Living In Crete

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands with a population of just over half a million people and the fifth largest island in the Mediterranean. It is some 256km long and varying between 15 and 30km wide, with majestic mountains rising in its centre. It has a great variety of landscapes and is a land of brilliant colours and this is the reason many call Crete ‘small Greece’.

Situated between the three continents of Europe, Africa and Asia, Crete’s unique geographic position makes it the most southerly outpost of Europe offering the sunniest climate with more than 300 days of sunshine per year and the least rainy days. The island also has the most beaches in Europe which have been awarded the Blue Flag for their cleanliness and water quality by the European Community. This coupled with one of the lowest crime rates in Europe and a low cost of living make Crete an ideal home for many.

Crete offers three main towns, Iraklion being its largest and most developed, followed by the smaller Ventetian influenced Rethymnon and Chania. Known to many as the ‘Jewel of Crete’, Chania is a surprisingly cosmopolitan town with an old world atmosphere and is a favorite of many.