A British expat living in Spain revealed that she felt safer in her adopted country than her homeland – and her reason why the United Kingdom puts in the shadow.
Mother-of-two Carley Chaplin, who moved to Barcelona with her family more than 18 months ago, said she was especially impressed by “how fast and effective the police are here in Spain.”
The content creator, who shares more than 30,000 followers videos about her new life abroad, revealed how quickly police officers recently had a situation in her neighborhood, a few hours before she traveled to the UK for a visit.
After acting a woman ‘very strange’, the family called the police and said they had arrived ‘within two minutes’.
Ms Chaplin posted a video in April and said: ‘Just had another good example of how fast and effective the police are here in Spain.
‘Got up very early this morning to go to the airport because we are on our way to the UK to see family Easter.
‘And we left the house at 4am like you. And there was a random woman ringing the doorbell of one of the apartments across the street, which is strange at 4am.
“Whatever it is, we were a little concerned because we leave our home and you know that there is always a concern about (someone) coming in when you are not there.
British Expat Carley Chaplin, who now lives in Spain, revealed that she felt safer in her adopted country than her homeland – and her reason why the UK puts in the shadow
The content creator revealed how quickly police officers recently handled a situation in her neighborhood
Ms Chaplin moved to near Barcelona more than 18 months ago with her family
“And she acted very strange. That’s why we called the local police and within two minutes they were there with this woman.
“Now it seems that she was known to them.
“But I just thought it was another fantastic example of how the police react here in Spain and especially in Catalonia and quickly and effectively handle things.”
And Ms Chaplin is certainly not alone in her feelings, judging by a recent poll.
The Global Peace Index of 2024 considered Spain the 23rd safest country in the world, while the UK placed the 34th out of 163 countries.
But Spain seems to be the only Mediterranean country to win over British expatriates.
A similar story unfolds in Greece, where another British native found not only a new home, but a better way of life.
British Venezuelan Daniel Carrizalez lifted rods from London in the UK and settled in Nafplio in the Peloponnese region in 2010.
Daniel Carrizalez, 49, moved to Nafplio in Greece in 2010. He tells MailOnline Travel what it is like to live there
Daniel says he likes to be ‘surrounded by natural beauty’ every day in Greece ‘
Daniel says he is ‘attracted to the Mediterranean lifestyle, rich culture and beautiful landscapes’ in Greece
Fourteen years later, the 49-year-old music composer and online entrepreneur moved with his wife and four-month-old daughter and have had another daughter in Greece ever since.
He told MailOnline Travel: ‘We are attracted to the Mediterranean lifestyle, rich culture and beautiful landscapes. Greece offered a slower, more fulfilling rate of life and a chance to raise our family, surrounded by history, nature and strong community values. ‘
Daniel said he had never experienced such an incredible ‘sense of community’ before moving to Greece.
He revealed: ‘The biggest surprise was the deep, sincere kindness of people here. The warmth and hospitality are even more clear than I expected. Greeks go out of their way to make you feel welcome. ‘
The relaxed and healthy Greek lifestyle was the biggest bonus for moving for Daniel, who likes to be surrounded by natural beauty every day ‘and people who’ really care about each other ‘.
The Briton explained that ‘crime is not an important problem in NAFPLIO’, and although there is ‘small crime’, it feels ‘generally very safe and people look up to each other.’
While the lifestyle is a clear improvement on the UK, Daniel acknowledges that bureaucracy in Greece is more a challenge. He explained: ‘The pace can be a little slower. Things like paperwork and the introduction of services can last longer than in the UK, which can be frustrating. Things tend to be more streamlined in the UK. ‘
Daniel can also provide a ‘narrow and winding rural roads’ a challenge. But he adds that ‘the views make it worth it’.
How did the family settle on Nafplio, a coastal city, about two hours drive from Athens as their new home?
Daniel explains: ‘It is known for his historical interest, beautiful architecture and charm at the sea. It is a perfect mix of culture, scenery and a close community, and it provides a wonderful environment for our family. ‘
Out of eating is ‘fantastic’, adds Daniel, who likes the country’s emphasis on fresh and local ingredients. His favorite restaurant is a ‘magic’ taverna called bounos.psarosavouras in Nafplio’s old city overlooking the sea and Bourtzi Castle.
Would he recommend that other British make the move?
“Absolutely,” Daniel says. ‘If you appreciate the lifestyle, connection to nature and a sense of community, Greece is a wonderful place to live. It is an ideal destination for those who want to embrace a balanced, fulfilling way of life. ‘
