Living in Crete

Living in Crete is a dream that some make a reality. Whether you want to live in Crete full time and permanently or you want to a holiday home to spend part of the year on this wonderful Greek Island.

There are lots of expats living in Crete from all nationalities, British, German, Austrian and more.People who want to live in Crete are drawn to it because of  the many attractions of Crete.

Combine this with the wonderful weather, high average temperature in Crete, very low crime rate, friendly and welcoming Cretans and wonderful scenery it comes as no surprise that the largest of the Greek Islands is so very popular with expats.

There is lots to consider if you want to live in Crete either full time or part time.  Whether you are considering moving to Crete, have children and/or have pets to think about, wondering how you can make your living here or just looking forward to retirement in the sun.

Greek bureaucracy can be a minefield in relation to renting or buying Crete property, dealing with utility companies, health care, day to day life in Crete and exploring Cretan culture and customs.

Living in Crete and perhaps buying a property in Crete is a dream shared by many.

Long lazy days spent by the seashore. A relaxed stress free lifesyle and a wonderful home to live in are so appealing. There is plenty of choice of Crete property for sale or to rent, making living in Crete a reality rather than just a dream.

Demand for Crete properties is not just for holiday homes, but also for people who are moving to Crete permanently.

Many are drawn to Crete because of its unique mixture of culture, tradition and laid-back charm, with all the amenities of modern living available.

Crete has a very low crime rate, good hospitals, schools and universities, while opportunities to start a business are growing in the travel and tourism industry and in property development, making living in Crete a viable option.

Unlike smaller Greek islands, Crete doesn’t depend solely on tourism, and many people now choose to live in Crete all year round, as many restaurants, shops and bars stay open throughout the winter. EU membership allows Brits in Crete to receive free healthcare too, for those over 60. However the consequences of the Brexit has yet to be resolved.

Buying a property in Crete can also be a sound investment for property buyers. Property is generally cheaper than Spain, France and Italy.

Health Care in Crete

Expats usually find they become far healthier in Crete than there home countries. This can be put down to a stress free lifestyle, long walks in the countryside admiring the flora and fauna, swimming in the ocean and enjoying the best food from the Cretan Diet.

Greek Bureaucracy

If you are planning on living in Crete permanently, there are obviously many things to consider. Sometimes, the bureaucratic processes involved will put some people off, such as dealing with the utility companies, setting up bank accounts and transferring money to and from Greece. There’s also the issues of Residency and tax matters, which does concern people.

None of these are big problems though and all can be overcome, and it is true that the bureaucratic processes in the UK are just as bad, except that it’s easier when you speak the language!

Many expats find that the red tape is a small price to pay for living on such a wonderful Greek Island.

Day to Day life

Settling in to a new way of life, dealing with Greek Bureaucracy and the day to day issues that crop up, all can seem daunting at first.Such things as: paying bills, getting a Residency Permit, and receiving and sending mail.

And if you have children you will need to look into schools in Crete and their health needs.Getting and using the Internet may be very important for you, particular, if you need it to make your living in Crete.

The Internet is widely available in Crete with ADSL or Broadband in most areas.

Greece insists on people having a Residency Permit if they plan to stay for more than 4 months, despite this being illegal under EU law.

Customs & Culture

Crete has a fascinating culture and it’s people can boast an amazingly varied heritage of influence from advanced cultures and civilisations in the ancient world.

The friendliness of the Cretan people to visitors is renowned. There is even a Greek word for it – philoxenia – meaning to be friendly to those who you don’t know. And make no mistake, this friendliness is not just reserved for tourists – it is genuine, old-fashioned kindness and hospitality. Step into many pretty Cretan villages and you step back in time, where genuine warmth far outweighs the cold hostility unfortunately found in many places these days.