After Athens, we were pleasantly SURPRISED by Glyfada Greece!
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- čas přidán 19. 03. 2024
- Athens, Greece is a great place to VISIT but we wouldn’t want to LIVE there and a lot of you told us the same in the comments of our recent video about Athens.
But, you can live on the Athens Riviera and still be close to the amenities of the capital without actually living there.
And one city in particular, Glyfada, has been getting more attention lately and we can understand why.
Here's a link to the Athens Pros & Cons video we mentioned:
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We just finished a vacation in Thessaloniki in Macedonia (NE Greece) and found it to have everything of good costs, many things to see and do, many people speak English, a very modern new airport in the south of the city and very friendly locals. It is worth checking out.
We lived in Glyfada from 1971-1973 while stationed at Athens Air Base during the Junta rule which was a very interesting time. We had a one street Air Force base next to the civilian airport. Our landladies were fantastic and we had so many expat friends who worked for the European airline companies. If we didn’t find someone who spoke English we usually found someone who spoke German. We used to buy three gyros and a bottle of wine for a dollar.
Glyfada is mainly in the shape it is today because of the American base back then. Due to the large houses and the bars that served the soldiers back then it obtained a different vibe than other Athens neighborhoods. I mean Greece and US are way different animals today, but back then US was light years ahead of Greece in terms of the standard of living and the service levels expected by consumers. This rubbed off on Glyfada and its still carrying the genes a bit. Btw. the old base has recently been turned into playground and a large residential project is going on there. Look for "theellinikon"
Wow, 1 dollar? ... Now you need 25 to 30 dollars for 3 gyros and a bottle of a decent wine (not the expensive ones)!
Yep. Blame all these ridiculous price increases on COVID or least that’s the excuse I hear all the time. I’m in Germany on vacation as I write this and I’m stunned at the increase in prices at restaurants since we were here just 20 months ago. Grocery stores prices are about the same and are still way less expensive than in the United States though.
So many youtubers just state the cheap cost of living in countries and their benefits, without raising the issue of visas - great you raise this as the first consideration!
Love this! Can't wait for you to visit some Greek islands. As for the Greek Golden Visa, I am pretty sure the 500,000 EU price for a real estate investment only applies to Athens, Thessaloniki, Mykonos and Santorini - the most popular places to invest and live. The rest of Greece is still at the 250,000 EU for the Golden Visa threshold.
I don't know about you but I would not want to tie up that kind of money in an asset that might be hard to liquidate should the need arise, as it apparently has for some people in S. Am. countries.
@MrJx4000 This isn't for normal people. It's for wealthy non EU citizens who want an EU passport. For the 500k might not seem all that important.
@@MrJx4000 If you earn one million and more per year as income, then 250,000 is NOT that much.
A note, if you refer to the Ellinikon Project, it will actually upgrade the area, it has some housing projects in it, but it will also create new beachfronts and Europe's greatest urban seafront park, with lots of amenities and points of interest. Also, the housing cost is a problem we do experience in Greece, especially in greater metropolitan areas like Athens and Thessaloniki (one reason for the hike of the cost of the Golden Visa is to keep cheaper accomodations outside its scope) and one reason for that, among others, is that the recent economic crisis halted housing development, so the more housing projects you see is probably a step further to pushing prices down, as supply will start rising. Excellent video, love it when people enjoy our country :)
I had the incredible opportunity to live in Voula, the suburb one town to the south of Glyfada as a kid when my father was stationed there. Amazing experience, and I have probably 50 Facebook friends from those days. When we were there just over 50 years ago, Glyfada had both the international airport and the US air base, which shared the runway. The "officers' club was also in glyfada. My little family joke/complaint is for spring break in Texas, I got to go to Port Aransas (don't get me wrong, a fun place); for spring break in Greece, my brother got to go to Mykonos. I got back to Athens 25 years ago for a visit and would love to go back again (considering retirement on the islands of Paros or Lefkada, mainly because I think the Glyfada/Voula area has just gotten too expensive. It wasn't called the Athens Riviera back when we lived there, but it was a special place. Wow, I just read the prior post; bet my dad knew him.
I think you got Vouliagmeni nearly right. I would have put the accent on the "men", but I'm going on a pretty old memory. 😀
@@TexasDoug393 Voula and vouliagmeni aren't the same
Living your chldhood in Greece, in the 70s, in a upper class suburb. A blessing! 👍
If you could visit the rest mailand in Greece you could fi nd many beautiful landscapes not so busy and cheaper.
