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A relatively low cost of living, low crime rate and mild climate attracts many retirees to the Greek islands.

Within the EU pensioners can obtain form E121 from their home country to cover all health care in Greece, although care can be basic and pensioners are advised to also consider taking out private health insurance. Consider also the cost of flights 'home' in an emergency.

Pensions drawn from outside of Greece in another currency will be affected by exchange rate fluctuations.

Extra costs - don't forget to cost in extras such as flights home, running a car, the cost of having family and friends stay with you for holidays (you will probably be going out and eating out more than you would normally - having regular visitors can seriously stretch your budget).

If you sell up to move to Greece, consider where you would move back to at home if it doesn't work out. The ideal situation is to keep your property at home and buy a second home. If finances do not permit this then another option is to invest in a smaller property at home and one in Greece. Or consider a trial run in Greece - renting before selling up and moving permanently.

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Information courtesy of Carol Palioudaki, author of The Cool Guide to Living in Crete, available at www.livingincrete.net

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