Country Guides Country Guide: Greece

Date Published:

30/05/2008

Crete, the largest and southernmost of the islands, attracts around 800,000 Britons annually, drawn to its shores by promises of sunshine, al fresco food and well-priced properties languishing in the hills and towns hugging the coasts, and inland amongst olive groves. Nowadays, in the region of 80 per cent of new property buyers locally are said to be British.

Pantelis Leptos, vice-chairman of Leptos Estates, who are developing primarily on the northwest of the island, in the Chania region, said: 'Over the last two years there has been an increase of almost 40 per cent in the number of Brits purchasing property on the island, attracted by the combination of excellent climate, fantastic scenery and the relaxed – and affordable – lifestyle. There are now said to be around 15,000 Britons who own a place on Crete.'

Leptos Estates, Crete

The choice of property to buy – at varying budgets – is a big lure for many househunters. A habitable village property in a simple traditional village can be bought for €35,000 (£32,000). Oonagh Karanjia, of Crete Property Consultants, says: 'At that price it is worth considering buying in Heraklion province, where there are many unspoiled an beautiful villages and beaches. The new road south is almost completed and therefore this area will become extremely accessible.'

If the south is rising, up until now the most popular areas of Crete have been to the west and east of the north coast, a drive of a couple of hours in either direction from the capital and main airport at centrally located Rethymnon. EasyJet fly there in the summer months, and rumours abound that it will begin a year round service, commencing winter 2008. To the east are the towns of Elounda and Aghios Nikolaos – once you drive beyond Malia, a former Club 18-30 resort.

Istron Estates, Crete

The region known as Lassithi is home to Istron Estates, a new development of luxury villas. Situated on an elevation overlooking a bay, the select resort is home to only 25 three and five bedroom villas. Built in a contemporary cubic style with clean lines and local materials, the homes with infinity pools and panoramic living room windows are priced from €800,000 (£737,000).

John Batty, managing director of agents Aegean Blue, who is marketing the development, said: 'Istron Estates is situated in the most exclusive part of the island, and is the most expensive second-home development on Crete. The quality of construction, location, size and price take the island’s property market to a new level. There’s simply nothing else that competes with the whole package on offer, which includes the workmanship, location and way of life here.'

The far west of the island has its attractions too, especially the port town of Chania. Built around a pretty Venetian harbour – the Venetians settled Crete from 1204 to 1669 – Chania (also spelt Hania and Xania) is the island’s second city but first choice of many. Dating to the Minoan era – ruins are visible underground in many streets – its labyrinthine lanes that tumble down to the waterside through crooked buildings are a delight of restaurants, local shops and bars. A former mosque on the harbourside is witness to the island’s Ottoman rule on two occasions in the second millennium.

Leptos Estates is developing primarily in and around Chania. Developments currently in progress include Aphrodite. Located on the popular Malerne Beach, Aphrodite is set in lush, landscaped gardens with large communal swimming pools for guests to enjoy. The two and three bedroom townhouses start at €221,375 (£204,000). One bedroom apartments are priced from €174,615 (£161,000), and start at €275,625 (£254,000) for a spacious two bedroom apartment.