Greece (Crete)
Where ancient myths meet modern marvels, and every beach is a paradise.
When we decided to recommend Greece as one of our preferred destinations for Australians, we naturally gravitated towards the Peloponnese Peninsula on the mainland. We have a deep fondness for the region. However, most tourists to Greece also flock to the numerous stunning Greek islands. To be honest, we've only visited one ourselves - Paros, where we enjoyed a week-long stay.
We consulted our friend Harry, a lawyer in Athens, seeking his recommendation for the ideal island destination for year-round living. He advised that Crete was the optimal choice, with the Chania region being his top pick. In the meantime, we’ve learned that this is a sentiment shared by many. Most Greek islands experience a slowdown between late October and early April each year, with restaurants closing and ferry and flight schedules reduced. Fortunately, Crete is considered a year-round destination, maintaining its vibrancy throughout the year.
Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands, situated approximately 160km south of the Greek mainland. The island stretches 260km from west to east but is relatively narrow from north to south, measuring 60km at its widest point and narrowing to as little as 12km. The island's landscape is predominantly mountainous, characterized by a high mountain range traversing from west to east. Crete falls within two climatic zones, the Mediterranean and the semi-arid, with the majority of the island experiencing the former. The climate is primarily hot summers with mild winters. Snowfall is common in the mountains between November and May but rare in the lowlands.
Crete has a population exceeding 650,000, with roughly 55% residing in the main cities and towns, while 45% live in rural areas. Heraklion, the largest city and capital of Crete, has a population of approximately 145,000. Chania, the former capital until 1971, has a population of 89,000. Both Heraklion and Chania have international airports, facilitating convenient access to the island.
English is widely spoken in Crete, and it is considered a very safe place to live.
Chania is located on the northwest coast of Crete and is renowned for its Old Town, centered around the 14th-century Venetian harbor. The area features narrow streets and charming waterfront restaurants. The highlight of Chania is the Old Town's labyrinthine alleys, showcasing beautiful Venetian architecture, fountains, and ornate churches. The area is also brimming with souvenir, art, and craft shops. The beaches begin just a short distance from the Old Town, and there is a long stretch of beach resorts extending 20km west along the shores of Chania Bay. The northern side of the city is more popular, boasting luxurious tourist resorts and beaches, while the southern side retains a more traditional and secluded character with small, picturesque seaside villages.
The Chania region is home to 160,000 residents and is characterized by its outstanding natural beauty, featuring a diverse landscape of mountains, beaches, gorges, small forests, and valleys. The beaches of Elafonissi (left) and Balos are highly regarded in Europe, and the Samaria Gorge, the second-longest gorge in Europe, is a popular hiking destination during the summer months.
Ferry services from Athens (Piraeus port) to Chania dock at the nearby port of Souda. There is also a car ferry service from Gythio on the Peloponnese Peninsula to Kissamos in northwestern Crete, which is 38km from Chania.
The Chania region is a favoured destination for expatriates, and property prices have seen consistent appreciation in recent years.
We have established a partnership with an experienced property company that has been operating in the Chania region for over 15 years. The principal is a local with extensive knowledge of the Chania area and available property opportunities. Having met his Australian wife, he previously travelled back to Australia each winter to enhance his skills as a carpenter/builder. The business is involved in constructing traditional stone villas and modern houses, as well as assisting prospective buyers in purchasing existing properties. They are also adept at renovating older properties and handling ongoing property management. We have also been introduced to a highly regarded local lawyer who can assist with both the legal aspects of a purchase and the preparation of Golden Visa applications.
The property market in Crete is particularly attractive from both a lifestyle and investment perspective, with the added benefit of securing a 5-year Greek Golden Visa on properties purchased for over €800,000. Before purchasing a property, it is advisable to apply for a Greek tax file number and open a Greek bank account. We have a professional who can handle both of these requirements.
Indicative Prices (2025) | Houses and Villas (all with sea and/or mountain views)
*Prices shown are based on an exchange rate of 1.72 and do not include taxes or associated purchase expenses
€330,000 (AUD$567,000) - two-story home with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, both sea and mountain views, with a roof terrace (Kavros)
€360,000 (AUD$619,000) - single-level villa with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, plot size 1,300 m2, both sea and mountain views, with a roof terrace (Drepanos)
€370,000 (AUD$646,000) - house with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, fully furnished, breathtaking sea views (Kalyves)
€360,000 (AUD$619,000) - villa with 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, partly furnished, both sea and mountain views (Tavronitis)
€350,000 (AUD$602,000) - detached house with 2 separate apartments, 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, fully furnished, with both sea and mountain views (Kalamitsi Amigdalou)
€340,000 (AUD$584,000) - house with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (Akrotiri)
€450,000 (AUD$774,000) - villa with 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, partly furnished, both sea and mountain views (Near Kolymvari)
€495,000 (AUD$851,000) - villa with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms on a 1,500 m2 plot, partly furnished, with a pool, amazing sea and mountain views (Kokkino Chorio)
€500,000 (AUD$860,000) - villa with 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, plot size 3,500 m2, fully furnished, private pool, tennis court, with sea, mountain, and lake views (Kournas)
€519,000 (AUD$892,000) - villa with 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, fully furnished, 1,300 m2, with a private pool, both sea and mountain views (Filippos)
