Imagine swapping your daily commute for a life on a tranquil Greek island, surrounded by turquoise waters and traditional whitewashed villages. For a handful of lucky families, this dream could soon be a reality, complete with a substantial financial incentive.
The €18,000 Welcome Package
The remote island of Antikythera is actively seeking new residents to bolster its tiny community. In an effort spearheaded by the Greek Orthodox Church of Kythera, the initiative promises a generous package to attract newcomers. Successful applicants will receive €500 per month for three years, totalling €18,000 (approximately £15,000), alongside free accommodation and food.
Wayne Mills, Head of Operations at international shipping firm Seven Seas Worldwide, highlighted the island's appeal. "Antikythera has only 45 permanent residents as of now, so it's a tranquil and close-knit community," he said. The scheme specifically targets young families, bakers, and fishermen to inject youthful energy and essential services into the island's life.
Reviving a Dwindling Community
This move is a direct response to a significant population decline and an ageing demographic. Most of Antikythera's current inhabitants are over 50, with very few children on the island. Andrea Harhalakis, the president of Antikythira, told Greek media Iefimerida.gr of the urgent need for "young families, large enough to make Antikythira alive and full of children's voices."
The programme aims to select and interview up to five families for the relocation package. However, there is a notable hurdle: the promised new houses have not yet been built due to administrative delays. Consequently, no families have moved through this scheme so far. Interested parties are advised to contact Kythira’s Tourism Department for updates on construction.
Life on a Secluded Paradise
Antikythera, covering just 7.89 square miles, is accessible by ferry from Kythira or Crete's Kissamos port. It offers an authentic, rustic Greek lifestyle. The island has electricity and internet, but amenities are basic; in winter, only one small shop supplies essentials.
Beyond its raw natural beauty and role as a crucial stop for migratory birds, Antikythera holds profound historical significance. It is famed for the Antikythera Mechanism, an ancient Greek analogue computer discovered in a shipwreck off its coast in 1901. Dating to around 150-100 BCE, the device is considered one of antiquity's most remarkable technological artefacts.
For those seeking an escape from urban bustle and a chance to be part of a close-knit community revival, this unique offer presents a life-changing opportunity amidst stunning Aegean scenery.
