Invest in Crete: Voted one of Europe’s best tourist destinations.

Invest in Crete, acclaimed as one of Europe’s premier tourist destinations, offers compelling investment opportunities in its flourishing hospitality sector. Boasting stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and world-renowned cuisine, Crete attracts millions of visitors annually.

Crete: A Timeless Haven of Mediterranean Majesty.

Since the 1960s, Crete has stood as a premier tourism destination. This magnificent Mediterranean island boasts spectacular sandy beaches and an extraordinary cultural history, encompassing ancient sites like the Minoan-era palace of Knossos and the medieval Venetian Town of Chania.

Additionally, it holds the distinction of being the birthplace of renowned Greek artists such as writer Nikos Kazantzakis, the author of “Zorba the Greek,” and the painter El Greco.

Situated at the southernmost point of Europe, Crete benefits from the mildest winter climate on the continent, fostering its transformation into a major agricultural producer and exporter.

Its fertile lands yield an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, olives and olive oil, dairy products, cheeses, and distinctive wine vintages. With consistently moderate temperatures and abundant sunshine, Crete’s climate is a blessing throughout the year.

Top Tourist Destination

Highlights

Crete, the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean, stands proudly as one of Greece’s premier tourist destinations, consistently ranking among the top five in the world for travellers.

In 2023 alone, Crete welcomed over 6 million visitors, comprising approximately one-sixth of Greece’s total tourist arrivals, and accounted for a significant 20% of the nation’s tourism receipts. Renowned for its unparalleled beauty and cultural richness, Crete continues to attract investment from prominent international travel entities, with plans underway for the development of several expansive resorts and hotel complexes.

Crete's Soaring International Air Arrivals

The Greek island of Crete witnessed a notable surge in international air arrivals in 2023 compared to the preceding year. Particularly, the months of July and August saw the most remarkable figures, with over one million and 967 thousand international visitors, respectively.

International air arrivals on the Greek island of Crete

In the Forefront of Energy Projects

Crete in the Forefront of Energy Projects

Interconnection Projects, Renewables & Innovation Hubs

Crete maintains its leading role in advancing energy and climate-friendly construction practices throughout Greece. Furthermore, the island is actively engaged in two groundbreaking power interconnection initiatives.

The first, the Crete-Attica interconnection, represents a monumental investment totalling €1 billion, aimed at enhancing energy connectivity between Crete and the Attica region. Additionally, Crete is spearheading the Crete-Peloponnese submarine AC interconnection project, a transformative endeavor valued at an estimated €324 million.

These initiatives underscore Crete’s commitment to sustainable energy development and regional connectivity.

Massive energy infrastructure projects are planned.

After years of anticipation, Crete is poised to undergo a transformative upgrade to its infrastructure. Anchoring this development is the construction of a new airport at Kasteli, strategically located south of the island’s bustling capital, Heraklion. Complementing this endeavor is the ambitious plan for a new highway traversing the scenic north shore of Crete.

These major public works projects promise to not only enhance connectivity across the island but also unlock vast opportunities for economic growth and development. Now is the time to invest in Crete’s promising future.

Crete is on the brink of an economic resurgence fueled by substantial investments in its electricity grid infrastructure.

Two distinct projects, each valued at around €1 billion, are set to revolutionize connectivity between the island and the mainland’s electricity grid. These strategic initiatives not only signify a monumental leap forward for Crete’s energy sector but also herald a new era of economic growth and opportunity.

With these investments, Crete is poised to soar to new heights, solidifying its position as a key player in the region’s energy landscape.

Massive energy infrastructure projects in Crete - Invest in Crete

Exceptional Infrastructure

Private Investments

Silled Workforce

Demographics & Facts

Crete, the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean, boasts a population of around 634,000 and is a top tourist destination, welcoming over 6 million visitors in 2023.

Known for its rich cultural history, including the Minoan palace of Knossos and the Venetian Town of Chania, Crete is also the birthplace of notable figures like Nikos Kazantzakis and El Greco. The island enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with over 300 sunny days annually, supporting its thriving agricultural sector.

Major infrastructure projects, such as a new airport at Kasteli and significant electricity grid upgrades, are set to further enhance Crete’s economic growth and connectivity.

Population

50000

GDP in 2023, in current prices

50000 million euros

Increased performance in innovation

50000 %
Crete, Greece - Demographics & Facts

Crete is the safest, one of the richest and most fertile regions in Greece.

