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When most people think about moving to Greece, they picture whitewashed villages, crystal-clear water, incredible food, and endless sunshine. And while all of those things are absolutely true, it’s the little everyday moments that have made me fall in love with life here.

After living in Greece for the past two years, I’ve discovered that it’s often the small cultural differences, the afternoon quiet hours, the neighborhood cats, the coffee culture, the ferry rides, and even remembering to turn on the hot water before taking a shower, that make living here so unique. Some of these things surprised me, some made me laugh, and others have completely changed the way I think about work, family, and slowing down.

Whether you’re planning a vacation, considering moving to Greece, or simply curious about what daily life is really like, I hope this guide gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s actually like to call this beautiful country home.

Before we dive in, if you enjoy practical guides like this, I’d love for you to subscribe to my Substack! Free subscribers receive my latest articles and updates, while paid members unlock my full Moving Abroad Resource Library, including relocation guides, country comparison resources, webinars with immigration and tax experts, weekly remote job leads, and other tools designed to help make your own move abroad a reality.

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1. Toilet Paper:

If you’re planning to visit, or even move to, one of the Greek islands, one thing that often catches people by surprise is that you generally can’t flush toilet paper. Instead, you’ll find a small trash bin next to the toilet where you’ll dispose of your used toilet paper.

The reason for this is that many of the Greek islands have older, narrower plumbing and sewage systems that weren't designed to handle toilet paper. Flushing it can lead to clogged pipes, backups, and expensive plumbing repairs, which is why locals and visitors are asked to use the bin instead.

If you’re staying in a hotel or vacation rental, don’t worry, housekeeping typically empties the bin regularly, so it’s kept clean and odor-free.

I’ll admit, this was one of the biggest adjustments for me at first. It felt a little strange in the beginning, but honestly, after a few days it simply became part of our routine. It’s one of those cultural differences that seems like a big deal before you arrive, but you adapt to it much more quickly than you might expect.

2. Drinking Water:

Another thing that often surprises people is that tap water isn’t considered safe to drink on many islands. While the water is generally safe for showering, washing dishes, and brushing your teeth, it’s not typically recommended for drinking due to the islands’ limited freshwater supply.

Many Greek islands rely on desalinated seawater or water that’s transported from the mainland, and the taste can vary significantly depending on where you are. Because of this, most locals and visitors choose to drink bottled or filtered water instead.

If you’re staying in an Airbnb or hotel, it’s always worth asking whether the property has a reverse osmosis or other water filtration system. If you’re planning to live on a Greek island, you can also ask the property owner if a filtration system has already been installed. If not, installing one is a worthwhile investment, with systems ranging from relatively affordable under-sink filters to more comprehensive whole-home systems that can cost around €1,500 or more, depending on the type and installation.

3. Dinner Time:

One of the first cultural differences we noticed after moving to Greece was how late people eat dinner. By American standards, dinner in Greece starts much later.

If you arrive at a restaurant around 6:30 or 7:00 p.m., don’t be surprised if it’s nearly empty. Many Greeks don’t head out for dinner until 9:00 p.m. or even later, especially during the warmer months when the evenings are cooler and people naturally stay out longer.

As an American who was used to eating dinner around 6:00 p.m., it definitely took some getting used to! But now, I actually enjoy the slower pace of the evenings and love seeing restaurants come alive after sunset.

The good news is that if you prefer eating earlier like we often do, you’ll usually have no trouble finding a table without a reservation. If you’re hoping to dine during the busier hours around 9:00 p.m. or later, especially in popular tourist destinations or during the summer, it’s always a good idea to make a reservation in advance.

4. Attitude Towards Children:

One of the things that has touched me the most since moving to Greece is how genuinely welcomed children are. Before we moved, I had heard that Greece was a family-oriented culture, but experiencing it firsthand has been even more special than I imagined.

Children here are seen as an important part of everyday life. It’s very common to see families enjoying long dinners together at restaurants, strolling through town late in the evening, or spending time at cafés and public squares. While there are, of course, places that are intended primarily for adults, such as bars, nightclubs, and certain beach clubs, children are generally welcomed in most public spaces and aren’t viewed as an inconvenience.

As a parent, I’ve noticed that people often take the time to smile at Zozo, wave hello, or stop to chat with her. Those small interactions have made us feel incredibly welcome and have helped Greece feel like home.

If you’re traveling internationally with children for the first time, I genuinely think Greece is one of the easiest and most family-friendly destinations to visit. The relaxed pace of life, the emphasis on family, and the warmth we’ve experienced from so many people have made raising a child here a truly wonderful experience.

5. Store Closures & Quiet Hours

One of my favorite things about living in Greece is the slower pace of life and the emphasis on work-life balance. It’s something you’ll notice almost immediately once you move here.

Many locally owned shops and businesses close each afternoon, typically from around 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, during what’s known as the quiet hours. Traditionally, this break allowed people to go home for lunch, spend time with their families, and rest during the hottest part of the day. Even today, especially in smaller towns and on the islands, many business owners still follow this schedule because it reflects the Greek value of prioritizing family time and a balanced lifestyle over constantly being open.

Because of this, it’s a good idea to plan your errands accordingly. Many local shops are open from approximately 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, then reopen from 6:00 PM until around 9:00 PM. Pharmacies often follow a similar schedule, although there is always a designated pharmacy on duty that’s available for urgent needs. Larger chain stores, such as Jumbo, supermarkets, and shopping centers, are generally open continuously throughout the day.

Sundays are even quieter. Most retail stores are closed, giving employees and business owners a day to rest and spend with family. Cafés, restaurants, and many tourist-focused businesses remain open, and you’ll usually find a few grocery stores, mini markets, and kiosks operating where you can pick up essentials like milk, fresh produce, snacks, bottled water, ice, and other convenience items.

It can take a little getting used to if you’re coming from a country where stores are open all day and every day, but I’ve actually grown to love it. It encourages you to slow down, enjoy a long lunch or coffee, and embrace the more relaxed rhythm of life that makes Greece so special.

6. Doctor’s Appointments

Just like many local businesses, doctor’s offices in Greece often follow the country’s afternoon quiet hours, which means it’s completely normal to have a medical appointment in the evening. When I lived in the U.S., I was used to scheduling appointments between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, so I was surprised the first time I booked an appointment for 8:00 PM here in Greece. Now it feels completely normal!

Another thing I’ve really appreciated is how easy it can be to book appointments. Many doctors, particularly in larger cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, allow you to schedule online, making it quick and convenient to find an available appointment without having to call the office. In my experience, I’ve also found it much easier to get appointments on shorter notice than I often could in the U.S., especially for routine visits.

It may seem unusual at first, but the evening office hours fit naturally into the Greek rhythm of life. Rather than trying to squeeze appointments into a traditional workday, many doctors simply shift their schedules later, allowing both physicians and patients to enjoy the afternoon break before returning to work.

7. Coffee Culture

Don’t like coffee? You just might after moving to Greece. 🤣

I was never much of a coffee drinker back in the U.S., but after moving here it’s safe to say I’ve become completely hooked. Greece has some of the best coffee I’ve ever had. It’s smooth, rich, and often has a naturally chocolatey flavor that makes it easy to understand why coffee is such an important part of everyday life here.

What I love most, though, isn’t just the coffee, it’s the culture surrounding it. In Greece, grabbing a coffee isn’t something you rush through on your way to work. It’s an experience. Friends meet for coffee and chat for hours, people work from cafés, families gather together, and you’ll often see the same familiar faces visiting their neighborhood café every single day. It’s one of my favorite parts of living here because it encourages you to slow down and enjoy the moment.

My personal favorite order is a Freddo Cappuccino with a little sugar. If you’ve never had one before, I highly recommend trying it, especially during the warmer months!

Here are a few of the most common coffee drinks you’ll find at cafés throughout Greece:

Coffee Types

• Freddo Espresso – An iced espresso served over ice.

• Freddo Cappuccino – An iced espresso topped with cold, frothy milk foam. (My favorite!)

• Cappuccino – Similar to what you’d find elsewhere but often a bit stronger.

• Greek Coffee – Finely ground coffee slowly brewed in a small pot and served unfiltered.

• Latte – Less common than Freddos but available at many cafés.

Sugar Levels

• Sketo (Σκέτο) – No sugar

• Ligi Zahari (λίγη ζάχαρη) - Little Sugar

• Metrio (Μέτριο) – Medium sweetness (about one teaspoon of sugar).

• Glyko (Γλυκό) – Sweet.

• Polý Glyko (Πολύ Γλυκό) – Very sweet.

Milk Options

• Whole Milk – Usually the default.

• Gála Vrómis (Γάλα Βρώμης) – Oat milk.

• Gála Amygdálou (Γάλα Αμυγδάλου) – Almond milk.

• Soy milk is also available at many cafés, particularly in larger cities.

One thing that surprised me is how simple coffee orders are here. Unlike ordering at Starbucks, you generally won’t hear long lists of flavored syrups, extra pumps, and endless customizations. Instead, you’ll simply choose your coffee, how sweet you want it, and what type of milk you’d like. It may seem simple, but that’s part of the charm. The focus is on the quality of the coffee itself and the experience of enjoying it, rather than creating an overly customized drink.

8. The Food

No one prepares you for just how incredible the food is in Greece. Seriously... Greek food is what people think Italian food is. 😂 I said what I said!

In the two years I’ve lived here, I can honestly say I’ve had very few disappointing meals, especially at locally owned tavernas. The food is simple, fresh, incredibly flavorful, and made with so much love and care. Rather than relying on heavy sauces or processed ingredients, Greek cuisine lets high-quality ingredients shine. Fresh vegetables, locally produced olive oil, herbs, seafood, cheeses, and grilled meats are the stars of almost every meal.

One thing I especially love is how the cuisine changes depending on where you are in the country. In the mountainous regions of northern Greece, you’ll find heartier comfort foods like slow-cooked stews, roasted meats, handmade pasta, and rich pies. On the islands, meals tend to be lighter and centered around the Mediterranean diet, with fresh seafood, grilled fish, Greek salads, stuffed vegetables (gemista), zucchini fritters (kolokithokeftedes), spinach pie (spanakopita), cheese pie (tiropita), grilled octopus, calamari, and plenty of seasonal vegetables.

One thing you’ll quickly notice at a traditional taverna is that meals are meant to be shared. It’s common to order several dishes for the entire table rather than everyone ordering their own entrée. A typical meal might include tzatziki, horiatiki (Greek salad), saganaki, fresh bread, grilled meats, seafood, roasted potatoes, and a few vegetable dishes for everyone to enjoy together. Dining in Greece is just as much about spending time together as it is about the food itself.

And then... there are the sweets.

