We’re Tom and Linda, a retired American couple who traded the hustle of suburban life for the sunlit streets of Heraklion, Crete. Living here on this rugged Greek island feels like a second chapter, one we never imagined back in our working years. Here’s what a typical day looks like for us now, in our little corner of the Mediterranean.

Morning: Waking Up to the Sea
I wake up around 8:00 a.m., the sound of the Aegean lapping against the shore drifting through our open bedroom window. Linda’s already up, fussing with the stovetop to brew a pot of Greek coffee—thick, strong, and a far cry from the drip machine we used to rely on. I grab a couple of oranges from the bowl on the counter, slicing them while she spoons out creamy yogurt into bowls. We top it with honey and walnuts, add a slice of bread with olive oil, and sit by the window, watching the fishing boats sway in the harbor. It’s quiet, simple, and so different from the rushed mornings we once knew.

By 9:30, we’re out for our walk along the old Venetian walls that wrap around Heraklion’s heart. The air smells of salt and wild thyme, and we wave "Kalimera!" to the neighbors who’ve started smiling at our clumsy Greek. Some days, we detour to the Koules Fortress down by the water. Standing there, feeling the breeze, I can’t help but think how this beats mowing the lawn back in Ohio.

Midday: Market Runs and Minoan Wonders
Around 11:00, we head to the Central Market on 1866 Street. It’s a narrow, noisy lane packed with stalls—olives shining like jewels, fish so fresh they still glisten, and herbs I can smell before I see them. We grab tomatoes, feta, and dill for lunch, chatting with vendors who’ve begun to recognize us. Linda’s gotten good at asking "Poso kanei?" (How much?), while I just grin and marvel at how cheap it all is compared to the States.

Sometimes, after dropping off our bags, we wander over to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. It’s a treasure chest of Minoan history—frescoes of leaping bulls, delicate pottery from Knossos. I love the slow pace we can take now, no rush, just soaking in a past that feels alive here. Linda says it’s like being kids again, learning something new every day.

Afternoon: Lunch and a Lazy Pause
By 1:30, we’re back home, cooking together. Today, it’s a Greek salad with our market haul and some grilled octopus we’ve learned to make from our neighbor, Maria. We eat on the balcony, sipping raki—that fiery Cretan spirit—and watching the sea sparkle. Lunch stretches out, no clocks to punch, just the two of us and the view.

Then comes siesta. From 3:00 to 5:00, Heraklion hushes—shops close, streets empty. Linda naps or fusses with her basil and oregano pots while I dive into a book about Crete’s history. It’s a stillness we never had back home, and it feels like a gift.

Evening: Friends and Sunsets
Around 5:30, as the day cools, we head out again. Some nights, we meet up with other expats at a taverna by the water—coffee or a glass of local wine, swapping stories of life here. Other times, we join a yoga group we found through a flyer at the community center. We miss our kids and grandkids, sure, but a weekly video call keeps us close.

Dinner’s late, around 8:00—maybe dakos at a little spot nearby, those crunchy rusks with tomatoes and cheese, or something light we whip up at home. Afterward, if we have the energy, we drive out to Ammoudara Beach to catch the sunset or post-sunset (depending on the season). The sky turns to fire—orange, pink, purple—and we stand there, hand in hand, feeling lucky.

Night: Winding Down
We’re back by 10:00, the warmth still hanging in the air. Maybe we watch a movie, or maybe we just listen to the faint twang of bouzouki music from next door. By 11:00, we’re in bed, the promise of another slow, sweet day ahead. This life in Heraklion—it’s ours now, and it’s more than we ever dreamed retirement could be.

Final Thoughts
For retirees moving to Europe, a two-step rental strategy—starting with a short-term rental via platforms like Airbnb or Flatio, then transitioning to a long-term lease through local websites or agents—ensures flexibility and affordability. While navigating local-language listings can be challenging, it often leads to the best deals and the most authentic living experience.

By taking the time to explore first and then securing a long-term rental through local channels, retirees can find a comfortable and cost-effective home in Europe that fits their lifestyle and budget.