News & Events
Greece Announces 15% Property Transfer Tax for Non-EU Buyers
: Greece plans to raise property transfer tax for non-EU buyers from 3% to 15%. See what the change could mean for foreign property buyers.
16 Greek Festivals You Shouldn’t Miss This Summer | 2026 Guide
Discover 16 Greek festivals happening this summer in Greece, including island film festivals, ancient theatre, live music, traditional panigyria and free cultural events.
Greece Marks World Environment Day With a Weekend of Nature Events Across the Country
Greece marks World Environment Day 2026 with 65 nature events, including cleanups, guided walks, and family activities across the country.
Lazy Greeks? New Stats Show Greeks Work More Than Anyone in the EU
Lazy Greeks? Not according to the latest Eurostat figures. Greece recorded the longest average working week in the EU, but for those living here, the real story is not just the hours — it is the pressure, pay, bureaucracy, and everyday effort behind life in Greece.
Athens Is Now in Full Festival Mode — 300+ Free Events Across the City This May
Athens has kicked off its biggest city-wide festival, with over 300 free events running throughout May. From concerts to street food and open-air cinema, here’s what expats need to know.
Greece Exempts UK Tourists from EU Biometric Border Checks: Temporary Relief or Policy Shift?
Greece has exempted British travelers from the EU’s new biometric Entry/Exit System (EES), aiming to reduce airport delays and protect tourism. Is this a temporary summer solution—or could it expand to other non-EU visitors across Europe?
Carnival Peaks Across Greece as Grand Parades Fill the Streets
Greece’s Apokries carnival season reaches its spectacular peak with major parades in Patras, Athens, Thessaloniki and Crete. Here’s what’s happening across the country.
Greece Has Started Rolling Out the New EU Border System — But It’s Still Very Human (and Very Slow)
Greece has officially begun using the EU’s new Entry/Exit border system for non-EU travellers. But despite promises of automation, passport control still relies heavily on human officers taking fingerprints and photos — and that’s why queues are getting longer, no…
Greece Named the World’s Best Retirement Destination for 2026
For the first time ever, Greece tops International Living’s Global Retirement Index for 2026, confirming what many expats already know: few countries combine lifestyle, affordability, and quality of life quite like Greece.
Winter Sales Season in Greece: A Smart Shopper’s Guide
The winter sales season in Greece explained. Learn how sales work, when discounts get better, and what to expect when shopping locally.
Greek Golden Visa Wait in 2026: Shorter Than Before, More Than You’d Like
Greek Golden Visa wait times are the lowest in years in 2026 — but most applicants still wait 12–16 months. Here’s the honest expat reality.
Greece Airspace Grounded: What Expats Need to Know About Today’s Flight Chaos
Flights to and from Greece were grounded today after a major air traffic control failure. What happened, who’s affected, and what expats should do next.
Greece Golden Visa Finally Fix: So Your “5-Year” Permit Actually Lasts Five Years
Greece is preparing Golden Visa reforms for January 2026 to end backdated residence permits, speed up renewals and family reunification, and reduce delays—without changing citizenship timelines.
Greece Bans Cash Rent: Bank-Only Payments Become Mandatory from April 2026
Greece is phasing out cash rent payments and tying leases to traceable bank transactions registered with AADE. Here’s what changes, when it starts (now April 1, 2026), and what expats should do to stay protected.
Athens Science Festival 2025: A Must-Visit Event for Curious Minds in Athens
The Athens Science Festival returns from December 18–21 at the Athens Conservatory, bringing hands-on science, international performances, and interactive exhibits to one of the city’s most accessible and engaging winter events.
Christmas Shopping Hours Are Officially Underway Across Greece
Extended Christmas shopping hours are now active across Greece. See which days shops stay open late, which Sundays are open, and what closes on Christmas and New Year.
Storm Byron Slams Greece With “Red Alert” Weather: What Expats Need to Know as Heavy Rains and Floods Continue
Storm Byron brings severe rain, floods, and disruptions across Greece. Red alerts issued. See how long it will last and what expats need to know to stay safe.
Greece’s 48-Hour Taxi Strike on 2–3 December: Another Round in 2025’s Transport Drama
Greece’s taxi drivers are launching a 48-hour strike on December 2–3, disrupting travel across Athens and other cities. Here’s what expats need to know about the walkout, why it’s happening, and whether more strikes could follow.
Holiday Homes in Greece Aren’t a Bargain Anymore—Here’s What’s Driving Prices Up
Holiday home prices in Greece are rising fast as foreign demand shifts to luxury properties. Learn what’s driving the market—and what expats should expect in 2026.
Athens Marathon 2025: The Authentic Race Where History, Culture & Global Energy Meet
Experience the excitement of the Athens Marathon 2025! Discover the route from Marathon to the Panathenaic Stadium, race events, and what expats can enjoy during Athens’ most historic and international weekend.