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Living in Crete

Need Some Tips for a New Life in Crete?

Living in Crete

Well...many of our readers are falling in love with Kriti and dream of moving to Kriti, so we have pulled together a some information for you here.

This website is dedicated to letting you get to know this beautiful island of Kriti and the Cretan culture, so please have a good look around.

A village home in CreteA village home in Crete

First Things First

Below are some pages which will start you on your journey to Kriti



Regions

The regions or prefectures of Crete

Living in Crete will be influenced by the culture and character of the region you choose...



Towns

'Dimos' is the word for local government

Chania town - the capital of Chania Region

Rethymnon town - the capital of Rethymno Region

Heraklion town - the capital of the island and of Heraklion Region

Agios Nikolaos - the capital of Lasithi Region

More on our smaller towns or large villages of Crete

Other towns in Crete




Villages of Crete

Kamilari Village in southern Crete

Living in Crete - many visitors want to choose a new home in a village or close to a village,  see our pages dedicated to the many beautiful

Villages of Crete



All About Crete

Living in Crete - wonderful history all around you - this is Malia Palace archaeological site in the central north...Minoan Palace Site

The culture of Crete is intertwined with its history, so one of your first steps is to understand the vast ancient and modern history of the island, and all the bits in between...

  • The History of Kriti - one of the oldest civilizations in Europe - there is no end to the discoveries around the island
  • The Nature of Kriti - for lovers of the outdoors; flora and fauna, bird watching, hiking and conservation information
  • The Mountains and Gorges - one of the reasons to live here is to enjoy the rugged ranges and endless canyons
  • Beaches of Crete - many people do move here to live near the water, here you will find plenty of information about our favourite beaches and how to explore them, perhaps you will find your dream home in one of these locations...?



Practical Tips



Rent before you buy

Restored home - interior

Whether you want to live part-time of full-time in Kriti, perhaps retire to Kriti, or visit for long stretches at a time, these informative sections will assist you.

It is a really good idea to rent before deciding to buy in Crete. Get to know the village you have chosen, and perhaps test the waters before making the final decision to move permanently. There is a lot to learn and living in a completely different culture can be a challenge.

There are lots of opportunities for good value investments rather than quick dream houses, so slow down your dream machine and... siga siga... take it easy before committing to living in Crete!

Property on Kriti - how to get started on finding your home - general tips and suggested service providers.

Buying a Property in Greece - what to keep in mind and answers to common questions, as well as some suggestions for assistance.


Live In Crete and Volunteer

Living in Crete - one way to get to know Kriti is to live and work for a local family, and volunteer your time and effort to them. In this way you will get to know Crete from the inside out. You can live rent free in many different arrangements, making a physical contribution and helping a family. This work can be seasonal, so check the details carefully.

Workaway logo

You might help picking olives in November and December, and at other times of the year you might help with cleaning, gardening and other collaborative work.


Local Customs

Nikos Xilouris - Cretan singer

Here you will learn very quickly what is important to the local people, and easily get to know your new neighbours, respecting their heritage and culture:

Cretan Music and Dance

Moustakia, Sarikia and Stivania



Living in Crete - Questions?

Quiet village street

If you have further questions about Kriti or life on Kriti, please contact us.

If you have stories about moving to Kriti, please contact us to share your stories, and inspire others, or inform and warn others! Others' experiences will help to plan a relocation and get a good understanding of what its really like to retiring or living in Crete.


Getting Here

Take a 1 hour flight from Athens to Heraklion with Aegean Airlines or Olympic Air, with many flights available per day.

Or take a 9.5 hour overnight ferry from Pireaus port of Athens to Heraklion port.

More on flights and ferries below.


When you book with our car rental partners - Rental Centre Crete - you are supporting a local company with excellent service and an easy online booking procedure. We are sure you will be well looked after by Harry and his team. Choose from hybrid or non-hybrid vehicles.


Green footprint logo

Electric rental car symbol

Book My Car


Life in Crete in Images

A run-down home in Crete - awaiting restoration

A run-down home in Crete - awaiting restoration.



Restored village house - interior

A beautifully restored and decorated traditional home in Crete



Traditional courtyard in Crete

A traditional village courtyard in Crete.



A traditional home in Crete

A restored traditional village home in Crete.



Olive grove in Crete

A shady olive grove is never far away from your village in Crete.





Eviva


We trust you have enjoyed these tips from the We Love Crete team. Evíva!

The We Love Crete team - Anastasi, Katia & Apostoli

Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia are the We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us  Contact Us  Kaló taxídi!




About the Team

WLC Team Circular

Yiásas!
Anastasi, Apostoli & Katia are the
We Love Crete team
We just love sharing our passion for Crete, Greece and travel
About us

Crete Travel Guide
Travel to the Greek Islands
Travel to Athens
Crete to Santorini
Crete to Mykonos









We Love Crete Agapame tin Kriti Logo

Sea Turtles are our major charity in Crete