Living In Crete

[Nero]

I don't know if this forum is the correct place to ask this or not but I'll give it a go. My partner and I fell in love with Crete and the south coast in particular the first time we holidayed there and have made several return visits since. Each time we go it feels like we've never been away, everything feels very familiar and it breaks our hearts to leave. So my question is, are there any members of this forum who have made the move to Crete and are living and working there now ? How did you get started, would you be willing to share experiences, good and bad ?
Thanks in advance for your help.
N

[Ali & Dave]

Hi Nero

Dave and I moved here spring 2003 after also being here on holiday and hating it everytime we left.  We moved here as a result of our minimarket becoming available.

It's a challenge moving here.  We have no intention of going back to the UK at the moment and love living here.  However, we always suggest to people that it is worth staying here for the winter before deciding if they want to live here, especially if they are going to buy somewhere.

If you are going to work here you have to be prepared to work long hours with no days off throughout the summer (bonus of course is having the whole of the winter if you have earned enough) for not a lot of money.

Starting a business is quite hard, there is a lot of paperwork and you need to have a lot of patience as a visit to an office usually doesn't result in you getting want you want first time.

On the whole the locals are welcoming as long as you don't expect them to change their ways (which some people do).

Ali

[Nero]

By any chance are there any real estate firms you would recommend, specialising in commercial property ?
I have a number of strings to my bow so theres a variety of things I could do but you're right, a winter visit would be a good idea before making any decisions. Just how bad does the weather get ?
What about Government contacts - can all that be done on Crete or did you have to go through Athens for anything ?
Many thanks
N

[Santa]

By any chance are there any real estate firms you would recommend, specialising in commercial property ?
I have a number of strings to my bow so theres a variety of things I could do but you're right, a winter visit would be a good idea before making any decisions. Just how bad does the weather get ?
What about Government contacts - can all that be done on Crete or did you have to go through Athens for anything ?
Many thanks
N

Dear Nero- If you are serious about making a move to Plakias, please talk to Paul at dive2gether in the center of town. For years he and his family came down from Holland for the final part of the scuba training. Finally they made the committkment and moved tp Plakias. Paul went through all the procedures with the authorities and I am sure he can give you some solid advice. Ceck the web- crete.dive2gether.com . The phone number is +30 28320 32313.
Good luck
Santa