You’re child-free now, which means more ‘me-time’! The world is your oyster, so why not get out and explore? If you’re feeling anything like bored housewife Shirley Valentine did in the 1989 comedy film, life can seem quite repetitive in the UK. Greece offers a range of exciting activities and projects so you can make the most of your new-found freedom.
Each region is different, but which is the best? Well, that depends on your interests. Whether that’s walking, learning about ancient Greece or making some extra money on a rental property, here are our picks of where to buy in Greece for empty nesters…
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Renting – Mykonos
The trendy and glamourous island features on many peoples’ bucket lists
Buying and renting out a holiday home can be a fun project for empty nesters and can potentially bring you in a decent income too. In Greece, Mykonos has one of the best rental returns in the country – around 8%. It is rather expensive to buy property on the island, but if you can, it definitely is a great investment.
The trendy and glamourous island features on many peoples’ bucket lists and is popular with all ages, particularly younger people. You only need to do a quick scroll on Instagram to see the thousands of photos of holidaymakers posing against the iconic whitewashed buildings, swimming in the infinity pools or sunbathing on one of the island’s 25 beaches.
Mykonos offers great nightlife, bars and designer shopping, as well as quiet villages and secluded coves for those seeking rest and recuperation. Some good areas to look for property are Agios Ioannis and Agios Lazaros.
Find out more about financing your dream home in Greece in our newly updated guide, How to Pay for It.
Walking – Crete
Samaria Gorge, Crete
Being childless means more time on your hands, which in turn, means more time on your feet exploring new places! Walking is a common hobby for empty nesters, with many flocking to Greece’s largest island: Crete. The landscape is vast and varied, with interesting geography everywhere you turn. It has four climate zones, ranging from alpine to southern Mediterranean, so you will likely spot all kinds of flora and fauna on your hikes. In fact, Crete has more than three times as many native plant species as the UK. There are also some impressive gorges to discover, including the famous Samaria Gorge.
As well as some great walking trails, Crete is known as one of the most friendly and welcoming places in Greece. There is hardly any crime, so it is a safe place to call home. If you fancy buying in Crete, Chania is a fantastic and affordable location to look for property. You’ll enjoy the stunning Venetian harbour with a great selection of waterfront restaurants, along with being close to Samaria Gorge and some of the best beaches on the island.
Learn more about ancient Greece – Peloponnese
The ancient theatre of Epidaurus
If you want to immerse yourself in ancient Greece, the Peloponnese is where to go. Located in southern Greece, this peninsula is bursting with historical sites, including Corinth, Olympia, Epidaurus and Mycenae. The well-preserved medieval town of Monemvasia is completely carved into the rock and overlooks the Aegean Sea. It features many Venetian buildings and is only accessible by foot, so you will feel like you have stepped back in time. If you fancy escaping the craziness of modern life, look to the inexpensive serene village of Stoupa, or the dreamy town of Nafplion for a holiday home.
When transferring lump sums to buy property in Greece, you are exposing your hard-saved money to currency market fluctuations. Learn how to protect your budget by locking in an exchange rate in the Property Buyer’s Guide to Currency.
Finding like-minded friends – Corfu
Paleokastritsa bay, Corfu
Moving abroad can be scary; you will likely be leaving behind family, friends and home comforts. Finding friends in your new country can make all the difference when it comes to settling in. Corfu has more expats than anywhere else in Greece, with people from all over the world now calling the island their home. A large proportion of these expats come from the UK and Germany, and they will have all been through the same experiences as you when moving to Greece. Not only will they be able to answer any questions you may have, but you will likely have many similarities and get on well with them.
An easy way to meet likeminded people is to join expat groups, sports clubs or even a Greek language club.
The island has plenty of activities for you to enjoy – either alone or with your new friends – such as snorkelling, water sports, nature trails for walking and cycling, and sailing to name a few. Corfu is also home to one of the best-kept golf courses in Europe.
