About Crete
THE IDEAL LOCATION FOR LIVING
Crete is one of the most southerly parts of Europe and is ideal for living since it is one of the most unspoiled places of Greece. All main cities of Chania, Rethymnon Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos are situated on the northern part of the island, which is the most populated part of Crete.A long mountain line, consisting of the White mountains in the west, the Ida Mountain in the central part and the Dikti mountain in the eastern part of the island are the natural weather borders, separating the north from the south of the island. South Crete being located on the 35th parallel, (same as Northern Africa), being the meeting point of Africa and Europe, has as a result the mild winters, ideal for winter swimmers, and the dry-healthy climate all the year around.
Crete forms a significant part of the economy and cultural heritage of Greece, while retaining its own local cultural traits (such as its own poetry and music).The total population of the island is around 650.000. There is no heavy industry on the island and, apart from tourism, locals engage in livestock rearing (predominantly sheep and goats) and produce high quality olive oil from the ubiquitous olives. At the Travelers’ choice awards by TripAdvisor, Crete took the 5th place, as one of the most popular touristic destinations in the world, after Paris, London and Rome. So, let’s look at some points that make Crete such a popular place for tourists and investors.
History background
Crete is an island with a historic background and civilization which goes 5,000 years back to history, preceding the Minoan civilization which was the first civilization in Europe and the first in Europe where a palace was built (Knossos Palace), using sophisticated architectural techniques, water supply and drainage systems. After the Minoan civilization was devastated by the Thera eruption, Crete developed an Ancient Greece-influenced organization of city states, then successively became part of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Venetian Republic, the Ottoman Empire, autonomous state, and the modern state of Greece.Climate
The climate of Crete is generally described as mild Mediterranean. At its’ high mountains the climate has continental characteristics. The yearly temperatures fluctuate between 14 and 45 degrees Celsius, the mainland has generally warmer summers and colder winters, while the southern coasts are warmer both in winter and summer in relation to the northern coasts. The sun shines almost around the whole year, with its higher intensity and frequency from April to October. The hottest months are July and August, but generally because of the sea breeze, the summer is relatively cool. On average the sun shines for 310 days a year, so the climate is one of the most common reasons why so many people from Central or Northern Europe choose Crete to buy or build a villa for a holiday home or a permanent residence.
Magnificent beaches
The subtropical beaches of Elafonissi, Paleochora , Sougia , Balos lagoon , the Palm beach of Vai are the most well-known places of Crete ,the famous for its palm trees Preveli lake, Damnoni and Amoudi beaches and farther to the east the magnificent beaches of Ligres, Triopetra , and Agios Pavlos, arriving to the fishermen’s sea side village of Agia Galini.
Ancient historical monuments/sites
Buying your own property and living in Crete is an experience, unique of its kind with a great difference in the rhythms and quality of life on the island. Unspoiled countryside, crystal clear waters, lots of sunny days, dry healthy climate, low living cost, and most of all friendly original people, are the most persuasive reasons for choosing this part of the globe, both for your holiday or buy-build your home in south Crete. Ideally buy your own HOME in Crete and live amongst the locals, or even find a sea-front plot and build your own Dream Villa.
Quality living in Crete
Buying your own property and living in Crete is an experience, unique of its kind with a great difference in the rhythms and quality of life on the island. Unspoiled country side, crystal clear waters, lots of sunny days, dry healthy climate, low living cost, and most of all friendly original people, are the most persuasive reasons for choosing this part of the globe, both for your holiday or buy-build your home in south Crete. Ideally buy your own HOME in Crete and live amongst the locals, or even find a sea-front plot and build your own Dream Villa.Cretan cuisine
Diets adopted by the local population have been a subject of interest since antiquity, with more recent investigations demonstrating their numerous health benefits. The Rockefeller Foundation’s study in 1940s and the Seven Countries Study in 1950s both highlighted the Cretan diet as a palatable primarily plant based dietary pattern with distinct differences compared to the western-type diet and a strong link to the maintenance of good health. The local diet of Crete Island is what we know today as the Mediterranean diet, acknowledged as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO and proposed as one of the three major health promoting dietary patterns in the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. So, the Cretan Cuisine is one important aspect for tourists and longtime residents.
Hospitality – Health Care system – Low Criminality
Crete has its own unique culture different from rest of Greece. Its own music, food, dress code and accent. People are very proud of being Cretan and their history. Hospitality is something amazing and its real, not set up for tourists. it comes from the heart, and you can sense it.
Crete has also excellent health care facilities. The staff, the standard of service given, cleanliness and up-to-date facilities sometimes exceed those offered by other European countries health service. Regarding the crime rate on Crete, it is very low in comparison with other Mediterranean Touristic destinations.