After the implementation of Greece’s digital nomad visa in 2021, the sunny Mediterranean country has become an even more attractive hub for remote workers. More and more people are fulfilling their dream of setting up a relatively stress-free life on a Greek island.
But not all islands are created equally, especially when it comes to year-round living, connectivity and expat life.
Many of the country’s most famous destinations empty out almost entirely in the winter season or don’t offer easy access to the Greek mainland during the colder months.
If you want to find the best Greek island for your ideal digital nomad life, check out my list below.
Syros
With a small but vibrant and fast-growing non-Greek community, Syros has everything you would want for a year-round digital nomad life. Like most Greek islands, it’s population substantially increases in the summer. But since it’s the capital of the Cyclades and even has its own university, Syros maintains a significant permanent population year-round. Plus restaurants and nightlife to serve locals and university students throughout the winter.
The main city, Ermoupolis, may be one of the most beautiful cities in all of Greece. Full of neo-classical architecture and pastel colours, it has its own unique look that’s remarkably distinct from the rest of the Aegean islands. Syros is also known for its arts and culture with several museums and galleries, as well as its own beautifully designed Apollon Theatre.
In terms of access, Athens is just a short two-hour ferry ride away. Best of all, you will generally find good, stable internet connections in the main city. And if you get tired of working from home, there are lots of cafes where you can spend the day on your laptop.
Rhodes
Relatively rare for the Greek islands, Rhodes stands out primarily for its excellent internet service and speed. The island is best known for its UNESCO site, the medieval city of Rhodes, as well as for its university life. That means plenty of dining and nightlife options throughout the main town.
You can easily access Rhodes via flights from Athens. For a cool day trip, you can also take a ferry to Turkey just across the sea. If you want a little break to get away from it all, short trips to Halki (Chalki), a neighbouring car-free island, as well as colourful Symi. Both are highly recommended.
Image source Wikimedia Commons.
Lesvos
Lesvos is another island with relatively fast and reliable internet service. It’s enormous and ideally requires a car to navigate, unlike some of the smaller Greek islands. From historic towns like Agiasos, the only Petrified Forest in the country and Molyvos Castle and town, the large island is home to a staggering variety of sights. Fans of Greek ouzo will be pleased to know many of the country’s most famous brands are produced here in Plomari.
Lesvos’ size and population mean there are plenty of things to do all year round. The airport has four to six flights a day to Athens, making the trip to the Greek capital less than an hour.
Corfu
Besides daily flights to Athens, often multiple times a day, Corfu has a permanent population of 100,000 people. Sights include an Old Town that attracts tourists from all over the world and an array of stunning beaches and villages. Get your work done in a scenic cliffside café or in a cozy flat with a view of the city centre.
You will find wifi in various places throughout the island, though speeds are fastest in the main town and the large resorts. However, locals recommend Starlink or something similar for the most reliable connection, especially if you often need to upload or download large files, as speeds can vary depending on where you are.
Crete
Digital nomads who want to avoid chillier Greek winters and get bored of small-town life easily may want to consider Crete. Not only is it home to several major cities and a huge permanent population, but it’s also the southernmost Greek island, meaning it has the hottest summers and mildest winters of all.
Crete has some of the most famous beaches in the world, including Balos, Elafonisi and Falassarna. The island definitely requires a car as cities, villages and attractions are very far from each other and many roads are quite rugged. But Crete rewards those who spend the time to explore it as the island is famous for its hospitality, food and beauty. Base yourself out of one of the main three cities – Chania, Rethymno, or Heraklion – and spend your weekends discovering all Crete has to offer.
Image source Wikimedia Commons.
Lefkada
Most lists featuring islands for digital nomads tend to skip right over Lefkada, so you won’t find a huge expat community here. However, Lefkada has something quite unique among the islands: a bridge to the shore. This not only offers constant access to mainland Greece for work, travel and anything else you might need, but also allows digital nomads living here to explore the beauty of Greece’s mountains and mainland cities like Ioannina.
Famous for its turquoise waters and picturesque villages, Lefkada has a bustling main town that remains lively all year long. The one downside? Outside the town center, internet speed can be hit or miss. So make sure you stay in the capital or get your own satellite internet service.
Hydra
Digital nomads with a more artistic slant will find a lot of inspiration on Hydra’s shores. The island was famously home to artists such as Leonard Cohen to Allen Ginsberg, who took inspiration from the slower pace of life and natural beauty of the long island winters for their works. If you’re looking for a more tranquil place to spend some time, Hydra offers a stress-free, car-free environment that’s only a 90-minute ferry ride from Athens and a 15-minute trip from the closest point on the Greek mainland.
In recent years, Hydra has become home to a growing international community that has permanently moved to the island. So even if your Greek isn’t up to par, you’ll likely find people you can communicate with here, even in the off-season.
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Joanna Kalafatis
Joanna Kalafatis is a Greek-American travel writer and actress who has lived in Greece, the U.S., and the UK, and currently resides in Athens, Greece. She wrote "Best of Greece" for Moon Travel Guides and has a travel blog at LosetheMap.com; her work has also appeared in Time Out New York, Business Insider, and Matador Network. Joanna has traveled to over 50 countries and plans to visit every destination in the world.