Greeks absolutely love dessert, and you’ll find beautiful zacharoplasteia (pastry shops and confectioneries) in nearly every neighborhood. Walking into one feels a bit like stepping into a bakery and dessert boutique combined. Glass display cases are filled with beautifully decorated cakes, cookies, pastries, chocolates, ice cream, and traditional Greek desserts.

Some of my favorite treats include baklava, galaktoboureko (a creamy custard pastry soaked in syrup), portokalopita (orange cake), loukoumades (Greek honey doughnuts), kataifi, and buttery Greek cookies like kourabiedes and melomakarona during the holidays.

One of the best parts? The prices are incredibly reasonable. For just a few euros, you can walk out with a beautiful box of cookies, pastries, or slices of cake to enjoy at home or bring when visiting friends or family. Picking up a small box of sweets on your way to someone’s house is a common tradition here, and it’s one of those little cultural details that I’ve really come to love.

If you’re moving to Greece, be prepared: the food alone might convince you never to leave.

9. The Hot Water Button

This is one of those things that still catches me off guard sometimes, even after living in Greece for two years: the hot water button!

If you’re staying in a hotel, you’ll probably never notice it. But if you’re renting an Airbnb, vacation rental, or moving into your own apartment, there’s a good chance your host or landlord will tell you something like, “Be sure to turn on the hot water 30–45 minutes before your shower.”

At first, I was so confused. Why doesn’t the hot water just... work?

The reason is that many homes in Greece use an electric water heater rather than a large tank that constantly keeps water hot. To save electricity and reduce energy costs, the heater is only turned on when it’s needed. You’ll usually find a switch labeled “Boiler” or “Hot Water” near the front door or on your electrical panel. Simply switch it on about 30–45 minutes before you want to shower, then turn it back off afterward.

Many homes also have solar water heaters, which are incredibly common throughout Greece. On sunny days, the sun heats the water naturally, meaning you may have plenty of hot water without ever touching the switch. During the summer, I’ve gone days without needing to turn the boiler on at all because the solar system did all the work. On cloudy days or during the winter, however, you’ll likely need to use the electric heater to top it up.

It definitely takes a little planning if you’re used to having unlimited hot water available whenever you want it. If you’re heading out for dinner and want to shower beforehand, you’ll need to remember to switch the boiler on ahead of time. It felt unusual at first, but now it’s just another part of daily life, and honestly, it’s a pretty energy-efficient system once you get used to it.

10. Receipts

One thing you’ll quickly notice when dining out in Greece is that every time you order something, your server will usually bring you a receipt almost immediately. If you’re from the U.S., it can be a little confusing because you might think they’re trying to give you the bill before you’ve even finished eating!

In reality, these are fiscal receipts that businesses are required to issue for each order. They’re part of Greece’s tax system and help ensure that every purchase is properly recorded. If you decide to order another coffee, dessert, or appetizer later in your meal, you’ll often receive another receipt for those items as well.

Don’t worry though, these receipts don’t mean you’re being rushed. In Greece, dining is meant to be enjoyed slowly, sometimes over several hours. When you’re actually ready to leave, you’ll simply ask for the bill.

You can say:

“Ton logariasmó, parakaló.” (Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ.)
“The bill, please.”

Your server will then bring the final bill and ask whether you’d like to pay with cash or card.

One of my favorite Greek traditions happens right before you pay. At many traditional tavernas, your server will bring over a complimentary treat, often a small dessert like cake, fruit, or ice cream, or sometimes a small glass of raki, tsipouro, or another local spirit. It’s the restaurant’s way of saying thank you for dining with them, and it’s such a warm touch that perfectly reflects Greek hospitality.

It’s one of those little traditions that reminds me why I love living here. Meals in Greece aren’t just about eating, they’re about slowing down, enjoying the company you’re with, and making people feel genuinely welcome.

11. Convenience

One misconception I often hear about Greece is that it’s inefficient or inconvenient. While it’s true that Greek bureaucracy can sometimes move at its own pace (trust me, I’ve experienced that firsthand! 🤣), day-to-day life has actually been far more convenient than I ever expected, even living on a small island like Syros.

Yes, life here moves at a slower pace than it does in the U.S., but that doesn’t mean it’s less modern or less convenient. In fact, I’ve found many aspects of everyday life to be surprisingly easy.

Need groceries? I can have them delivered right to my door.

Don’t feel like cooking? Apps like Wolt work much like Uber Eats or DoorDash, making it easy to order from local restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and even grocery stores, and the delivery fees are usually much lower than what I was used to paying in the U.S.

I can also order fresh, prepared meals from local takeaway restaurants, have pharmacy items delivered, and shop online from stores like Zara, IKEA, H&M, and countless other retailers. For almost everything else, Skroutz (which is often compared to Amazon) makes it easy to order products from hundreds of Greek retailers, and even on an island, my packages typically arrive within just two or three days.

One thing I absolutely love about Greece is how community-oriented it is. If I need a plumber, electrician, contractor, or someone to fix just about anything, chances are someone I know has a friend, cousin, uncle, or neighbor who does exactly that. Before you know it, they’ll often be at your house the very same day. 🤣 It’s amazing how quickly things can happen through personal recommendations.

Another question I get all the time is whether Greece is still a cash-based society. While it’s always a good idea to carry a little cash (especially for very small purchases or in the rare case a payment terminal isn’t working) I pay by card or with Apple Pay almost everywhere. Restaurants, cafés, grocery stores, taxis, ferries, pharmacies, retail shops, and even many public transportation services accept contactless payments.

So while you may not have Amazon Prime delivering a package to your door in a few hours, I’ve never felt like I was missing out on modern conveniences. Greece has simply found its own way of doing things: a little slower, a little more personal, and, in many ways, a lot more enjoyable.

12. Public Transportation

As an American, I wasn’t exposed to much public transportation growing up, so I was honestly a little intimidated by the idea of relying on it. But after moving to Greece, I quickly realized just how easy, affordable, and convenient it can be.

Here on the island of Syros, we have several bus routes, including a free shuttle that loops around Ermoupoli and public buses that travel to many of the island’s villages and beaches for as little as €2–3 each way. It’s an inexpensive and relaxing way to explore the island without worrying about parking or driving.

In larger cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, the public transportation network is even more extensive. Between the metro, trams, buses, and suburban rail, it’s easy to get around without a car. The Athens Metro is clean (aside from the graffiti), reliable, and one of my favorite ways to travel through the city. You can simply tap your contactless credit card, debit card, or Apple Pay at the fare gates, making it incredibly convenient for both residents and visitors.

One of the biggest surprises for me has been how little I actually miss driving. I haven’t driven regularly in over a year because I rely so much on public transportation, walking, and the occasional taxi when I need one. Living in a walkable community has been such a refreshing change from the car-dependent lifestyle I had in the U.S.

Of course, one of the best parts of living in Greece is the ferry network. If we decide we want to spend a weekend in Athens or explore another island, it’s as simple as checking the schedules on Ferryhopper, booking our tickets, and hopping on a ferry. Within just a few hours, we can be exploring an entirely different destination. It’s one of my favorite things about living here and makes weekend adventures incredibly easy.

13. Cash

Although Greece has become a very card-friendly country and I use my credit card or Apple Pay for the vast majority of my purchases, it’s still a good idea to carry a little cash with you.

One thing that often surprises visitors is that some locally owned businesses, particularly small boutiques, family-run shops, and independent retailers, may offer a small discount if you pay in cash instead of by card. This isn’t something you’ll encounter everywhere, but it’s common enough that it’s worth asking, especially if you’re making a larger purchase.

I’ve noticed this most often while shopping for clothing or home goods, where paying in cash can sometimes save you a few euros. It’s never guaranteed, but if you’re planning to do a bit of shopping, having some cash on hand can occasionally help you get a better price.

Even so, don’t feel like you need to carry large amounts of cash. In my experience, restaurants, cafés, grocery stores, pharmacies, ferries, taxis, and most other businesses readily accept cards and contactless payments. Having a small amount of cash is simply helpful for the occasional discount, very small purchases, or those rare times when a card terminal isn’t working.

14. The Language

One of the questions I get asked the most is, “How do you get around if you don’t speak Greek?”

The answer honestly surprises a lot of people: it’s much easier than you might expect.

While Greek is, of course, the official language, you’ll find that many people throughout Greece—especially younger generations, those working in tourism, and residents of larger cities and the islands—speak English very well. English has long been taught in Greek schools, and because many movies and television shows are shown in English with Greek subtitles rather than being dubbed, people are exposed to the language from a young age.

Because of that, I’ve found it surprisingly easy to navigate everyday life. Whether I’m ordering at a restaurant, visiting the doctor, shopping, or running errands, I’m almost always able to communicate in English.

That said, I always encourage anyone moving to Greece to learn a few basic Greek words and phrases. You don’t need to be fluent, but making the effort goes a long way. I’ve found that locals genuinely appreciate it when you greet them in Greek or say “thank you” in their language. Even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect, people are usually incredibly kind and happy to help.

Here are a few phrases I recommend learning before you arrive:

Common Greek Phrases

• Hello
  Greek: Γεια σας
  Greeklish: Yia sas

• Good morning
  Greek: Καλημέρα
  Greeklish: Kalimera

• Good evening
  Greek: Καλησπέρα
  Greeklish: Kalispera

• Good night
  Greek: Καληνύχτα
  Greeklish: Kalinychta

• Have a good day
  Greek: Καλή σας μέρα
  Greeklish: Kali sas mera

• How are you?
  Greek: Τι κάνετε;
  Greeklish: Ti kanete?

• Thank you
  Greek: Ευχαριστώ
  Greeklish: Efharistó

• You’re welcome / Please
  Greek: Παρακαλώ
  Greeklish: Parakaló

• What is your name?
  Greek: Πώς σε λένε;
  Greeklish: Pos se lene?

• My name is...
  Greek: Με λένε...
  Greeklish: Me lene...

• Do you speak English?
  Greek: Μιλάτε Αγγλικά;
  Greeklish: Milate Anglika?

• How much is it?
  Greek: Πόσο κάνει;
  Greeklish: Poso kani?

• Can I have the bill, please?
  Greek: Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ.
  Greeklish: Ton logariasmo, parakalo.

• Where is the bathroom?
  Greek: Πού είναι η τουαλέτα;
  Greeklish: Pou ine i toualeta?

One of my favorite parts about learning Greek has been seeing people’s faces light up when I make the effort to speak their language. Even if the conversation quickly switches back to English, those small moments help you feel more connected to the community, and that’s one of the most rewarding parts of living here.

15. Cats

If you’re anything like me and have always been more of a dog person than a cat person, this is one thing that might take a little getting used to when you first arrive in Greece.

Cats are everywhere! 🤣

You’ll see them lounging in the sun outside cafés, wandering through narrow alleyways, napping on scooters, greeting customers outside bakeries, and yes... sometimes even hanging out inside shops and restaurants as the unofficial “resident cat.”

