Crete has become a hotspot for retirees, wealthy investors and holiday homeowners over the past five years.
The largest of the Greek islands, Crete is by far the most popular destination for British buyers in Greece. Lying further south than Athens - and closer to Africa - it offers not just an exceptional climate but also good infrastructure, affordable property, and famously hospitable locals.
One of the island’s key advantages is its excellent airlift, with two well-served international airports providing direct flights to the UK for much of the year. When these aren't available, there are frequent and convenient connections via Athens.
Crete truly offers something for everyone - from lively resorts and boutique hotels to laid-back fishing villages and the charming Venetian-style town of Chania. You’ll find pristine beaches, scenic valleys dotted with olive groves and vineyards, yoga retreats, and a food scene centred around homegrown cheese, honey, vegetables, and organic wine.
Life here moves at a relaxed pace, the cost of living remains affordable, and much of the island retains a deeply traditional feel.
Incentives and Perks
Crete’s enduring charm and unspoilt atmosphere continue to attract international interest. But aside from its lifestyle appeal, new incentives have drawn a fresh wave of interest in recent years.
The Golden Visa has been particularly popular with British retirees since Brexit. Previously available for a €250,000 property purchase, the minimum investment has now increased to €800,000 for Crete and other high-demand areas like Corfu and Mykonos. However, there are alternative visa options.
The Financially Independent Persons Visa (FIP) lasts three years and requires proof of income of €3,500 per month (plus 20% for each additional family member).
There’s also the non-dom tax scheme, offering a flat tax rate of 7% on foreign-sourced income for retirees and other non-working individuals.
Meanwhile, Greece’s flat-tax regime for high-net-worth individuals remains competitive, offering a €100,000 flat rate on overseas income.
For working professionals, Greece also offers a digital nomad visa, requiring a minimum monthly income of €3,500 from outside Greece.
Crete’s cost of living is also significantly lower than the UK. For example, comparing the coastal cities of Chania and Brighton: rent in Chania is 64% cheaper and restaurant prices are typically 25% lower.
Where to Buy a Home in Crete
While remote workers and digital nomads are increasingly drawn to Chania, this region has long been popular with home buyers. It’s practical, connected, has a strong expat community and offers beautiful beaches.
The Apokoronas region in north-western Crete is particularly appealing to retirees, thanks to its traditional villages that are still within easy reach of Chania. Villages such as Neo Chorio, Almyrida, Plaka, Kalyves, Kokkino Horio and Drapanos are well-established hubs for British buyers.
There’s even an English shop in Litsarda, not far from where several A Place in the Sun house hunters like Claire, Marcia and Ron have settled.
Coastal villages get great sunset views and it’s possible to find two-bedroom property from around €170k, a four-bedroom home for €250,000 or €300,000 or a renovation project for €60k.
Other popular areas include Rethymnon in the centre of the north coast (pretty Venetian old harbour with 12km long beach) and Agios Nikolaos on the north-east coast. The typical spend is around €250,000 to €300,000 that buys a modern three-bedroom villa with a pool.
In the northeast, Elounda is a high-end destination close to the former leper colony island of Spinalonga. It's more remote, with longer travel times to Chania or Heraklion, but it offers exclusivity and breathtaking views. Beware of heading too far east: the Sitia region is over two hours by car from Heraklion and more than three from Chania.
The Lasithi region is quieter, with fewer expats, but has a low-key charm and is home to Mirabello Bay – where the luxury development Elounda Hills is currently under construction. There are 257 new homes there, with current prices from €900,000.
But you can also buy much more affordable homes in the area, from around €350,000 for a three-bed villa in the Elounda area. Note that there are fewer expats here than compared to Chania and it can be very quiet outside the summer season. Maybe this will change with a big new development with lots of new second-home owners.
Ready to make your move?
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