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+31 (0)6-83773220
+30 6977175045
Buying property in Crete is an attractive investment, as it is one of the most popular islands. Crete is the southernmost and largest island in Greece. Its coastline stretches for a thousand kilometers and is indented with numerous bays, caves and steep cliffs. This unique island is bathed in the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. As a tourist destination, Crete is more popular than other Greek islands, and every visitor will find something to do here that suits their personal tastes. Beach and sun lovers will enjoy the excellent beaches and secluded bays and the active seaside villages that are warmed by the sun 300 days a year. Many people therefore buy a house in Crete on the coast. Crete’s highly developed infrastructure, the opulent resorts and hotels and the amazingly unspoilt nature make the island a popular place where many people want to buy property. Apart from the beautiful views that blend into the horizon, Crete is famous for its rich history. If you are a history buff, you will enjoy visiting the many sights and memorials. It was here that the oldest Minoan civilization in Europe emerged and laid the foundation for ancient Greek and European culture. The artifacts are exhibited in the museums of Knossos, Festa and Gortina. Buying a house in Crete is therefore definitely a good investment.
Crete looks like a miniature universe full of beauty and various treasures. You may get the impression that your life is too short to explore and discover all parts of the island. But if you buy a house in Crete, you will have the opportunity to visit Crete again and again.
Crete is the 13th Greek periphery; it is divided into 4 regions: Heraklion, Chania, Rethymno and Lassiti, with the center in Agios Nikolaos. Knossos was the ancient capital, the archaeological excavations are a magnificent architectural ensemble, with its palace, numerous villas, roads and colonnades. Since the palace of Knossos is closely related to Minos, the legendary king, the ancient Cretan civilization was also called Minoan. The Greeks settled here much later, but they also had great respect for the Minoan culture. And maybe that is why they believed that the mother of Zeus chose one of the caves in Crete to hide her newborn baby from her father. The almighty god also spent his childhood in Crete.
The climate of Crete is considered one of the mildest and healthiest in Europe. The island is also famous for its unique ecological situation: the nearest factory is located a few hundred km from Crete. The swimming season here starts at the end of April and lasts until mid-November. The winter in Crete is short and mild, and the temperature almost never drops below +13-18C. And even in the middle of winter the water temperature remains around +16C.
Real estate in Crete has long been discovered by fans of luxurious and refined holidays away from the hustle and bustle of big cities, among ancient ruins and untouched nature. The sea remains as transparent and crystal clear as it used to be. And the local nature has untouched places that are famous for their virgin fauna and flora. The prices of villas and apartments here are no higher (and sometimes much lower) than in mainland Greece. Each part of Crete has its own peculiarities regarding its natural landscapes and the properties for sale.
Heraklion is the largest region of Crete, and its capital also bears the same name. It is also the administrative center of the island. In this region, there are many large tourist centers on the sea coast such as Hersonissos, Malya, Stalida and Agia Pelagya. The coastline has a large number of picturesque bays, and there are various types of good hotels on the coast. It is a strong argument for buying real estate if you plan to rent out the house. Heraklion International Airport is quite large, and it operates hundreds of charter flights throughout the year. Numerous churches from different eras have survived here, as well as elegant neoclassical houses decorated with ornaments from the Balkan style. They once belonged to local wealthy families. The city is also famous for its fountains – a legacy of the Venetian and Turkish times. And the world-famous Knossos Palace is located a few kilometers from Heraklion. The jewel with a bee image that became the talisman of Crete was found here, and local jewelers make many modern copies of this jewel. Prices of a house in Crete (near Heraklion) start at 1150 Euro per square meter.
Lassiti is also a popular place to buy a house. The Lassiti region includes Agios Nikolaos, Elunda, Istron, Ieroperta and Sitya towns. The region is located in the easternmost part of Crete and has fertile valleys and wide beaches. The famous Finikodassos beach – the beach surrounded by palm forests – is also located here. Anyone who has ever visited this area dreams of buying a house in Crete here. Agios Nikolaos, the administrative center of the region, is located in the northwestern part of the Bay of Mirabello, the largest bay in Crete. The most luxurious beach resorts are also located here. Sometimes they are called “The Crete St Tropes”. The symbol of Agios Nikolaos, the capital, is the Vulyagmeni (Drowned) lake. A canal connects it to the sea, and an old legend says that the goddess Athena herself took her baths here. If you are considering buying a property here, it is useful to know that you will need to pay at least 200,000 Euros (or more) for a townhouse or an apartment in Lassiti.
The famous Elunda is located in the western part of the bay of Mirabella. It became famous all over the world through a best-selling book “The Island” written by A. Heathlope, a famous British writer. The most expensive and comfortable hotels and numerous cafes and restaurants are located in Elunda, as well as a large number of large and small shops. Those who prefer a refined and luxurious holiday will definitely appreciate this resort. Buy a house here and relax and enjoy the free time that this place offers. Quite a few celebrities (including show business stars) buy real estate here or have their beautiful villas with pools built in Elunda. Elunda real estate (including villas) is exclusive and very luxurious in Crete, and it will meet the requirements of the most demanding and sophisticated buyer. Expensive hotels and restaurants, golf courses and yacht clubs and the most exclusive boutiques are also located here. The price of Elunda real estate (a house or a villa in Lassiti, Crete) starts from 150,000 Euro.
The Rethymno region consists of Rethymno (the capital), Panormo, Plakyas, Agia Galini and the cities of Bali. The Venetians called the city Rettimo, and maritime trade used to flourish here. Malvasia, the famous sweet wine produced in the neighboring Malevisiu Valley, was exported from here, and wine barrels traveled all over Europe and even reached Portuguese colonies in India. Rethymno offers magnificent mountain views, breathtaking beaches and authentic Cretan music, traditional villages and luxurious hotels. It is the smallest Cretan region situated between the White Mountains and Psylorithis. Amazing views of the majestic mountain ranges make life romantic and the place special. In the northern part of the region you will find a beautiful sandy beach that is 16 km long. The golden sand is a rare advantage. The local property owners are proud of this beach, because it is the longest beach in Crete. You can see clear traces of the Venetian style in the architecture of the city. In the heart of Rethymno Old City you can see the Rimondi Fountain from the 17th century. The local Archeology Museum, the Venetian Fortezza and the Orthodox Arkadi Monastery are also worth a visit. The prices of the real estate in Rethymno start from 1000 Euro per square meter.
The Chania region includes the towns of Georgiupolis, Kurnas, Chania, Agia Marina, Gerani and Paleokhora. This is the greenest part of Crete, as it often rains here in winter. The White Mountains, the main mountain range of the region, are covered with cypress forests that resemble the lush Cretan vegetation of the Minoan period. Apart from its rich history, the Chania region is famous for its Samaria Canyon. This canyon is the largest in Europe and attracts thousands of tourists every summer. Buying a house in Chania, Crete gives you a good chance to live next to this amazing place. There is a 18 km walking route across the canyon, and this 7-hour walk will give you the chance to discover its amazing beauty. The starting point is 1250m above sea level. The walking path runs along the mountainside and is protected by wooden rails. In the canyon you will see some old churches and renovated traditional Cretan houses of the former Samaria village. The walk takes about 6 hours, but it is definitely worth trying. In short, Chania is also a beautiful location to buy a house in Crete. Do you want to buy a house in Crete ? Then read more useful information about the different steps.