One thing I quickly learned is that many of these aren’t stray cats in the way we often think of them. They’re community cats that are cared for by local residents and business owners. It’s very common to see bowls of fresh water and food left out for them, and many neighborhoods collectively look after the cats that live there.

Historically, cats have also played an important role by helping control rodents, particularly around homes, farms, and fishing villages. Today, they’re simply part of the fabric of everyday life in Greece. You’ll often find locals stopping to pet them, chatting with them, or making sure they have something to eat.

Over time, I’ve completely fallen in love with seeing them around. They add so much character to the streets and have become one of those little things that makes Greece feel so charming. Now, it wouldn’t feel like Greece without spotting a sleepy cat curled up on a windowsill or soaking up the afternoon sun in the middle of a cobblestone street.

Final Thoughts

Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming at first, especially when everyday life looks a little different than what you’re used to. But I’ve found that it’s often these small cultural differences, the afternoon quiet hours, long coffee breaks, community cats, family-run tavernas, ferry rides between islands, and even remembering to turn on the hot water, that end up becoming the very things you fall in love with.

Living in Greece has taught me to slow down, be more present, and appreciate a way of life that places such a high value on family, community, and enjoying the simple moments. It isn’t perfect (no place is!), but for our family, it’s been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.

I hope this guide has helped give you a better idea of what everyday life in Greece is really like beyond the beautiful beaches and postcard-perfect sunsets. Whether you’re planning a vacation, considering moving abroad, or are simply curious about life here, I hope it answered a few of your questions and made Greece feel just a little more familiar.

If you enjoyed this article, I’d love to invite you to subscribe to my Substack. Free subscribers receive my latest articles and updates, while paid members unlock my full Moving Abroad Resource Library, including in-depth relocation guides, webinars with immigration and tax experts, country comparison resources, weekly remote job leads, and practical tools to help you make your own move abroad a reality.

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Thank you so much for reading and for being part of this community. I can’t wait to share more of our life in Greece and help you navigate your own journey abroad.

See you in the next post! 🇬🇷

Every week, I round up new remote job opportunities from companies hiring remotely so you can spend less time searching and more time applying. The complete list of curated job openings is available exclusively to paid subscribers, who also receive a notification each week as soon as new listings are published.

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Before We Begin

If you’re reading this because you’re dreaming of moving abroad, welcome. I hope our story encourages you to believe that it’s possible.

This article shares how we made the move to Greece, but if you’re looking for practical resources to help you plan your own move, I’ve created a Moving Abroad Library exclusively for paid subscribers.

Inside you’ll find:

• My Step by step moving abroad guide “How to Leave the U.S. in 6 Months or Less”

• Country comparison guides

• Visa and residency resources

• International health insurance webinars

• Tax webinars with industry experts

• Guides to building an online income

• Weekly remote job leads

• Attorney and relocation recommendations

• And all of the tools I wish I’d had when we started this journey

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Now, let’s rewind to where it all began...

One of the biggest questions I get now that we live abroad is, "How did you move to Greece?" The truth is, it wasn't easy, but it also wasn't impossible. It took years of dreaming, months of planning, plenty of paperwork, and more than a few unexpected challenges along the way. In this article, I'm taking you behind the scenes of our journey, from how we discovered the island of Syros to what it actually took to make Greece our home.

How We Found Our Home in Greece

People often ask me, “How did you end up living on a small Greek island?”

The truth is, we weren’t looking for Greece. We weren’t even looking for Europe.

We were simply looking for a better life.

It all started back in 2022, just a few months after my daughter was born. Looking back now, I can honestly say I was struggling. I was about four months postpartum, emotionally exhausted, and wondering if this was really what motherhood and adulthood were supposed to feel like.

My husband and I were both working full time, but on completely opposite schedules. I worked during the day while he worked nights so we could avoid putting our daughter in daycare because of both the cost and our concerns about her safety. We loved each other deeply, but we had become ships passing in the night. One of us was always working while the other was parenting, leaving very little time for us to simply be together.

Although my husband was an incredible father and partner, I often felt like I was doing it alone simply because of the way our schedules overlapped.

One evening, I was rocking my daughter to sleep in her nursery when I remember asking myself a question that would completely change the course of our lives.

Is this really as good as it’s supposed to get?

We were doing everything society tells you to do. We had careers, a home, and a beautiful baby. Yet I felt exhausted, overwhelmed, and like we were working ourselves to the bone just to survive. I remember thinking, There has to be another way to live. I just had no idea what that looked like.

Like many new moms, I found myself spending nap times scrolling social media. One day I came across a woman living in Mexico on TikTok, and something about her life immediately caught my attention. She wasn’t living extravagantly. She was eating fresh food, had help with things like laundry and cooking, was building a business she loved, and had left her corporate job behind.

I remember thinking, That’s it. That’s the kind of life I want.

After that, my social media feed became filled with women, especially Black women, who had built beautiful lives abroad in places like Mexico, Thailand, Bali, France, and beyond. Their lives looked slower, more intentional, and more peaceful.

For the first time, I realized that maybe the life I wanted didn’t have to exist in the United States.

As a mother, and especially as a Black woman, I found myself longing for more peace, more safety, and a greater sense of community. I wanted a place where life felt a little slower and where my daughter could grow up surrounded by people who genuinely valued family.

So one day, my husband came home from work and I looked at him and said, “Let’s move to Mexico.”

The look on his face was priceless 🤣

To him, it sounded completely impossible.

I tried explaining everything I had been learning. At the time I was already working remotely for a German startup, so I had seen firsthand that work didn’t have to be tied to one physical location. I explained that we could take my remote income and stretch it much further somewhere with a lower cost of living while giving our family a completely different quality of life.

He wasn’t convinced.

The idea of selling everything we owned and moving from Texas to Mexico with a baby felt like a huge leap for him.

Then I realized something.

My husband had only traveled internationally twice as a child. This wasn’t just about moving abroad. It was about introducing him to an entirely different way of thinking about life.

Instead of convincing him to move forever, I started wondering if there was a way we could simply try living abroad for a little while.

Could families spend a month overseas?

Maybe three months?

Did people actually do this?

One of my friends suggested I join a Worldschooling Facebook group.

At the time, I had absolutely no idea what worldschooling even meant. She explained that it was a community of families who traveled the world while educating their children through real life experiences.

My eyes immediately lit up.

I had always dreamed of raising my children this way. I wanted them to experience different cultures, taste foods from around the world, and learn history by standing in the places where it happened instead of only reading about it in textbooks.

Basically, I wanted us to become a real life Wild Thornberrys family!

I just didn’t know there was actually a name for that lifestyle.

So I joined the group and asked a simple question.

“Does anyone travel abroad part time while keeping their home in the United States? If so, how do you do it?”

One incredibly kind family replied that they were traveling with a company called Boundless Life. They had just finished three months in Portugal and were getting ready to spend another three months in Greece.

I had never heard of Boundless Life before, so I immediately started researching.

To my surprise, it was exactly what I had been searching for without even knowing it existed.

At the time, Boundless Life had just two locations, Sintra, Portugal, and Syros, Greece. Families could stay for one to three months in fully furnished housing while their children attended school. Parents had access to a coworking space, weekly excursions, community events, and an incredible network of families who shared the same values.

It felt almost too good to be true.

I immediately ran to my husband and showed him everything.

This time, he was on board.

The best part was that we didn’t have to sell everything or make a permanent decision. We could simply experience life abroad before deciding what came next.

So we signed up for the Winter 2023 cohort in Sintra, Portugal.

It didn’t take long before my husband completely understood why I had been dreaming about this lifestyle. We fell in love with Portugal and, before long, we signed up for another Boundless Life experience, this time on the Greek island of Syros.

To be honest, we knew very little about Syros.

There wasn’t much information online, and we didn’t really know what to expect.

What we found completely exceeded anything we could have imagined.

The people welcomed us with open arms. The food was fresh and incredible. The island had this perfect balance of history, elegance, and everyday life, with beautiful waterfront cafés, restaurants, and charming little shops.

But more than anything else, we found something we had been searching for since becoming parents.

Community.

Within weeks we knew the local café owners, the restaurant staff, and the shopkeepers. We had made genuine friendships, and for the first time in a long time, we felt like we belonged.

Ironically, Greece was never supposed to become home.

We had already planned to spend six weeks in Playa del Carmen, Mexico after leaving Syros because we still believed Mexico was where we wanted to live long term.

In fact, we had every intention of leaving Greece behind.

That changed during our final two weeks on the island.

We found a beautiful home just a couple of doors down from our Boundless Life apartment, and something about it kept pulling me back. On a whim, I decided to rent it for the following spring.

My husband thought I was a little crazy…again 😂

I told him it would simply be a nice home base if we wanted to travel around Europe. It was familiar, we already knew people, and it would be fun to come back for a few months after trying Mexico.

Thankfully, he agreed.

What neither of us realized was that this little decision would end up changing our lives forever.

Our six weeks in Playa del Carmen gave us exactly the clarity we needed.

Everything I had hoped to find in Mexico was actually what I had already found in Europe.

By that point we had spent six months living in Europe, three months in Portugal and three months in Greece. Looking back, I think a part of me had always known Europe was where I wanted to live.

So after our time in Mexico, we packed our bags and returned to Greece.

The moment we landed back in Athens, I felt it.

The warmth of the people.

The kindness.

The slower pace of life.

It felt like coming home.

When we returned to Syros, everything just clicked into place. We quickly settled back into daily life, and for the first time in years, life felt peaceful. It felt exciting, simple, and full of possibility.

A few weeks later, with the 2024 election approaching, I started feeling a strong pull to make our move more permanent.

My husband was understandably hesitant. Applying for residency felt like a huge commitment.

But the more I reflected on the future I wanted for our daughter, the more certain I became that I wanted our family to have the opportunity to build a life in Greece.

So I trusted my intuition.

We hired a lawyer, started gathering our paperwork, and applied for residency.

Looking back now, I am so grateful we did.

That one decision allowed us to build the life we are living today on this beautiful little Greek island that we never expected to call home.

So, the big question is...

How did we actually move to Greece?

The answer is through Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa.

Now, I do want to mention something important before I explain our process. The application pathway that we used is no longer available. Greek immigration laws have changed since we applied, so while you can absolutely still move to Greece through the Digital Nomad Visa, the process looks a little different today.

I’ll walk you through exactly what we did and then explain how the process works now down below so keep reading 👀👇🏽

When we decided we wanted to make Greece our home, my first step was finding an immigration lawyer. I joined several Facebook groups for digital nomads and expats living in Greece and asked for recommendations. After receiving multiple referrals and doing plenty of research, I scheduled a consultation with our attorney, Kyveli from Expat Law.

That one meeting made the entire process feel so much less overwhelming.

