Packing up and starting over in a new country is a huge move for many couples. Patricia Mahan and Dan Matarazzo from the US have done this twice in the past 20 years. Married for 37 years, they left the US for Mexico in 2006, and last year, they moved to Greece. Attracted by the idea of living near the sea in an affordable place, they finally found their ideal location in Kritsa, a village on the Greek island of Crete.
In 2023, they purchased a two-bedroom stone house in the village for €137,000 (about $148,200), which was previously a bakery. They moved to Crete in September 2023 with a Type D visa, allowing them to stay for up to a year. Although excited, they also faced challenges, including the emotional toll of leaving their social circle in Mexico.
The couple say they love living in Kritsa, which they describe as “a traditional village with traditional values.” Patricia and Dan
However, they were warmly welcomed by the locals in Kritsa, who brought them gifts of food and produce. They have since settled into their new home, making small updates while respecting its traditional style. They feel safe and at home in this traditional village, where people take pride in their community and crime is almost nonexistent.
