🌍 Miloš’s Journey: From Serbia to Gran Canaria and Beyond 🌴

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“ The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”

– St. Augustine

From the bustling streets of Kraljevo, Serbia, to studying in the Netherlands, then working his way to Dutch citizenship, Miloš’s life story is a testament to perseverance and the pursuit of personal growth. After earning his citizenship, he made another big leap: moving to the sunny island of Gran Canaria. In this exclusive interview, Miloš shares the highs and lows of living on an island in the Atlantic Ocean, how the Netherlands, Spain and Kenya became life-changing experiences, and what it’s like to build a life in the Canary Islands.

1. Miloš, Tell Us a Bit About Yourself! 🇷🇸➡️🇳🇱

Courageous Wanderer: Before we dive into your big move to Gran Canaria, could you share a bit about your background? What brought you to the Netherlands in the first place, and how did you find the transition from Serbia to a new country?

Miloš:Hi, I’m Miloš, originally from Serbia—Kraljevo, to be exact. I studied in Belgrade, but before I ended up in the Netherlands, my first international experience was in Sweden during an Erasmus exchange in Västerås (pronounced Vesteros) – (yes, like the Game of Thrones!). After returning to Belgrade to finish my bachelor’s, I knew I wanted to pursue a master’s abroad. That took me to Stockholm and then Barcelona, where I ended up staying for almost three years. Eventually, I got an offer to do research in Eindhoven, which brought me to the Netherlands. From there, the story slowly started shifting toward the sun…

2. The Move to Gran Canaria: What Inspired You to Relocate? 🌴

CW: After achieving Dutch citizenship, why did you choose Gran Canaria as your next destination? What was it about this island that drew you in, and what did you expect from life there?

M: While I was living in Amsterdam, I started looking for a winter escape. Las Palmas began as a short getaway—just one month of sunshine a year. But one month turned into two, then four… and over time, I found myself unofficially based here. The vibe, the lifestyle, the sunshine—it all pulled me in.

3. Life on an Island: How Does Gran Canaria Compare to the Netherlands? 🌍

CW: Living on an island in the Atlantic Ocean must be a huge change! How does the lifestyle and pace in Gran Canaria compare to your time in the Netherlands? Is it easier or more challenging to live on the island?

M: The energy shift is massive. In Gran Canaria, you finish work and still have sunshine—so you hit the beach, have coffee, meet friends. People here live outdoors, and that completely transforms your daily rhythm. In the Netherlands, especially in winter, that just isn’t possible. The ease and flexibility of living here make everything feel lighter.

4. Living the Island Life: The Benefits of Gran Canaria 🏖️

CW: Gran Canaria has been a popular destination for many expats. What do you love most about living there? From the weather to the landscape, what makes this place feel like home?

M: It’s not just the weather—it’s the way of life. I love the spontaneity, how people live outside, how the sun energizes you. Work-life balance is completely in your hands here. You can grab a beach coffee break at noon or play volleyball after work without worrying about timing or logistics. It’s a freedom I didn’t realize I was missing until I experienced it.

5. The Challenges of Island Living: What Was Harder Than Expected? ⚠️

CW: Moving to an island can come with unique challenges. Was there anything you didn’t anticipate about island life? Are there any hurdles or adjustments you had to make that you didn’t expect?

M: People warned me I might feel isolated, but honestly, Las Palmas has all the infrastructure of the mainland. The only real downside is that there are no direct flights to Serbia. But otherwise? You get everything—good internet, community, shops, events, and great weather all year round.

6. Kenya: A Life-Changing Experience 🇰🇪

CW: Last year, you had the chance to visit Kenya, and you’ve mentioned that it was a life-changing experience. What made your time in Kenya so impactful? How did it shape your view of the world and your own life choices?

M: Kenya was magical. I went in with low expectations and came back completely blown away. The nature, the people, the food—everything was vibrant and full of life. I did safaris, spent time at the beach, and connected with locals I knew there. It was a beautiful, humbling experience, and I’d recommend it to everyone.

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7. Connections: Is Gran Canaria Well-Connected to Europe and Africa? ✈️

CW: Living on an island can sometimes feel isolating. Is Gran Canaria well-connected to the rest of Europe and Africa? How do you find traveling to and from the island in terms of convenience and cost?

M: Yes, pretty well. You can travel anywhere in Europe fairly easily. The only thing is that sometimes flights aren’t direct, especially to places like Serbia. But other than that, it’s accessible, and definitely not isolated like people often assume.

8. How Is the Work-Life Balance on Gran Canaria? 🏝️💼

CW: Compared to your previous life in the Netherlands, how has the work-life balance shifted? Is it easier to find time for relaxation and personal activities in Gran Canaria, or does island living come with its own set of professional challenges?

M: Work-life balance is what you make it here. The weather doesn’t dictate your plans, so you’re free to shape your day however you want. That flexibility lets you integrate work and life in a much more fluid way than in colder, darker climates.

9. The Local Culture: What Has Surprised You Most About Gran Canaria? 🌞

CW: Gran Canaria is a popular spot for tourists, but what did you learn about the local culture that surprised you? How have you integrated into the Canarian way of life, and what makes the people of Gran Canaria unique?

M: How active and outdoorsy people are. Locals love being outside, and that energy rubs off on everyone—including expats. There’s this easygoing vibe and welcoming attitude that makes it simple to connect and socialize. No big plans needed—just show up at the beach or a café and you’re part of the flow.

10. Is Island Life Right for You? 🏖️

CW: Do you think Gran Canaria is a good fit for others looking for a new life in a sunny place, or are there aspects of island living that might make it unsuitable for some people? Who do you think this lifestyle is perfect for?

M: It depends on your lifestyle. If you enjoy a slower pace, being outside, and value community and sunshine over hustle culture, this could be a dream. But if you need constant variety or direct flights everywhere, it might feel limiting. For me, it’s the perfect fit.

11. What About the Weather? Does It Live Up to the Hype? 🌞🌧️

CW: Gran Canaria is famous for its warm, sunny climate. Is the weather really as great as people say? How does it impact your daily life and mood? Do you find it easy to enjoy outdoor activities all year round?

M: Absolutely. It’s like an eternal transition between spring and summer. Even within Gran Canaria, you can experience different climates—deserts in the south, pine forests and cool weather in the mountains, and sunny coastlines in Las Palmas. You can literally have four microclimates in one day if you want!

12. Moving Forward: What’s Next for You, Miloš? 🌍

CW: Now that you’ve settled in Gran Canaria, what’s next on your horizon? Are you planning to explore more of the Canary Islands, or do you have other goals you’d like to pursue in the near future?

M: Now that I’m settled in Gran Canaria, I’m focusing on deepening the roots here while also staying open to exploration. I’d love to visit more of the Canary Islands and maybe return to Kenya at some point. But for now, this island feels like the right base to build from.

Have you ever visited an island like Gran Canaria? Share your experience in the comments below!