With its sun-drenched coastlines, rich history, vibrant urban centers, and increasingly tech-friendly infrastructure, Greece has quickly climbed to the top of the wishlist for remote workers and global professionals. Whether your dream is to take a morning video call from a beachside café on the Athens Riviera or base your operations in a bustling creative hub like Pangrati, making the move is a thrilling prospect.

However, transitioning your life and career to Greece involves more than just booking a flight. To ensure a smooth, compliant, and stress-free transition, here is the ultimate guide to navigating your relocation to Greece as a professional.

Before you pack your bags, you need to establish your legal framework for living and working in Greece. Fortunately, the Greek government has introduced streamlined pathways specifically designed for modern professionals:

• The Greece Digital Nomad Visa (DNV): This popular option allows non-EU/EEA citizens who are remote employees or freelancers working for companies registered outside of Greece to live in the country legally. You will need to provide proof of a stable monthly income (minimum €3,500, with additional amounts required if you are bringing a spouse or dependents) or savings in a bank account, allowing you to financially support yourself for the next year (minimum €42.000 with additional amounts required if you are bringing a spouse or dependents) or a combination of both. 
• Financially Independent Person (FIP) Permit: This residence permit is designed for non-EU citizens who can demonstrate stable income from sources outside Greece, such as pensions, investments, dividends, rental income, or savings. Holders can reside in Greece long-term without making a qualifying investment. Applicants must generally prove sufficient financial resources (minimum €42.000 with additional amounts required if you are bringing a spouse or dependents) to support themselves and any accompanying family members and maintain private health insurance coverage. This route is particularly attractive to retirees, entrepreneurs with overseas businesses, and individuals living from passive income streams etc
• Employment-Based Residence Permit: Foreign nationals who have received a job offer from a Greek employer may be eligible for a residence permit tied to employment. In most cases, the sponsoring employer must initiate part of the application process and demonstrate compliance with Greek labor and immigration requirements. Once approved, permit holders can legally live and work in Greece and may later qualify for long-term residence options.
• The Permanent Resident Visa (Golden Visa): For professionals looking to make a long-term investment, Greece's Golden Visa program offers residency through real estate investment, granting visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area.
• EU Citizens: If you hold a passport from an EU member state, the process is significantly simpler. You have the right to live and work in Greece without a visa, though you will still need to register for local identification after three months.

Once you arrive, your first order of business will be tackling a few essential administrative tasks. You cannot rent a long-term apartment, set up utilities, or contract local services without them.

• Getting an AFM (Tax Number): The Arithmos Forologikou Mitrou (AFM) is your unique nine-digit Greek tax identification number. It is the master key to life in Greece. You can apply for this at a local tax office (DOY) or via an authorized proxy.
• Opening a Greek Bank Account: While digital banks are useful, having a local bank account makes paying rent and managing local utilities much easier. You will typically need your passport, your new AFM, proof of income (like a work contract), and a local phone number.

For a digital professional, a reliable, high-speed internet connection is completely non-negotiable.

• Connectivity: Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) networks are expanding rapidly across major Greek cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, offering speeds up to 1 Gbps. When apartment hunting, always ask the landlord or agent for a current speed test of the specific unit.
• Co-working Spaces: If you prefer a distinct boundary between your living and working spaces, cities like Athens boast a thriving ecosystem of laptop-friendly cafés and dedicated co-working hubs. These spaces offer excellent networking opportunities to connect with both local entrepreneurs and fellow expats.

Greece actively welcomes foreign talent and offers highly attractive tax incentives for professionals who choose to relocate their tax residency to the country. 

• Under specific program frameworks, eligible executives, employees, and self-employed individuals moving to Greece can benefit from a 50% exemption on their income tax for up to seven years. It is highly recommended to consult a local tax professional to see if you qualify and to ensure your remote work structure complies with local laws.
• Qualifying foreign retirees can benefit from a 7% Flat Tax Regime for foreign pensioners where they can pay a flat 7% tax on foreign-source income for up to 15 years after transferring their tax residence to Greece.
• Special regime for wealthy individuals relocating to Greece. Eligible individuals can benefit from a fixed annual tax of €100,000 on foreign-source income, regardless of how much foreign income they earn. The regime can apply for up to 15 years, subject to eligibility and investment requirements.

While not an incentive itself, Greece has tax treaties with many countries to help prevent double taxation. Depending on your home country and income sources, these agreements can significantly reduce your overall tax burden when relocating.

Embarking on a global career move is an incredible milestone, but managing international shipping, customs protocols, and arrival logistics shouldn't get in the way of your productivity. To hit the ground running, handing the physical complexities of your move over to professional relocation specialists is the most efficient choice you can make. Aegean Relo excels at streamlining international transitions for global talent, taking care of everything from secure transport to local delivery with absolute precision. By letting an experienced team manage the logistics, you can keep your business online and dive straight into the exciting lifestyle opportunities Greece has to offer.

Athens is a city of stunning contrasts. Here, ancient landmarks sit side-by-side with modern workspaces, and vibrant, graffiti-lined urban alleys give way to tranquil, sun-drenched coastal avenues. For expats, digital nomads, and families planning a move to Greece, the biggest challenge isn't finding a reason to love Athens, but deciding which of its unique neighborhoods to call home.

