Hi, we are thinking of buying a property (possibly to move permanately)in either Greece or Cyprus. At the moment we are trying to weigh up the pros/cons of each place. My husband is Greek so it is a little easier to make such a move. We are also trying to find out where all year flights go to.
We would like to hear about others experiences in either of these countries.
I hope that I have posted this new thread in the right section, my apologies if I haven't. Let me know if I need to move it.
Thanks.

Is it one of the Greek islands you are interested in or on the mainland?

Don.

Hi Don, we don't mind whether its mainland or the islands. We are quite familiar with some of the more popular islands, and we have family in Athens.
Open to suggestions!

Hi,

Well as far as Zakynthos goes there are only direct flights from the UK during the summer months - May to Oct. However, there are regular buses from Athens and also a regular 'hopper' air service provided by Olympic Airways, furing winter. This is commonplace on many of the Greek islands as far as I am aware.

I currently live in Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki is a lovely city, perhaps less 'British-ified' than some of the other places in Greece. Direct flights are provided by easyjet and olympic several times a week.

The islands are lovely to live on. Generally they have reasonable climates, even in winter - (especially compared to the UK) and are very peaceful in the winter. You have to realise they do get very busy in the summer. Things are also a lot more laid back on the islands and there is a very big feeling of tomorrow will do. This might be a factor when considering buying a property.

Thessaloniki is much like any other big city in the world. It is a very cosmopolitan place, with many students. It does not have the same peace and quiet as the islands, but is still more relaxed than the UK.

Hope that helps, feel free to ask me any questions,

Don.

Hi Don, I'm pleased to hear that you live in Thessaloniki as its a part of Greece that we have not yet visited. My husband is from Athens, and although we have island hopped a lot over the years we are now looking for somewhere that we coud possibly relocate to.
Can you tell me what schools, health, employment etc are like in Thessaloniki? My husband teaches/trains young people(or anyone) motorcycle mechanics, he is also a youth worker. I work as a learning assistant with young children who have additional (special) needs. Is there likely to be any work in these areas?
Another important question, are the winters very cold and how hot does it get in the summer?! I am quite happy most of the time in the heat, but once the temperature starts hitting 40c+ I definitely begin to struggle!
We are also looking for a good health service and an English school for our youngest child.
Thanks
Ros.

Good Morning,

Well you said that your husband is Greek so that makes things a lot easier - I don't believe he will have any problems at all getting a job. If you speak Greek then you shouldn't have a problem getting a job. If you only speak English then it makes it a little harder, but not impossible.

A couple of good sites in this regard are:

http://www.outoftowners.net

and

http://www.saloniki.org/


There are good networks on there for foreigners adjusting to a new city but it is not overpowering. Personally I like to be left alone to do my own thing, but have the luxury of a backup if needs be.

As for weather: http://uk.weather.yahoo.com/GRXX/GRXX0019/index_c.html

It feels very hot out today. It does get cold but very very rarely does it reach freezing, and if you have a heating system in your house then you wont feel it. Also, if it gets cold it is only ever for a day or two at a time. One day you can be shivvering, wake up the next day and you need shorts and t-shirt. Its about 16 degrees today.

The BBC has a page regarding the average temps - rarely reaches above 40, with the average being around the 30s in summer. Remember of course that you are also very close to the beaches of Halkidiki in the summer if you fancy a spot of sunbathing or a cool dip in the sea.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/c...ml?tt=TT003850

http://www.halkidiki.com/english/index.htm

I have found the healthcare in Thessaloniki very professional. I actually tend to use doctors and dentists from an approved list on the US Embassy site, which is available here:

http://thessaloniki.usconsulate.gov/service.html

I have found them to be very quick, professional and most are comfortable using English.

I don't have experience with the schooling system here, but a good starting point would be:

http://www.pinewood.gr/active.aspx

For higher education there is:

http://www.afs.edu.gr/page/default.asp?la=2

I have a friend who teaches there, and he is extremely professional and well-qualified. I believe they may also offer 'school' level courses.

http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/ser...=1148479000106

I hope this helps,

Don.

Hi,

It might be a good idea to buy / rent somewhere close (or not too close depending) by your husband's family in Athens, as their support could be invaluable.
You could also look at areas of the Peloponnese where you can get into Athens within 3hrs by car.

Direct daily flights from UK via BA, Olympic, Easyjet.

As per schools, I understand the following are very good and popular amongs expats and Greeks.

www.stcatherines.gr
www.st-lawrence.gr
www.acs.gr
www.bsa.ac.uk
www.campion.edu.gr

There are local officies (Citizens Advice) where you can get help regarding healthcare insurance etc. Just about everyone in healthcare has a private practice, you will find the best ones through referrals from friends and family.

Hope this helps.

Ade
By the way, do get in touch if you need any assitance with buying or renting a house in Greece. I'll be happy to help.

Hi, I didn't realise that so much time has passed since I was last on this site!
I was really pleased to get such an informative reply from Don on Thessaloniki, it has now made us want to visit the area and see if it may be a possiblity for a move-pending on work etc. The only problem I am having is trying to find flights/accommodation for the family as a summer holiday, its really difficult to get a holiday flying from Scotland. Suggestions are most welcome!
If anyone else is living in the Thessaloniki area I would like to hear how they have adjusted to living there.
Thanks.