Nature Treeasures - Chania, Crete - ARENCORESBlue Flags Beaches - Chania, Crete - ARENCORESDestinations to and From Chania, Crete - ARENCORES Crime Rate in Chania, Crete - ARENCORESSunny days in Chania, Crete - ARENCORES
Unique Nature Treasures
30 gorges, 20 bays, 8 lakes
Blue Flag Beaches: 34> 70 DestinationsLow Crime Rates: 0.05%Sunny Days: 325

Discover the Spectacular Beauty and Unmatched Charm of Chania

Invest in Chania, one of the top destinations in the entire world, not only due to its unique architecture and unparalleled natural beauty. It is a combination of different details and personal touches, leading to the perfect outcome that can be admired from the very first moment you visit the area.
Chania Average temperatures and precipitation - Chania real Estate
Chania Average temperatures and precipitation
Cloudy, sunny, and precipitation days in Chania
Cloudy, sunny, and precipitation days in Chania
Chania Maximum Temperatures - Invest in Chania, Crete
Chania Maximum Temperatures

Dedicated to your Satisfaction

“There are great real estate investments overseas. There are also some incredible places to live. At ARENCORES, we looked at dozens of factors like climate, cost of living, and accessibility. But the ones that carry the most weight for us are these three: quality of life, real estate potential, safety, and the opportunity to invest in Chania.

WE’LL HELP YOU FIND A NEW PLACE TO CALL HOME.

Private Investors & Developers

Private Investors & Developers - Chania Real Estate

Information and advice about property investment in Chania.

Corporate Venture Capital Investors

Corporate Venture Capital Investors - Chania Real Estate

We are providing a tailored service to corporate investors in the Chania real estate market.

Corporate Venture Capital Developers

Corporate Venture Capital Developers - Chania Real Estate

We are offering expertise, consultancy and advice to property developers in Chania.

ARENCORES MAGAZINE - Chania Real Estate Latest News & Trends

ARENCORES MAGAZINE

Chania is the Best Place to Invest and Live. ARENCORES MAGAZINE is filled with detailed information on current trends in Chania real estate, newest styles, best places to be, must-haves and the latest news about the property market in Chania, Crete. This is the ultimate read for the discerning real estate lover.

A TAPESTRY OF LANDSCAPES

A tapestry of landscapes, where pristine beaches, rugged mountains, and lush valleys converge to create a breathtaking panorama. Explore the diverse beauty of this Mediterranean haven, where each turn reveals a new, enchanting vista, blending natural splendour with rich cultural heritage.

Whether you’re hiking through scenic gorges, lounging by the crystal-clear sea, or wandering through charming villages, Chania’s varied landscapes promise endless discovery and delight.

Chania: Amazing array of biodiversity and ecological value
Chania: A TAPESTRY OF LANDSCAPES
Photo by ERROR 420 on Unsplash

In Chania, at every season – an amazing array of biodiversity and ecological value will unfold before your eyes.

Endless stretches of coastline, inlets and islands of extraordinary beauty and sandy beaches tucked away at the foot of forbidding mountains. Impenetrable yet such imposing gorges, holy caves from the Minoan times, blessed rivers and lush, green plains thickly covered with olive and orange. lemon and citrus trees.

But that is only one side of the coin.

The prefecture of Chania which overlooks the Aegean and Libyan Sea is a land of never-ending natural beauties.

GOLDEN VISA PROGRAM

A long-term passport to the amazing island of Crete, Greece.

Invest in Chania with the Greece Golden Visa Program, offering a gateway to European residency through real estate investment. By purchasing property valued at €400,000 or more, investors and their families can obtain a renewable five-year residency permit.

This program provides access to the benefits of living in Greece, including excellent healthcare, education, and a high quality of life, while also enjoying visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone. The Greece Golden Visa is an attractive option for those seeking a strategic investment and a vibrant lifestyle in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries.

