This is not a ranking of destinations. It looks at the regions through a different question: what is it like to live there?
Three kinds of place, three kinds of life
Large cities — full services, good hospitals, international schools, an international airport. In exchange: crowded, noisy, higher rents, harder commutes. This is where most families with children end up.
Mid-sized cities — the most balanced option: hospitals, schools, gentler prices, easy movement. The drawback is fewer international jobs and a smaller foreign community.
Islands and holiday regions — the most photogenic and the hardest to live in year-round: many services close in winter, healthcare is limited, and travel depends on ferries and weather.
A specific warning: a small island can lose its connection for several days in rough weather, which is a real problem for anyone with a chronic condition or small children.
Heritage and what it means for residents
This is a country with an exceptional density of archaeological sites. For a resident that has a practical consequence rarely mentioned: areas near protected sites often carry building and renovation restrictions. Buying an older property in a conservation area means every alteration requires permission and costs more.
Climate — read it correctly
- Summers are very hot and dry, with heatwaves in many regions
- Winters are wet, colder than newcomers expect, and damp
- Seasonal winds in some maritime areas affect ferries and daily life
- Wildfire risk in dry months in hill and forest-edge areas
The last is worth checking when choosing a district: ask whether the area has a wildfire history, because it affects property insurance as well as safety.
How to visit in order to understand
- Stay in a residential district rather than a central hotel
- Shop at the morning market
- Use public transport instead of a hire car
- Stay in one place for several days rather than one night in many
These four reveal far more about daily life than a dense sightseeing itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Are the islands a good place to settle?
Photogenic but hardest year-round — services close in winter, healthcare is limited and travel depends on ferries.
What does buying near a heritage site mean?
Building and renovation restrictions — every alteration needs permission and costs more.
Which climate risk should you check?
Wildfire history of the area, which affects property insurance as well as safety.
Which type of place is most balanced?
Mid-sized cities — hospitals, schools and gentler prices, at the cost of fewer international jobs.
Need a tailored roadmap?
Viking Global Group walks with you from paperwork to settlement. Call +849.219.219.88 or email [email protected] for a free consultation.
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- Travel & Explore
Frequently Asked Questions
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