I love you guys....great videos....went to Athens and Santorini last October and loved every minute of my visit.
Well, it's not shocking for a Greek to swim during winter. Many do this. I'm my self. If you do this every month of the year, your body adopts the temperature and the organism is getting tougher and stronger to diseases.
Good coverage! Athens is on the list of a 500,000 euros property in order to qualify for the Golden visa. Big money and the price of real-estate shoots up because of the recent changes to Portugal's Golden Visa program that divert the demand to Greece and Spain. Bare in mind that it takes three months to get a taxpayer number and to open a bank account which are a prerequisite to any real-estate transaction and the issuing of the visa.
With the change of government in Portugal, perhaps this decision will be reversed, and the Gold Visa program will be resumed
Wow! Yes Vouliagmeni Amelia perfect pronunciation. This is where I live in the summer months. There is a walk trail above the small lake with breathtaking views of the Athens coast.
Ironically I live there every summer so that I can escape from the heat of Texas! Walking to the beach and swimming everyday compensates for all other annoyances. But I must go to Glyfada for shopping and on Thursdays there is a huge farmers market. In the seventies Glyfada was practically an American neighborhood due to the US base nearby (the old airport). As an expatriate you must forget central Athens. It is a nightmare of confusion for both cars and pedestrians.
I do not have first hand experience but there is fine (private) hospital in Glyfada that specializes in robotics surgery.
Thanks for sharing! 👍
There are private hospitals all over Athens with robotics too.
Greece flies under the radar. One of the best places to spend your retirement years but Athens and Glyfada are cities not on my list. There are many better options in Greece.
What are a few of your favorites, Napoleon? Loved you in your movie, by the way!
I was surprised to hear you say it's increased to $500k for the golden visa, so I looked into a bit and it appears to be the case, but it depends on the zone. Zone A which would include "prime" locations like Athens will be €800k . Zone B €500k , and zone C still €250k. Which areas fall into which zone seems uncertain at this point. But Athens isn't a place I would consider for myself, personally. I think there should be plenty of great locations in zone C. We'll see!
This video is about Glyfada, which is in zone A.
Hey great video! You should've checked out also the northern suburbs. Starting from Filothei, Psychico, Marousi, Kifisia, and onward.. Southern suburbs Nea smirni, Alimos, Palio Faliro, Glyfada, Voula-Vouliagmeni, Varkiza and onward.. For sure the city center needs some work especially Omonoia and Exarchia. But overall Athens is amazing!
Thanks for your interesting videos. I think the important lesson I've learned watching all these retirement abroad videos is that any country can be fantastic at one moment and then become a horror (politics, drugs, crime, etc) soon after or become unaffordable due to popularity. Thus, anyone who wants to retire abroad has to accept moving from country to country as a lifestyle. That's not a bad thing. That adds variety to life.
Another 25 minutes south of Glyfada you will run into the town I grew up in, Saronida. Great place during the summer, but its distance from Athens make it a lot less lively during the off-season. I went to a school in Kalivia, so lots of the friends I made there lived in the Glyfada - Voula - Vouliagmeni region.
So, basically... The suburbs of Athens are far better than the downtown. Glyfada, is a suburb as you said. You should, if you haven't already, visit Kifissia or Psychiko in the Northern suburbs
Glyfada is a great spot in the south area of Athens. To the south very close are Voula and Vouliagmeni with great sand beaches. And from then on all the way to Sounio you will find the best beaches and sea resorts you can think of. To the North you are right. There is a big project about the old airfield that they don't use anymore. They've been talking about it for for more than 20 years and it seems something might be moving. But in Greece you can never be sure.
I’m not considering Europe, but listening to your videos is definitely educational.
The culture of Glyfada has been shaped by the US marines who were stationed in Ellinikon nearby, in the 60's. Now it has the vibe of a subtropical resort. I hope it retains its current character now that new metro lines will be added linking distant suburbs in the north with Glyfada. I enjoyed your video!
You seemed to do quite a bit of research. Appreciated!