Choosing the right area depends entirely on your lifestyle, work setup, and how you want to experience the rhythm of Greek life.

To help you narrow down your search, here is a curated guide to the best neighborhoods in Athens for living, working, and enjoying everything this historic capital has to offer. And once you've found the right area, these pro tips from experienced movers can help you plan your relocation with confidence.

If you want to step out of your front door and immediately feel the creative pulse of the city, Pangrati and neighboring Mets are unparalleled. Located just behind the Panathenaic Stadium, these central neighborhoods have evolved into favorites for remote workers and young professionals.

• The Vibe: Art-house cinemas, independent bookstores, hidden pocket parks, and an incredible café culture.
• Living & Working: While Pangrati lacks a direct metro station on its main square, it is highly walkable and perfectly positioned near the center. It boasts an abundance of laptop-friendly cafés and co-working spaces, making it a dream for digital nomads.
• Best For: Solo expats, creatives, and remote workers who want a lively, authentic Athenian neighborhood feel without being swamped by heavy tourist crowds.

For those who prefer tranquility, cleaner air, and a retreat from the dense urban energy of the city center, the northern suburbs offer a sophisticated, family-friendly sanctuary.

• The Vibe: Elegant, green, and spacious. Kifisia is known for its high-end boutique shopping, historic grand villas, and beautiful parks, while Marousi serves as a major commercial and business hub.
• Living & Working: This area is home to many of the city's top international schools, making it the premier choice for expats moving with families. Marousi hosts the headquarters of many multinational companies, offering excellent corporate networking opportunities.
• Best For: Families, corporate professionals, and anyone who values space, greenery, and top-tier amenities.

Sitting right at the foot of the Acropolis, Koukaki has consistently topped global lists of the most charming neighborhoods to live in. It perfectly bridges the gap between historical tourism and genuine local neighborhood life.

• The Vibe: Bohemian yet traditional. Pedestrianized streets like Olympiou are lined with casual tavernas, trendy wine bars, and brunch spots where locals and foreigners mingle effortlessly.
• Living & Working: Koukaki is incredibly well-connected by the metro via Syggrou Fix station, making commuting a breeze. It's ideal for those who want to be able to walk to historical sites, museums, and the city center in minutes.
• Best For: Cultural enthusiasts and urbanites who want to be right in the thick of the action.

Why choose between a vibrant city lifestyle and a beach vacation when you can have both? The southern coast of Athens, commonly known as the Athens Riviera, offers a distinct, resort-like lifestyle right on the Saronic Gulf.

• The Vibe: Cosmopolitan, upscale, and wellness-oriented. Life here revolves around the sea, outdoor sports, palm-lined promenades, and world-class dining.
• Living & Working: Glyfada serves as a massive commercial hub with fantastic modern apartments. Living here means you can wrap up a morning video call and be swimming or sailing by the afternoon.
• Best For: Beach lovers, fitness enthusiasts, and families looking for an outdoor-centric, coastal lifestyle. For many newcomers exploring where to live in Greece, the Athens Riviera is often one of the most attractive relocation options.

As one of the oldest and most densely populated neighborhoods in Athens, Kypseli has undergone a massive cultural renaissance. It has quickly become one of the most vibrant melting pots in the city.

• The Vibe: Artistically rebellious, nostalgic, and deeply communal. The linear park of Fokionos Negri street forms the green spine of the neighborhood, lined with historical kiosks, old-school kafeneia, and trendy international bakeries.
• Living & Working: Kypseli offers beautiful, high-ceilinged mid-century modernist and Art Deco apartments at more affordable price points than the historic center. Its thriving municipal market serves as a social entrepreneurship hub.
• Best For: Artists, writers, and budget-conscious digital nomads looking for a gritty, authentic, and highly communal urban lifestyle.

If Kifisia feels a little too quiet, Chalandri provides the perfect middle ground. Located in the north-east, it functions almost like a self-sustaining city within a city, boasting one of the best commercial markets in Attica.

• The Vibe: Energetic, youthful, and highly social. Its extensive pedestrian center is packed with high-end cocktail bars, independent boutiques, and diverse dining options.
• Living & Working: It offers excellent access to the blue metro line and the Attiki Odos highway, making commutes straightforward. The neighborhood features a mix of quiet residential streets and a buzzing commercial center.
• Best For: Young families and mid-career professionals who want a suburban feel without sacrificing a world-class nightlife and dining scene right down the street.

Bordering the northern suburbs, these twin neighborhoods are the greenest, quietest, and most exclusive residential zones in the city, home to many of the world's embassies and ambassadorial residences.

• The Vibe: Exceptionally private, serene, and secure. There are strict zoning laws here, meaning no commercial businesses, bars, or high-rise stores are allowed inside the residential blocks.
• Living & Working: Life here is strictly residential, characterized by sweeping lawns, pine trees, and heavy security. It is perfect for remote executives who want absolute silence during their working hours.
• Best For: Diplomats, high-net-worth individuals, and families seeking maximum privacy, safety, and a lush, estate-like environment.

