Omilo Greek Language and Culture inspires people from all over the world to learn Greek, while exploring Greece. They offer 1- and 2-week courses for adults that combine beautiful course locations, experienced teachers, and a balanced combination of Greek classes with cultural activities. All these make Omilo a place where people enjoy learning modern Greek and have fun.
Besides the courses, Omilo also creates online publications to help adults expand their language skills through Language Books and eBooks for different language levels.
The page covers a broad spectrum of topics, from fun and educational games to more complex subjects like ADHD, emotional intelligence, and behavioral issues. The content is engaging, accessible, and grounded in professional knowledge—making it a go-to source for parents who want to understand and support their children better.
By sharing their expertise in an approachable and visually appealing way, You Kiddo It it's a growing community that empowers parents and educators to navigate the beautiful yet challenging journey of raising kids.
If you're looking for expert-backed, easy-to-digest parenting and teaching advice—all in Greek—@you_kiddo_it is definitely worth following!
Greece has expanded support for new parents in recent years. In 2024, the government raised the tax-free income threshold by €1,000 for families with children. It also extended the maternity allowance from four to nine months and increased the heating allowance from €3,000 to €5,000 per child.
These measures aim to ease financial stress for young families. A key part of this support is the birth allowance, a one-time payment for every child born in Greece. Effective from 2024, the amount is now graduated. For the first child, parents receive €2,400, rising to €3,500 for the fifth and subsequent child, providing meaningful relief for growing families.
If you’re an American living and working in Greece, you may qualify for certain local benefits depending on your residence and employment status. Parents who contribute to Greece’s national insurance (EFKA) can apply for maternity and parental leave allowances. Eligibility often depends on your work contract, so confirm with your employer or local EFKA office.
Families also receive child benefits that vary by income and family size, ranging from about €28 to €70 per child. These payments are made six times annually in bi-monthly installments by OPEKA. Applications must be submitted through the government’s digital portal. Local municipalities and expat groups can help guide you through the process.
Many expat parents are surprised by how expensive infant formula is in Greece. According to Le Monde, an 800-gram container of powdered formula can cost up to €27, nearly double the price in other European countries.
Newsday Greece reports that the rising prices forced the government to implement a 7% profit cap on baby formula. Greek authorities also fined several international companies for violating these caps. For parents, this means pricing is now more regulated, but selecting the right formula still requires care. When buying baby formula, always check for EU labeling and safety approval.
Pharmacies across Greece stock many EU-certified brands, and pharmacists can help you choose the right one for your baby. Imported U.S. brands are harder to find and cost more. Many American parents follow product safety news back home. You may have read about the Similac lawsuit in the U.S., which raised concerns about specific infant formulas.
According to TorHoerman Law, various Similac products were linked to necrotizing enterocolitis, a severe intestinal condition in premature infants. However, this case applies only in America and does not affect Greek or EU-regulated products. Still, staying informed about recalls can help you make safer choices, especially if you import formulas from abroad.
Food safety in Greece follows strict EU standards, and local products are regularly inspected. If you live on an island or in a rural area, keep an extra tin or two, since delivery delays are common during peak seasons.
Greece has both public and private healthcare systems, and expat parents often use a mix of both. The public system provides reliable pediatric care through regional hospitals and health centers, but wait times can be long. Private clinics, while more expensive, offer faster appointments and English-speaking pediatricians.
To access public healthcare, register with the national insurance system (EFKA) and obtain an AMKA number. This gives your family access to child health visits and vaccinations. Most vaccinations in Greece follow the World Health Organization’s schedule, so you won’t find major differences compared to the U.S.
A helpful tip for expat families: in many Greek neighborhoods, pediatricians still make house calls for newborn checkups. This can be a big comfort, especially during your baby’s first few weeks. Local parent groups can recommend trusted doctors who speak English or are familiar with the needs of foreign families.
If you plan to split time between the U.S. and Greece, carry a record of your baby’s vaccination history to avoid duplication. Pharmacies in Greece also provide over-the-counter baby medications, but you’ll need a doctor’s prescription for antibiotics or specialized formulas.
Once your child’s healthcare needs are met, the next challenge is managing day-to-day essentials such as formula and supplies, especially outside major cities.
