The Need for Reliable Internet on Greek Islands

The Greek islands are famous for their beauty, but poor internet connectivity remains a major challenge. From personal experience, I can confirm that traditional solutions like landline internet or using a SIM card as a hotspot often have slow speeds and frequent disruptions.

As remote work becomes more popular, high-speed internet is no longer a luxury, it’s essential. For locals, it’s crucial for running businesses and supporting tourism. For remote workers and digital nomads, it’s the key to combining productivity with the paradise lifestyle.

After trying various options, I discovered Starlink, which turned out to be the perfect solution for my weak internet. In this blog, I’ll share more about Starlink and my experience using it.

What is Starlink and How Does It Work?

Starlink, created by Elon Musk’s company SpaceX, provides global internet coverage using satellites. Every year, more satellites are launched, improving internet speed and stability. All you need is a Starlink receiver, which you install outside your home.

The setup is simple. Starlink provides an installation kit with a receiver and a Wi-Fi router. From my experience, after securing the receiver to your house, you can have internet running in just a few minutes.

How Much Does Starlink Cost?

To get started, you need to buy the hardware (receiver and Wi-Fi router), which costs €349. After that, the monthly internet fee in Greece is €40.

In comparison, landline internet or unlimited mobile internet costs around the same per month, but Starlink’s one-time hardware cost is the difference. One big advantage is that Starlink lets you pause your subscription. If you only use your house in the summer, you can easily turn it on or off as needed.

Speed and Performance of Starlink

From personal experience and feedback from others, Starlink’s download speeds are consistently between 100 and 300 Mbps, with upload speeds ranging from 20 to 60 Mbps. These speeds remain stable whether you live in a town, village, or a remote area of the island where mobile signal is often weak.

In comparison, with landline internet or unlimited mobile SIM cards, my download speed was around 7 Mbps, and upload speeds barely reached 1 Mbps on a good day. The improvement with Starlink has been remarkable.

How Weather Affects Starlink Internet

Initially, I was hesitant to get Starlink because I live in a windy area. In summer, the winds are so strong that I worried about mounting the receiver on my roof. After doing some research, I found out that Starlink receivers are designed to handle extreme conditions. My receiver has been securely on my roof ever since.

Rain, storms, or sunshine—it doesn’t matter. Even in extreme weather, the receiver adjusts for safety, and you still have internet. The only time I lost connection was during a power outage.

Installation Solutions for Starlink

It’s important to install the receiver in a location with as few obstructions as possible, such as trees or buildings. In most cases, mounting it on the roof is the best solution. Many Greek homes have flat roofs, so you can easily secure the receiver directly.

If you don’t have a flat roof, there are accessories available to mount the receiver on a sloped roof, wall, or pole to elevate it higher.

Why Greek Islands are Ideal for Starlink

On the islands, stable internet is often hard to find, especially on smaller or remote ones. Mobile signal is usually strong in towns but weak in more secluded areas. This is where Starlink shines, it provides consistent internet even in places where mobile coverage is minimal.

More Europeans are moving to the Greek islands to enjoy a better quality of life. With stable internet, new work opportunities open up, making it easier for people to turn their island dreams into reality. Plus, Starlink’s flexible subscription allows you to pause it when you don’t need it, perfect for seasonal residents.

Would I Recommend Starlink for Living on a Greek Island?

My answer is a resounding YES! Starlink has transformed my internet experience from slow and unstable to a reliable, modern standard. I’ve gone from blurry, lagging video calls to smooth, high-quality calls where I can share my screen without issues.

I wouldn’t go back to my old internet for anything. If you live on a Greek island and need reliable internet, Starlink is absolutely worth it.