For those who want to experience the cutting edge of Athenian nightlife and urban transformation, this area west of the center is unmatched.

• The Vibe: Industrial, high-energy, and nightlife-centric. Centered around the Technopolis cultural complex (a repurposed old gasworks factory), the area balances historic industrial architecture with a raw, modern club scene.
• Living & Working: Loft living is highly popular here. While the weekends can get very loud due to the concentration of clubs and bars, the weekday energy is fantastic for access to tech startups and local creative agencies.
• Best For: Young singles, nightlife lovers, and tech professionals who want direct metro access and a front-row seat to the city's best electronic music and theatrical scenes.

Finding the neighborhood that aligns with your lifestyle is the first step; getting your life safely transported there is the next. Navigating the unique logistics of Athens requires a team that knows the city inside and out.

The team at Aegean Relo specializes in bringing this exact peace of mind to life, tailoring every phase of your relocation to fit your timeline and individual needs. Partnering with seasoned experts ensures that your transition is flawless, allowing you to step across your new Athenian threshold with complete excitement and ease.

Moving to a new home is undeniably one of life’s most exciting milestones, representing fresh beginnings and new horizons. However, the logistics of moving—packing up years of memories, coordinating transportation, and navigating a new neighborhood—can quickly become overwhelming. 

Whether you are moving across town or embarking on a major international transition, the partners you choose to guide you make all the difference. While the DIY route or hiring casual help might seem tempting, partnering with an established relocation specialist ensures that your transition is defined by excitement rather than exhaustion. Companies like Aegean Relo have built their foundations on turning complex logistical challenges into smooth, welcoming experiences, proving that a trustworthy moving company is an essential investment in your peace of mind.

The hallmark of professional movers is their ability to bring seamless organization to what naturally feels like chaos. A reputable company doesn’t just show up on moving day to lift heavy boxes; they plan the entire sequence from inventory to unloading. Every item is categorized, handled with care, and tracked with exceptional attention to detail. This meticulous care means you won't spend your first week in a new space hunting for essential items or dealing with broken belongings. By leaving the logistics to seasoned experts, the entire process transforms into a structured, predictable journey.

No two moves are identical. A family with young children settling into a suburban neighborhood requires a very different approach than a corporate professional or a digital nomad arriving in Greece with specialized equipment and a tight schedule. Trustworthy movers possess deep experience assisting both local and international clients, and their insights can be invaluable when planning a relocation. They understand how to navigate local regulations, narrow island streets, apartment building logistics, and international transit protocols, allowing you to settle in comfortably without running into unexpected hurdles.

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For additional guidance on preparing for your move, check out our article, "Pro Tips From Experienced Movers," which covers practical advice to help make the entire process smoother.

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In relocation, plans can change in an instant. Closing dates shift, flights get delayed, or you might realize at the last minute that you need temporary storage solutions. A professional moving team brings a high level of flexibility to the table, adjusting their timelines and services to fit your evolving situation. Instead of forcing you into a rigid corporate framework, a dedicated team adapts to your specific needs, offering tailored solutions that ensure your timeline stays intact no matter what variables arise.

Beyond the physical heavy lifting, moving is an emotional transition. A truly professional moving service recognizes this and brings a vital personal touch to every project. Being met with empathy, patience, and clear communication makes a profound difference. Knowing that there is a dedicated team behind you, one that genuinely cares about your comfort and treats your belongings as if they were their own, makes you feel supported throughout the entire journey, turning a standard service into a genuine partnership.

Time is your most valuable asset during a move. Packing, loading, and driving a moving truck takes dozens of hours that could be better spent setting up your utilities, managing your work, or helping your family adjust to their new environment. Professional movers handle the heavy lifting safely and efficiently, preventing personal injury and exhaustion. This allows you to preserve your energy so you can focus on what truly matters: enjoying the very first days in your new home.

Ultimately, choosing a moving company comes down to a matter of trust. Investing in a team with a solid reputation guarantees that your move is treated with the seriousness and respect it deserves. 

Aegean Relo embodies all of these core values. Combining an organized, stress-free moving process with a deeply flexible and personalized approach, they ensure that every client feels secure and supported from start to finish. Whether you are moving locally or transitioning from abroad, letting an experienced partner manage the details allows you to close your old chapter beautifully and step into your new one with absolute confidence.  

Anyone who has ever packed up their life into cardboard boxes knows that relocation is a major life transition. While the checklist of things to do can seem endless, the secret to a smooth move lies in shifting your strategy from reactive to proactive.

To help you navigate your next journey with absolute ease, we gathered the ultimate insider secrets from seasoned relocation experts. Here are the pro tips that will completely transform the way you move.

One of the most common moving mistakes is packing everything away without a day-one strategy. By the time the moving truck arrives at your new home, you will likely be too exhausted to open ten different boxes just to find your toothbrush.

• The Pro Tip: Pack a clearly labeled "First-Night Box" (or backpack) for every member of the household. Include a change of clothes, essential toiletries, chargers, basic tools, a box cutter, and any vital documents. Keep this box with you in your car or carry-on rather than on the truck.

