Moving to Athens

Expats moving to Athens are bound to fall in love with this beautiful cultural capital of Europe. The city's architecture is marked by the imposing and beautiful Parthenon, which watches over Athens from the Acropolis. This ancient structure stands as a reminder of the past and places modern Athens in contrast with the empire of old.

Athens is the capital city of Greece, located in the middle of the Greek mainland between continental Greece to the north and the Peloponnese region to the south. A city with a rich history dating back thousands of years, Athens is considered one of the most important cities in the foundation of Western civilisation.

Living in Athens as an expat

The city centre in Athens is vibrant and busy and is where most businesses and government organisations are based – there is a good chance that expats moving to Athens will end up working in this area of the city.

Those looking to make a trip further afield are able to do so easily thanks to Athens's ideal location in Greece – from here, most other places in the country can be accessed by train, plane, boat or bus.

One of the advantages of living in Athens is that there is always an array of things to see and do. Athens is home to both ancient and modern attractions, offering a variety of activities and weekend getaways within easy reach. Athens also has myriad shopping opportunities, ranging from flea markets to luxurious boutiques, which are bound to satisfy shoppers of all kinds.

Cost of living in Athens

Although living in Greece is quite affordable by European standards, the cost of living in Athens is the highest in Greece, owing to its global appeal as a cultural and historical centre. The cost of accommodation, groceries and eating out are all higher than in other mainland Greek cities, though expats on a budget will find that adopting local living standards can somewhat bring those costs down.

Families and children in Athens

For expats moving to Athens with children, in addition to the standard Greek public schooling, there is a wide range of private schools in various languages which are spread out across Athens. Moreover, expats who choose to relocate to Athens will find themselves in a lively urban environment where residents are extremely proud of the place in which they live.

Climate in Athens

Athens's subtropical Mediterranean climate is sunny and hot, especially during the summer months of June to September, when heatwaves can push the mercury past 104°F (40°C). Winters can get chilly, especially at night, and snowfall is not unheard of.

The city offers a good balance between urban and suburban life, and, in the space of an hour's drive, expats can find themselves surrounded by a completely new environment. Athens is a splendid destination for expats looking for a busy, diverse and ever-expanding place to call home.