The tiny Greek island of Antikythera is offering incentives to families and skilled workers who want to relocate there, including free food, accommodation, and a monthly stipend
Ever fancied ditching the nine-to-five grind and moving to a picturesque Greek island, complete with postcard-perfect whitewashed buildings, adorable harbours, and crystal-clear blue seas?
Well, this may no longer be just a pipe dream, as you can actually make it a reality with a helping hand from Antikythera, a charming little island nestled between Crete and the Peloponnese in the shimmering Aegean Sea. The local authorities are dishing out tempting incentives for families and skilled workers to move there.
This includes free food, accommodation, and a handy monthly cash allowance. To tackle the issue of their shrinking population, the Greeks are generously offering new settlers on Antikythera a neat €500 each month for the first three years of their stay. That’s a sweet €18,000 – roughly £15k – in your pocket.
Those who take the leap can look forward to a blissfully serene lifestyle, thanks to gorgeous sandy beaches, the inviting Mediterranean climate, and a tiny community that boasts just 45 people, reports the Express.
Wayne Mills, head of operations at Seven Seas Worldwide, an international shipping company, said: “Antikythera has only 45 permanent residents as of now, so it’s a tranquil and close-knit community.
“They’re especially keen to attract young families to revitalize the island and bring back youthful energy, so you’ll no doubt be extremely popular as soon as you arrive!”
In a global trend aiming to reverse dwindling locals and brain drains, various countries are laying out the welcome mat to seduce newcomers to specific spots. In the case of Antikythera, the majority of its inhabitants are the over-50s crowd, with kids being somewhat of a rarity.
The island, which is just 7.89 square miles in size, can be reached by ferry from the nearby island of Kythira or from the port of Kissamos in Crete. With its small population and remote location, Antikythera offers a peek into traditional Greek island life.
In the winter months, there’s only one small shop selling basic food and vegetables. However, the island does have electricity and internet connectivity. Antikythera is also known for the discovery of the Antikythera Mechanism, an ancient Greek analogue computer dating back to around 150–100 BCE. This device was used to predict astronomical positions, eclipses, and possibly other celestial phenomena.
Found in 1901 in a shipwreck off the coast of the island, it’s considered one of the most significant technological artefacts of antiquity. The Antikythera shipwreck (circa 70–60 BCE) is one of the richest ancient wrecks ever found, containing a wealth of artefacts, including statues, coins and luxury goods.
The island is also celebrated for its rugged beauty and wildlife. Antikythera is a key stopover for migratory birds traveling between Europe and Africa, making it a hotspot for birdwatchers.
