If your interests are basking in the sun, enjoying life by the sea, exploring ancient ruins, and indulging in the original Mediterranean diet, look no further than Crete.
The biggest island in Greece and the fifth biggest in the Mediterranean, Crete offers more lifestyle options than your typical island… from cities like Chania and Heraklion to untouched wilderness, beach towns to snow-capped mountains, and ancient olive groves to mountain villages.
Crete’s historical roots go deep. It was home to Europe’s first advanced civilization, the Minoans, and it has sat at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, and Asia Minor for millennia. Evidence of this rich history is found across the island.
Chania, a city on the island’s northwest coast, is a microcosm of that history. In its Old Town alone, you find evidence of the Romans, the Byzantines, the Venetians, the Ottomans, and the Egyptians… every culture and civilization that touched Crete over time.
We think Chania is the best choice for expats on Crete. Besides a charming Venetian port, Chania Old Town is a labyrinth of homes, museums, boutiques, restaurants, bars, and ancient churches, partly encircled by the ancient city walls.
What else makes Crete an overseas haven for the estimated 18,000 expats that live here? The Mediterranean climate is a big factor, and Crete gets some of the most sunshine hours in all of Europe.
You’re never far from the glistening Mediterranean Sea, and the beaches are the ideal place to cool off on hot summer days.
Crete also has mountains that you can ski on, the record-breaking Samariá Gorge (the longest in Europe), and other unique land formations that provide endless outdoor recreation opportunities.
Crete is big enough that it’s easy to stave off island fever… And it’s easy and inexpensive to get away, with low-cost airlines serving its two international airports as well as boats and ferries.
It’s also big enough to offer a multifaceted property market with different property types (from restoration projects to new builds) and price points to suit all budgets.
Crete is an affordable place to live, and because the island is so big, there’s enough room for budget flexibility. Outside of the cities, rent can be as little as $500 per month.
Local produce and olive oil are cheap, and so too is dining out, with the average meal at a taverna costing about $20.
Two expenses you’ll most likely have to take on are the cost of car ownership (fuel can be pricey) and electricity because you’ll definitely want air conditioning at home.
A monthly budget of $1,873 is a good guide for a couple.
Around the main population zones, locals speak English at a passable level. You’ll be able to achieve day-to-day tasks and have conversations with people, especially younger folks, without misunderstandings.
Just about anyone who visits Crete and Chania specifically would be delighted with the island life here… especially if they love sunshine and being outdoors, enjoy learning about ancient history, and like a laid-back version of the European lifestyle.Sincerely,
Sophia Titley
Editor, Overseas Living Letter
