Moving to the Ionian Islands

A guide for prospective expatriates

Alex Bugeja

Ephyia Publishing MixCache.com Book Reference: 16144

• Introduction: So, You've Lost Your Marbles and Want to Live on a Greek Island?

• Chapter 1: Corfu: When "Big" is Actually Quite Manageable (and Delicious)

• Chapter 2: Paxos & Antipaxos: Small Islands, Big Charm (and Even Bigger Ferry Queues)

• Chapter 3: Lefkada: The "Drive-to" Island (Just Don't Tell the Ferry Operators)

• Chapter 4: Ithaca: Where Odysseus Would Have Stayed if Penelope Hadn't Nagged

• Chapter 5: Kefalonia: Earthquakes, Goats, and Wine – What Could Go Wrong?

• Chapter 6: Zakynthos: Shipwrecks, Turtles, and Avoiding the Laganas Strip (Unless...)

• Chapter 7: Kythira: The "Secret" Island (Shhh, Don't Tell Anyone)

• Chapter 8: Ionian Bureaucracy: A Comedy in Several Acts (Bring Popcorn and Patience)

• Chapter 9: Finding Your Fortress: Renting vs. Buying (and Avoiding Ancient Curses)

• Chapter 10: Visas, Permits, and Other Paperwork: Prepare for a Paper Chase (of Herculean Proportions) - Check Greek government sources for updates!

• Chapter 11: Healthcare in the Islands: From Mythical Creatures to Modern Medicine (Check Greek government sources, and your travel insurance!)

• Chapter 12: Banking: Where Your Euros Go to Relax (and Maybe Multiply... Slowly)

• Chapter 13: Learning Greek: From "Kalimera" to Cursing Like a Fisherman (It's a Process)

• Chapter 14: Getting Your Stuff There: Shipping, Smuggling, and Praying to Poseidon

• Chapter 15: Pets: Bringing Furry Friends to Paradise (Beaches, Cats, and Bureaucracy, Oh My!) - Check Greek government sources for regulations!

• Chapter 16: Driving: Mastering the Art of the Mountain Road (and Avoiding Goats, Again) - Check Greek government sources for the latest driving regulations!

• Chapter 17: Utilities: Power, Water, and the Occasional "Greek Time" Interruption

• Chapter 18: Internet: Connecting to the World (When the Wind Isn't Blowing Too Hard)

• Chapter 19: Education: Schooling Options for Little Philosophers (and Future Taverna Owners)

• Chapter 20: Working Remotely: Beaches, Wi-Fi, and the Occasional Power Outage (Did We Mention the Beaches?)

• Chapter 21: Making Friends: From Fellow Expats to Local Legends (It's Easier Than You Think)

• Chapter 22: The Cost of Living: Olives, Feta, and the Unexpected (It's Cheaper Than You Think... Sometimes)

• Chapter 23: Ionian Cuisine: Eating Your Way to Happiness (and Possibly a Larger Waistline)

• Chapter 24: Staying Safe: Common Sense, Sunscreen, and Avoiding the Ouzo-Fueled Karaoke Nights (Unless...)

• Chapter 25: Embracing the Chaos: The Art of Living the Ionian Dream (It's Worth It, We Promise)

Congratulations! You've officially caught the "Ionian Island Bug." Symptoms include daydreaming about turquoise waters, craving souvlaki at inappropriate hours, and an overwhelming urge to trade your sensible shoes for sandals (permanently). You're not alone. Many have succumbed to the allure of these seven (well, more, but seven main ones) emerald gems scattered off the west coast of Greece. But before you pack your entire life into a shipping container and book a one-way ticket, let's have a little chat.

This isn't your typical travel guide filled with flowery prose about sunsets and ancient ruins (although, trust us, the sunsets are epic, and the ruins are, well, ruined). This is a practical, no-nonsense handbook for those seriously considering making the Ionian Islands their home. We assume you've moved house before, maybe even country. You know the drill: finding a place to live, sorting out visas, navigating new banking systems. This guide skips the universal moving basics and dives straight into the gloriously chaotic, wonderfully unique, and occasionally baffling world of Ionian Island life.

Think of this as your survival kit, your "phrasebook" for navigating not just the language, but the lifestyle. We'll cover everything from the practicalities of finding a home (without accidentally acquiring a herd of goats in the process) to deciphering the intricacies of Greek bureaucracy (an art form in itself). We'll explore the individual quirks of each of the seven main islands: Corfu, Paxos, Antipaxos, Lefkada, Ithaca, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos (plus a whisper about Kythira, the "secret" one). Each has its own personality, its own charms, and its own... let's call them "challenges."

This guide won't sugarcoat things. Island life isn't always Instagram-perfect. There will be power outages. There will be moments when you question your sanity. There will be times when you're convinced the local goats are plotting against you (they probably are). But there will also be moments of breathtaking beauty, unparalleled tranquility, and a sense of community that you won't find anywhere else. This is where the humor comes in, because, frankly, you'll need a good sense of it. And don't worry we'll have some wine, and some feta, to help you face it.

We will be covering a broad and eclectic mix of subjects in this volume, but please bear one very important thing in mind. Laws, rules and regulations here in Greece, and perhaps especially in the islands, tend to have a somewhat fluid and flexible quality. Now, don't misunderstand. This is not to imply that laws are not observed, just that they have a certain elasticity, as you will discover. And they change - frequently. We have done our best to be as accurate as possible at the time of going to press, but make sure that for critical legal and administrative matters you check with the appropriate Greek government sources.