She walked us through every step of the application, explained exactly which documents we needed, answered every question I had, and outlined what the timeline would look like. After our consultation, she followed up with a detailed checklist of everything we needed to gather before submitting our application.

At the time, we were living in Greece under the standard 90 day Schengen allowance, so timing was extremely important. We needed to collect all of our documents and submit our application before those 90 days expired.

When we applied, there were two different ways to obtain Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa. The first option was to apply through your local Greek Consulate in your home country. The second option, which is the route we took, was to apply while already in Greece during your 90 day Schengen stay.

Today, that second option is no longer available. However, don’t let that discourage you. There is still a clear pathway to obtaining residency in Greece through the Digital Nomad Visa, and later in this article I’ll explain exactly how the current process works.

The Paperwork

Once we decided to move forward, it was time to start gathering what felt like an endless stack of paperwork. Thankfully, our attorney provided us with a detailed checklist, which made the process much less overwhelming.

Because I was the primary applicant, my husband and daughter were included as my dependents. This meant we needed to provide documentation for all three of us.

Here’s what we submitted as part of our application:

• A letter from my employer confirming my job title, salary, and that I was authorized to work remotely from abroad.

• Copies of my last six months of pay stubs to verify my income.

• Photocopies of every page of each of our passports.

• An apostilled birth certificate for our daughter so she could be included as a dependent on my application.

• An apostilled marriage certificate so my husband could be included as a dependent.

• Health insurance that met Greece’s visa requirements and covered our entire family.

• A signed one year residential lease in Greece.

• The government application fees, which at the time were €1,000 for my application and €450 each for my husband and daughter as dependents.

At first glance, the list can feel intimidating, but once we tackled it one document at a time, it became much more manageable. Having an experienced immigration attorney guiding us through the process gave us confidence that we weren’t missing anything important and made the entire application far less stressful.

Income Requirements

One of the biggest requirements for Greece’s Digital Nomad Visa is meeting the minimum income threshold.

At the time we applied, the minimum requirement for a single applicant was €3,500 per month after taxes, which was approximately $4,040 USD depending on the exchange rate.

However, because I wasn’t applying alone, the required income increased. Greece requires an additional 20% of the base income for a spouse and 15% for each dependent child.

Since I was applying with both my husband and our daughter, I needed to demonstrate a net monthly income of €4,725, which at the time was roughly $5,450 USD. Because exchange rates fluctuate, I always recommend aiming for at least $6,000 USD per month to provide a comfortable buffer and ensure you continue to meet the requirement if the euro strengthens.

Thankfully, my full time remote salary exceeded the income threshold, so we were able to move forward with our application.

One thing I always recommend is checking the most up to date income requirements before you apply. Immigration policies can change over time, and the exchange rate can also affect how much income you’ll need to qualify.

The Application Process

Once we gathered all of our paperwork, our attorney submitted our application while we were still within our 90 day Schengen stay in Greece.

Shortly after submitting our application, we received what is commonly referred to as a Blue Certificate. Despite its name, it actually wasn’t blue at all. Ours was simply a white document that confirmed our residency application had been officially submitted and was being processed by the Greek government.

Receiving this certificate was a huge milestone because it meant we could legally remain in Greece while our application was under review, even after our original 90 day Schengen stay had expired.

It’s also important to understand that the process we went through was not the same as applying for the one year Digital Nomad Visa from your home country. Because we applied from within Greece, we were applying directly for a two year Digital Nomad Residence Permit rather than the one year entry visa that applicants receive today.

Our attorney explained that processing times in Greece can be lengthy and estimated it would take between eight and twelve months for our application to be approved.

She was right.

Waiting nearly a year for a decision wasn’t always easy, but once our application was submitted, there wasn’t much left to do except be patient and continue enjoying life in Greece while we waited for the next step.The Approval:

Our laywer timed our approval pretty perfectly. It was almost a full year before we received our approval at which time we were requested to provide a passport size photo for our residency cards along with submitting our bio metrics (fingerprints) at a local administrative office.

About 3 months after our approval and providing our bio metrics we received a call to pick up our residency cards, making our move official and our status as temprorary EU residents.

How the Process Works Today

One thing I always recommend is speaking with an experienced immigration lawyer before beginning your application. Greek immigration laws can change, and an attorney will have the most up to date information on current requirements, timelines, and any changes to the application process.

If you’re a paid subscriber, I’ve included a list of the immigration attorneys I personally recommend and trust here in Greece, including the attorney who guided our family through our own residency journey.

Upgrade your subscription to a paid membership today to unlock my Moving Abroad Library of helpful tools and resources:

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So, how does the process work today?

Unlike when we applied, you can no longer apply for the Digital Nomad Residence Permit while visiting Greece on your 90 day Schengen stay.

Instead, you’ll first need to apply for the Greek Digital Nomad Visa at the Greek Consulate that serves your place of residence in your home country. For example, before moving abroad we lived in Houston, Texas, so we would have applied through the Greek Consulate that serves that region.

You’ll submit your application, provide all of the required supporting documents, pay the applicable government fees, and attend your appointment in person. If you’re applying with your spouse or children as dependents, everyone included on the application will also need to attend the appointment.

If your application is approved, you’ll receive a one year Digital Nomad Visa. One important thing to know is that your one year visa begins on the date it is issued, not on the date you arrive in Greece, so it’s a good idea to plan your move accordingly.

Once you’ve arrived in Greece, your next step is to apply for your two year Digital Nomad Residence Permit. Most immigration attorneys recommend starting this process as soon as possible after arriving so there’s plenty of time for your residency application to be submitted before your initial one year visa expires.

Although the process has changed since we applied, there is still a clear pathway to building a life in Greece as a digital nomad. It may take patience and plenty of paperwork, but if living in Greece is your dream, it is absolutely possible.

What Life Looks Like for Us Now

Since applying for our two year Digital Nomad Residence Permit in 2024, so much has changed.

Our original residency cards have now expired, and we’ve successfully applied to renew our residency for another three years. Thankfully, the renewal process was very similar to our initial application, with many of the same documents and requirements.

Today, we have a beautiful new home here on the island of Syros, and our next exciting chapter is enrolling our daughter in a local Greek school. Watching her grow up immersed in another language and culture is something we once only dreamed about, and now it’s becoming our reality.

When I think back to that exhausted new mom sitting in a nursery in Texas wondering if there was another way to live, I wish I could tell her that everything was going to work out.

Life certainly isn’t perfect. There are still challenges, plenty of paperwork, and moments when living abroad can feel overwhelming. But we’ve found something we were searching for all those years ago: a slower pace of life, a wonderful sense of community, and a place that truly feels like home.

Moving to Greece was one of the biggest leaps of faith we’ve ever taken, and without a doubt, it has been one of the best decisions we’ve ever made.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story. I hope it inspires you to believe that if you’ve been dreaming about building a life abroad, it really is possible.

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When my family and I first arrived on Syros in 2023 with Boundless Life, we had never even heard of the island and honestly had no idea what to expect. We imagined a sleepy, quiet little island, but what we found was something completely different. Syros is vibrant, welcoming, and full of incredible history, culture, and year-round local life.

It didn’t take long for us to fall in love. So much so that when we returned for a second time, we made the decision to call Syros home.

Over the past few years, we’ve had the privilege of experiencing the island not just as visitors, but as residents. We’ve met incredible local business owners, made lifelong friendships, and discovered the hidden gems that make Syros so special. It’s an island where you’ll find authentic Greek culture, beautiful architecture, amazing food, and a genuine sense of community.

Whether you’re planning a relaxing vacation, traveling as a family, working remotely, or simply looking to experience a more authentic side of Greece away from the crowds of Mykonos and Santorini, I hope this guide helps you experience Syros the way we have, and maybe even fall in love with it too!

If you find this guide helpful and would like to take your trip planning even further, consider upgrading to a paid subscription to unlock The Ultimate Syros Travel Guide. Inside, you’ll find my personal recommendations for where to eat, stay, and explore, along with curated itineraries, hidden gems, and a directory of trusted local businesses and experiences I’ve personally vetted, from boat tours and cooking classes, wellness services, and more along with a curated Google Map to make getting around and finding local recommendations a breeze!

Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to discover more of the island, the Ultimate Guide is designed to help you experience Syros like a local and make your trip truly unforgettable.

Best of all, you can upgrade or cancel your subscription at any time.

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Why visit Syros?

One of the things that makes Syros so special is its location. Situated in the heart of the Cyclades, it’s the perfect place to begin or end an island-hopping adventure. The island is well connected by ferry to neighboring destinations like Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Tinos, and Santorini, while Athens is just a convenient two-hour ferry ride away.

Unlike many Greek islands that come alive primarily between May and October, Syros is a true year-round destination. As the capital of the Cyclades, the island remains vibrant throughout the winter months, with restaurants, cafés, grocery stores, shops, and local events continuing long after the summer crowds have left. Whether you’re visiting in July or January, you’ll still experience the authentic rhythm of everyday Greek island life.

One of the biggest reasons we fell in love with Syros is that it isn’t a party island. While you’ll certainly find lively beach clubs, waterfront bars, and plenty of places to enjoy an evening out during the summer, the island’s atmosphere is centered around families, community, and local life. It’s peaceful, welcoming, and relaxed, while still offering a vibrant cultural scene filled with festivals, concerts, open-air cinema, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the Cyclades.

Best time to visit

There honestly isn’t a bad time to visit Syros. In fact, many people are always surprised when I say my favorite time of year here is winter. While I love enjoying my daily swim in the aegean sea during the peak summer months, there’s something incredibly special about being here in the winter. It’s quiet calm and cozy and you truly get to feel what it’s like to be a local. The best time to visit is truly based on what you’re hoping to do and see during your time here so I’ve broken it down with some pros and cons with each season:

Winter: December - March

If you're looking to experience the authentic side of Syros, winter is one of the most rewarding times to visit. While the beaches may be quiet, the island is still very much alive with locals going about their daily lives. It's a peaceful season that's perfect for slow travel, remote work, and experiencing Syros beyond the summer crowds.

• Pros:

  • Experience authentic island life: Winter is when you’ll truly get to see what everyday life on Syros is like. With very few tourists on the island, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the island at a slower pace.

  • Celebrate Carnival (Apokries): One of the highlights of winter is Apokries, Greece’s Carnival celebration leading up to Lent. Expect colorful costumes, lively parades, decorated floats, community barbecues, live music, and festive celebrations throughout Ermoupoli.

  • Cozy cafés and a slower pace: Winter is one of my favorite times to be on Syros. The cafés are warm, cozy, and much quieter, making them the perfect place to enjoy a coffee, read a book, or settle in for a productive workday if you’re traveling as a digital nomad.

  • Explore without the crowds: With fewer visitors on the island, it’s a wonderful time to rent a car and discover villages, beaches, and scenic viewpoints at your own pace. While temperatures are cooler, many winter days are still beautifully sunny.Cons:

• Cons:

  • Rain is more common: Winter brings the island’s wettest weather, particularly during February, so be prepared for occasional rainy days.

