Greece is undoubtedly a dreamy holiday destination for foreigners. But does it also make for a paradise to live in if you’re not a local?
Brit-Venezuelan Daniel Carrizalez has the answer – because he upped sticks from London in the UK and settled down in Nafplio in the Peloponnese region with his family back in 2010.
Fourteen years later – any regrets?
Not by the sounds of it. The 49-year-old music composer and online entrepreneur relocated with his wife and four-month-old daughter and has since had another daughter in Greece.
He tells MailOnline Travel: ‘We were drawn to the Mediterranean lifestyle, rich culture and beautiful landscapes. Greece offered a slower, more fulfilling pace of life and a chance to raise our family surrounded by history, nature and strong community values.’
Daniel says he’d never experienced such an amazing ‘sense of community’ before moving to Greece.
He reveals: ‘The biggest surprise has been the deep, genuine friendliness of people here. The warmth and hospitality are even more pronounced than I expected. Greeks go out of their way to make you feel welcome.’
The relaxed and wholesome Greek lifestyle has been the biggest bonus to moving for Daniel, who loves ‘being surrounded by natural beauty every day’ and people who ‘genuinely care about each other’.
Daniel Carrizalez, 49, moved to Nafplio in Greece from London in 2010. He tells MailOnline Travel what it’s like to live there
Daniel says he loves ‘being surrounded by natural beauty’ every day in Greece
The Brit explains that ‘crime isn’t a significant problem in Nafplio’ and although there’s ‘petty crime’, it ‘generally feels very safe and people look out for each other.’
While the lifestyle is a definite improvement on the UK, Daniel admits that bureaucracy is more of a challenge in Greece. He explains: ‘The pace can be a bit slower. Things like paperwork and setting up services can take longer than in the UK, which can be frustrating. Things tend to be more streamlined in the UK.’
Also, driving in Greece can be something of ‘an adventure’, says Daniel with ‘narrow and winding rural roads’ presenting a challenge. But he adds that ‘the views make it worthwhile’.
So how did the family settle on Nafplio, a coastal city about a two-hour drive from Athens, as their new home?
Daniel explains: ‘It’s known for its historical significance, beautiful architecture and seaside charm. It’s a perfect blend of culture, scenery and close-knit community, plus it offers a wonderful environment for our family.’
What’s housing like?
According to Daniel, ‘it can be affordable’ with ‘charming traditional homes, many with balconies and courtyards’, on offer in Nafplio, and there’s a ‘range of options from city apartments to rural homes near olive groves’.
As for healthcare, Daniel says ‘it’s generally good’, but explains that the private sector has ‘prompt service and excellent specialists at affordable rates’, while public healthcare can ‘sometimes be slower, particularly in rural areas’.
Daniel says he was ‘drawn to the Mediterranean lifestyle, rich culture and beautiful landscapes’ in Greece
Daniel lives in Nafplio (pictured above) a coastal city in the Peloponnese region
Nafplio also offers a ‘lively’ social scene.
Daniel explains: ‘We have a close circle of friends and enjoy everything from relaxed taverna dinners to local festivals. The nightlife is definitely fun – there are a range of options from traditional music spots to modern bars with a view.’
And is the local cuisine worth writing home about?
Eating out is ‘fantastic’, adds Daniel, who loves the country’s emphasis on fresh and local ingredients’. His favourite restaurant is a ‘magical’ taverna called Bounos.Psarosavouras in Nafplio’s old town with views of the sea and Bourtzi castle.
So, would he recommend other Brits make the move?
‘Absolutely,’ says Daniel. ‘If you value lifestyle, connection with nature, and a sense of community, Greece is a wonderful place to live. It’s an ideal destination for those looking to embrace a balanced, fulfilling way of life.’