It’s a bit far away from rest of Europe and not connected by rail so it’s not ideal for us. We love living in Germany but it’s not the cheapest nor easiest place to live in retirement so we’re always curious. Love your videos!❤
Yes it's a pitty they removed the Akropolis Express. Back in the 90ies there was a direct train connecting Munich with Athens with sleeping coaches and the possibility to take also your car with you.
I've been hoping for years that was it will make a comeback, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen soon.
I love that you’re doing the full-time travel. I have pets so I’m staying put in Mexico because they don’t share my love for adventure. 😂 It’s a big world, so much to see. You will never regret traveling.
The way you described your discomfort in the Athens neighborhood where you stayed, I wonder if you folks stayed in the Omonia area of Athens, or the Anarchist area. I'll be in Athens in a month, then staying in Kalamata for a week. If you go to Kalamatat, or anywhere in the Peloponnes, I would be very interested in watching the video. Thanks for documenting your experiences.
@elenidavis4983 You should watch "9 Reasons You Need to Visit Kalamata Greece (from Athens) by Greece Explored
@@roulab8657 I seen it and others by the same person. He is really informative, especially the historical aspects of a location.
pretty sure they stayed in neos kosmos
They said they lived in Neos Kosmos.
Kalamata is wonderful and so is Nafplio. The Peloponnese has lots of lovely cities, beaches and archaeological sites. It usually goes under the radar because people associate Greece with its islands.
Once again your video is honest and accurate…and Yes !! Agreed gylfada is a really cool place to live ….until next time ….Alex🇬🇷
Informative video 😊❤👏🙏
Near Glyfada is Kavouri (cramb) which is very beautiful.
Great Video, food, climate ,beaches, Greece is very pleasant,.
As usual, a great video summary! QUESTION: I realize it's rather off-season but did you get an idea of how common it is to find farmer's markets with fresh organic food? Would be curious to know what you think of Crete if u end up going. I had to postpone a trip last fall, but my initial research suggests Chania would be lovely and the nearby town of Rethymno as well.
There is a weekly farmers market and we did see organic shops.
There are weekly farmers markets in all suburbs of Athens,twice in dome of the larger ones but in different areas. There are alo organic markets but not everywhere.
Two years ago, after 50 years of living in Athens - my whole life - I moved to Thailand. Just 20.000 euros (untouched), in my bank account, are enough for my Retirement Visa.
And yes... I'm Greek. Good luck to you!
Αλήθεια; πως το καταφέρατε αυτό; πως είναι η ζωή εκεί ιδίως για τις γυναίκες.
Going there in May. Should be fun
I was just there in December of 2022, and I agree with everything you guys said. I enjoyed my two weeks in Athens, but I would much rather live in Glyfada. I felt like it was what Santa Monica is to Los Angeles.
Yip, totally agree about Glyfada, very nice place. I would live there but I do own a house in Kallithea so renting is not an option. I go there regularly to eat or drink, or just walk on the beach.
Thank you.
in the area between Alimos and Glyfada a very large project is being built with environmentally friendly very modern buildings in a mega park with a new large beach and marina.
it is the area of former athens airport.
Glifada is beautiful indeed! We lived there 6 months. Since it is the upscale suburb it is pricey... 😊
A note: when you mention how walkable Glyfada is, some of the footage you showed were from Palaio Faliro (Old Faliro). It is close to Glyfada, it is part of the so-called Athen's Riviera, but it is not the same municipality. I know, because a live 200m from where these shots are. Palaio Faliro is more densily populated than Glyfada, but is is a good option if you like the seaside and you prefer to be closer to downtown.
i would, however love to visit Greece.
Glyfada is the place I was grown up and I miss it because I live abroad. Next time you go dont miss the OPEN CINEMAS =Garden CINEMAS and the view from the hills. Nice area the Upper Glyfada near the hill. In Vouliagmeni there is a hill where you can go for walking. DON'T miss the souvlaki or the fish plates near the sea or to ride a bike near the sea.
Tell Alex Christoforou I say hi if you see him on the street. Great guy. I watch all of you.
Is that the political guy with 'The Duran'? I've seen him several times a few years ago walking in parks in Athens.
Glyfada? Never heard of it. Thanks!
I live in Agios dimitrios but I go to glifada every day to the beach I love there clean waters specially in the winder months less people the water temp is about 17 c not bad else vouliagmeni beach is beautiful
My parents home is in Glyfada. Together with Voula and Vouliagmeni, are by far the best suburbs to stay in Athens. Real estate is very expensive though, but not without reason.
