Essentials
- City
- Kozani, Western Macedonia, Greece
- Population
- 71,000 (Metropolitan area)
- Internet Speed
- Average 50-100 Mbps (VDSL widely available, FTTH expanding via Cosmote)
- Currency & Banking
- Euro (EUR). 1 EUR ≈ 1.08 USD. Major banks: Piraeus Bank, National Bank of Greece (NBG)
- Tap Water
- Drinkable and of high quality, sourced from local springs
- Power
- 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C and F sockets
- SIM Card
- Cosmote, Vodafone GR, Nova. Prepaid 20GB approx. €15-20
- Banking for Expats
- Revolut and Viva Wallet are widely used; local accounts require an AFM (tax number)
- Accommodation
- Mostly local apartments via Spitogatos or Airbnb; boutique hotels like Hotel Nefeli
- Cashless Friendly
- Yes, POS terminals are mandatory in Greece; cards accepted even in small kiosks
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb prices range from €35-€60 per night in the city center
- Budget Accommodation
- Hotel Anesis (approx. €45/night) located near the main square
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- City Center (Plateia Nikis) for proximity to the Clock Tower and Folklore Museum
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Osimi or Agios Christoforos for quieter residential vibes with good fiber optic coverage
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- Kozani Hub (Municipal Space) or the University of Western Macedonia library for quiet study
- Best Cafe for Work
- The Resto Bar (Plateia Nikis) or Mple (Great WiFi and ample seating)
- Networking Events
- Events organized by the Koventareios Municipal Library or the Chamber of Commerce (EBE Kozanis)
- Social Events for Expats
- Mostly student-focused events through Erasmus+ UOWM; 'Expats in Greece' Facebook groups
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- No Uber; use Radio Taxi Kozanis (+30 2461 033600) or Beat app
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Municipal bike-sharing system (EasyBike) usually found near the Public Library
- Best Beach Nearby
- Katerini/Paralia (approx. 1 hour 15 mins drive via Egnatia Odos)
- Top Regional Airline
- Sky Express (Flights from Kozani Filippos Airport KZI to Athens)
- Top International Airline
- Aegean Airlines (via nearby Thessaloniki Airport SKG, 1.5 hours away)
- Highway Access
- Direct access to Egnatia Odos (A2), connecting East and West Greece
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- Kozani KTEL Bus Station (Connections to Thessaloniki every hour for €14)
- Public Transport Passes
- Single city bus ticket approx. €1.10; monthly passes available for €30-€40
- Regional Travel
- KTEL Kozanis for travel to nearby Kastoria, Florina, or Meteora
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Mamatsio General Hospital of Kozani (Upper City area)
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Anima Studio (Yoga and Pilates) on Filippou II street
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Top Gym Kozani or Gymnasium (Average monthly membership €35-€45)
- Laundry Services
- EasyWash Self-Service Laundry (near the University areas)
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- Wolt and efood (very active with fast delivery)
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Kozani Kichis (spiral cheese pie) and dishes flavored with Krokos Kozanis (Saffron)
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Smaragdus (Health-focused menu) and various Meze places offering fava and grilled veggies
- Best Dessert Spots
- Kyvelia for traditional sweets and 'Tulumba'
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Saturday Open Air Market (Laiki Agora) near the Railway Station
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Skroutz.gr (The Amazon of Greece) for all tech and home goods
- Grocery Delivery
- Sklavenitis or AB Vassilopoulos via their mobile apps
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- The 'Pedestrian Street' (Pavlou Mela) and the square around the Clock Tower
- Local Brewery
- Voreia Beer (Regional craft beer widely stocked in local pubs)
- Wine Bars
- Tρυποκάρυδος (Trypokarydos) for local Xinomavro wines
- Street Food Stalls
- Pita tou Papa for classic Gyros (approx. €4.00-€4.50)
- Popular International Cuisine
- Strada (Italian/Pizza) and various Sushi options via delivery
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- The Kozani Clock Tower (Agios Nikolaos) and the Koventareios Library
- Museums & Art Venues
- Folklore and Natural History Museum of Kozani
- Historical Sites
- Ancient Aiani (15km away), one of the most important archaeological sites in the region
- Religious Sites
- Cathedral of Agios Nikolaos (17th century wood-carved iconostasis)
- Annual Events
- Kozani Carnival (Fanoi) - huge street bonfires and traditional satire in February/March
- Cultural Districts
- The Old Town (Lower city area) with traditional mansions (Archontika)
- Theater Venues
- DIPETHE Kozanis (Municipal and Regional Theater)
- Local Markets
- The Municipal Market building (Dimotiki Agora) for local saffron and cheeses
- Music Scene
- Jazz bars and traditional 'Rebetadiko' spots in the back alleys of the center
- Street Art
- Murals near the University buildings and the Skate Park
- Cooking Classes
- Occasional workshops by the Women's Cooperative of Kozani on traditional phyllo making
- Art Galleries
- X-Art Gallery near Plateia Nikis
- Historic Buildings
- Lassani Mansion (now a mapping of the revolution museum)
- Local Heritage
- Krokos Kozanis (PDO Saffron), the city is the only saffron-producing region in Greece
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Lake Polyfytos and the bridge of Servia (20 mins drive)
- National Parks Nearby
- Pindus National Park (Valia Calda) approx. 1.5 hours away
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- Kouri Forest Park (ideal for shaded jogging and walking)
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Agios Eleftherios Hill for a panoramic view of the city and the Eordea plateau
- Birdwatching Locations
- The wetlands of Lake Polyfytos near the village of Neraida
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Only during the Carnival 'Fanoi' festival at designated city corners
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- ACS Courier and Geniki Taxydromiki (central offices in the city)
- Tech Repair Services
- Germanos or local independent shops like 'PC Service Kozani'
- Table Tennis Spots
- Local sports clubs (SAK Kozanis) near the Municipal Stadium
- Language Classes
- Strategakis or Hellenic American Union partners for Greek lessons
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Koventareios Municipal Library (the 2nd largest in Greece)
- Community Centers
- Kozani Municipal Youth Center
- Gaming Lounges
- InSpot Kozani (major gaming chain with high-speed internet)
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- OPAP Play (Gaming halls) available in multiple central locations
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. €1,100 per m² (e.g., 35 m² = €38,500)
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. €850 per m² (e.g., 35 m² = €29,750)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 55 m² = €55,000)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. €800 per m² (e.g., 55 m² = €44,000)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. €950 per m² (e.g., 85 m² = €80,750)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. €750 per m² (e.g., 85 m² = €63,750)
- Corporate Tax
- 22%
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 5%
- Tax System
- Worldwide income basis for residents
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 44% (for income over €40,000)
- VAT
- 24% (Standard rate)
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- Yes, Greece follows EU ATAD guidelines
- Property Tax
- Yes, ENFIA (Annual tax based on location/size)
- Property Transaction Tax
- 3.09% (Plus notary and registration fees)
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- 50% income tax break for 7 years for eligible remote workers moving to Greece