Get Your Free 1st Issue
Your Homes Overseas Magazine!
Discover the best destinations, property tips, and lifestyle insights from around the world.
GET YOUR FREE MAGAZINE HERE!
Discover the best destinations, property tips, and lifestyle insights from around the world.
GET YOUR FREE MAGAZINE HERE!
When you think of moving to Greece, images of sun-soaked islands or bustling Athens and Thessaloniki likely come to mind. Yet, Northern Greece’s lesser-known cities of Drama and Serres offer a refreshing alternative. Nestled amidst rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local culture, these cities provide an authentic Greek experience without the crowds or high costs of tourist hotspots. For expats seeking affordability, natural beauty, and genuine community, Drama and Serres are emerging as ideal destinations in 2025. Curious about your options? Check out the best international real estate websites to see what’s available.
Drama, 400 miles (650 km) from Athens, sits at the base of the Falakro Mountains. With a population of about 43,000, it blends a storied past, rooted in Roman and Byzantine trade routes and pivotal in the Balkan Wars and World War II, with a modern economy driven by farming, manufacturing, and growing ecotourism. Its name, possibly from the Greek ydrama (“rich in water”), reflects the region’s abundant springs and streams.
Serres, an hour west of Drama, boasts over 2,500 years of history as a Roman and Byzantine hub near the Strymon River, named for a mythological river god from Homer’s Iliad. With over 60,000 residents, Serres combines ancient heritage with modern amenities, gaining fame as the setting for a hit Greek Netflix series. Both cities offer a warm, welcoming vibe, making them perfect for expats craving immersion over tourist traps.
Compared to Athens or Thessaloniki, Drama and Serres are budget-friendly. On platforms like Spitogatos.gr, rentals start under €400 ($432) monthly for charming homes with scenic views. Property purchases are also significantly cheaper than in urban centers. Local markets overflow with fresh produce, think juicy tomatoes and olives at low prices, and dining out is a steal, with hearty meals at tavernas costing $10, $20 per person. It’s a great example of how the cost of living in Greece can vary depending on where you settle, with places like Drama and Serres offering exceptional value.
Northern Greece is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Drama’s proximity to the Falakro Mountains (6 miles/10 km away) offers access to a scenic ski resort with 21 trails and a 2,232-meter peak, Profitis Ilias, ideal for year-round hiking and skiing. Serres, 24 miles (40 km) from Lake Kerkini, is a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 300 rare species. Glide across lily-covered waters in flat-bottomed plaves boats to spot buffalo and birds against a mountain backdrop. The Lailias Forest, 15 miles (25 km) from Serres, features trails through beech and pine trees, while the Sidirokastro Spa’s thermal baths, also 15 miles away, blend healing waters with panoramic river views.
Both cities host lively events. Drama’s International Short Film Festival (DISFF), an Oscar-qualifying event since 1978, draws 125,000 attendees annually across five venues. Serres shines with the Mascarata carnival before Lent, featuring folk dances and colorful parades, and the UNESCO-recognized Anastenaria Fire-Walking Festival in nearby Agia Eleni, a spiritual ritual of dance and fire-walking held on May 21. These celebrations are just a glimpse into the deep-rooted tradition in Greece that continues to shape daily life in even its lesser-known towns.
Far from tourist crowds, Drama and Serres offer genuine Greek living, neighbors sharing garden figs, impromptu square dances, and warm kaliméra greetings. Serres’ iconic bougatsa (flaky pastry with custard or meat) pairs perfectly with Greek coffee, while Drama’s tavernas serve rustic kokoretsi (roasted offal) and soutzoukakia (spiced meatballs in tomato sauce). Meals emphasize fresh, seasonal ingredients and communal hospitality, reflecting the region’s heart and soul.
Despite their tranquil vibe, both cities are well-connected. Drama, 90 miles (145 km) from Thessaloniki, is near Kavala’s regional airport, while Serres, 52 miles (84 km) from Thessaloniki’s international airport (SKG), offers easy travel. Mainland access ensures proximity to top hospitals in Thessaloniki or Athens, avoiding island ferry challenges, a key advantage for retirees.
These hurdles are manageable with preparation, and the rewards of affordable living, natural splendor, and deep community ties, often outweigh them.
Drama and Serres offer a rare blend of history, nature, and authenticity, increasingly hard to find in Greece’s busier locales. For expats seeking a slower pace, meaningful connections, and a cost-effective yet enriching lifestyle, these Northern Greek gems are hidden treasures waiting to be explored. Ready to discover your perfect home in Greece? Contact us today for expert guidance and local insights.
They offer lower costs (rentals under $432/month), fewer tourists, and authentic Greek living with access to mountains, lakes, and cultural festivals, ideal for immersion without urban bustle.
Rentals start at €400 ($432) monthly, dining out costs $10-$20 per person, and local markets provide cheap, fresh produce. Property purchases are far cheaper than in Athens or Thessaloniki.
Drama’s Falakro Mountains offer skiing and hiking, while Serres’ Lake Kerkini is ideal for birdwatching and boating. Lailias Forest and Sidirokastro Spa provide trails and therapeutic baths.
Basic Greek (A1-A2) is recommended for bureaucracy and daily interactions, as English services are limited. Locals appreciate the effort, and language classes are available.
Check platforms like Spitogatos.gr for rentals or purchases. Work with local agents familiar with Northern Greece, and consider short-term rentals to test the area before committing.
About International Property Alerts
International Property Alerts is a premier global platform connecting real estate investors with handpicked opportunities in emerging and lifestyle-driven markets. Through curated listings, expert guidance, and market insights, we help buyers make confident property decisions worldwide.
Media Contact:
Phone: +4477 1923 8132
📱 WhatsApp: +63927 073 9530
Email: office@internationalpropertyalerts.com
Elle Resort & Beach Club offers a rare chance to own property in one of the most desirable coastal locations. With limited units, strong capital growth potential, and unmatched resort facilities, this is your opportunity to secure a beachfront lifestyle with long-term value.
Thinking about buying property abroad? Don’t make the move without the right knowledge. Our Free Buyers Guide gives you essential insights on legal steps, taxes, financing, and the best markets worldwide. Trusted by international buyers and investors.
Wake up to bright, spacious living with stunning views and modern comforts. Whether for family living, retirement, or a stylish retreat, Sudara Residences makes your dream home a reality
Discover curated property listings with IPS—residential, commercial, villas, land—and get expert guidance through every step.
BONUS: FREE Cambodia Buyer’s Guide
High visibility. Targeted audience. Maximum exposure. Rent this space and let your brand shine.
Get your properties in front of high-intent investors. Showcase your listings to buyers worldwide.
From pounds to pesos, yen to dollars. ⚡ Quick. Easy. Secure.
Compare listings
Compare