The math behind a move is simple: the less volume you have, the less time it takes to pack, the fewer materials you use, and the lower your overall costs will be. Moving items you no longer want or need is a waste of your valuable energy.

• The Pro Tip: Three weeks before your move, go room by room with three designated piles: Keep, Donate, and Discard. If you haven’t used an item in the past year, view your move as the perfect excuse for a fresh, minimalist start.

Labeling a box "Kitchen" is helpful, but when you are staring at a stack of fifty identical boxes in a brand-new living room, it can still feel overwhelming. Professional movers rely on visual systems to speed up the unloading process.

• The Pro Tip: Assign a specific color of bright tape or markers to each room in your new home (e.g., Blue for Kitchen, Green for Master Bedroom). Stick a piece of that color tape on the doorframe of the corresponding room at your new place. When the movers arrive, they can match the colors instantly without needing to ask you where every single box goes.

It is incredibly tempting to fill a massive box to the brim with books or heavy kitchenware just to get them out of sight. However, large boxes filled with heavy items are prone to breaking through the bottom and can cause serious physical strain.

• The Pro Tip: Always remember the golden rule of packing: Heavy items go in small boxes; light items go in large boxes. Fill your large boxes with bulky, lightweight pieces like pillows, blankets, winter coats, and comforters.

Trying to remember exactly which cable plugs into which port on the back of your television, modem, or desktop computer can turn into an unnecessary headache once you are trying to set up your home office or entertainment center.

• The Pro Tip: Before you unplug a single wire, snap a quick, clear photo of the back of your electronics. This visual blueprint ensures you can reconnect everything and get back online in a matter of minutes.

At the end of the day, the easiest way to ensure a stress-free move is to hand the logistics over to a team that handles relocation with expert precision every day.

If you are looking for a seamless transition, letting a trusted partner manage the heavy lifting makes all the difference. Combining an organized moving process with a deeply flexible, personalized approach, Aegean Relo ensures that every client feels secure and supported from start to finish. 

Located just off Evelpidon, on the quieter side of Kypseli, this 64 sqm mezzanine apartment sits directly opposite Pedion tou Areos—one of Athens’ largest and most beautiful green spaces.

The location offers a rare balance of nature and authentic Athenian city life. Step outside and you’re immediately in the park, ideal for morning walks, outdoor yoga, or bike rides. Within a 10-minute walk, you’ll reach the vibrant pedestrian street of Fokionos Negri, known for its lively mix of cafés, restaurants, and bars. Nearby, the Kypseli Municipal Market hosts a dynamic calendar of events—from local farmers’ markets to cultural festivals such as the Beer Festival and Ethiopian New Year celebrations.

Known for its creative spirit, Kypseli is one of Athens’ most culturally rich neighbourhoods, offering a vibrant mix of theatre, live music, and grassroots events just moments from your doorstep.

The apartment was refurbished this year, blending an old-school Athenian aesthetic with modern comfort. Curated with restored vintage pieces from my grandparents’ collection, it includes a 1950s TV, a 1960s typewriter, and a handmade 1970s wooden linen cupboard, giving the space a strong sense of character, history, and warmth.

• 1 bedroom with a double bed
• 1 bathroom
• A kitchen with balcony access
• A comfortable living area
• A dedicated workroom with fast, reliable WiFi (ideal for remote work)

Pet-friendly—furry companions are welcome!

This home is best suited for expats or digital nomads seeking mid- to long-term stays (3+ months), as well as couples or retirees relocating to Athens who need a comfortable and welcoming base while finding their permanent home.

An ideal choice for those looking to experience a more authentic, lived-in side of Athens—whether through its café culture, creative community, or the everyday rhythm of the neighbourhood.

In an age defined by uncertainty, rapid change, and a constant search for meaning, a unique gathering in the heart of Greece invites us to slow down and listen—to our dreams.

Nestled beneath the sacred slopes of Delphi, a place long associated with prophecy, wisdom, and profound questioning, the Delphic Dreaming Conference offers an extraordinary exploration of dreaming as both a personal and collective human experience. More than a conference, it is an invitation to rediscover dreams as sources of insight, creativity, healing, and orientation in a rapidly transforming world.

Drawing together psychology, anthropology, neuroscience, cultural studies, and the arts, Delphic Dreaming creates a rare interdisciplinary dialogue around one of humanity's oldest mysteries: what do our dreams have to tell us?

One of the most intriguing themes of the conference is the idea of "prophetic dreaming." Yet Delphic Dreaming approaches prophecy not as fortune-telling, but as a deeper form of perception.

As the organisers explain, dreams do not reveal the future in a literal sense. Rather, they are highly sensitive instruments that detect emerging possibilities, subtle shifts, and hidden patterns before the conscious mind becomes aware of them.

"Dreams see what rational thought hasn't yet reached," they suggest.

At a time when familiar structures are dissolving and new realities are still taking shape, dreams can offer something increasingly valuable: orientation. They help us navigate uncertainty, not by providing definitive answers, but by opening new ways of seeing.

