In ancient times, some people harvested rain in big containers, but many more people used water that had collected naturally in streams, rivers, and in the ground. They could find groundwater rushing by in rivers, or bubbling up from underground through a spring. They could also dig deep into the earth to find water.

The Mountains: Lots of Mountains and Fresh Water: The ancient Greeks needed a source of fresh water to settle down. But they are big enough to provide two important things – a source of fresh water, running down the mountains in creeks and streams, and a system of natural defense barriers.

The ancient Greek civilization of Crete, known as the Minoan civilization, was the first civilization to use underground clay pipes for sanitation and water supply. The Ancient Greeks of Athens and Asia Minor also used an indoor plumbing system, used for pressurized showers.

Greece already has enough desalination capacity to produce approximately 200,000 cubic meters of fresh water a day, and the national government is set to expand the number of small-scale, decentralized desalination plants to provide each island with complete water autonomy.

Water — The public drinking water in Greece is safe to drink, although it can be slightly brackish in some locales near the sea. For that reason, many people prefer the bottled water available at restaurants, hotels, cafes, food stores, and kiosks.

Cost of Living in Greece

Visas and residency All UK nationals resident in Greece before 1 January 2021 should get the new biometric residence document. over 5 years: you will be eligible for permanent residency and a 10-year renewable residency document. less than 5 years: you will be eligible for a document with 5 years validity.

Citizens of the EU, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland don’t need any visa to retire to Greece. All you need to do is present your passport or identity card when entering the country.

Greek Citizenship Act. Nationality law of Greece is based on the principle of jus sanguinis. Greek law permits dual citizenship. A Greek national is a citizen of the European Union, and therefore entitled to the same rights as other EU citizens.

Any foreigner can become a homeowner in Greece. The country does not apply any restrictions on purchase. On the contrary, nationals of non-EU countries can even benefit from the Golden Visa as long as the minimum amount of their real estate investment is €250,000.

The Greek homes market has the lowest rates among 18 European countries according to an international survey by the RE/MAX Europe network of estate agents. In 2016 a 100-square meter apartment in a Greek city cost 92,200 euros on average, or 922 euros/sq.

10 Charming Greek Island Villas You Can Buy For A Bargain

• Mavrata, Kefalonia – €60 000.
• Eresos, Lesbos – €50 000.
• Myrina, Limnos – €75 000.
• Chora, Tinos – €63 000.
• Vothonas, Santorini – €140 000.
• Ermoupoli, Syros – €59 000.
• Lindos, Rhodes – €100 000.
• Kanala, Kythnos – €110 000.

90 days

After five years of living in Greece with a beige residency permit, you are eligible to apply for permanent residency and obtain a blue permit. Simply organise another appointment with the local authorities and ask to exchange your permit.