Donna Curley and her husband Nick moved from Derbyshire to Cyprus, attracted by cheap flights and a slower pace. They bought a holiday home in Kapparis in 2013 and later sold their UK home to settle in Avgorou.
Friendship and time struggles
Donna, 49, told The Times: "A lot of the expats here have well-established friendship groups so it's harder to make new friends than I thought, though there are a lot of British people moving out here now for the tax benefits as well as the lifestyle." She added: "Our move to Cyprus was designed so we could spend more time together, which has happened but not quite as much as we hoped - yet."
Cost of living and adaptations
Everyday costs are generally lower in Cyprus, but food can be expensive. The couple rely on solar power and their own well water to cut bills. In winter, they use a wood-burner and sometimes a backup generator. Their bungalow has a pool and 3,000sqm of land, where they plan a wellness retreat.
Another family's experience
Former teacher Sarah and IT specialist James also moved to Cyprus, fed up with long hours, high costs and crime in the UK. Sarah said: "In the UK schools, there is so much pressure on the kids and they were both unhappy. ... James applied for a job in Cyprus almost on a whim. ... But everything is amazing and the place is absolutely beautiful."
