Greece Still Has a Long Way to Go to Win Over Digital Nomads

Photo source: sepe.gr

An increasing number of digital nomads are considering Greece as an option motivated by its history and culture, according to a recent study conducted by Remote, a network of remote-first tech companies.

Study findings reveal that Athens is ranked 63rd on a list of 100 destinations identified by remote workers. However, though Greece scores high in terms of landscape, history and cultural heritage, it doesn’t do as well in terms of cost of life as well as incentives aimed at remote workers.

A closer look reveals that though digital nomads polled ranked Athens high in terms of “attractiveness” based on beauty, culture and history, the Greek capital drops to 63rd spot overall when respondents take into account the cost and quality of life, infrastructure, and incentives for digital work which include things like nomad visas, tax incentives, relocation payments, and housing incentives.

Athens, Greece. Photo © Maria Theofanopoulou

The study includes Athens as the most attractive places to live among Honolulu, Vienna, Madrid, Miami and Las Vegas.

With regard to Athens, according to the report, “you’ll find a city filled with highly-educated people, many of whom have lived abroad, but work is always balanced with time to relax and unwind. Note that many Greeks still hold traditional values, and gender stereotypes can influence elements of daily life. Cost of living is inexpensive in relation to other European capital cities, and the level of English is high throughout Athens”.

Toronto topped the list with high scores in all indicators: Internet infrastructure (speed, prices and reliability), attractiveness (natural, cultural), safety, quality of life, openness (how hospitable people are and how transparent their governments), cost of living, incentives for distance work. 

Madrid follows in second place, Oakland (New Zealand) 3rd, Madeira (Portugal) 4th, and Helsinki (5th).

Indicative of what a remote worker takes into consideration is Svalbard Archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean, which is in the 6th spot in large part due to the availability of a lifelong freelance and digital nomad visa, quality of life, openness, and safety, as is Valparaiso in Chile in 8th spot on the list of 100.

European destinations are high on the list including Berlin (7th) and Dublin (9th).

London is down on the list in 78th spot, as is Budapest (79th), Bratislava (87th), and Warsaw (93rd).