For centuries, pilgrims journeyed to this sacred site seeking guidance from the Oracle. Yet Delphi was never merely a place of answers—it was a place of questions. Questions about destiny, purpose, community, and how to live.

Delphic Dreaming continues this tradition.

Rather than presenting a single framework for understanding dreams, the conference embraces plurality and dialogue. Scientific inquiry meets ancient wisdom. Contemporary therapeutic practices sit alongside indigenous dream traditions and historical approaches to dream interpretation.

The result is not a search for certainty, but a deeper engagement with mystery.

Participants will encounter dreams from multiple perspectives, including neuroscience, lucid dreaming research, psychotherapy, Byzantine dream divination, indigenous dream cultures, artistic practices, and Greek dream heritage.

Contributors include psychotherapists, researchers, artists, facilitators, and cultural practitioners, each offering a unique lens on the dreaming experience.

Rather than establishing hierarchies between disciplines, the programme encourages conversation across fields, creating space for new connections and unexpected insights.

Guest Speakers, Artists, & Workshop Leaders 

Maria Maragkou: A modern-day champion of Hellenic polytheism based in Athens. A key figure of a contemporary Greek movement to honour the ancient pantheon. She has taken thousands of Greek-speaking students through studies of Homeric Greek and ancient philosophy. Maria’s particular research interest is the etymology and morphology of ancient Greek. She considers the script/language as a cosmic code for revealing the nature of reality.

Sasha Chaitow: Cultural historian, author, artist, and educator whose work bridges scholarship, lived tradition, and visual storytelling. Sasha brings together rigorous research, insider cultural knowledge, and creative expression. Her projects include translating and interpreting rare Greek magical and folkloric texts, editing and curating multi-author medical textbooks, teaching academic and research skills to professionals, and lecturing internationally on intellectual and artistic movements.

Paul Kalas: Astronomer known for his discoveries of debris disks around stars. Kalas led a team of scientists to obtain the first visible-light images of an extrasolar planet with orbital motion around the star Fomalhaut (at a distance of 25 light years from Earth). Paul studied in Hawai’i and is affiliated with SETI. Paul is also interested in seeing the future in dreams and he authored, ‘The Oneironauts’ , a study of precognitive dreams.

Dimitra Natskouli: Visionary artist, dance movement psychotherapist, and curator at Ariadne’s Garden, Galaxidi. Dimitra’s work is a journey towards deeper experience of self, through archetypal study and shadow work. She has travelled to many of Earth’s most sacred places and created collaborative, transformative artwork and performances all over the world as alchemical actions for individual and collective metamorphosis. Ariadne’s Garden is a contemporary sacred precinct close to Delphi. The place was conceived as a healing temple by its founder, for the harmonisation of body, mind, and spirit. A place where the Delphic maxim ‘know thyself’ is revealed by the rhythms of physis.

Other speakers, artists, and dream specialists include: Bhaskar Banerji, Clare Johnson, Sarah Janes, Jade Shaw, David Luke, Alex Ioannou, Antonis Bertos, Arielle Guttman and many, many more.

Art occupies a central place within the conference.

If dreams speak in symbols, images, emotions, and embodied experiences, then art may be their most natural companion.

Through performance, movement, visual arts, and theatrical expression, participants are invited to experience dreams not merely as subjects of discussion but as living experiences that can be shared collectively.

Some dimensions of dreaming resist explanation. Art offers a language capable of holding those dimensions without forcing them into conclusions.

The conference also explores the therapeutic potential of dreams.

Dreams often reveal aspects of ourselves we have ignored, forgotten, or avoided. Yet they also point toward what is seeking expression and growth.

Rather than offering magical solutions, dreams can reconnect us with an innate capacity for meaning-making. They invite reflection, self-awareness, and a deeper relationship with our inner lives.

In this sense, dreaming becomes not an escape from reality but a way of engaging more fully with it.

Delphic Dreaming is not reserved for specialists.

Scientists, therapists, artists, students, and curious newcomers are all welcome. No prior knowledge is required. The only prerequisite is a willingness to wonder.

Whether participants arrive with years of dream journals or simply a feeling that dreams matter, they will find a space dedicated to exploration, dialogue, and discovery.

Perhaps the most powerful idea at the heart of Delphic Dreaming is that the future is not something that simply happens to us.

It emerges through imagination, perception, and the stories we tell ourselves about what is possible.

Participants often leave not with definitive answers but with a new way of listening—to their dreams, their bodies, and the world around them. They leave carrying questions that continue to unfold long after the conference has ended.

And perhaps that is the true spirit of Delphi.

An invitation to remember that the future does not simply arrive.

It is dreamed into being.

Conference Info: 

Greece has once again cemented its reputation as one of the world's premier coastal destinations, securing 624 Blue Flag awards for its beaches in 2026 and retaining second place globally among 51 participating countries.

The results were announced by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN), the national operator of the internationally recognised Blue Flag Programme, during a special ceremony held at the Ploes Floating Venue in Palaio Faliro. In total, Greece received 658 awards this year, including 624 beaches, 17 marinas and 17 tourist boats.