  • Cooler temperatures: Daytime temperatures generally range from the low to mid-50s°F (around 10–15°C). Combined with the island’s winds, it can feel noticeably cooler than the thermometer suggests.

  • Wind can impact travel: Strong winds occasionally affect ferry schedules, especially during the winter months. If you’re traveling on to another destination, it’s a good idea to build in a buffer day in case sailings are delayed or canceled.

  • Rougher ferry crossings: When the winds pick up, the Aegean can become choppy, making ferry rides bumpier than during the calmer summer months. If you’re prone to motion sickness, it’s worth planning ahead with medication or other remedies.

Spring: April - June

Spring is one of my absolute favorite times to visit Syros. The island begins to wake up after winter, the weather is beautifully mild, and you'll experience many of the traditions that make Syros so unique before the busy summer season arrives.

• Pros:

  • Beautiful spring blooms: As the weather warms, flowers begin blooming all across the island, adding vibrant color to Syros’ already stunning architecture. If you love photography, this is one of the best times to visit. The winding streets of Ano Syros, with their whitewashed Cycladic buildings framed by colorful bougainvillea and spring flowers, are especially beautiful.

  • Experience Easter on Syros: Easter is one of the most magical times of the year on the island. What makes Syros truly unique is that the Orthodox and Catholic communities celebrate together, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Greece. Throughout Holy Week you’ll find beautiful traditions, including the Epitaphios processions, midnight candlelight services and fireworks on Holy Saturday, and lively celebrations on Easter Sunday and Monday as families and friends gather to celebrate.

  • Restaurants and shops begin reopening: As winter comes to a close, many seasonal restaurants, cafés, beach bars, and shops begin reopening for the season. By late spring, the island feels vibrant again while still maintaining a relaxed atmosphere before the peak summer crowds arrive.

  • Island hopping becomes easier: Spring also marks the return of the high-speed SeaJets ferries, making it much easier to explore nearby islands like Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Tinos, and Santorini. During the winter, ferry schedules are more limited and are primarily serviced by Blue Star Ferries.

• Cons:

  • Seasonal allergies: If you suffer from pollen allergies, spring can be challenging. As the island comes into bloom, pollen levels can be high, so it may be worth packing allergy medication if you’re sensitive.

  • Bees are busy: You’ll notice plenty of bees throughout the countryside and gardens as they pollinate the island’s flowers. They’re generally not aggressive, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re spending time outdoors.

  • Snakes are most active: Spring is when snakes become more active on Syros. While encounters are uncommon, especially in towns and villages, it’s wise to stay on marked trails if you’re hiking and wear closed-toe shoes. Some species found in Greece are venomous, so it’s always best to admire wildlife from a distance and avoid reaching into tall grass or rocky areas where you can’t see clearly.

Summer: July - September

Summer is when Syros is at its liveliest. The island comes alive with beach days, outdoor festivals, concerts, and long evenings spent dining by the sea. If you're looking for the classic Greek island experience, this is the perfect time to visit.

• Pros:

  • Perfect beach weather: If you love spending your days by the sea, summer is hard to beat. The water is warm enough for swimming almost every day, and you’ll have your pick of beautiful beaches, beach clubs, and waterfront tavernas. One of my favorite spots is the Asteria swimming platform in Ermoupoli, where locals and visitors gather for a morning swim before grabbing coffee or heading to work.

    A lively summer atmosphere: The island has a wonderful energy during the summer months. The waterfront fills with people enjoying long dinners, sunset cocktails, and evening strolls along the harbor. While Syros has a vibrant nightlife, it still feels relaxed and family-friendly compared to some of the neighboring Cycladic islands.

    An incredible events calendar: Summer is festival season on Syros. Throughout the season you’ll find opera performances at the historic Apollo Theater, live concerts, traditional Greek village festivals (panigiria), outdoor movie nights at the open-air cinema, cultural celebrations, and music festivals happening all across the island. There’s almost always something happening, whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or as a family.

• Cons:

  • It’s the busiest season: Summer is the most popular time to visit Syros. Although the island is much less crowded than destinations like Mykonos or Santorini, cruise ships do visit several times each week, and you’ll notice the town becoming busier on those days, particularly around the port and Miaouli Square. Because it’s also busier expect to pay higher prices on accommodations as well. It’s common for prices to double or even triple during this time of the year for accommodations.

    Expect hot temperatures: Summers in the Cyclades are hot, with daytime temperatures often climbing into the 80s and 90s°F (high 20s to mid-30s°C). Be sure to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take advantage of the shade during the hottest part of the afternoon.

    Transportation requires planning: Rental cars, scooters, and taxis are in high demand during the summer months, so it’s a good idea to reserve them well in advance if you plan to explore the island. The good news is that Syros has an affordable and reliable public bus network that connects many of the island’s most popular beaches and villages, making it an excellent alternative if you don’t plan to drive.

Fall: October - November

Fall is one of Syros' best-kept secrets. The summer crowds begin to fade, the weather becomes more comfortable, and the island settles back into its relaxed rhythm. If you're looking for a quieter Greek island escape without sacrificing warm weather, this is an incredible time to visit.

• Pros:

  • Warm days and beach weather: While the temperatures begin to cool, the sea stays surprisingly warm well into the fall. We often continue swimming and enjoying beach days through the last week of November. It’s the perfect season if you prefer warm weather without the intense summer heat.

  • A quieter island: As the busy summer season comes to an end, Syros becomes noticeably more peaceful. You’ll still find visitors enjoying the island, but you’ll have an easier time finding a table at your favorite restaurant, strolling through Ermoupoli, or relaxing on the beaches without the summer crowds.

  • End-of-season shopping: If you enjoy shopping, fall is a fantastic time to browse the local boutiques. Many stores hold end-of-season sales with discounts that can reach up to 70% off summer collections as they make room for their fall and winter inventory. If you love supporting local shops, you may want to leave a little extra space in your suitcase!

• Cons:

  • Some seasonal businesses begin to close: Although Syros is a true year-round island, some seasonal restaurants, beach bars, and shops begin closing in October and won’t reopen until the Easter season. Fortunately, because Syros has a large local population, you’ll still find plenty of wonderful cafés, restaurants, grocery stores, and shops open throughout the fall.

  • The weather becomes more unpredictable: Fall brings cooler temperatures and a greater chance of rain compared to the summer months. Most rain showers are short-lived, but it’s a good idea to pack a light jacket and stay a little flexible with outdoor plans, especially later in the season.

How To Get Here:

Getting to Syros is easy, whether you prefer to travel by ferry or fly from Athens. Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.

• Take the Ferry:

  • The ferry is by far the most popular way to reach Syros—and my personal favorite! As the capital of the Cyclades, Syros is one of the best-connected islands in Greece. It’s often the first stop from Athens and the last stop before returning to Athens, which means you’re usually traveling directly rather than making multiple island stops along the way.

    There are two main ferry options:

    • Blue Star Ferries:

      • Travel time: Approximately 3–4 hours

      • Larger, more stable ships that are ideal if you’re traveling with children, lots of luggage, or are prone to seasickness.

      • Operate year-round.

    • SeaJets:

      • Travel time: Approximately 2 hours

      • A faster option that operates primarily during the spring and summer months.

      • Perfect if you’re looking to maximize your time on the island.

My Recommendation:
I always book my ferry tickets through Ferryhopper. The website makes it easy to compare schedules and prices across ferry companies, and once you've created an account, your e-tickets are stored right in the app so you can simply scan the QR code when boarding.

• Fly:

  • If you’re short on time, you can also fly directly from Athens to Syros.

    • Flight time: Approximately 35 minutes

    • Airport Code: JSY

    • Airport: Syros Island National Airport “Demetrius Vikelas”

    The airport is located just a few minutes from Ermoupoli, making it a quick and convenient option for travelers. While flights are limited compared to the ferry schedule, they’re a great choice if you prefer to avoid traveling by sea or have a tighter itinerary.

Where to Stay:

• Ermoupoli: As the capital of the Cyclades, Ermoupoli is the heart of the island and my top recommendation for first-time visitors. You'll find beautiful neoclassical architecture, excellent restaurants, cafés, shopping, museums, nightlife, and the ferry port all within walking distance. If you want to experience the energy of Syros without needing a car, this is the perfect place to stay and I also highly recommend it if you’re coming as a family.

• Kini: Kini is another really popular destination to stay especially if you want something more peaceful but still easy to get back into town. Kini is a charming seaside fishing village on the island’s west coast known for its calm waters, beautiful sunsets, and waterfront tavernas - seriously catch the sunset here, it’s amazing! The beach here is also really calm for smaller children making it a great option as well if coming as a family. (15 min drive from Ermoupoli)

• Azolimnos: Located just a short drive from Ermoupoli, Azolimnos offers a relaxed beach atmosphere with shallow, family-friendly waters and several restaurants lining the waterfront. It's an excellent choice if you'd like easy access to both the beach and the conveniences of town. One thing to keep in mind is that, because of its location, the beach can become windier than other parts of the island, and the sea may be choppier on particularly windy days. (10 min drive from Ermoupoli)

• Galissas: Galissas is home to one of the island’s most popular sandy beaches and offers the classic Greek island vacation experience. With calm, crystal-clear waters, beach bars, waterfront tavernas, comfortable accommodations, and some of the most beautiful sunsets on Syros, it’s an excellent choice if your priority is spending as much time by the sea as possible.
  If you’re traveling as a family, I highly recommend Anassa Cycladic Village. It’s our family’s favorite place to stay, offering beautifully designed glamping tents, a swimming pool, playground, and an excellent on-site restaurant serving delicious traditional Greek cuisine. It’s the perfect combination of nature, comfort, and authentic island hospitality. (15 min drive from Ermoupoli)

• Posidonia: Known for its elegant mansions, palm-lined streets, and beautiful villas, Poseidonia is one of the most picturesque and upscale areas of Syros. The atmosphere is quiet and refined, making it ideal for travelers seeking a relaxing escape while still being within easy reach of the island’s beaches and Ermoupoli. (18 min drive from Ermoupoli)

• Finikas: Finikas is a quiet coastal village with a sheltered beach and marina, making it a popular choice for families and sailors alike. It offers a slower pace than some of the larger beach towns while still providing restaurants, cafés, and easy access to nearby beaches. (18 min drive from Ermoupoli)

• Vari: Vari is one of my favorite recommendations for families thanks to its protected bay and shallow, crystal-clear water. This is where we often go for our beach days especially when it’s windy. The beach is ideal for children, and the village has a welcoming local feel with several excellent tavernas just steps from the shoreline. It's a peaceful place to unwind while remaining only a short drive from Ermoupoli. (12 min drive from Ermoupoli)

• Megas Gialos: Megas Gialos is a quiet coastal village on the southern side of Syros known for its crystal-clear waters, relaxed atmosphere, and beautiful beachfront accommodations. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking to unwind away from the busier areas of the island while still being just a short drive from Ermoupoli and other nearby beaches.