Outside of Athens and Thessaloniki, access to baby supplies can vary. Pharmacies are the primary source of baby formula, diapers, and baby care items. In smaller towns or islands, it’s smart to order in bulk or through online Greek pharmacies that deliver nationwide.
Shipping from the U.S. can be unpredictable due to customs and inspection delays. Rely on EU-certified brands found locally when possible. These products meet high safety standards and are easier to replace if lost or recalled. Island residents should plan around ferry schedules and delivery slowdowns, especially during holidays.
Keep a small emergency kit, formula, diapers, wipes, and basic medication, for times when stores close early or shipments are delayed. To understand daily living costs, consider the example of an American family that relocated from Texas to Greece. According to CNBC, they found life more affordable and balanced.
The family, earning about $136,000 annually, reported spending roughly $1,400 per month on rent and utilities. Additionally, they spend $1,900 on food and $1,200 on medical expenses during their first month. Although their initial relocation cost about $15,000, they described the Greek lifestyle as more fulfilling, and financially lighter compared to the U.S.
While day-to-day logistics can take effort, most expat families adapt quickly. Many American parents say that once they understand how local systems work, they find Greece a welcoming and supportive place to raise children.
American expats need an AMKA number (social security ID) to access Greece’s public healthcare. You can apply for it through your local KEP (Citizens’ Service Center) with your passport, residence permit, and proof of address. Private health insurance is recommended to cover services not included in the public system.
For infants under 4 years old, you'll find both municipal and private infant care centers (Vrefonipiakoi Stathmoi). Private crèches (daycare) can admit babies as young as 2–6 months, though public centers often start closer to 6 months. For personalized care, private nannies or babysitters are also widely available.
Most major cities, such as Athens, Thessaloniki, and Heraklion, have English-speaking pediatricians who cater to expat families. You can find them through private hospitals, embassies, or expat Facebook groups. Many clinics list English fluency on their websites, and some even offer telehealth consultations for added convenience.
Raising infants in Greece as an American expat comes with adjustments, but the rewards typically outweigh the challenges. Understanding how to access parental support, manage formula choices, and navigate healthcare will make your family’s transition smoother.
Greek culture deeply values children and community, so you’ll find many locals willing to offer advice or lend a helping hand. With the right preparations and local insights, you can create a safe, nurturing environment for your little one to thrive under the Mediterranean sun.
Hermes of Praxiteles, also known as Hermes and the Infant Dionysos, is an ancient Greek sculpture, depicting Hermes, the messenger of the gods, and the infant Dionysus, the god of wine. The statue was discovered in 1877 in the ruins of the Temple of Hera at Olympia and it is made of Parian marble. It is attributed to Praxiteles and dated around the 4th century B.C. Praxiteles was one of the prominent sculptors in the Late Classical period in Greece.
Like all the sculptors of this era, in his sculptures, he mostly used to depict the gods and goddesses of the Greek pantheon. The sculpture shows Hermes resting in the trunk of a tree, while the baby is trying to take something from his hand. While Hermes' right arm is missing today, originally it would have probably held a bunch of grapes, taunting the infant. As the myth suggests, Zeus ordered Hermes, his messenger, to hide the newborn from his wife Hera and take him to the nymphs in Crete. Hermes of Praxiteles is displayed at the Archaeological Museum in Olympia.
Dakos, whether you eat it for breakfast, lunch or as a snack any time of the day, it is always wholesome and filling. To make dákos you start with bread rusks. We like the traditional barley krithári or wholemeal olikís alésios rusks with their chunky texture and wholesome flavour. The word ντάκος comes from the way the bread is prepared. This is slicing the bread loaf three quarters of the way through and then baking. Bread rusks paximádia are enjoyed throughout Greece.
Traditionally in Greece paximádia are made by cutting slices from a loaf of fresh home-made bread and then baking them again in the oven till crunchy.
As you can see dako and paximádia are very similar, the difference being how they are cut before they are cooked.
Drizzle a little water on the rusks to soften, then pore plenty of Cretan olive oil over them. Grate fresh garden tomatoes directly onto the rusks and add onion rings.
To read more, please visit we-love-crete.com
The Athenian Riviera is lined with countless beautiful, clean beaches to choose from. However, if you are fixed on sandy beaches, you should definitely visit one of the beaches listed below!
Mauro Lithari
@mavro_lithari_beach_bar
