During the miserable winter months in the UK it can be easy to start daydreaming about packing up and heading for warmer climes. For the majority of us this will be nothing more than a flight of fancy.
However, a scheme offered by one beautiful island in the Mediterranean sea could make this a reality. The Greek island of Antikythera is offering money to families to move there as a way to boost its modest population.
As reported by Greek real estate agents Elxis this deal comes with a home, a plot of land and 500 Euros a month. Sounds too good to be true, right?
Antikythera is one of the smallest islands in the Aegean Sea, home to only 24 full-time residents and 40 during the summer tourist season. This number has been slowly declining over the years – 40 years ago there were 300 residents.
This initiative, organised by the Greek Orthodox Church of Kythera, aims to attract bakers, fishermen, and children. It is designed for five families with four children who will be interviewed and then given a financial incentive to make the move.
The president of Antikythera, Andrea Harhalakis, said in an interview with Iefimerida.gr : “We need young families, large enough to make Antikythera alive and full of children’s voices.”
Another objective of the scheme is to boost the local economy and bring new life to the small Greek island community. Currently it only has a small coffee shop which serves as a gathering place for locals and also functions as a market for groceries.
So why should you consider the move? Like many of the thousands of islands that make up Greece, Antikythera boasts stunning views, pristine beaches and fabulous swimming spots.
The popular beaches of Xeropotamos and Kamarila can be found far from the main port. It is also the perfect place for those who love getting outdoors.
Low hills and pretty countryside make it a great place for walking and exploring. And sun-seekers can expect dry, hot summers with peak temperatures of around 32C.
The winters are also not particularly cold when compared to the UK, with lows of around 3C in January. Antikythera, like its neighbours, is also steeped in ancient history. Elxis says: “The first residents of the island of Antikythera were called the Dolopes.
“Next, the Romans used the island for prisoners, and afterwards as a haven for pirates. Today, Antikythera is a peaceful escape with cool artefacts and historic sites, like a shipwreck from the early 1900s and a fort that housed pirates.”
While this is all very appealing, there’s a lot to consider. Aside from the obvious of moving to another country, there’s the issue of adapting to an extremely sparsely populated island that is pretty isolated.
If you want to leave, a ferry connects Antikythera to nearby Kythera island but it only runs five times every week. However, you can also reach Antikythera from Kissamos in Crete and Piraeus in Athens, but these boats take longer and leave less frequently.
There is also an actual catch when it comes to the scheme. Although it is proposed you will get a house and plot of land as part of the program, these houses are not yet built.
It is therefore not possible to apply yet, Elxis said.