  One of my favorite places to stay here is Olen Syros, a beautiful boutique retreat that blends modern luxury with traditional Cycladic design. The property offers thoughtfully designed suites, many with private pools or sea views, creating the perfect setting for a romantic getaway or relaxing vacation. The peaceful atmosphere, exceptional hospitality, and attention to detail make it one of my top recommendations for anyone looking to treat themselves to a truly memorable stay on Syros and Greece in general!

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Where to Eat in Ermoupoli:

Casual:

• To Tsipouradiko tis Mirsinis: A longtime local favorite, To Tsipouradiko tis Mirsinis is known for its fresh seafood, traditional Greek meze, and relaxed waterfront setting.

• Amarone: Located in the heart of Ermoupoli, Amarone offers a cozy atmosphere paired with delicious Italian-inspired dishes, fresh pasta, pizza, and an excellent wine selection.

• To Mikraki: Located in a little alley way in the heart of Ermoupoli, To Mikraki is one of my favorite spots for a traditional Greek meal. The prices are great and the food is amazing! You’ll find comforting dishes on the menu like fava, zucchini balls, fried codfish, and more!

Fine Dining:

• Mazi: Is one of the most gorgeous restaurants in town. Nestled in an alleyway, it’s a beautiful open air restauarnt with vines and flowers with an incredible vibe! They offer a fresh, contemporary take on traditional Greek cuisine with beautifully presented dishes designed for sharing.

• Astakos: Located along the waterfront near the popular swimming platform, the menu highlights fresh local fish and classic Greek seafood dishes, making it a fantastic choice if you're looking to enjoy a memorable meal by the sea.

• Avant Garden: Tucked away in a charming courtyard in Ermoupoli, the menu features creative Mediterranean dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, all served in a peaceful garden setting.

Cafes & Coffee Shops:

• Box of Bush: A vibrant neighborhood café owned by our good friend Cosmos, Box of Bush serves exceptional specialty coffee, fresh juices and smoothies, and delicious plant-forward dishes lovingly prepared by his mother using fresh, local ingredients.

• Saint Syros: My favorite coffee shop on the island, owned by my good friend Christina, Saint Syros is the perfect place to grab a freddo cappuccino before wandering through Ermoupoli or heading to Asteria for a morning swim.

• Corner Cafe: Owned by one of the sweetest couples you'll meet, Corner Café is a welcoming neighborhood spot serving quality coffee, fresh juices, hearty breakfasts, and what I think are the best New York-style bagels on the island.

• Psyra: A charming café tucked into the heart of Ermoupoli, Psyra is known for its specialty coffee, delicious brunch menu, and cozy atmosphere. It's also one of my favorite family-friendly cafés thanks to its selection of games, puzzles, and activities to keep little ones entertained.

• Epta: A stylish, moody café serving expertly crafted coffee, fresh pastries, and delicious breakfast options made with high-quality ingredients, making it a wonderful spot to start your day.

• Thessalonikia Bougatsa & Pizza: A true local favorite, Thessalonikia Bougatsa & Pizza is owned by Petros, who has become like family to us. Whether you're stopping in for a flaky, freshly baked bougatsa, a savory pastry, or a slice of pizza, it's one of the best places on the island for a quick, affordable, and delicious meal.

Cocktails:

• Luma: A stylish cocktail bar in Ermoupoli known for its creative handcrafted cocktails, modern atmosphere, and relaxed ambiance, making it the perfect spot to kick off an evening or unwind after dinner.

• Pavone: One of the island’s trendiest cocktail bars, Pavone combines elegant décor, inventive signature cocktails, and an upbeat atmosphere that’s perfect for a date night or evening out with friends.

• Argini: Argini offers beautiful 360 views of the city on their rooftop with their expertly crafted cocktails, and a relaxed setting where you can enjoy a drink while watching the boats come and go.

• Ciel: Perched in one of the most picturesque locations in Ermoupoli, Ciel is the perfect destination for sunset cocktails, offering stunning sea views, sophisticated drinks, and a chic atmosphere that's ideal for ending a day of exploring the island with gorgeous views of Saint Nicholas church and the sea!

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Which Beaches to Visit:

• Asteria Beach: This isn’t a beach but it’s one of the most popular places for a swim in the town of Ermoupoli. Instead of a traditional sandy beach, you'll find a beautiful stone swimming platform with crystal-clear water that's perfect for a refreshing dip before grabbing a coffee nearby.

• Vari: One of the best beaches on Syros for families, Vari features calm, shallow waters that are perfect for young children and best on windier days. With waterfront tavernas, sunbeds, and a protected bay, it's an easy place to spend an entire day by the sea.

• Azolimnos: Just a quick drive from Ermoupoli, Azolimnos is a convenient beach with shallow water, waterfront restaurants, and plenty of places to relax like at Kahuna Beach Club. On windy days, the sea can become a bit choppier than some of the island's more sheltered beaches.

• Agathopes: My personal favorite beach on the island due to its soft sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. The beach also offers organized sunbeds, beach bars like ONO, and calm swimming conditions, making it a favorite for families.

• Kini: A favorite among families and the perfect place to watch the sunset, this beach offers calm waters, beautiful sunsets, and easy access to excellent waterfront tavernas.

Looking to discover Syros' hidden beaches? Upgrade your subscription to unlock The Ultimate Syros Travel Guide, where I share my favorite lesser-known swimming spots, secluded beaches, detailed directions, parking tips, and local recommendations to help you experience the island beyond the guidebooks.

What To Do In Syros:

• Visit the Museums: Syros is full of great cultural museums to visit including the Industrial Museum of Ermoupoli, which showcases the island's shipbuilding and industrial history, the Archaeological Museum of Syros featuring artifacts dating back to prehistoric times, and the Mark Vamvakaris Museum dedicated to the legendary rebetiko musician born on the island up in Ano Syros. A personal favorite of mine is the Hermoupolis Textile Museum and it’s absolutely gorgeous to visit at night.

• Take a Cooking Class: Learn how to prepare authentic Greek dishes using fresh local ingredients while discovering the culinary traditions of the Cyclades. It's a fun, hands-on experience that's perfect for couples, families, or anyone wanting to bring a taste of Greece home.

• Charter a Boat: One of the best ways to experience Syros is from the sea. I highly recommend chartering a private boat to discover hidden coves, sea caves, and secluded beaches that are only accessible by water. Many charters also offer full-day excursions to nearby islands like Delos, where you can explore one of Greece's most important archaeological sites, making for an unforgettable day on the Aegean.

• Take a Pottery Class: Tap into your creative side with a hands-on pottery workshop and learn the art of wheel throwing from a local ceramic artist. It's a relaxing and memorable experience where you'll create your own handcrafted mug, cup, plate, or bowl to take home while discovering one of Greece's oldest artistic traditions

• Rent a Scooter: One of the easiest and most affordable ways to explore Syros is by scooter. Cruise between picturesque villages, quiet beaches, and scenic viewpoints at your own pace, with the freedom to discover hidden corners of the island that many visitors miss.

  Please note: In Greece, you’ll need the appropriate motorcycle license to rent scooters with an engine size of 125cc or larger. If you don’t have a motorcycle license, renting an ATV (quad) is a great alternative, as most visitors can rent one using a standard driver’s license (subject to the rental company’s requirements and your license being valid in Greece).

• Go Wine Tasting: Sample locally produced Greek wines while learning about the island's winemaking traditions. Many tastings feature regional cheeses and other local delicacies, making for a relaxing afternoon immersed in Cycladic flavors.

• Horseback Riding: Explore Syros' peaceful countryside on horseback as you ride through rolling hills, olive groves, and coastal trails with beautiful Aegean views.

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Things to Know Before You Go:

• Drinking Water: Tap water on Syros is generally not recommended for drinking. Many hotels and vacation rentals provide bottled water upon arrival, though you’ll likely need to purchase more during your stay. Some accommodations have filtered drinking water, but it’s always worth asking your host in advance.

• Toilet Paper: Like many Greek islands, toilet paper should not be flushed. Instead, dispose of it in the small waste bin provided next to the toilet.

• Stairs: Syros is incredibly picturesque, but it’s also very hilly with lots of stairs—especially in Ermoupoli and Ano Syros. If you or someone in your group has mobility or accessibility concerns, be sure to keep this in mind when choosing accommodations and planning your days.

• Cats: You’ll quickly notice that cats are part of everyday life on Syros—you’ll see them lounging in squares, wandering through cafés, and even popping into shops. They’re well cared for by locals and organizations like Syros Cats. If a cat has a clipped ear, it has typically been spayed or neutered through a trap-neuter-return (TNR) program.

• Slippery Surfaces: Many of Syros’ streets and sidewalks are paved with beautiful marble, which can become quite slippery when wet. Wear shoes with good traction, especially if you’re exploring after rain or walking through the historic center.

• Shops: Shops are closed between 2pm - 6pm daily and often on Sundays. Grocery stores as well are often closed on Sundays so be sure to take this into consideration if you are arriving over the weekend. An important note about Pharmacies, they are also closed during these times however you can always find the pharmacy on duty in town by going to Syrostoday.gr.

• Hospital: Syros does have a general hospital but it does not have an urgent care facility like you may be used to in the U.S. if you need care urgently, the hospital is where you’ll go. (In my Ultimate Syros Travel Guide I also go into depth about international travel insurance, how it works, what type of costs to expect here if paying out of pocket, and how to access care quickly remotely if needed).

• Stores: Forgot something? We have a Jumbo on the island which I like to call the Greek Target. It has just about everything you need from toiletries, travel essentials, home goods, and toys.

• Working Remotely? Syros is becoming increasingly popular with digital nomads and remote workers. If you need a productive place to work, check out Odyspace, the island’s dedicated coworking space. Use code CARA20 for a discount on your pass.

Take the stress out of planning your Syros getaway.

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Visiting Syros this summer! The island is alive and absolutely magical this time of year. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the culture, here are the events you can look forward to this week and beyond.

For more information on life in Greece from me, an American expat living in Syros, consider subscribing to follow along and support my work, it’s totally free!

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🎶 Monday, July 27

🎤 FREE Concert: Thodoris Ferris

🕤 9:30 PM
📍 Miaouli Square, Ermoupoli

One of Greece’s most popular contemporary laïko (Greek folk-pop) singers is performing a free outdoor concert as part of the celebrations for 200 years of Ermoupoli.

Cost: Free

Tickets: None required—just arrive early, as the square will likely fill up.

Good to know

• Roads around Miaouli Square will close from 9:00 PM–Midnight

• Buses and taxis will use temporary routes during the concert.

