Thinking of Greece? Take a look at which island might suit you best
The Greeks virtually invented hospitality so their warm welcome remains a key part of the ageless appeal whether across the mainland or the myriad islands.
Picture-postcard fishing villages, beautiful coves and convivial tavernas all form part of the Greek summer holiday experience that often turns into the purchase of a second home or even a full-time move.
But there are actually 227 inhabited Greek islands so how on earth do you choose?
In a perfect world you should go island hopping and have find your place. This way you would have the opportunity to visit many islands of different lifestyles, traditions, budgets and also – arguably the most key thing for holiday home buyers – the access.
Are there direct flights from the UK to the island? Beware many stop in the winter – but also what are the ferry options from nearby islands?
In general, the islands that offer the best year-round life are most appealing to international buyers, and that translates into higher property prices. There are also tax benefits of moving to Greece. There’s the non-dom flat tax regime – at €100,000, it is half that of Italy’s similar regime. This tax is payable on worldwide income - for 15 years.
There is also a non-dom tax incentive for financially self-sufficient retirees – non-working individuals can pay tax at a rate of 7% on their foreign-sourced income.
So that just leaves where to choose?
Crete: best all-rounder
As the largest Greek island, Crete provides a fabulous range of locations and properties for homeowners and it’s not surprising it’s the most popular island for A Place in the Sun house hunters. Its mild winters and home-grown food, olive oil and wine make for a healthy lifestyle.
Its efficient infrastructure of major towns, three airports and hospitals offers an easy lifestyle choice. Retirees rave about the healthcare centres and expat social groups whilst for active types there’s hiking, water sports, ancient sites and sports facilities.
You can find properties from €30k to €3m, but most people tend to spend between €150,000 and €250,000 for a home that is large enough for year-round living. A popular area is around the beautiful Venetian harbour of Chania, and Souda Bay. But you can also head to the northeast for the upscale area around Elounda.
Do bear in mind the golden visa in Crete has now increased to a minimum of €800,000 – but you can apply for Type D visas.
Corfu – good for easy access
The closest island to western Europe, Corfu is 3hr 15 from the UK by air into its newly upgraded airport run and they run throughout the year. You could also get the ferry from Italy – or pop across to the newly fashionable Albania.
The ‘emerald isle’ is one of the greenest, with pretty bays, olive trees and vineyards. The popular northeast coast has some great secluded coves, and its protected waters make it popular with sailors (many owners keep their own little boat).
Its history is a melting pot of various cultures, from the Venetians to the British, and this is reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Corfu Town is it Venetian style hub with a lively year-round expat culture.
Property options range from €60,000 for a small house to do up, €120,000 plus for a renovated house, but you’ll probably need to pay at least €300,000 for a home with a small private swimming pool.
Kefalonia – best beaches?
The Ionians remain the most popular group of islands for home hunters, and whilst Lefkada and Corfu (see above) have their own merits, Kefalonia boasts beautiful beaches – especially the famous Myrtos Beach, known for its crescent-shaped pebble beach and greenish-blue crystal-clear waters.
It’s less commercialised than Corfu which can get packed in peak summer – but the downside is that there are fewer flights to Kefalonia. Kefalonia has green covered mountains, secluded coves and rugged landscapes as well as the other great beaches – such as Antisamos, Emblisi and Foki.
Assos, a picturesque village on the northwest coast, is a popular for its colourful houses, harbour and Venetian fortress, whilst Fiskardo is another Venetian style village. You can hop across to Zakynthos to visit the fashionable Peligoni Club too but then you can retreat to Kefalonia’s more laid-back atmosphere.
Find houses for around €200,000, plots of land or luxury villas.
Paros and Mykonos - good for some glitz
If you want the smartest new international restaurants rather than the local tavernas then you need to head to Cycladean islands such as Mykonos or Paros, although you might also add nearby Santorini, the elegant Spetses or Hydra.
Mykonos is the party island, a cosmopolitan destination that now has the international appeal of Ibiza, but to some that has come at the expense of its authentic, laid-back Greekness. Mykonos Town is where most of it happens – but expect to pay at least €400,000 for a home.
Paros is a little more laid-back chic and has been quietly attracting those who prefer to escape the crowds. Naousa in the north is its go-to harbour village rather like Mykonos Town with its twisting alleyways of boutiques and restaurants.
Property prices are lower than Mykonos and Santorini but the expansion of the airport at Paros has helped increase interest in the island. A hub for ferries to other islands, Paros is most easily accessible by fast ferry (three hours).
Best for a €400,000 golden visa: smaller islands or the Peloponnese
Now that the minimum spend for a Greek golden visa has increased from €250,000 to €400,000, or €800,000 on the most populated islands (those with over 3,100 population), you need to look to the smaller ones.
This is unless you can find a project where an investment of €250,000 can still qualify: a property conversion from commercial to residential status, or the renovation of a listed building. Popular smaller islands for travellers include Symi (near Rhodes) and Folegandros or Serifos in the Cyclades – reached by ferry from Athens or the larger island mentioned above.
You can also look to the Peloponnese - this has been a popular option for many.
Separated from the Greek mainland by the Corinth Canal the nearest section of the Peloponnese takes around 90 minutes to reach from Athens, although you can also fly into the region from Kalamata airport, to which Easyjet has now added flights from the UK.
It is a beautiful area of river valleys, mountain ranges and sun-baked small coastal peninsulas, carpeted with the famous purple Kalamata olives and ancient vineyards. The Mani Peninsula is a popular spot for home hunters, attractive for its lack of mass tourism and the crystal-clear bays of its rugged coastline.
The average spend is €200,000 to €240,000 for a traditional stone house with a pool and sea views, although you can get characterful old stone houses to fix up from €50,000 – there’s plenty of choice.
