Greece
Mediterranean paradise with growing expat community and remote work visa
Key Scores
Why people move to Greece
Mediterranean cradle of Western thought, lived loud and slow. Family, food, and the sea are still the cultural axis.
People, religion & languages
High in Athens, the islands, and tourism. Lower in villages.
Greek Orthodoxy is constitutionally entwined with national identity, even when practice is light.
Visible - Easter is bigger than Christmas, weddings/baptisms central social events.
Culture & etiquette
What locals value and what to watch for
- Accept ouzo, raki, and food generously
- Greet with cheek kisses among friends
- Try a real Greek coffee (slow, sediment)
- Calling Greek coffee 'Turkish coffee' (politically loaded)
- Mentioning the Macedonia/Greek-region name dispute carelessly
- Rushing meals
Slow afternoons (siesta common), social evenings, late dinners.
Warm. Athens, Thessaloniki, and the islands have large international communities.
Holidays & food culture
Olive oil, lemon, seafood, dairy. Mediterranean diet poster child.
Lunch 14:00–16:00, dinner 21:00–23:30.
Easy for vegetarians; Orthodox fasting periods (~180 days/year) accommodate plant-based.
Work culture & business norms
Hidden Gems
Off the beaten path
Naxos - largest Cycladic island with far fewer tourists than Santorini, incredible beaches, and a mountain interior
Zagori villages - 46 stone villages in Epirus mountains connected by ancient arched bridges
Folegandros - tiny Cycladic island with no cars, dramatic cliffs, and an authentic village square
Single person, before income tax