🎭 International Festival of the Aegean

Spanish Splendour

🕣 8:30 PM
📍 Apollo Theater

Opening night of Syros’ internationally renowned opera festival featuring:

• Mexican opera soloists

• Spanish Zarzuela music

• Traditional Spanish & Mexican songs

• Festival Orchestra

Tickets

• €26 Orchestra & Boxes

• €16 Balcony

• €8 Students

🎟 Available online through Ticket Services or at the Apollo Theater box office.

🎬 Movie Night

Moana (Live Action)

🕘 9:00 PM
📍 Open-Air Pallás Cinema

✅ English audio
🇬🇷 Greek subtitles

Perfect for families.

🍿 What to Know

• 💳 Price: €8 per person

• 🎬 No reserved seating — you simply purchase your ticket at the cinema before the showing.

• ⏰ I’d recommend arriving 20–30 minutes early, especially for family movies or new releases, since the open-air cinema can get busy on summer evenings.

• 🥤 There is a concession stand where you can buy popcorn, drinks, and snacks.

🎭 Tuesday, July 28

La Bohème

🕣 8:30 PM
📍 Apollo Theater

One of Puccini’s most famous operas and an excellent choice if you’ve never attended an opera before.

Tickets:
€26 / €16 / €8 students

🎵 Joseph Printezis Album Release

📍 Tsiropina Mansion

An evening celebrating the release of the local musician’s newest album in one of Syros’ beautiful historic venues

🇬🇷 Wednesday, July 29

💃 Traditional Greek Island Night

🕘 Around 9:00 PM
📍 Pagos Village

One of the most authentic local events of the summer.

Expect:

• 🎻 Live island folk music

• 💃 Traditional Greek dancing

• 🍷 Local wine

• 🍖 BBQ & souvlaki

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Families from all over the island

Hosted by the local community and athletic club, this is a true panigiri (Greek village festival), not a tourist performance.

Tickets: None—just come, grab a table if available, and order food and drinks from the community stalls.

Granada

🕣 8:30 PM
📍 Apollo Theater

An evening combining opera with authentic Flamenco performers from Granada, Spain.

Tickets available online or at the theater.

🎻 Thursday, July 30

A Symphony Evening

🕣 8:30 PM
📍 Apollo Theater

Festival Orchestra performing a full symphonic concert under conductor Andrej Naunov.

Orchestra of the Cyclades

Music of Manos Hadjidakis

📍 Chroussa Cultural Center

A celebration of one of Greece’s greatest composers.

🎭 Friday, July 31

La Fanciulla del West

🕣 8:30 PM
📍 Apollo Theater

A fully staged Puccini opera with full orchestra.

One of the rare opportunities to see this production in Greece.

💃 Street Flamenco

📍 Ano Syros

A lively outdoor evening featuring Flamenco music and dance through the historic streets of Ano Syros.

✨ Saturday, August 1

Grand Opera Gala

🕣 8:30 PM
📍 Apollo Theater

The signature event of the festival.

Celebrating:
🎉 200 Years of Hermoupoli

Featuring:

• International opera soloists

• Festival Orchestra

• Gala performances of famous opera selections

Tickets:
€26 / €16 / €8 students.

🎸 Hermoupolis Indie Rock Festival

📍 Hermoupoli

A full evening of independent Greek rock bands and live music.

Free community festival.

🎭 Sunday, August 2

La Fanciulla del West

Final Performance
🕣 8:30 PM
📍 Apollo Theater

The closing opera of the 21st International Festival of the Aegean.

🎬 Movies This Week (Original Language)

🍿 Moana (Live Action)
🗓 Monday
🕘 9:00 PM

🇺🇸 English audio
🇬🇷 Greek subtitles

Perfect for families.

🍿 Deadly Rich
🗓 Sunday & Monday
🕚 11:00 PM

Original language
Greek subtitles.

🎨 Ongoing Exhibitions

• 🖼️ “Two Candles in the Mid-Sea” art exhibition by Christos Bokoros

• 🎨 Mantora painting exhibition in Ano Syros

• 🏛️ 35mm: Cinema in 20th Century Syros at the Industrial Museum

• 🎭 21st International Festival of the Aegean (through August 2)

📅 What’s Coming Up on Syros

🎸 August 1

Hermoupolis Independent Rock Festival

📍 Hermoupoli

A free evening of live indie and alternative rock featuring Greek bands and local musicians. Perfect if you’re looking for something a little different from the island’s traditional music scene.

🎹 August 17–23

10th International Organ Festival “ANO”

📍 Ano Syros

Experience concerts inside the beautiful historic Catholic churches of Ano Syros, where musicians from around the world perform on rare pipe organs. One of the island’s most unique cultural festivals.

🎼 August 26–29

International Rebetiko Festival

Markos Vamvakaris’ Syros

📍 Ano Syros & Ermoupoli

Celebrate the birthplace of Rebetiko music with four days of concerts, dancing, workshops, lectures, and performances honoring Syros native Markos Vamvakaris. If you’re interested in Greek music and culture, this is one of the island’s can’t-miss festivals.

🎻 September 1–7

Syros International Music Festival

A week of chamber music and classical performances featuring artists from around the world in historic venues throughout Syros.

🥾 September 12–13

Syros Trail Challenge

Explore another side of the island during this annual trail-running event featuring routes through Syros’ hills, villages, and coastline. Spectators are welcome too!

🎷 September 11–13

Syros Jazz Festival

Enjoy a weekend of live jazz featuring Greek and international musicians performing throughout Ermoupoli.

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One of the questions I receive almost every single day in my DMs is:

“How are people actually affording to move abroad?”

Many people assume everyone living overseas is independently wealthy, retired early, or somehow won the lottery.

The reality?

After spending the past several years meeting countless digital nomad families and expats, I’ve noticed the same income strategies come up again and again.

There isn’t one “secret.” Instead, most people fall into one of these six categories.

Let’s break them down 👇🏽

1. Working for a U.S. Remote-First Company (W-2 Employee)

This is probably the most common path I see for Americans relocating abroad.

These are employees working full-time for companies that have embraced remote work, typically smaller startup companies with 100 employees or less. They receive a regular paycheck, health benefits (sometimes), paid time off, and continue working much like they did in the U.S. just from another country.

This can include people working in:

• Marketing

• Customer Success

• Software Development

• Design

• Recruiting

• Finance

• Project Management

• Operations

• Human Resources

Many of these employees simply log in from Greece, Portugal, Spain, Mexico, or another country instead of from an office in the United States.

Pros

• Predictable paycheck

• Stable employment

• Easier budgeting

• Benefits may still be included

Things to know
Not every company allows employees to work internationally because of payroll, tax, and employment laws. Some only allow remote work within the United States, while others are fully global - but if that’s the case, then many people negotiate to become contractors (see more below).

2. Working as an Independent Contractor

This is the category I personally fall into.

Instead of being a traditional employee, contractors work with companies under a service agreement.

Examples include:

• Customer support

• Operations

• Executive assistants

• Marketing specialists

• Designers

• Developers

• Writers

• Virtual assistants

Contractors generally invoice the company each month and are responsible for handling their own taxes and benefits.

Many companies prefer hiring contractors because it gives them flexibility while allowing workers more freedom over where they live.

Pros

• Greater location flexibility

• Often easier to work internationally

• Ability to work with multiple clients

Things to know
Income can fluctuate, and you're responsible for managing your own taxes, retirement savings, and healthcare. The upside is that healthcare costs are often significantly lower in many countries than in the United States, so depending on where you live and the type of coverage you choose, you may end up spending less than you would on an employer-sponsored U.S. health insurance plan.

3. Coaching & Consulting

Another path I see frequently is people packaging their professional expertise into a coaching business.

This might include:

• Career coaching

• Business consulting

• Marketing consulting

• Health coaching

• Financial coaching

• Resume reviews

• Immigration consulting

• Language tutoring

Instead of earning a salary, they’re selling knowledge they’ve built over years of experience.

One thing I love about this model is that your office can be almost anywhere with a reliable internet connection.

Things to know
Coaching and consulting can take time to turn into a consistent stream of income. It may take several years to build a steady client base, establish credibility, refine your offers, and create systems that make the business easier to manage. Successful coaches also spend a significant amount of time marketing their services through social media, weekly newsletters, networking, referrals, and other forms of ongoing content. Over time, some parts of the business can be automated, but it typically requires patience, consistency, and substantial work upfront.

4. Business Owners

Many expats already own businesses before they move abroad.

Some examples include:

• Marketing agencies

• Accounting firms

• Real estate businesses

• E-commerce brands

• Software companies

• Creative agencies

• Travel businesses

• Online education companies

Some manage employees remotely while others run lean businesses entirely online.

Owning a business can create incredible flexibility, but it also comes with more responsibility than many people realize.

Behind every Instagram photo of someone working from a café is often someone answering emails at night, managing payroll, handling clients, or solving problems behind the scenes.

5. High-Ticket Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing has become a significant income source for many creators and online entrepreneurs.

Rather than creating their own products, affiliates earn commissions when someone purchases a product or service they recommend.

Examples include:

• Software

• Online courses

• Travel insurance

• Banking products

• Relocation services

• Travel gear

• Credit cards

• Education platforms

Some people also earn substantial commissions promoting network marketing (MLM) companies. While MLMs are a form of affiliate-style commission structure, they’re also controversial. Some individuals have built successful businesses through them, while many others have not. If you’re considering this route, it’s important to research the company carefully, understand the compensation plan, and recognize the financial risks before joining.

The biggest takeaway?

Affiliate marketing isn’t “easy money.” It usually requires building trust with an audience over months or even years before meaningful income begins.

6. Retirement & Passive Income

Not everyone moving abroad is working.

Many retirees relocate because their retirement savings simply stretch much further overseas.

Others generate passive income through assets such as:

• Rental properties

• Dividends

• Investments

• Pensions

• Social Security (where eligible)

• Selling a home and living off a portion of the proceeds

• Long-term rental income from a property they kept in the U.S.

For some families, lowering their cost of living abroad means they can comfortably live on retirement income that may have felt tight back home.

A Note About Selling Your Home

Another strategy I’ve seen many families use is selling their home before moving abroad.

For some, selling their home provides enough equity to fund their move, purchase or rent a home overseas, and create a financial cushion while they settle into their new life. Others invest those proceeds or use them alongside other income sources to help support their lifestyle abroad.

In some countries, those savings can also strengthen an application for a passive income or financially independent visa, provided the applicant meets that country’s specific financial requirements. Every visa is different, so it’s important to research the rules carefully rather than assuming that selling a home alone will qualify you.

I’ve also seen families take a different approach by keeping their U.S. home and renting it out. The monthly rental income can help offset living expenses abroad, create an additional stream of passive income, and in some cases contribute toward meeting the financial requirements for certain residency visas.

