Thousands of foreigners are buying up land on Greece's most southerly island.
If you like the sound of Crete, you had better get a move on. Demand for land is outstripping supply and prices are on the up.
The most southerly and largest of the Greek islands has a bewitching blend of coastal and mountain scenery. Although known for its rocky terrain, the western part of the island is extremely fertile. Endless olive groves and orchards are fed by the waters of the snow-clad White Mountains. Tomatoes, avocados and exotic flowers which grow here are shipped daily to local markets all over Greece.
The island has long, hot summers and balmy winters. You can bathe in the warm Cretan seas until November. Plus there are countless blue flag beaches. Choose from fine pink sand comparable to the South Pacific, to pebbles, to a toe-scorching, black volcanic variety.
"Land is definitely in big demand here," says James Ward, who manages the Athens office of surveyors Lambert Smith Hampton. "There are already several high-end developments in progress, with more on the way."
In the past seven years, a foreign community has sprung up in north-western Crete. Locals believe the influx of northern Europeans, mostly British, has reached about 5,000. The core have settled in a pretty peninsula to the east of the city of Chania, known as Apokoronas.
There are a handful of traditional mountain communities like Megala Chorafia within striking distance of the sandy beach at Georgioupoli. They are easily reached via Chania international airport, a destination served by major charter airlines from UK regional airports. There are hourly, 50-minute flights to Athens.
Chania's picturesque port is surrounded by ancient monuments and has become one of the most sought after places to live.
Artion construction and development company is located in Crete in Chania capital of West Crete ,where develops and creates ideal homes , according to strict specifications and under experienced proffesionals check..
