living on Crete
tips and experiencesDo you dream of a new life under the Cretan sun?
On this page, we share practical tips and our personal experiences to help you buy or rent a house in Crete.
We also share our experiences and tips if you’re planning to build your own house on Crete.
Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, Lasithi
Best region to live in Crete
Crete is a fantastically beautiful island. On average, the sun shines 300 days a year. What more could you ask for? However, there are significant differences and it’s advisable to consider which region is best for you. After all, it’s different for everyone. Do you want to live in or near a big city, or would you prefer a more peaceful experience in an authentic Greek (mountain) village?
Crete is the largest Greek island and consists of four provinces: Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Lassithi, each with its own unique charm. Generally, the west coast is greener than the east and the sea on the north coast is warmer than on the south.
Distances and accessibility
Crete has an area of almost 8,500 square kilometers. The island is 260 km long and 60 km wide at its widest point, down to 12 km at its narrowest.
The island’s main highway is the A90 (VOAK), which runs along the northern coast of the island from Kissamos in the west to Sitia in the east.
There are two airports on Crete: Heraklion and Chania. Direct flights to and from Heraklion operate almost year-round. Chania Airport is smaller and especially in winter, you should plan for a stopover in Athens.
Facilities in Crete
Water, electricity and even internet are basic necessities for many people these days. Yet, there are areas on Crete where this isn’t a given. Don’t get us wrong. The authorities are doing everything they can to ensure these matters are properly arranged for residents. Nevertheless, these are factors to consider if you’re considering living on Crete.
The further inland you go on Crete (and into the mountains), the greater the chance of not having an internet connection.
There are also places where tap water sometimes runs for days, and there’s also no water for showering, laundry, or flushing the toilet. These are often villages located on higher ground. Therefore, consult your contractor, real estate agent, or ask local residents for advice.
Visit Crete in winter too
If you’re considering living permanently in Crete, keep in mind that Crete is different in winter than in summer. Crete is a tourist island, attracting an average of more than 5 million tourists annually. During this time, many Greeks from the mainland also come to work in Crete. It’s pleasantly busy. When the season ends at the end of October, the charming village where you spent your holiday might suddenly look a bit deserted. Shops are closed and there are fewer people on the streets. Something to keep in mind if you’re considering living in Crete.
Come and see what Crete looks like in winter. You’re very welcome to stay in our beautiful apartment with a sea view in Kalyves. Book here: www.kalimerakalyves.com
North or South?
We originally wanted to live near Plakias (South Crete, Rethymnon province).
The south coast is beautiful, but if you plan to live there permanently, like us, it has the disadvantage that much of it is closed in winter time. You can easily spend an hour driving through the mountains to reach a major city. Not a problem in itself, but keep in mind that if you need urgent medical care in one of Crete’s hospitals, it might be wiser to choose a location closer to Chania or Heraklion.
We ultimately chose Kalyves for several reasons, a small village in Chania province where there’s plenty to do even in winter. The motorway, from which all of Crete is within easy reach, is just 5 minutes away.
Our experiences
Buy, rent or build on Crete
When we moved to Crete in 2022, we first lived in a rental house near Chania for 14 months. Then we moved to our newly built house in Kalyves. At the end of 2024 the opportunity arose to buy an apartment, which we completely renovated in early 2025 and now rent out to tourists.
We are happy to share our experiences about renting, buying and building our own home. Click on one of the icons below to find more information about buying, renting, or building your own home.
Buy house
Learn more about buying an existing home in Crete.
Rent home
What should you pay attention to if you want to rent or lease a house or apartment in Crete?
build home
What should you take into account when having a house built yourself in Crete?
A dream becomes reality
Buying a house in Crete
Go for personal contact
In our search for a house in Crete, we personally met with several property developers and real estate agents.
Of course, we also checked well-known Greek websites like Spitogatos, Spiti24 and others. We couldn’t find anything that appealed to us, often due to the poor quality of the photos and descriptions.
We preferred personal contact with local experts in the region. What struck us was their extensive knowledge of the Greek housing market, their friendly service and the time they invested in us.
Hire a Greek lawyer
If you’re planning to buy a house in Greece, it’s wise to hire a Greek lawyer. The lawyer will draw up a Power of Attorney. This is a written agreement that precisely describes the lawyer’s duties and responsibilities during the house purchase process.
On your behalf, the lawyer can open a Greek bank account, arrange for an AFM (tax identification number) with the tax authorities (you’ll need this for many things), sign contracts and even make payments on your behalf. Furthermore, the lawyer will liaise with an engineer, a notary and other parties, and will investigate whether the house you’re buying is free of debts and irregularities.
For several years we have been in touch with a project developer with Greek and Dutch roots, who showed us around Crete and showed us houses they’ve built. They were a fantastic help.
During our holiday in Crete in 2022, we visited a builder in Rethymnon at the end of our holiday. We felt comfortable right away. They’re a professional agency with friendly and helpful staff. One of their off-plan homes appealed to us and could be built entirely to our wishes and budget. The architect working there approached us and recommended a plot of land in Kalyves that had been for sale there for a few days. And the rest is history.