Listen guys you wemt from downtown athens to normal athens. There are many other good areas like glifada like Kifisia, nea erithrea and many more but i understand tourists cant know them all.
Glifada is one of the better ones though. Its very nice.
Is it an area where one can get around (relatively safely) by bicycle? See a lot of bicyclists around? Thank you, love your videos and JP's writing (newslatters), good stuff!
Yes. Lots of bikes.
the coast line of Athens is a way out from the busy center and you are still very close to it
Although Glyfada is very beautiful, it is quite expensive, especially for native Greek inhabitants - rent, restaurants. Indeed, if you're from USA, then prices will definitely be cheaper compared to many states, but for the average Greek earning 850 euros per month, it's unreasonably expensive.
Glyfada unfortunately doesn't have very nice public beaches. In general lots of beaches in the area got privatized and are quite pricey during summer period in the weekends. The best public sandy beach nearby, is in Varkiza.
Athenian Riviera (south) - Glyfada - Vouliagmeni - Voula -Varkiza (north) - Kifissia -Ekali -Dionysos-Drosia
The airport is a 5 minute drive from Glyfada a 20-25 walk from Glyfada. The actual edge of the airport where the airplanes land is actually in Glyfada.
The new airport is 35 minutes from Glyfada. maps.app.goo.gl/zG3uAPqCikd9GHBH7?g_st=ic
@AmeliaAndJP they made a new airport?
lol. I just commented on the video I watched just before this one asking if perhaps you would share the cost breakdowns… & the very next video, …
1:13 - curious about the required Health Insurance & medical Certificate. I’m assuming the typical American Health insurance coverage won’t suffice, & and add-on of some sort if needed.
Perhaps on a future video, you could elaborate on this.
Another channel I watch periodically mentioned that, as they travel only throughout Mexico, (& are still a bit young- late 20’s- and have no serious health issues), they pay cash & have an add on coverage for catastrophic care (if major surgery was needed or long term hospitalization), which has worked perfectly for their needs w/in Mexico..
But haven’t come across any other channel that has even mentioned health insurance requirements, providers, or costs.
Thanks..
We have private insurance in Ecuador that offers travel insurance for emergencies. It’s now $261/mo and covers both of us with a $100 deductible.
You can read more about it here: ameliaandjp.com/ecuador-healthcare-experience/
Why Don't you guys try out Cyprus?
Well done. Thanks for providing some pricing.
From the eyes of a slow traveler who doesn't see the need for golden visas etc. Would you say it's very reasonable for a couple to live there 30-89 days ( non high season) for $1,200-$2,000 a month? ( food, housing, groceries, phone, etc)
Hotels or Airbnb will cost $1200 to $2000/mo. I think a budget of $3000 is reasonable for everything.
@@AmeliaAndJP Ok thanks 👍
Vouliagmeni lake is not in Glyfada, it’s in Vouliagmeni! 😊
We said it was close by and mentioned it as something locals like to do.
@@AmeliaAndJP .. athens its not a county !!! Its just a city in the center... ATTICA PENIΝSLULA !!!! Attikì riviera...😅😅😅
They mentioned it as part of information about other areas along the coast north and south of Glyfada. 05:49
Looks like a nice place! Hard to beat ol' Cuenca, Ecuador, though...
I’m 66 looking to retire abroad on my SS . Suggestions
You’ll find a lot of recommendations on our website: ameliaandjp.com/live-abroad/country-comparisons/
They did increase the Golden Visa to EUROS 800,000.
Glyfada was saturaded by the time you discovered it.... Not only Europeans and Americans have discovered it but also Saudis and Russian dissidents.... What would be interesting would be to visit Oropos and the East Athens Suburbs that touch the Aegean sea.... worse public transportation but still seaside Athens Suburbs and much much cheaper....
what about sicily italy where you can get those cheap homes ...pros and cons of that area...?? would be interesting...where you get a house for like 1 euro or something like that
I think there's a reason why they sell for 1 euro, and it's not a good one.
Sicily is on our short list 👍
yea I know they need work...and you are expected to spend a certain dollar amount to fix up...but such a great Looking area....
@@MrJx4000
You take the house, but you have to renovate it. They are mostly old properties in random villages.
Go check out Crete fantastic place.
