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Female traveller reveals reason she feels safer in Spain than in the UK
A British expat living in Spain has revealed she feels safer in her adopted country than her homeland - and her reason why puts the UK in the shade.
Mother-of-two Carley Chaplin, who moved with her family to near Barcelona more than 18 months ago, said she had been especially impressed by 'how rapid and effective the police are here in Spain.'
The content creator, who shares videos about her new life abroad to her more than 30,000 followers, revealed how swiftly police officers recently dealt with a situation that arose in her neighbourhood just hours before she travelled back to the UK for a visit.
After noticing a woman 'acting very strangely', the family called the police and said they had turned up 'within two minutes'.
Posting a video in April, Ms Chaplin said: 'Just had another really good example of how rapid and effective the police are here in Spain.
'Got up very early this morning to go to the airport because we're heading to the UK to see family over Easter.
'And we were leaving the house at 4am as you do. And there was some random woman ringing the doorbell of one of the apartments across the street, which is strange at 4am.
'Anyway, we were a bit concerned because we're leaving our home and you know there's always a worry about [someone] getting in when you're not there.
The content creator revealed how swiftly police officers recently dealt with a situation that arose in her neighbourhood
Ms Chaplin moved with her family from the UK to near Barcelona more than 18 months ago
'And she was acting very very strangely. So we rang the local police and within two minutes they were there talking to this woman.
'Now it turns out she was known to them.
'But I just thought that was another fantastic example of how the police here in Spain and particularly in Catalonia are so responsive and deal with things rapidly and effectively.'
And Ms Chaplin is certainly not alone in her sentiments, judging by a recent poll.
The 2024 Global Peace Index ranked Spain as the 23rd safest country in the world while the UK placed 34th out of 163 countries.
But it seems Spain isn't the only Mediterranean country winning over British expats.
A similar story is unfolding in Greece, where another UK native has found not just a new home, but a better way of life.
Brit-Venezuelan Daniel Carrizalez upped sticks from London in the UK and settled down in Nafplio in the Peloponnese region with his family back in 2010.
Fourteen years later, the 49-year-old music composer and online entrepreneur has relocated with his wife and four-month-old daughter and has since had another daughter in Greece.
He told MailOnline Travel: 'We were drawn to the Mediterranean lifestyle, rich culture and beautiful landscapes. Greece offered a slower, more fulfilling pace of life and a chance to raise our family surrounded by history, nature and strong community values.'
Daniel said he'd never experienced such an amazing 'sense of community' before moving to Greece.
He revealed: 'The biggest surprise has been the deep, genuine friendliness of people here. The warmth and hospitality are even more pronounced than I expected. Greeks go out of their way to make you feel welcome.'
The relaxed and wholesome Greek lifestyle has been the biggest bonus to moving for Daniel, who loves 'being surrounded by natural beauty every day' and people who 'genuinely care about each other'.
The Brit explained that 'crime isn't a significant problem in Nafplio' and although there's 'petty crime', it 'generally feels very safe and people look out for each other.'
While the lifestyle is a definite improvement on the UK, Daniel admits that bureaucracy is more of a challenge in Greece. He explained: 'The pace can be a bit slower. Things like paperwork and setting up services can take longer than in the UK, which can be frustrating. Things tend to be more streamlined in the UK.'
Also, driving in Greece can be something of 'an adventure', says Daniel with 'narrow and winding rural roads' presenting a challenge. But he adds that 'the views make it worthwhile'.
So how did the family settle on Nafplio, a coastal city about a two-hour drive from Athens, as their new home?
Daniel explains: 'It's known for its historical significance, beautiful architecture and seaside charm. It's a perfect blend of culture, scenery and close-knit community, plus it offers a wonderful environment for our family.'
Eating out is 'fantastic', adds Daniel, who loves the country's emphasis on fresh and local ingredients'. His favourite restaurant is a 'magical' taverna called in Nafplio's old town with views of the sea and Bourtzi castle.
So, would he recommend other Brits make the move?