Buying a rental apartment
Once we were living in Crete, we planned to buy another apartment to rent out to tourists. We filled out an online form to schedule a visit and received an email from Lia shortly after. Coincidentally, we also spent almost an entire day with Lia in 2022 looking at properties. Unfortunately, they were above our budget at the time. More than two years later, we reconnected with Lia and we clicked again. Lia is a true professional and was able to secure a good deal for us. She works at both Elysian Properties (higher end) and a Home in Crete.
We were pleasantly surprised by how much time Greek real estate agents and developers take to help you find a suitable property. We highly recommend the agents listed below for buying a property (not for renting). When you contact them, let them know you’re connecting with them through Living on Crete. They’ll be happy to hear that.
Practical tips
Renting in Crete
We found a real estate agent in Chania for our temporary rental. One of the agents showed us around several apartments and houses. She was incredibly friendly and professional.
Unfortunately, during our rental period, we had a few conflicts with the landlady (the owner of the property). She wanted us to pay for overdue maintenance and gained access to the property without consulting her and while we weren’t home. Our agent’s contact resolved this perfectly.
Legal rental period in Crete
If you sign a one-year lease in Greece, the landlord is legally not allowed to simply evict you after that period. Legally, a tenant can stay for up to three years.
Register rental contract with AADE
Always ask for an official rental agreement, which the landlord will register with the Tax and Customs Administration (AADE). Without this agreement, you cannot apply for a residence permit (assuming you rent), arrange for utilities and run risks as a tenant.
Rights and obligations
Make clear agreements in the rental agreement about the landlord’s rights. For example, can the landlord enter the property unannounced and in your absence?
Involve lawyer in rental agreement
To be on the safe side, have a Greek lawyer review the lease. The lawyer can advise you on your rights and obligations, as well as those of the landlord, to avoid any (legal) problems.
with a local company
Home renovation in Crete
Clear timelines
It sounds obvious, but it’s crucial to agree on clear timelines for when the renovations should begin and when they should be completed. Our contractor did a fantastic job and ensured we could start renting out our apartment before the start of the tourist season. He was always available and eager to find solutions.
Multiple quotes
It’s worth requesting multiple quotes. For example, we had several specialists come to our bathroom for the plasterwork. Prices ranged from €800 to €2,000. Also ask your contractor if they have had good experiences with bathroom and kitchen suppliers. You’ll usually receive a nice discount as well.
At the end of 2024 we purchased a sea-view apartment in Kalyves with the intention of renting it out to tourists. The apartment was completely dated, so we fully renovated it in early 2025 together Pascal and his son Stephane.
What we renovated
First, the interior wall was demolished to replace the small cubicles with a spacious open-plan layout between the living room and kitchen. The old bathroom was completely demolished. We installed new plumbing and drainage, and replaced all electrical wiring.
Then we created a luxurious bathroom complete with a wall-hung toilet and rain shower. The kitchenette was replaced with a fully equipped kitchen and all walls, ceilings and window frames were repainted.
Prior to the renovation, we designed the kitchen and bathroom ourselves. We also did the styling and furnishing ourselves. We provided Pascal and Stephane with
the 3D drawings, complete with the dimensions, materials and colors. Based on this, he and we completely renovated the apartment.
Would you like a beautiful and unique design for your new home in Crete?
Then contact Monique from Demoet graphic design.
Stephane Services
Property management & renovations
Build or have built
Building your own house on Crete
Besides buying or renting a house in Crete, you can also build your own, just like we did.
Want to know how we did it and what experiences and tips we have for you? Then click the button below.
Recommended
7 tips for living on Crete
1. Negotiate prices, even at official services
Negotiating is common in Greece, including with contractors, notaries and sometimes even translators. Always ask: “Is this your best price?” or “Can you negotiate the price if I purchase multiple services?”
2. Always ask for an ‘apódixi’ (receipt)
When you make a purchase or use a service, always ask for a receipt. This way, you know the VAT has been paid and you avoid transactions in the gray area. For services without a receipt, you’re often not insured if something goes wrong.
3. Let a Greek arrange your utilities (saves frustration and time)
Connecting water, electricity (DEI or alternatives) and internet can take days to weeks if you do it yourself. You often need a tax ID and a bank account. Local real estate agents or brokers can arrange this for you for a small fee. This saves you a lot of stress.
4. Don’t buy a house without ‘topografiko’ + ‘simbolio’ check
Many people buy a house only to discover later that it has illegal outbuildings, incorrect land registry registration, or that neighbors are claiming rights to the land. Always have a lawyer check the legality of both the “simbolio” (purchase contract) and the topographic map.
5. Compare alternative internet providers (not only Cosmote)
Cosmote is the largest provider, but there are cheaper alternatives like Wind, Vodafone, or local networks (especially in rural areas). In remote areas a 4G router often works better than fixed internet.
6. Go to a public pharmacy or ‘EFKA’ doctor for discounts
If you have insurance through the national system (EFKA), you’ll receive a discount on medications and consultations with affiliated doctors and pharmacies. Ask if they accept EFKA before making an appointment: this can often save you a significant amount.
7. Do not schedule appointments with institutions in August or just before Easter
During August (the holiday month) and around Greek Easter, everything in Greece comes to a virtual standstill. Need to arrange something with the municipality, the land registry, notaries, or need a building permit? Wait until September or arrange it in May/June.