked 5th overall in Greece
Digital Nomads: Patras tiny coworking space.
The town of Patras
Patras is a busy port town and a centre for trade. This can make it appear rather industrial. For this reason, it isn’t the prettiest town, but it does have an authentic Greek charm in some areas. There is a young energetic vibe to the city, due to the high student population. There are squares with lively bars and a good restaurant scene. If you enjoy good nightlife, Patras fits the bill.
However, Patras is a town with two faces. The lower part is modern, with shops restaurants, cafes, and bars. While the upper part of the town is where you will discover its historic side. Here you’ll see cobbled streets and charming squares. There is even a medieval castle, which hints at the city’s glorious past.
Patras is less touristy than many other towns in Greece and thus has the feel of a place you could live and work in year-round. Mild winters make it possible to enjoy the outdoors, and numerous events take place throughout the year.
Festivals in Patras
The largest festival in Patras is on 30th November, which is the name day of Agios Andreas. Patras also holds the largest Carnival in Greece, with parades and the burning of the Carnival King. There is also a shadow theatre festival in September, a film festival in October, and during the summer “The International Festival of Patras” which includes theatre performances, musical concerts, lectures, and art exhibitions.
Nafplio
Your new view?
Population of Nafplio: 14,532
Town by the sea: Nafplion is on the sea of the Argolic Gulf. There are beaches quite close to the town. The most popular are Tolo, Kandia and Nea Kios.
Nearest airport: Athen’s International is a 2-hour drive from the town of Nafplio.
Hospital: Nafplio General Hospital is located in the town.
Digital Nomads: Wi-Fi is pretty good, and almost every bar in the town has an internet connection.
Town of Nafplio
Nafplio has some elegant Venetian architecture and beautiful beaches. The views from the top of the castle looking across the town and to the sea are stunning. When occupied by the Venetians, it became an important naval port. Therefore, they constructed the large Palamidi Fortress to guard the town and a small castle in Bourtzi, a small islet at the entrance of the port.
The city has a relaxed pace of life, with many people simply enjoying leisurely meals at local tavernas, and strolling along the waterfront. Most of the nightlife is concentrated along the waterfront, which is filled with tavernas and bars, with tables facing towards the port and the Bourtzi Castle. At Syntagma Square and in the streets of the Old Town, there are also a few smaller cafes and bars.
Despite the fairly small year-round population, the town has everything you need and does get rather busy in the summer months. The city offers a range of housing options, from traditional homes in the old town to modern apartments in newer areas.
Festivals in Nafplio
The annual Nafplio Festival takes place in the second half of June, with lots of great music. Many events also take place in Nafplio as part of the Summer Festival of Argos-Mycenae. These events include theatre performances, music concerts, lectures, and art exhibitions.
In addition, just 30 30-minute drive away is the ancient Greek theatre of Epidavros. Watching a play here is an experience not to be missed. The acoustics are so amazing. When we went we could hear a child roll a marble in the centre of the theatre. Tip: Take a cushion. The stone seating is very hot, even at sunset.
Kalamata
The historic city of Kalamata.
Population: 58,816
Town by the sea: As the main port of the Messenia region, Kalamata lies at the head of the Messenian Gulf. There is a Blue Flag beach right by the town. Voidokilia’s horseshoe-shaped beach is also a short distance away.
Nearest airport: The town is just a 15-minute drive from Kalamata International Airport.
Hospital: The contemporary General Hospital of Kalamata is the largest and most well-equipped hospital in the Prefecture of Messenia regarding medical services.
Digital Nomads: Open co-working spaces and free wifi access “Work from Kalamata”.
Town of Kalamata
Kalamata is a beautiful city in the Peloponnese, known for its stunning landscape, history and delicious olives. This is a relaxed town, where one of the big highlights is eating out on the waterfront. Kalamata is also home to several museums and historical sites, including the Kalamata Castle and the Archaeological Museum of Messenia.
It is a lovely place for people who want a slower pace of life. Therefore, it has a growing expat community. Winters are mild and you can spend time at the museums, art galleries and theatre. There is also the opportunity to go hiking, sailing and swimming.
Festivals in Kalamata
The year’s festivities begin on 2nd February with the celebration of the town’s patron saint. This is followed by Carnival, a reenactment of the liberation of Kalamata from Ottoman rule, a choir festival, horse racing, a flower fair in May, an International Dance Festival in July, and a Farm Fair in August.
Rhodes
Rhodes Old Town, Rhodes island.
Population: 56,440
Town by the sea: Rhodes is the most easterly island in the Aegean Sea, separated from Turkey by the Strait of Marmara. There are beaches near the town, including Elli, which has a Blue Flag.
Nearest airport: Rhodes International Airport “Diagoras”, 21 minutes drive.
Hospital: Rhodes General Hospital “Andreas Papandreou” is a 7-minute drive from the centre. There is also a private hospital “Euromedica” out of town.
Digital Nomads: There is a growing community of Digital Nomads and a hotel with co-working space. Other coworking spaces are in the pipeline. See Rhodes Digital Nomads.
Town of Rhodes
The Island of Rhodes is located in southeastern Greece. As it is situated so far south, it has a long summer season and is a lively place for most of the year. May and October are the favourite months for the locals. The weather is still pleasant and you can get out and about without so many tourists. You can enjoy the beaches and outdoor life from early spring until late autumn, and sometimes in winter too. The town is close to some beautiful beaches which are just a short walk away.
There is so much to see in Rhodes town. You could spend hours just exploring the old streets. Top attractions include the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, the Street of the Knights, the archaeological museum, the Acropolis and Mandraki Harbour.
There is quite a community of expats living in Rhodes, some working, others enjoying their retirement. The town has a good nightlife with live music, and the cuisine is excellent. It can get quite busy with tourists, especially in the street with all the gift shops. However, there are plenty of cafes to relax at, and you can always go trekking outside the town, take a stroll in Rodini Park, or get out on the water.
Festivals in Rhodes
There are many annual festivals in Rhodes which involve music, art exhibitions, and theatre. The Medieval Rose Festival takes place every summer. It includes various exhibitions, concerts, theatrical plays, and other events. There is also a film festival and a sound and light show.
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