In recent years, Greece has blossomed into an attractive destination for remote workers. Beyond its sun-soaked beaches and ancient ruins, the country offers a diverse lifestyle, fast-growing infrastructure, and the Mediterranean charm that many remote workers seek.
While cities like Athens and Thessaloniki are well-known hubs, Greece has several lesser-known gems that are perfect for those looking for a balance between work and leisure, without the high costs and hustle of big cities.
While living and working in Greece, remote workers often look for fast and reliable internet, affordable living, a strong community, and access to amenities such as coworking spaces, cafes, and outdoor activities. Greece delivers all of this with the added bonus of stunning landscapes and a relaxed lifestyle.
In this article, we'll explore the top 10 places in Greece for remote workers – beyond the usual suspects of Athens and Thessaloniki:
1. Chania, Crete
2. Heraklion, Crete
3. Rhodes
4. Ioannina
5. Kalamata
6. Patra
7. Nafplio
8. Syros
9. Volos
10. Corfu
1. Chania, Crete
Chania, on the island of Crete, is a coastal city that combines Venetian charm with modern living. Known for its picturesque old town and harbor, Chania is an excellent choice for remote workers who want to experience the authentic Cretan lifestyle while staying connected.
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Internet Quality and Coworking: Chania offers fiber-optic internet in most areas, with speeds fast enough to support remote work. Several coworking spaces, such as CoLab Chania, cater to digital nomads and provide networking opportunities.
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Cost of Living: Chania offers a reasonable cost of living compared to larger Greek cities, with plenty of affordable options for eating out.
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Culture and Leisure: From the beaches of Balos and Elafonissi to hiking the Samaria Gorge, Chania provides ample opportunities for outdoor adventures. The local food scene is rich with fresh produce, seafood, and traditional Cretan dishes.
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Pros and Cons: Chania’s relaxed atmosphere and lively community are major pluses, but it can get crowded during the summer tourist season.
2. Heraklion, Crete
Heraklion, the capital of Crete, is another excellent option for remote workers. It’s more urban than Chania but offers a similar island vibe.
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Tech Infrastructure: The city has fast internet, making it ideal for remote work. Coworking spaces like Bizrupt Heraklion are growing in popularity.
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Amenities and Lifestyle: With a mix of modern shops, cafes, and restaurants, Heraklion offers a lively environment. Proximity to historical sites like the Palace of Knossos provides cultural enrichment.
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Housing and Community: Renting in Heraklion is affordable, with rates slightly lower than Chania. It also has a growing community of digital nomads and expats.
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Access to Beaches: While it’s a bustling city, Heraklion is close to stunning beaches, making it easy to escape for a break
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3. Rhodes
The island of Rhodes is known for its history, natural beauty, and growing community of remote workers. It’s one of the largest islands in Greece and offers a perfect blend of work and play.
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Digital Infrastructure: With good internet connectivity and coworking spaces such as Coworking Rhodos, remote workers can stay productive.
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Community and Lifestyle: Rhodes has a large expat community, making it easier to integrate and find support as a remote worker.
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Housing and Cost of Living: Housing is affordable, especially outside the tourist-heavy areas.
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Balance Between Work and Leisure: You can easily switch from work to exploring ancient ruins, medieval castles, or enjoying pristine beaches.
4. Ioannina
Ioannina, nestled near the mountains of northern Greece, offers a quieter, more relaxed pace of life.
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Internet and Connectivity: Despite its smaller size, Ioannina boasts high-speed internet, suitable for remote work.
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Cost of Living: Known for its affordability, Ioannina offers cheaper housing and living costs compared to coastal cities.
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Nature and Proximity to Zagori: The city is a gateway to the Zagori region, famous for its stunning natural beauty, including the Vikos Gorge, perfect for weekend hiking.
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Mountain City Vibe: Ioannina’s mountain setting, combined with a beautiful lake, creates a serene environment, ideal for those who prefer less crowded areas.
5. Kalamata
Kalamata, a city in the southern Peloponnese, is gaining recognition among remote workers for its excellent internet, low living costs, and rich lifestyle.
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Internet and Coworking Spaces: Kalamata boasts fast internet speeds, and there are several coworking spaces, such as WorkHub, catering to digital nomads.