The achievement means that approximately 14% of all Blue Flag-awarded beaches worldwide are located in Greece, highlighting the country's continued commitment to high environmental standards, safety and quality across its coastline.

The Blue Flag is one of the world's most recognised environmental certifications for beaches, marinas and sustainable tourism vessels. Operated internationally by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the programme sets rigorous standards for water quality, environmental management, safety, accessibility and environmental education.

To earn a Blue Flag, beaches must meet and maintain strict criteria throughout the bathing season, ensuring excellent water quality, proper safety measures, responsible environmental management and facilities that support accessibility and sustainability.

For travellers, the Blue Flag serves as a trusted indicator of clean, safe and well-managed coastal destinations.

Crete once again emerged as Greece's leading region, receiving 154 Blue Flag distinctions across the island. Halkidiki maintained its position as the country's top regional unit, with an impressive 93 awarded beaches.

Many of Greece's most popular destinations, including Rhodes, Corfu, Kos, the Peloponnese and Attica, also featured prominently in the rankings, reflecting a nationwide commitment to preserving the quality of the country's coastal environment.

Globally, the International Blue Flag Jury awarded 4,378 beaches, 747 marinas and 158 tourist boats. Spain retained first place worldwide, whilst Greece comfortably secured second position for another consecutive year.

Whilst the Blue Flag is often associated with tourism and beach quality, its environmental impact extends far beyond visitor experience.

Among those attending the announcement ceremony was Panagiota Theodorou, Legal and Institutional Affairs Co-ordinator at ARCHELON – the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece. As a member of the National Judging Committee for the Blue Flag Programme in Greece, she highlighted the importance of the scheme in protecting critical nesting habitats for sea turtles.

According to ARCHELON, the implementation of environmental criteria and appropriate management measures on awarded beaches contributes significantly to safeguarding sensitive coastal ecosystems and the breeding habitats of endangered sea turtles.

The organisation continues to work closely with local authorities, beach managers and environmental organisations to ensure that sea turtle conservation is integrated into the sustainable management of Greece's coastlines.

At XpatAthens, we love sharing the stories of people who followed an unexpected path and found something extraordinary in Greece.

This time, we're delighted to introduce Chloe, founder of Explore Deeply, who has opened her heart to our readers and shared her remarkable journey, from years spent living and researching above the Arctic Circle to discovering a profound sense of belonging on the Cycladic island of Tinos.

In this deeply personal reflection, Chloe explores the transformative power of place, the beauty of slowing down, and the ways certain landscapes seem to call us exactly when we need them most. For anyone who has ever dreamed of starting over, reconnecting with themselves, or experiencing Greece beyond the guidebooks, Chloe's words are sure to inspire.

Today, through her work on Tinos, Chloe welcomes people from around the world to experience the island's unique energy through immersive retreats and transformational experiences designed to foster reflection, connection, and personal growth.

We invite you to enjoy her story and discover how a small Greek island became the next chapter in a life devoted to exploring the relationship between landscape, consciousness, and human transformation.

And who knows? It may inspire your own journey, too.

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For years, I kept returning to the Arctic. Friends would ask why. I never had a satisfying answer.

I had first traveled to northern Norway on a vacation after a heartbreak. It seemed random at the time, and about as far away from my former life that I could imagine myself going.

Again and again, I found myself drawn back above the Arctic Circle. To long stretches of wilderness where mountains rise directly from the sea. In summer, the sun never fully sets. The mountains hold a strange blue glow that seems to suspend time completely. Nothing moves except weather drifting across the fjords. There are long stretches of silence where the only sound is water and wind moving through the landscape.

Eventually I decided to return North through a research application and study at the Arctic University of Norway. My research in Indigenous Studies was focused on the landscape of Sápmi and how the concept of sacred shapes our relationship to place and our inner world. This unfolded alongside fifteen years apprenticing with Indigenous healers in Peru, where the natural world is understood not as material or scenery, but as something alive — something capable of shaping consciousness itself. Mountains, rivers, forests, and even stone exist within a living relationship with human beings. That understanding had deepened over the years and became something real and alive within me.

In the years I spent living above the Arctic Circle, I traveled even farther north into the Sámi regions, spending long periods alone in the landscape and studying the relationship between cosmology, perception, and place. Walking. Watching. Listening. The more time I spent alone in nature, the less interested I became in finding answers. Instead, I became fascinated by thresholds — liminal spaces where one form dissolves before another has fully emerged. When something is ending, or beginning, but we cannot yet name it.

Most of us want to move through these periods as quickly as possible. Yet some landscapes seem to ask the opposite. There is a gradual shift that comes through sustained contact with the land itself. Attention sharpens. The pace of thought slows enough for something else to emerge beneath it.

Years later, that same feeling surprised me, when I first arrived on the island of Tinos. Externally, it could not have been more different from the Arctic landscapes I had come to love. The North offered vast distances, dramatic mountains, cold summers with endless light, and colder winters in sustained darkness of the polar night. 

Tinos offered a different kind of light and warmth, dry stone terraces, wind, sea, and an entirely different history. And yet, beneath the surface, there was something deeply familiar about the pull of the island. There was that same slowing. That same subtle reorganization of perception that happens when a place opens you to a new understanding of yourself.