We will cover everything from getting your pet to the islands, to educating your kids, to buying a car, finding some work, connecting to the internet, and everything in between. And we mean everything. We will, naturally, be covering the dreaded Greek bureaucracy. It's a feature of life here, and you should be prepared for it. Don't worry, you will not be the first intrepid explorer to battle with its serpentine tentacles. It's all part of the experience.

The Ionian Islands are not just a destination; they're a way of life. It's a slower pace, a stronger connection to nature, and a deeper appreciation for the simple things. It's about embracing the unexpected, learning to laugh at the absurd, and accepting that sometimes, "siga siga" (slowly, slowly) is the only way to go. If you are the kind of person that needs precision and perfect order, this might not be the place for you.

So, if you're ready to trade your fast-paced existence for a life filled with sunshine, sea, and the occasional goat-related roadblock, then read on. This guide is your first step towards making that Ionian Island dream a reality. Just remember to pack your sense of humor, your patience, and maybe a good pair of hiking boots (for those goat encounters). And be ready to embrace a life less ordinary.

One of the first things you will want to know is, which island is for me? We will examine each island's attractions and, let's say, challenges. Some islands have more of one than the other, and some are more suited for a quiet, solitary life, while others are more party-central. So, the first step of your journey of Ionian exploration is to decide which of those lumps of rock in the sea is most appropriate for you.

Another thing to consider, before you up sticks and move to your dream paradise, is whether to rent or buy. While it's tempting to go searching on the internet and buy the first tumbledown, picturesque, ruin that you see, caution may be in order. We'll cover some of the, ahem, pitfalls involved in buying and renting properties. It may well be the case that it is better to rent, at least at first, and give yourself time to acclimatize and get to know the place before investing your hard-earned cash.

Now, let's talk about money. You are going to need some, you know, even in paradise. Banks, currency, the cost of things in general, are something you should get your head around before you get there. Some people find some things expensive. Other people find other things expensive. We'll go over the whole subject, but you should know that most people find it all cheaper than what they're used to.

Visas, permits, bureaucracy, and other similar challenges are going to need to be conquered if you are to be successful in becoming an Ionian islander. And again, we have to remind you to consult with the appropriate Greek authorities on these matters. We can only give you a very broad overview, because the detail changes all the time. Think of these official, government websites as a kind of ever-changing, evolving, living thing, and treat them accordingly.

Speaking of a living thing, what about your pets? Of course you want to bring them with you. But there are rules. And forms. And procedures. And expense. Your pet's transition will probably be a lot easier than yours, and you will make friends in the street because of them. Greeks love animals. But they also love paperwork. So, you will need to take all necessary precautions, and follow the rules, to ensure that your furry friends are safe, sound, and legal.

Another living thing that you may be bringing with you is your children. We are going to cover education. There are several things that you will want to take into consideration. What language do you want your child to be taught in, for instance? How old are they? Where, exactly, are you intending to live? Schooling is a subject that will require you to pay close attention to the details, to make sure your kids are happy, integrated, and learning.

Once you've got all that straight, you may be wondering about the social aspects. Making friends, finding clubs and societies, learning the local language, and getting involved in the local community are all important factors in making a success of your move. It's not all about paperwork, you know. Some people have preconceived notions about the Greeks, and it's fair to say that they may not be the same as your compatriots back home. But, they are generally friendly and easy to get along with.

We are also going to consider working, both remotely and, heaven help you, actually working in Greece. While it's nice to imagine sitting on your veranda tapping away at your laptop and watching the millions roll in, there are things to consider. Some people imagine that the internet is universal and works everywhere. Well, here's a newsflash: it isn't. The same goes for power, water, and other basic utilities. So, be prepared for potential problems.

And finally, there is the question of how you are going to get all your stuff to your new home. Many a dream has been shattered by failing to take this into account. Because, surprise, surprise, this is not a simple matter, when islands are involved. It can, and probably will, be expensive, difficult, time consuming, and troublesome. But don't worry. As always, help is at hand.

So, there you have it. This book is your introduction, your guide, your bible, if you like, for your Ionian adventure. It's designed to smooth your path, to make the whole process simpler, less painful, and, yes, perhaps even pleasurable. You need this book. You need the advice, tips, and warnings contained within it. We've been there and done that. And now, you can avoid the mistakes we made.

We have structured this book around the order in which you are likely to face the challenges of moving to the Ionian Islands. First, there is the question of which island is most suitable, then, how to obtain official permission to move, and so on. So, that, broadly, is how we will be tackling things. Don't think you can pick and choose which parts of this book to read, and which to ignore. Every chapter is critical.

So, buckle up, grab a glass of something cold and refreshing, and let's get started. Your Ionian adventure awaits, and this book is your indispensable companion on that journey. Welcome aboard. We hope you enjoy the ride, and that you don't suffer too many mishaps along the way. But remember, even the mishaps are part of the fun, and make great stories later in the taverna.

One last word, before we dive into the nitty-gritty of Ionian Island life. Remember that "siga-siga" we talked about? You are going to get familiar with this concept, and it doesn't just apply to speed limits, but it applies to every aspect of life. Try to relax, to decompress, to take it all in slowly. You are not in a rush. You have all the time in the world. That, after all, is one of the main reasons you're moving here.

The Ionian Islands are a truly magic place, filled with myths and legends. They have a rich, deep, and fascinating history, and you are about to become a part of it. Enjoy that thought. Savour it. You will never forget your life here, and it will never forget you. The islands have a way of changing people, for the better. Welcome to your new home.