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Mediterranean Lifestyle: The city offers a laid-back Mediterranean vibe, with fresh local produce, a lively cultural scene, and easy access to the beach.
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Affordability: Housing is affordable, and Kalamata’s cost of living is lower than Athens or other major cities.
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Rising Popularity: Its growing reputation among remote workers means a steadily increasing community of like-minded professionals.
6. Patra
Patras is one of Greece’s largest cities, known for its active student population, making it an energetic and affordable place for remote workers.
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Internet Connectivity: Patras offers high-speed internet, ideal for remote work. The city has a number of coworking spaces where remote workers can network and collaborate.
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Cost of Living: Living in Patras is more affordable than in Athens, with budget-friendly housing and plenty of affordable dining and leisure options.
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Student Vibe: The large student population ensures a dynamic social scene and frequent cultural events.
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Proximity to Athens: Patras is only two hours from Athens, making it convenient for business trips or city escapes.
7. Nafplio
Nafplio is a charming coastal town in the Peloponnese that offers a mix of history, beauty, and modern amenities for remote workers.
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Internet and Amenities: While smaller, Nafplio has decent internet connectivity and amenities that cater to remote workers.
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Community and Affordability: The town’s growing digital nomad community makes it easy to integrate, and the cost of living remains reasonable.
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Proximity to Athens: Just a short drive from Athens, Nafplio is convenient for those who need occasional access to the capital.
8. Syros
Part of the Cyclades, Syros is a lesser-known gem offering a blend of island life and practical remote work conditions.
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Digital Infrastructure: Unlike many islands, Syros has invested in fiber-optic internet, making it highly suitable for remote work.
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Affordable Island Life: Compared to more famous Cycladic islands like Mykonos, Syros offers a much more affordable lifestyle.
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Cultural Richness: As the administrative capital of the Cyclades, Syros has a rich cultural heritage, with plenty of festivals, museums, and theaters to enjoy during downtime.
9. Volos
Volos is a coastal city with modern infrastructure and a strong tech environment, ideal for remote workers looking for a balance between city life and outdoor activities.
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Tech Environment: Volos is emerging as a tech hub, attracting remote workers with fast internet and a growing number of coworking spaces.
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Affordable Living: With affordable rent and an excellent food scene, Volos is a cost-effective option for remote workers.
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Outdoor Activities: Located near Mount Pelion, Volos is perfect for those who enjoy hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities.
10. Corfu
Corfu is a beautiful island with a rich cultural history and a welcoming expat community, making it an appealing destination for remote workers.
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Internet and Coworking: Corfu offers reliable internet and several coworking spaces. It’s one of the few islands with a strong infrastructure for digital nomads.
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Cost of Living: Corfu is more affordable than Athens or Thessaloniki, especially outside the main tourist hubs.
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Leisure and Culture: From historical sites to breathtaking beaches, Corfu offers plenty of leisure activities to enjoy during off-work hours.
Why Is Greece Ideal for Remote Workers?
Beyond the well-known
benefits of working abroad, Greece offers numerous advantages for remote workers too. Its Mediterranean lifestyle promotes a healthy work-life balance, while the cost of living and
accommodation in Greece remains significantly lower than in many Western European countries. The mild climate, access to beaches, mountains, and historical sites make it an appealing place to live.
What Should Remote Workers Look for in a Greek Location?
Remote workers should prioritize several factors when choosing a location in Greece:
High-speed Internet: Fast and reliable internet is essential for staying productive.
Affordable Housing: Rent varies greatly, so it’s important to find a location that fits your budget.
Coworking Spaces: Access to coworking spaces can enhance productivity and provide networking opportunities.
Community: A supportive expat or local community can make the transition smoother.
Access to Nature and Leisure: Whether it’s the beach, mountains, or historical sites, having leisure options nearby can improve work-life balance.
It’s Your Turn Now!
Greece is an ideal destination for remote workers seeking a mix of affordability, culture, and modern infrastructure. With options ranging from coastal cities to mountain towns, there’s a perfect spot for everyone.
If you’re a remote worker looking for a new base, consider these lesser-known locations in Greece for an unparalleled work-life experience. Whether it’s Chania’s coastal charm or Ioannina’s mountain tranquility, Greece has something for every type of digital nomad. Consider the
pros and cons of remote work in Greece, and find your next home!
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