I had not planned to move to Greece. But within months, my life shifted dramatically, and I found myself moving to Tinos.

Today, my work on Tinos emerges directly from these years spent living in relationship with landscape, transition, solitude, and the unseen thresholds that shape a human life. Some people arrive here because something in them already knows change is coming. Others come simply because they are seeking respite, authenticity, or a different rhythm for a while.

What happens on the island is difficult to explain logically. The pace softens. Time opens. The quiet longing inside you rises to the surface and comes into focus.

Living on Tinos year-round, I have come to love the changing seasons and the wildness that emerges across the island at certain times of year. And I remain interested in the same question that first drew me north: Can certain landscapes change us? Not metaphorically or because we have a meaningful experience while visiting them. But through the relationship; sustained long enough for something hidden inside of us to begin to reveal itself, as though it were sprouting from the landscape itself.

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Inspired by Chloe's journey? Learn more about her work and explore her upcoming Tinos retreat here, a chance to immerse yourself in the island's unique rhythm, reconnect with what matters most, and experience Greece in a truly meaningful way. 

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Join XpatAthens for a special visit to the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Glyfada and discover the remarkable work being carried out to rescue, rehabilitate and protect sea turtles in Greece.

 

Each year, approximately 70 injured or unwell sea turtles arrive at the centre after being rescued from Greek waters. During this guided tour, participants will learn about sea turtle conservation, rescue and rehabilitation efforts, and the challenges these extraordinary animals face before being returned to their natural habitat.

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about one of Greece's most important wildlife conservation initiatives, meet the sea turtles currently undergoing rehabilitation, and gain insight into the vital work of ARCHELON's dedicated team and volunteers.

Join XpatAthens for an inspiring and educational experience while supporting the protection of Greece's marine wildlife. 🐢💙

Date: Monday June 15th

Start Time: 15:00 (3 PM Sharp)

Location: ARCHELON Sea Turtle Rescue Centre, 3rd Glyfada Marina, Athens
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes

Suitable for adults and children 8 years old and above.
Limited places available and advanced booking is required. 

Price: €10 per person (including entrance ticket and tour)

Registration Process:
1. Make your payment here via our secure online link

2. Email us your full name and number of participants: info@xpatathens.com
3. We will confirm your payment and participation via email.

 

We sat down with husband and wife Marc and Isabella, the owners and managing partners of Ten Twenty Club in Voula. This power duo is no stranger to creating high-vibe spaces; Isabella is also the visionary behind La Linda, the South American bakery that has become as famous for its meticulous croissant lamination and wellness-boosting smoothies as it has for its aesthetic charm.

Nestled on the sun-drenched Athenian Riviera, Ten Twenty Club is a premier racquet and wellness destination that reimagines the classic country club for a modern, active community. Blending high-performance sports with holistic recovery and a vibrant social atmosphere, the club offers an unparalleled experience just steps from the beach.

Isabella: I am originally Brazilian-Lebanese. My father lived here in Greece for many years. He’s Lebanese, but he absolutely fell in love with this country. He was the one who introduced it to us, and we loved it just as much. Eventually, we thought, "Why not give it a try?"

Marc: On my side, funny enough, my grandmother was actually born here. I didn’t discover Greece through her, though, as she moved to Lebanon where she married my grandfather. But we’ve been visiting for ten years, mainly because Isabella’s father retired here, and we fell in love. I always wanted to do something in Greece, especially since we have a large circle of Greek and Lebanese friends living here. After living in Qatar, when we decided it was time to move back to Europe, Greece was the first country that crossed our minds.

Marc: We were doing our own separate things while living in Qatar. Isabella was a consultant in the F&B industry, helping clients open new concepts, and I was in the sports industry. While in Qatar, I saw a massive opportunity in Padel and opened a small club there. After four years, we felt we’d had our fill of life in Qatar and wanted to return to Europe, but we knew we needed a strong idea.

Isabella already had her brand, La Linda, and we thought about opening that here. But I wanted to stay in sports, so I told Bella, "Why don’t we join forces?". We wanted to create a racquet club that goes beyond just sports, incorporating hospitality, a movement studio, and a strong community aspect. My experience taught me that for a club to succeed long-term, the hospitality side and the community vibe are just as important as the courts. So, we teamed up: Isabella handles the F&B and the aesthetics, and I handle the sports side.

Marc: I’ll let Isabella answer that; she’s the expert here!

Isabella: I handle the marketing, communications, and aesthetics. "Ten Twenty" actually refers to the size of a Padel court, 10 by 20 meters. But it’s also an angel number, which signifies that you are on the right path. It represents a good environment and positive vibes, which is exactly what we wanted to create: a place for like-minded people to connect, support one another, and learn from each other. That’s how Ten Twenty came together.

Marc: Absolutely. Because we have La Linda as our partner in the club, we knew we could offer a beautiful environment even for non-players. Our ultimate goal is to encourage people who might not know much about Padel or Pickleball to feel welcome. Eventually, they might feel inspired to try it out and join the lifestyle. That’s why we love this beachside location. You can work here, connect your professional life with a training session, eat well, do some recovery, and then end your day with a swim in the sea. It’s about enjoying life.

