Teacher Thaleia Papathanasiou in class with her two pupils, the last ones in Drakotrypa. Both will have to transfer to a school in neighboring Mouzaki. [ACHILLEAS CHIRAS]
As teachers across Greece prepare for permanent appointments or annual contracts as substitutes, many assigned to tourist destinations face a familiar challenge: finding affordable housing. Although the Interior and Education ministries have launched programs to build homes and subsidize rent, local officials say the problem persists because housing remains scarce and new construction takes time.
In Agios Vasileios, Crete, six renovated buildings already house teachers and doctors. Five were funded by the Interior Ministry, while another was built with municipal funds. Mayor Giannis Tatarakis said demand increased after the homes became available. Residents pay a symbolic monthly fee of €50, including utilities, and the units are fully furnished.
Astypalaia provides housing allowances of €200 to €300 to permanent employees and plans to extend the benefit to substitute teachers. The municipality has also secured funding to build six to eight homes expected to be completed within two years.
Serifos has received funding for eight residences and expects the first tenants by 2028 if the project proceeds on schedule.
