DAILY POSTCARD | WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 |
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Dear International Living reader, Imagine a trip of a lifetime sparking a love that never died? Gavin Woodward first fell in love with Greece as a young backpacker in the 1970s. More than 20 years, two children, and a marriage later he returned… The love affair started all over again after a serendipitous decision… and within a year he had started a new life in Europe. Read on… | P.S. We've got a new book of over 50 amazing island escapes—most of which you've likely never heard of. Islands that offer crowd-free beaches, idyllic seaside towns, and unspoiled island living. And we're giving it away FREE for a limited time with a special membership offer. Get the details here. |
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Starting Over on a Greek Island in My 60s |
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I am an Aussie now living on the Greek island of Syros, capital of the Cyclades. |
Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, proved to be far beyond Gavin's expectations. Find more great island escapes with our free report. |
I first went to Greece as a young backpacker in 1977. It was love at first sight; with the islands, the rich culture, incredible history, unique cuisine, wonderful beaches, warm Mediterranean climate … and above all, the carefree lifestyle. However, it was to be another 24 years before I would return. Marriage, mortgages, and two beautiful daughters consumed my life at that time. In June 2001 however, I finally returned to the Greek islands I loved so much. As an older person in my sixties I was apprehensive that it may not be as charming and alluring as I remembered. On that trip I only had two weeks away from work and family commitments. With my partner we chose Syros randomly from Lonely Planet, which in those days was only in book form. I still have the book. Our thinking was that we would go to one island that neither had been to—before moving onto Mykonos close by. As luck would have it, it proved to be a serendipitous decision. Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, proved to be far beyond our expectations. We didn't bother going over to neighboring Mykonos for the second week. The island's main town and port of Ermoupolis has a population of around 20,000… and reeks of history and culture. It is known as the "Princess of the Aegean" because of its strong cultural history and unique Venetian architecture. It is also an important central ferry hub, servicing most of the surrounding Cycladic islands. There is an airport with daily flights to and from Athens, and a large hospital, which is reassuring. I need not have worried, however, as it was love at first sight again, after all those years. All the wonderful memories and intrinsic feeling of island life came flooding back. We often say now that we are having a "Greek Moment" when consumed by the unique island vibe. It is usually when one gazes out over the alluring royal blue Aegean Sea. When we returned from that 2001 trip—only two weeks—I couldn't get Syros out of my thoughts. The Greek islands' unique charm still possessed me. A combination of the wonderful warm summer weather—away from the OZ winter—and some charming expats we met, also helped. |
Gavin's view from his hilltop villa in Syros. |
These feelings were so strong that I decided to return to Syros the following January 2002, in the middle of their winter. I thought the cold wet wintry weather would quell my enthusiasm. However the attraction remained. And so to cut a long story short, over the next year or so I purchased a plot of land for €95,000, and started building my hilltop villa. This is where I now live permanently. There were of course teething problems, making this transition to an expat living permanently on a Greek Island. Issues like my residency status and taxation identity had to be addressed. However, with good professional help from my Greek accountant and lawyer, these matters were sorted. Owning my own home gave me the residency status, but a long-term lease would also have sufficed. I often reflect on why I made the monumental decision to start a new life in Europe in my mid-60s. The answer is usually the same. The European lifestyle, especially on a small Greek island, offered me far more than what was on offer, living in a modern Australian city. And I know the same applies for all my expat American, English, Kiwi, French, and Scandinavian friends. We consider ourselves very fortunate! While Greece is only a small European country (Population 11 million) it is now experiencing an economic resurgence, after the difficult austerity years post-2008. The tourism industry is booming and while not always easy for the locals, it brings wealth and prosperity. Worldwide the Greek islands hold a fascination for their natural beauty and superb climate. Culturally there is so much on offer, and Syros in particular is renowned for its lively year-round music and arts scene. The Apollon Theater in the center of town is modeled on the famous La Scala theater in Milan Italy. Free concerts from world-renowned artists are a regular occurrence here. The Old World architecture adds greatly to the charm of the town… and helps maintain the overall European vibe. And so for me—a once-urban Aussie—European living fulfills my yearning to be less consumer oriented, and more connected to my immediate environment. The slower pace of daily life helps enhance an appreciation for quality of life, over quantity. Another unique aspect of Greece is its superb climate. With over 250 sunny days a year it provides much vitamin D, essential for good health and longevity. So for anyone contemplating a new exciting life overseas, I strongly recommend you investigate all that Greece and its superb islands offer. By visiting Greece and Syros annually for many years I was able to do very thorough due diligence. While I am glad I did, it is not essential. One or two trips is enough for most to recognize the many benefits the country provides. Greece will nourish your soul… try it! |
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Editor's Note: If you want to find more great islands like Gavin's, we have a book with 50 amazing island escapes—most of which you've likely never heard of. Islands that offer crowd-free beaches, idyllic seaside towns, and unspoiled island living. And we're giving it away FREE for a limited time with a special membership offer. Get the details here. |
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Do you want to explore the little-known, unique islands…? Inside, our unique travel book: The World's Best Secret Islands. Learn how to grab your free copy with this special deal. |
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