Melissia, Greece

Capital City

With a population of just 2,525, Melissia is a small and sleepy suburb that offers little to get excited about for most expats. The once-rural area has seen rapid development in recent decades, transforming it into a monotonous grid of generic housing. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the town was only recognized as a municipality in 1990 after previously being absorbed into the larger Penteli region. The climate may appeal to some, with the town situated at the foot of the Penteli mountains, but the lack of amenities and entertainment means Melissia is best suited for quiet retirees seeking a simple, provincial lifestyle on the outskirts of Athens.