The biggest takeaway is this: many long-term expats aren’t necessarily earning dramatically more money than everyone else, they’ve simply restructured their finances. Whether it’s through home equity, rental income, retirement savings, investments, or remote work, they’re combining different income sources to make living abroad financially sustainable.

The Biggest Myth

One of the biggest misconceptions is that everyone living abroad is wealthy.

In reality, many people are simply earning the same, or sometimes even less, than they did in the United States.

The difference is often that they’ve intentionally chosen a country where housing, healthcare, transportation, childcare, or everyday living costs align better with their income and priorities.

That was certainly true for my family. When we left the U.S., I wasn’t making more money than I was before. We left with around $5K in savings and my $65,000 salary but by selling off our belongings in the U.S. and settling in Greece we were able to lower our living expenses. That gave us more breathing room financially and allowed us to focus on building the life we wanted instead of constantly trying to keep up with rising costs.

One unexpected advantage has been the time difference. Because I work U.S. Eastern Time hours from Europe, my mornings and afternoons are free to focus on growing my creator business. I’ve been able to spend that time creating content, building partnerships, and developing additional income streams before logging into my remote job later in the day. Over time, that extra time has helped me grow my business to the point where I’ve more than doubled my overall income.

Of course, everyone’s journey will look different. For me, moving abroad didn’t immediately increase my income, it created the space and flexibility to build new opportunities that weren’t possible before.

Moving abroad isn’t about escaping work.

For most people, it’s about creating a life where their income goes further and they have more time, flexibility, and freedom.

Final Thoughts…

If you’re wondering whether moving abroad is possible for you, start by asking a different question.

Instead of asking:

“How could I ever afford this?”

Ask:

“Which income model fits my skills, experience, and lifestyle?”

That single shift in thinking opens up far more possibilities than you might expect.

I’d love to hear from you 💛

If you dream of moving abroad, which of these six paths feels the most realistic for your life right now? Leave a comment below, I read every one!

One of the biggest myths I hear is:

“I don’t make enough money to move abroad.”

The truth? You don’t need a six-figure salary to build an incredible life overseas.

If you earn $45,000 USD per year (about $3,750/month) or less, there are still several countries where you may qualify for a digital nomad visa while dramatically lowering your cost of living.

Here are five of my favorites.

🇨🇴 1. Colombia

Minimum income: Approximately $1,200/month (varies slightly each year based on the minimum wage).

Why I love it:

• One of the lowest digital nomad visa income requirements

• Medellín has become a hub for remote workers

• Affordable apartments

• Excellent cafés and coworking spaces

• Easy flights throughout Latin America

Estimated monthly living costs

💵 $1,300–2,300

Perfect for freelancers, creators, and remote employees looking for a vibrant city lifestyle without a huge budget.

🇧🇷 2. Brazil

Minimum income: $1,500/month or qualifying savings.

Why it’s worth considering:

• Beautiful beaches

• Amazing food and culture

• Affordable outside Rio and São Paulo

• Renewable digital nomad visa

• Great choice if you enjoy larger cities

Estimated monthly living costs

💵 $1,500–2,500

🇧🇬 3. Bulgaria

One of Europe’s newest and most affordable digital nomad visas.

Minimum income: Around €31,000/year (roughly $36,000 USD annually).

Why it’s exciting:

• Lowest income requirement currently available within the EU

• Access to the Schengen Area after Bulgaria’s full Schengen integration

• Lower cost of living than much of Western Europe

• Fast internet

• Great base for exploring Europe

Estimated monthly living costs

💵 $1,300–2,200

🇲🇺 4. Mauritius

Minimum income: Around $1,500/month.

Imagine waking up every day on a tropical island...

Why people love it:

• Gorgeous beaches

• English widely spoken

• Safe

• Excellent internet

• Relaxed island lifestyle

Estimated monthly living costs

💵 $1,700–2,700

🇲🇾 5. Malaysia

Malaysia’s DE Rantau digital nomad program remains one of Asia’s most attractive options.

Minimum income: Approximately $2,000/month.

Highlights:

• Incredible food

• Modern infrastructure

• Excellent healthcare

• Affordable luxury apartments

• Great travel hub for Southeast Asia

Estimated monthly living costs

💵 $1,500–2,500

A Few Things to Remember

Even if you qualify financially, most digital nomad visas also require:

• Proof of remote employment or freelance income (sometimes even a letter from your employer stating you are authorized to work abroad remotely)

• Valid health insurance policy covering you in that country

• Clean criminal background

• Passport with sufficient validity

Requirements can change, so always confirm the latest rules before applying.

My Take

If I were starting over today with a $45,000 annual income, these would be at the top of my list:

🥇 Colombia (best value)

🥈 Bulgaria (best budget-friendly European option)

🥉 Malaysia (best overall lifestyle)

You don’t have to earn six figures to build an international life. Sometimes, the smartest financial move isn’t making more money, it’s choosing a country where your current income goes much further. This is exactly how I’ve been able to pay down debt, save, and finally have the breathing room financially to start planning for my future.

I’d love to hear from you: If you could move to one of these countries tomorrow, which would you choose and why?

P.S. Paid subscribers get access to my country-specific moving guides, relocation checklists, visa resources, and my growing library of tools to help make your move abroad easier. My paid subscription starts at just $5.99 per month and you can cancel at any time.

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Hi there, and welcome! I’m so glad you’re here!

Whether you’ve been following my family’s journey for years or you just discovered us, thank you for joining this community.

A few years ago, my husband, daughter, and I made the decision to leave the United States and build a new life abroad. Since then, we’ve navigated visas, international moves, remote work, raising a child overseas, budgeting, healthcare, schools, and everything in between. Along the way, I’ve learned so much, and my goal is to make your journey easier than ours was.

Here’s what you can expect as a free subscriber:

📍 Moving Abroad Resources
Visa updates, relocation tips, country comparisons, and practical advice to help you plan your move.

💻 Remote Work & Income
Ways to earn an income while traveling or living abroad, creator economy insights, and behind-the-scenes lessons from building an online business.

🌎 Life Abroad
Honest stories about the realities of expat life, the highs, the challenges, and everything in between.

✈️ Travel Guides & Itineraries
Family-friendly travel recommendations, hotel reviews, and hidden gems from around the world.

💰 Money & Financial Freedom
Budgeting abroad, saving money while traveling, managing finances internationally, and creating more freedom through intentional living.

❤️ Personal Updates
The real, unfiltered moments of building a life overseas as a family—including lessons learned, wins, setbacks, and everything in between.

Want even more? Become a paid subscriber.

Paid subscribers unlock my complete resource library designed to help you confidently plan your move abroad.

You’ll get access to:

📘 How to Leave the U.S. in 6 Months or Less eBook download

💻 New Remote Job Leads Sent to You Weekly

✨ Moving Guides for the most popular European countries

🎓 The Remote Work Masterclass

🎥 Exclusive webinars and workshops with industry experts

💡 Premium articles, in-depth guides, and subscriber-only resources

…and every new premium resource I release while you’re a member.

Become a paid subscriber for just $5.99/month to unlock the full library of premium posts, moving guides, webinars, templates, and exclusive resources. You can cancel anytime.

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Whether you’re dreaming of relocating, actively planning your move, or simply love learning about life around the world, my goal is to provide practical resources you can actually use.

Thank you for being here and for allowing me to be part of your journey.

I’m so excited to build this community together.

With gratitude,

Cara
The Digital Nomad Mom

Thank you so much for subscribing! ❤️

Click the link below to access and download your copy of How to Leave the U.S. in 6 Months or Less.

I hope this guide helps you feel more confident and prepared as you begin planning your move abroad!

How to Leave the U.S. in 6 Months or Less

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Get instant access to the eBook for just $5.99, including the Remote Work Masterclass, Country Comparison Worksheet, exclusive webinars, moving guides, and countless other resources—all with the flexibility to cancel anytime.

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New Book Reveals

How to Leave the U.S. in 6 Months or Less!

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Learn all my secrets on how I left the U.S. with my family within 6 months, paid off $35,000 in debt, and traveled to over 8 countries in less than 2 years!

-From the HQ of the Digital Nomad Mom

Currently living in Syros, Greece 🇬🇷

Hey Babe,

If you are tired of being in a toxic relationship with the U.S. wanting to live a fuller life abroad where you have access to affordable housing & healthcare, fresh and healthy food, bodily autonomy, and the ability to safely visit public spaces without the constant anxiety of gun violence but lack the knowledge or time to figure out how to leave -

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If I can guess, up to this point, it’s been a tough time living in the U.S. constantly living paycheck to paycheck, trying to pay down debt, always working to afford the cost of living, and commuting in traffic to a job where you just feel like you’re wasting 8 hours a day of your life away in an office 😭

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Currently we are living abroad in Europe, enjoying a 2 bed, 2 bathroom home with a hot tub and a sea view all for the price of $1350 per month with all utilities and housekeeping weekly included! Sounds like a dream right!?

I have to tell you, though, it wasn’t always this way..

Babe! If I can do this so can you because whew! The odds were against us ...

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This e-book is going to SAVE YOU SO MUCH TIME!

I truly wish there would have been a resource like this for me when I started this journey to become a digital nomad and live abroad.

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Does that sound like something you want?

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And it’s about MORE than just LEAVING THE U.S.

The information I give in this E-book can be applied to anyone, whether you’re a homeowner, renting, out of debt, in debt, a student, retired, single, working remotely, have never worked remotely before, or if you have a family and are looking to live a fuller life abroad.

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• Where to find remote jobs that will let you work from ANYWHERE - Page 18

• The FASTEST way to get your passport if you don’t already have one - Page 46

• How to immigrate to another country ETHICALLY - Page 88

• My personal technique for attracting recruiters and REMOTE JOB offers - Page 22

• The secret to finding and creating COMMUNITY abroad - Page 14

• How to navigate paying and understanding your TAX obligations abroad - Page 86

• The EXACT way get your finances in order to make your move a reality - Page 45

• How to convince your spouse to leave the U.S. for a better quality of life - Page 92

• My proven way to create multiple streams of location independent income- Page 32

My simple technique for finding the perfect country that fits your lifestyle and budget (HINT- this is the same technique I used to lower our cost of living to cut our cost of living in half!) Page 13

• Understanding which visas you qualify for - Page 79

• IMPORTANT! The most cost-effective way to acquire high quality health insurance abroad - Page 52

• The shortcuts to expediting your visa process - Page 81

• How to know how much money you really need before taking the leap to leave - Page 44

• Understanding your options when relocating with your pets - Page 72

• Creative ways to live abroad with a tight budget - Page 61

• How to navigate moving abroad with kids - Page 66

• The process to give birth abroad - Page 71

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• How to travel abroad with medication - Page 76

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Already subscribed? Click HERE to grab your copy.