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You are probably familiar with the star rating on hotels, which signals the level of facilities, service, and comfort you can expect. What many people do not realise is that Greece also has a parallel system for smaller accommodation, including furnished apartments and villas, using "keys" rather than stars. Here is how it works, and whether it is worth pursuing if you own a property you intend to let.

The picturesque island of Kalymnos can be found between the islands of Kos and Leros, in the Dodecanese. Visitors come from all over the world to experience its natural beauty, delicious seafood, quaint alleyways, and, naturally, the local sponges.

This is an original translation of the Greek story Ο Ούβε στα Καλούδια by Nikos Houliaras, published in the collection "Μια μέρα πριν, δυο μέρες μετά" (One day before, two days after) (Athens: Nefeli, 1998)

Greece is one of the more affordable countries in Western Europe to live in, and for many international buyers, that is part of the appeal. Daily life here costs noticeably less than in much of Northern and Western Europe, from rent and utilities to food and healthcare. Below is a realistic picture of what a month in Greece costs, with figures current as of 2026. Treat them as a guide rather than a quote, since your real spend will depend on where you settle and how you live.