Isabella: We didn’t want it to be just for the athletes. I remember when Marc used to play Padel elsewhere, I would drop him off and leave, or wait in the car, because the clubs didn't feel inviting. We wanted to build a space where the whole family could come. You can watch the game, hang out in the garden, try a sport, or just eat. We wanted something for everyone.

Marc: It checked almost every box. Economically, the timing was right, the weather is perfect, and the cost of living was attractive compared to trying to launch a club in somewhere like London. Greece naturally possesses the ingredients for the lifestyle we wanted to promote: healthy food, nature, and the ability to swim nearly all year round.

Three years ago, when we were researching, we felt people were hungry for international concepts that moved beyond the typical taverna. We turned out to be right; La Linda has been very successful, and the club is doing great. Greece feels like an "emerging market" within Europe. It’s an amazing place to be ahead of the game, especially with so many international people moving here.

Isabella: It’s the quality of life that sets it apart. Especially here in the South, you have the taste of city life, but you’re basically living on an island. Greeks prioritize family, weekends, and holidays, those things actually mean something here. We aren’t on this planet for very long, and we need to make the most of it. The food, the weather, and that mindset make all the difference.

Marc: It’s been very interesting! We didn't just pick Pickleball out of nowhere. We knew it was huge in the US and Australia, and since Americans are a top tourist demographic here, we knew we could cater to them. Also, logistically, we had a corner of the space that was too small for Tennis or Padel, so we dedicated it to Pickleball and mini-tennis for kids. It started with just 10 people—mostly expats or tourists—and now we have over 100 people in our local Pickleball community.

Marc: For us, the experience begins before you even arrive; it starts with a feeling of inspiration from our social media and website. Once you step inside, our team will already know your name; we prioritize that personal connection. A typical day might start with an early tennis or padel lesson, followed by a refreshing shower in our facilities. Then, you grab a healthy brunch and settle into the garden or clubhouse to get some work done. In the afternoon, there's a "happy hour" vibe where friends and families gather. 

Isabella: On weekends, it’s even more vibrant with themed community events, like our Lebanese lunches or Brazilian carnivals, that celebrate our diverse cultures. It’s a place where you can find a purpose for every hour of the day.

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Curious about what a typical day at Ten Twenty is really like? We recently spent a day there ourselves and documented the experience in this article. 

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Marc: We don’t actually try to be "exclusive." We just avoid aggressive mass marketing. We prefer to grow organically so we can get to know our customers and build a community of like-minded people. If you keep the environment positive and grow naturally, you attract the right crowd that respects the space.

Isabella: Well, we are the perfect space for mothers. I work out two or three times a week and my baby is right there in the gym with me. We want women to feel they can bring their kids. We have a Kids’ Academy for tennis and padel, and on weekends we have gymnastics and social programs for children.

We also do a lot for women specifically. Every Thursday, we have a group called "Women of Ten Twenty." They play Padel for an hour in a social format with a coach—since many have never played before—then we have a smoothie together and head to the beach. I started this because Padel can be very male-dominated and intimidating for women. Interestingly, almost 100% of the women who attend are expats! It’s open to everyone, not just members.

Isabella: We really wanted to make fitness accessible to everyone, not just the players. Our gym focuses on functional movement with high-quality, non-electric equipment like dumbbells, kettlebells, and resistance ropes. We also have an outdoor sauna and ice baths for that essential post-workout recovery. 

Marc: Exactly. Most importantly, we aren't a "members-only" fortress; while memberships are offered and come with great benefits, the club is not member-exclusive at all. The gym, the recovery area, and the café are open to everyone at an affordable price point. We have coaches available for everything, and people are always welcome to walk in. If there isn’t a class in session, the gym space is open for you to use. We’re open from 8:00 AM to midnight, so you can truly walk in anytime. If a coach happens to be busy for an hour or two, you can just grab a coffee at La Linda and soak in the garden atmosphere while you wait. We never want anyone to feel like they have to run out; we want you to stay and enjoy the space.

Marc: Logistically, the space is large enough to accommodate both. Tourists usually want to play at 10:00 or 11:00 AM while locals are at work. By the time locals finish work, the tourists are often at the beach or at dinner. There’s also a great synergy. Tomorrow, for example, we have a group of six French guys coming for a Padel retreat. A local who spends time here gets to meet them, hear their stories, and maybe make a new international friend. It’s a very nice synergy.

Isabella: In two words: Happy Place. I want them to feel inspired and healthy. Life can be very stressful, and I want this to be where people disconnect and recharge.

Marc: Exactly! But I also want them to feel a sense of accomplishment. We take the sports side very seriously. I don’t want you to just come for the social aspect; I want our coaches to help you genuinely improve your game. It’s that mix of a "happy lifestyle" and the thrill of personal progress! 

A huge thank you to Isabella and Marc for welcoming us into their beautiful space. We left feeling inspired by the energy they’ve built in Voula and are already looking forward to our next visit!