Carol Palioudaki runs a website – www.livingincrete.net.  Having lived in Crete for eighteen years, she has come across most situations and problems, and her helpful website is an essential first port of call for advice. This new e-book is an extension of Carol’s website.  

There is, however, one major advantage a website or electronic book has over a traditional paper edition of a book, it is that when a new regulation replaces an existing one, or an important address changes, a website or e-book can be updated quickly. With the usual form of book, (hard back, paperback or floppy cover), this does not often happen quickly.  

A major criticism of standard publications is neatly sidestepped  – get a book now as an immediate computer download, or buy a  CD Copy!  The latter comes with lots of extras - follow up our technical review for a whole host of advantages - link below.

Now for the Plaudits.

Carol is up-front with a bucket of cold water to dampen the enthusiasm of anyone who may be getting carried away by a perfect holiday, full of blissful days of hot sunshine. She reminds us that winters on Crete can be cold and wet with many places closed, permanent jobs are hard to come by and poorly paid, the cost of living is rising, and health care can be expensive and a far cry from what one might expect in the UK. Her ‘hot tip’ is that you should rent somewhere for a few months – preferably including some winter months – before making a decision to move out permanently.  

Invaluable information is provided on learning Greek, buying or renting a property or land, employment opportunities, red tape, health and medical treatment, transport, communications, banks, schools, getting married, pets, leisure, shopping, and a list of emergency telephone numbers and websites for further information. And as if all this were not enough, there are appendices too – covering name days, accommodation, renting out your property, residence permits, tax, national insurance and health cover, unemployment benefit, private clinics, the Greek pronunciation of medical specialists, the temporary importation of a car, schools, a list of lawyers and animal rescue centres. There are also tips on how to pass as a native and a ‘bluffer’s guide’ to Crete . Amaze your friends with your knowledge!  

It must be difficult when compiling a book of advice and information – how far do you go? When do you know you’ve finished? There will always be someone who has a question that will not be covered – especially in or about a place like Crete . And here procedures can vary in different prefectures or municipalities – let alone the villages – and even in the same place, depending which day you visit, or which official you speak to, you may get a different result or arrive at the same result in a different way.  

But this book is a great place to start your quest, and many people will be extremely grateful to Carol for all her hard work.