Had to watch it for a second time! Albania looks lovely
I don’t care for the modern architecture. I’m sure the sailing is good though! And the food.
I would be interested in knowing if every person outside and inside smoked. That is why my wife and I would not consider Athens. Just curious about Glyfada.
We didn’t notice it nearly as much in Glyfada.
Not as much as Athens. My God, you want to see heavy cigarette addiction - come to Cleveland, Ohio! I guess this place is so stressful and boring, that multitudes take it out on their 'cancer sticks'! I can't tell you how many people I see huffing and puffing while i'm at a red light and happen to glance over at the car or truck next to me!
Smoking is forbided inside
Where do you live now guys ?
For permanent i mean..
Love your videos. You give specific and great information, thank you!!! I plan to retire in Ecuador. I was wondering if you know of beaches in Ecuador that don't have much people around. A place where I could go with my dog off the leash and let her run with me. No people or very few around. Any tips?
Olón north to Curia and San Jose is a big wide beach and usually very few people during the week. Ayampe north is similar, but not as wide.
Gracias! You’re the best ❤
next suburb should be Vouliagmeni
If you have Greek lineage it's easier to get residency and citizenship
Aside from the cons you mentioned, summer being a killer :
There's their alphabet and language barrier.
And Greece isn't really connected to Europe by rail so you have to fly or ferry out.
The language barrier crops out immediately when one has to deal with filling forms, for example, converting a driver's license, or any other dealings with the authorities. After all, Greek is the national language of Greece! Greeks are not North-American and have their own natural pace--siga, siga. Therefore they are happier and healthier.
I once went from Rome to Athens by bus. The bus went to Bari where it boarded the ferry to Patras and then went on to Athens. Was a nice trip and I still crave the delicious souvlaki we had in Korinth during a stop there.
Are you all still living in Ecuador? Sounds like it has become a very dangerous place to be based on recent news.
It’s finally starting to improve but you won’t see that in the international news. Our Thoughts About Ecuador Right Now…
ameliaandjp.com/our-thoughts-about-ecuador-right-now/
Of course Glyfada is way better than the city centre. It is one of the most high end suburbs, if not the highest. It's affluence is really not indicative of the rest of the metropolitan area. Keep that in mind.
What is going on at 1:19? Appears to be a floating ghoul of some sort? It caught the attention of the man in the center of the screen
It’s a street performer.
I was in Athens in the second half of September. Still way too hot for me. Though I love Greece, physically I would die.
You saw a lot of stones on the beach because you went to the free ones. You need to pay to get in the nice beaches with sand.
Why wouldn't we wanna live in Athens? 🤔
You guys should investigate SE Asia. Much more bang for your buck, great infrastructure and the friendly locals want you to be here. I live a very comfortable lifestyle here in Cambodia in a modern apartment, denying myself nothing for $600 a month, all inclusive. Great cafes and supermarkets and 1 year retiree visas easily obtained.
I wouldn't want to relocate to a country where the alphabet is different. Much longer learning curve for the language.
It's not that different
Those numbers you gave at the beginning in order to qualify for a visa are absolutely ridiculous.
I bet less than half of all greek citizens could qualify for a visa going by those numbers.
Greece is just about the poorest and worst run country in the EU.
Just a tip for anyone that visits, despite the official name being Glyfada we natives call it Cologlyfada, remember to say it correctly if you want the locals to like you! Cologlyfada is also a very popular drink around Athens made with various local fruits. Ask in greek "μπορείς να μου κάνεις μία κωλογλυφάδα;" and they'll love you!
Athens is a car city. You need a car. Especially Glyfada and the rest of the Southern Districts as they are less well connected with mass transit.
what about medicine? why don't you analyze medicine?
We didn’t have any experience with healthcare during our visit, but we did talk about it briefly in our Athens video.
athens is a terrible city.glyfada is not athens.its expensive suberb for rich
Medical care is horrible there. Ecuador 🇪🇨 and Spain 🇪🇸 so much better.
Thanks- Cuenca is the place to be :)
@josephdidonato8973 I live in Ecuador, moved here 01-2013. Where are you living?
@@l.d.d.2062 I live still in the states. Will eventually move to Manta.
Who told you healthcare is horrible in Greece?
Propably from his mind
Thanks, but greece is as big an economic joke as it was in 1958.