Properties for Sale in Crete
We cover all types of properties in Crete including new/re-sale homes, old stone houses for renovation, plots of land, and all types of real estate. The strict restrictions on over building mean that the vast majority of properties for sale are villas on their own freehold plots. Apartments are only available in a few town areas and even then, they are not large developments.
Currently the best value for money is in new/re-sale properties but we also have properties for renovation and plots of land for building something special and unique. The majority of properties have sea views and are a maximum of 5-10 minutes from the beach and local shops so they are in excellent locations.
About Crete
Crete (Kreta) was the birthplace of Europe’s first civilization and, according to legend, the birthplace of Zeus the king of the gods. It is easy to see why, as Crete has everything to offer, including one of the best climates in the Mediterranean and friendly locals.
The island also has virtually no industry, meaning that the seas are crystal clear and a lot of the food is organically grown. Indeed, studies have shown the Cretan diet to be one of the healthiest in the world. Crete’s long summer season means that it is the most popular island in Greece for tourists, but its sheer size – 250km by 60km wide, means that it remains relatively unspoilt, so whatever you’re after, there’s a property and an area to suit you.
The island has a mountainous backbone with most of the best beaches on the northern coast, the southern coast being rockier and less developed. On the northern coast, the western half of the island is less developed and is more fertile and green.
Along the north coast, there are 4 main towns. Chania in the west, then Rethymnon, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos / Elounda. The rough distance between each of these towns is 45 minutes’ drive and the two international airports are at Chania and Heraklion.
The Main Areas in Crete
As you travel from west to east along the north coast:
Chania (Hania) Region – North West Crete.
Chania is the most popular area in Crete for property buyers, especially the Apokoronas region which is the area 20 minutes east of Chania town and the airport. Apokoronas is a collection of small villages with many sandy beaches and a beautiful landscape. The villages include Almyrida, Kalyves, Gavalohori, Kokkino Horio, Plaka, Kefalas, Vamos, Xerosterni and many more. These are popular villages for property buyers in Crete because they have very little tourism, are next to excellent beaches, and the landscape remains green due to underwater aquifers fed by the White Mountains which provide a stunning backdrop.
Chania (Hania) itself is a traditional Greek town with a Venetian influenced old port. The peninsula north of Chania is called Akrotiri. It has a laid back atmosphere, is full of small sandy beaches and is famous for its fish tavernas.
West of Chania around Kolymbari and Tavronitis is another up and coming area which is just being discovered. Property prices here are excellent, and the location is green and unspoiled.
Rethymnon Region – North West Central Crete.
Rethymnon has many long sandy beaches and Rethymnon town has everything you could want including as an old Venetian port, on a smaller scale to that of Chania. We have many properties for sale in the small villages around Rethymnon at excellent prices. One example is the old fishing village of Panormo which has three sandy beaches, a number of tavernas and a laid back atmosphere. Other popular areas include Bali and around Arkadi. Rethymnon has the added advantage that it is within an hour of both of Crete’s international airports at Chania and Heraklion.
Heraklion Region – North Central Crete.
Heraklion is the capital of Crete and is a major town with Crete’s main international airport. The main villages for properties include Agia Pelagia, Fodele and Gazi to the west of Heraklion and Hersonissos, Gouves and Stalis to the east.
Lasithi Region – North East Crete.
Lasithi covers the famous resorts of Elounda and Agios Nikolaos which are just 40 minutes west of Heraklion airport. Both Elounda and Agios Nikolaos are well known as luxury resorts with villas to match but you can also find smaller villas and apartments in these areas and the surrounding villages.
South Crete.
Some of Southern Crete can be difficult to access as the topography means there is no southern coastal road but there are some exceptional areas here which are unspoiled and easy to get to. The main area of interest is around Agia Galini and includes Plakias and Matala. You can now get to Agia Gallini in just over 1 hour from Heraklion airport due to the new highway, but is still unspoiled with many pristine beaches. If you are looking for unspoiled Greece with fantastic year round weather and uncrowded sandy beaches and stunning views, then this is the area for you.
Travelling to Crete
Crete has two international airports. One is at Chania, which serves the western half of the island, and the other is at Heraklion and serves the central and eastern part of the island
Many low cost schedule airlines including EasyJet and Ryanair fly to Crete and there are also charter flights from March to November (plus some at Christmas), but it is anticipated that this will be extended to cover the whole year. In addition, there are also always many cheap flights available via Athens, where flight connections to Crete are plentiful – you just have to change gates. Even though the official season ends in October, the winter is very short and mild with people swimming in the sea in December, and you will always get beautiful sunny days.
How to Proceed
We are always looking to find the best available property deals. In order to buy a property in Crete, first search our database of Crete property to see what we have to offer, and then contact us to arrange some viewings. Remember that our website shows a large selection of property in Crete, but it is continually updated so visit frequently. If you need any help or just wish to chat, please call our UK office on 020 8302 6616 (or +44 208 302 6616 from outside the UK).
Crete property is excellent value for money and the cost of living in Greece is about 30%-40% cheaper than the UK; for example, typical property/council tax is about 30 Euros per month. The combination of affordable properties with excellent weather, clean beaches, safety, friendliness and a low cost of living are unbeatable, so search our 1000's of properties for your bargain Property in Crete.
