The best place to retire in Greece????

harcourtdale · #1 (**permalink**) 13th May 2008, 12:58 PM

Hello,
We didn't get any responses on our first query so I'll try a different tack.
We are retired Americans living in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The Thai culture is great, but we need a little "Opa" in our lives too. So we are considering spending 5-6 months every year in Greece. We have traveled a lot in Greece and enjoy locations where there is a good mix of Retirees and Greeks (ie. a preponderance of tavernas over night clubs is better). We have spent some time in Nafplio and Thassaloniki and think they're nice, but we need much more input. We would like to avoid places that close up in the winter. So what are your expert opinions?
Thanks in advance,
Dale + Judy Harcourt
Chiang Mai, Thailand

Casamanfredo · #2 (**permalink**) 13th May 2008, 09:07 PM

In the eighties I lived for 5 years on a boat in the again sea, but had to spend the winter in Turkey due to closure of nearly every shop on the Islands, even Rhodes. Last year I spend some time in Kalamata after the tourist season. Realy nice place, if you are not too worry about earthquakes, passing by from time to time.
Casamanfredo

harcourtdale · #3 (**permalink**) 14th May 2008, 12:18 AM

Hi Casamanfredo,
Kalamata is indeed another place we're considering. We passed through there a few years ago and thought it had about everything (including a killer good supermarket). But we didn't really explore the city. We're going back this summer and will take a good look at it. Have you ever spent time on the island of Aegina in the Saronic Gulf south of Athens
Dale

nickolas · #4 (**permalink**) 22nd May 2008, 10:06 PM

I believe Creta is your best bet. Try Chania on the west side of the island.

It will give you more "OPA" than any place (Zorbas was from Chania) climate is warm and local culture is still very strong.

erofiliestate · #5 (**permalink**) 26th May 2008, 07:51 AM

In Rethimno in south cost is a small very quit town named Plakias is the most Sunny place in Greece

mentalist · #6 (**permalink**) 18th June 2008, 04:50 AM

Syros is the best place to retire in Greece as far as I'm concerned.

Big Pete · #7 (**permalink**) 30th June 2008, 02:12 PM

Forget Greece
Mallorca beats them all

WentToTheOtherSide · #8 (**permalink**) 1st July 2008, 08:02 AM

Haha I am a fan of Mallorca as well it is quiet a fun place however Greece really isn't bad either! I would say that some of the Island might not be the best to stay for a long time, however if you have a boat then 'island' hopping would be fun as well. Only thing is that being in a place with a reliable super market might be important if you want to eat

Toto · #9 (**permalink**) 14th July 2008, 04:10 PM

Kefalonia should be high on your list! I can give you at least 20 reasons why you should go there. I'm moving there myself in 3 weeks

.

jaggedheart · #10 (**permalink**) 20th July 2008, 10:29 AM

Hi,
I hope that I can offer you some assistance when choosing to spend some time in Greece. I was born on the island of Kalymnos, Greece. I currently live in Montreal, Canada. Last year (2007) after not being in Kalymnos for several years, I revisited. I was stunned to meet with so many retires from all parts of the world who have permanantly retired in Kalymnos. Its part of the Donecanese islands. Very very tiny. I remember often in the past years of visiting my parents -that I could never retire on an island that didn't have some of the luxuries I was spoiled with such as internet access, various choices of cheese, refridgerated meat, air-conditioning.. Well all that has changed! If I could afford it, I would build a house on that piece of oceanfront land my parents left me and retire today. The whole island have stores that not only are air-conditioned and their meat refriderated -but the choice of food, cheese -there is nothing left out. I was completely blown away. So now, visiting my 3,000 relatives is much easier. Please feel free to send me your email address if you need more information. I could hook you up with an aunt of mine who owns a small restaurant and pension.

Quote:

Originally Posted by harcourtdale

Hello,
We didn't get any responses on our first query so I'll try a different tack.
We are retired Americans living in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The Thai culture is great, but we need a little "Opa" in our lives too. So we are considering spending 5-6 months every year in Greece. We have traveled a lot in Greece and enjoy locations where there is a good mix of Retirees and Greeks (ie. a preponderance of tavernas over night clubs is better). We have spent some time in Nafplio and Thassaloniki and think they're nice, but we need much more input. We would like to avoid places that close up in the winter. So what are your expert opinions?
Thanks in advance,
Dale + Judy Harcourt
Chiang Mai, Thailand