I moved from London to Greece – here’s why you should follow in my footsteps (although you’ll have to get used to the bureaucracy and ‘adventure’ Greek driving)

Greece is undoubtedly a dreamy holiday destination for foreigners. But is it also a paradise to live in if you are not a local?

British-Venezuelan Daniel Carrizalez has the answer: he came from London in Great Britain and settled with his family in Nafplio in the Peloponnese region in 2010.

Fourteen years later: any regrets?

Not by the sounds of it. The 49-year-old composer and online entrepreneur moved with his wife and four-month-old daughter and has since had another daughter in Greece.

He tells MailOnline Travel: ‘We were attracted by the Mediterranean lifestyle, rich culture and beautiful landscapes. Greece offered a slower, more fulfilling pace of life and an opportunity to raise our family surrounded by history, nature and strong community values.”

Daniel says he had never experienced such a great ‘sense of community’ before moving to Greece.

He reveals: ‘The biggest surprise was the deep, genuine kindness of the people here. The warmth and hospitality are even more pronounced than I expected. The Greeks do everything they can to make you feel welcome.’

The relaxed and healthy Greek lifestyle has been Daniel’s biggest bonus when moving. He loves being “surrounded by natural beauty every day” and people who “genuinely care about each other.”

Daniel Carrizalez, 49, moved to Nafplio in Greece from London in 2010. He tells MailOnline Travel what it is like to live there

Daniel says he loves being ‘surrounded by natural beauty’ every day in Greece

The Brit explains that ‘crime is not a big problem in Nafplio’ and although there is ‘petty crime’, ‘generally it feels very safe and people look out for each other.’

Although the lifestyle is a marked improvement over Britain, Daniel admits that the bureaucracy in Greece is more challenging. He explains: ‘The pace could be a bit slower. Things like paperwork and setting up services can take longer than in the UK, which can be frustrating. In Britain things tend to be more streamlined.”

Furthermore, driving in Greece can be something of an ‘adventure’, says Daniel, while ‘narrow and winding country roads’ pose a challenge. But he adds that “the views make it worth it.”

So how did the family settle on Nafplio, a coastal city about a two-hour drive from Athens, as their new home?

Daniel explains: ‘It is known for its historical significance, beautiful architecture and seaside charm. It’s a perfect blend of culture, scenery and a close-knit community, and it provides a beautiful environment for our family.”

What does the housing look like?

According to Daniel, ‘it can be affordable’ with ‘charming traditional houses, many with balconies and courtyards’ on offer in Nafplio, and there is a ‘range of options from city apartments to rural houses near olive groves’.

As for healthcare, Daniel says ‘it is generally good’, but explains that the private sector has ‘fast service and excellent specialists at affordable rates’, while public healthcare ‘can sometimes be slower, especially in rural areas’ .

Daniel says he was ‘drawn to the Mediterranean lifestyle, rich culture and beautiful landscapes’ in Greece

Daniel lives in Nafplio (pictured above), a coastal city in the Peloponnese region

Nafplio also offers a ‘lively’ social scene.

Daniel explains: ‘We have a close circle of friends and enjoy everything from relaxed taverna dinners to local festivals. The nightlife is certainly fun; there is a range of options, from traditional music spots to modern bars with a view.’

And is the local cuisine worth writing home about?

Eating out is “fantastic,” says Daniel, who loves the country’s emphasis on fresh and local ingredients.” His favorite restaurant is called a ‘magic’ taverna Bounos.Psarosavouras in the old town of Nafplio overlooking the sea and Bourtzi Castle.

Would he advise other Britons to take this step?

“Absolutely,” says Daniel. ‘If you value lifestyle, connection to nature and sense of community, Greece is a beautiful place to live. It is an ideal destination for people looking for a balanced, fulfilling way of life.’