The Greece Golden Visa Program involves several fees and costs associated with the application process and maintaining residency. Here are the key fees:

  1. Government Fees:
    • Main Applicant: €2,000 for the issuance of the residency permit.
    • Family Members: €150 for each family member included in the application.
  2. Application Fees:
    • Main Applicant and Family Members: €500 for each application.
  3. Legal and Notary Fees:
    • Varies depending on the law firm or legal representative handling the application. Typically ranges from €1,000 to €5,000.
  4. Property Purchase Costs:
    • Property Transfer Tax: Approximately 3% of the property value.
    • Notary Fees: Usually 1.5% – 2% of the property value.
    • Registration Fees: Around 0.5% of the property value.
Total costs: In general one should expect additional costs 8%-10% of the total EUR 250,000 real estate investment.
GREECE GOLDEN VISA PROGRAM - Chania Real Estate ARENCORES
Greece Golden Visa

The Greece Golden Visa Program offers numerous benefits for investors and their families:

  1. Residency for Family: Includes spouse and children up to 21 years old.
  2. Fast Track Process: Residency permit typically granted within 2-3 months.
  3. Affordable Investment: Minimum investment of €400,000, one of the lowest in Europe.
  4. Visa-Free Travel: Enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Zone.
  5. Renewable Permit: Residency permit is renewable every five years without additional investment.
  6. No Residency Requirement: No need to reside in Greece to maintain the permit.
  7. Path to Citizenship: Potential for Greek citizenship after seven years of residency.
  8. High Quality of Life: Access to Greece’s excellent healthcare, education, and lifestyle.
  9. Investment Opportunities: Potential for high return on investment in Greece’s growing real estate market.
  10. Cultural Richness: Immerse yourself in Greece’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

The Greece Golden Visa Program is a strategic and attractive option for those seeking both investment opportunities and a vibrant lifestyle.

HOUSING INDEX IN GREECE

Housing prices include housing rent prices indices, real and nominal house prices indices, and ratios of price to rent and price to income. In most cases, the nominal house price index covers the sales of newly-built and existing dwellings, following the recommendations from the RPPI (Residential Property Prices Indices) manual.

Prospects for Commercial Real Estate Properties

1. Abysmal 2. Poor. 3. Fair. 4. Good 5. Excellent

Trends and Opportunities

Rising Property Values: Over recent years, Greece has experienced a steady increase in property prices, driven by economic recovery, increased foreign investment, and the popularity of the Golden Visa Program.

Urban Areas Leading Growth: Major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki have seen significant price hikes, with prime locations and luxury properties particularly in demand.

Regional Variations: While urban areas are experiencing rapid growth, some rural and less-touristic regions have slower price increases, offering more affordable investment opportunities.

Tourist Destinations in Demand: Popular tourist areas such as Crete, Mykonos, and Santorini are witnessing strong demand, pushing property prices higher due to their appeal to both investors and holiday home buyers.

Positive Outlook: The overall outlook for Greece’s housing market remains positive, supported by economic stability, tourism growth, and continued foreign interest.

Rental Yields: The rental market is also thriving, with high demand in tourist hotspots and major cities, resulting in attractive rental yields for property investors.

Chania & Tourism Trends

Crete is most often visited by tourists from Germany. Over 1.4 million German tourists visited the island in 2018, ranking Germany as Crete’s biggest travel market by far.

Other visitors include those from France, the UK and the Netherlands.According to the SETE Institute (INSETE), the research department of the Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE); Athens, Thessaloniki, Fira on Santorini, as well as Georgioupolis and Rethymno on Crete, are among the most popular tourist destinations among German vacationers in the spring of the last year. British tourists prefer Athens, Fira, and Imerovigli on Santorini, Corfu, and Thessaloniki.

The fact that Georgioupolis is one of the top destinations preferred by German tourists is not a surprise: in this area with a strong tradition in welcoming vacationers from this part of the European mainland, German vacationers feel at ease and find the best facilities and amenities for a comfortable stay including high-class facilities.

GREECE’S VISITOR ARRIVALS GROWTH

View Greece's Visitor Arrivals from Jan 2005 to Feb 2024
View Greece's Visitor Arrivals from Jan 2005 to Feb 2024

Visitor arrivals in Greece saw a significant increase of 26.0% in February 2024, up from a 16.0% rise in the previous month. This data, updated monthly, spans from January 2006 to February 2024. The highest growth rate was recorded in April 2022 at 884.3%, while the lowest was -97.7% in May 2020

Prime Hub for Living and Investing

According to RESTful, our Big Data Analytics, Research, and Investment Platform, Chania’s real estate market stands out as the most attractive in the Mediterranean. Its exceptional return on investment rates surpass immediate competitors in Southeastern Europe. This surge in demand for commercial and residential properties in Chania, Crete, can be attributed to the multitude of benefits this region offers:

Schedule an appointment with us.

Let us know how we can help. Whether it’s buying, selling or investing in Chania, we’re here to help you take that next step with confidence.

Compare listings

Compare