You can lead a good relaxing life on Crete, full of days on the beach, dining out on the seafront and visiting charming villages.
Being the largest Greek island, with a varied landscape, there are plenty of natural wonders to explore. You can enjoy autumn walks through stunning gorges and see the wild flowers on the Lasithi plateau in the springtime.
The people of Crete are very welcoming and you can find everything you need for year-round living.
Many expats have already decided to make their home on Crete. Here are 16 reasons why you’ll love it too.
1. Slow pace of life
The lifestyle on Crete can be relaxed and carefree. You can take off your watch, and go with the flow. Plus, with so many fine weather days, everyone is outside more, so you actually get to see your neighbours. This promotes a strong sense of community, and people look out for each other.
As you while away a few hours at the village café, watching the fishermen bringing in their nets, and the tiny fish around the boat, you will soon realise that there really is no need to rush. There is always tomorrow. When you get frustrated at how long it is taking to sort paperwork or finish a job on your house, just remember the Greek phrase, “αγάλι-αγάλι” (agáli-agáli) meaning “slowly-slowly.”
2. Varied landscapes
Crete has a varied landscape from beaches to mountains. As Crete is a big island there is a wide choice of scenery to suite every taste. Whether you prefer city life or a quiet village, a sea view apartment or a villa in the hills, there is something for everyone.
The White Mountains
3. Beautiful Beaches
On the island of Crete, aquamarine seas meet sandy beaches and secluded coves. For a beach with pastel pink sand, head to the lagoon beach at Elafonisi. For windsurfing and beautiful sunsets visit Falassarna. Then again, if you seek white sands and crystal-clear water for snorkelling, climb down the path to Preveli.
The most photogenic beach with a lagoon is located in the secluded setting of the Gramvousa Peninsula. The caves at the popular beach at Matala are also fascinating. There is such a good variety of beaches, you will want to explore the island and seek out your favourites.
3. Authentic Greece
Much of Crete has a stereotypical Greek atmosphere. The island has some beautiful tiny villages with typical Greek houses. There is a strong sense of family and community, and the local people are very welcoming and have lots of stories to tell. It is said that the king of gods, Zeus, was born in a cave in Crete, and was also patron of hospitality.
4. Festivals and music
Local festivals aren’t simply put on for tourists, they are part of local tradition and offer a deep cultural experience. At these feasts, music plays a big part, and songs are sung from the heart. You can even see some of the traditional instruments being made on the island. More information about traditional Cretan musical instruments can be found on a website created by the University of Crete.
5. Traditional dance
As well as music, local people celebrate Cretan dances wearing traditional costumes. Some places offer “Greek nights” with traditional cuisine and Cretan dancing. You can find such evenings in Kissamos, and the villages of Arolithos and Karouzanos. But, you may also come across people spontaneously dancing together at village feasts.
6. Rich in history
The Historical Museum of Crete in Heraklion, and the Maritime Museum of Crete in Chania, offer a good overview of the island’s history. Located close to Heraklion, the archaeological site of Knossos is the most well-known of all the Cretan ruins, as it was at the centre of the Minoan civilization. There are several other archaeological sites on the island, such as Phaistos, overlooking the Messara plain.
In the towns, the architecture also shows evidence of Venetian, Ottoman, Roman, and Byzantine occupation. Having history all around adds character to the island and means there are interesting places to visit in your spare time.
Ruins of the ancient Minoan Palace of Phaistos
7. Big towns
Many Cretans live in, or commute to, the four main towns on the island. These are Heraklion, Chania, Rethymnon and Agios Nikolaos. When you need to shop for something you can’t find in your village, a trip to town is very convenient. You will also find more people speak English in the towns and tourist resorts. Here are the main four towns on Crete:
- Heraklion is the capital of the island and one of the wealthiest cities in Greece. It is modern and lively, with shops selling everything you might need, such as hardware and electrical goods. Many visitors also come to Heraklion to see the ancient site of Knossos and the sites of Phaistos and Malia.
- Chania has a picturesque Venetian harbour with a wonderful blend of modern and historic buildings. Built on an ancient site, the old town, with its narrow twisting streets, art galleries and cafés, is characteristic of Crete’s wealth of culture. But it has a modern side too with all the shops you might need.
- Rethymnon hosts the ruins of a Venetian fortress and has some lovely beaches. It has a mix of historic and modern architecture, with excellent restaurants, cafés and museums.
- Agios Nikolaos is a town set around the beautiful Lake Voulismeni. Its has a pretty harbour and some great places to eat and shop.
8. Good transport links
Crete has three airports, one near the capital Heraklion, one in Chania and the third in Lassithi. The New International Airport of Heraklion, in Kasteli, is set to replace the existing “Nikos Kazantzakis Airport” in 2027. In addition, there are ferries going to and from Athens, and other islands. The north coast of the island particularly has good public transport, making it easy to get about if you don’t drive.
9. Expat community
When you move to Crete, it is wonderful to live among a local community. Even if you are struggling to learn Greek, when the locals see you trying to say a few words, they will try and help. It is so much easier to communicate these days, since the invention of translation apps for your mobile phone.
However, it is also helpful to have some other expats living in your area, to whom you can speak in English and ask for advice. Heraklion, the largest city on the island, has a large number of expats due to its work possibilities. Another area popular with expats is Apokoronas, which is situated between the major towns of Chania and Rethymnon. There is a large British expat community in the villages of Plaka, Kokkino Horio, Kalyves and Almerida. Most of these villages have year-round shops, particularly Kalyves. Plus, they are all within half an hour’s drive of Chania, where you can find all the services you need, including big supermarkets.
In addition, you can get practical support and answers to any questions you might have through social media pages and events organized by expats. The CIC (Cretan International Community), based in Rethymnon, meets for coffee once a month and organises weekend excursions, archaeological lectures, dinners, games afternoons and other social activities.
10. Good for year-round living
Unlike some of the small islands, Crete doesn’t become a ghost town during the winter months. With ongoing activities and a strong sense of community, spending the winter on the island is very pleasant. In towns with a high population of locals you are most likely to find shops and restaurants open year-round.
Crete is known for its fresh, local ingredients
Image: T photography via Shutterstock
11. Fresh, healthy food
To sit and eat with a Cretan family is a wonderful cultural experience. You will learn how to eat a healthy Mediterranean diet using ingredients freshly grown on the island. The Greek diet is well known for its simple dishes, using fresh produce and fish. Even the restaurants on Crete focus on good, fresh food at a reasonable price.
Food shopping isn’t overly expensive either, unless you are looking for something very specific that comes from abroad. It’s worth thinking about the items you really can’t live without and bringing them with you when you move.
12. Low crime rate
Crete has a very low crime rate, and the Greek culture puts great importance on family and respecting the older generation. According to numbeo.com the main towns on Crete have a “very low” crime rate. A high percentage of people surveyed find it safe to walk alone on Crete.
13. Low cost of living
The daily cost of living on the island is reasonably priced, especially when it comes to fresh, locally-grown produce. Fresh bread costs less than €1.50, a dozen eggs around €4.50 and a lettuce 86 cents. Eating out can cost as little as €12.00 per head. For the best prices, simply go where the locals go.
14. Good weather
You can rely on clear blue skies most days, and rarely need a warm coat. The weather in Crete is comfortable in winter, with most rainfall coming in December and January. However, in January you can also get some lovely sunny days too. The average daily maximum temperature in July and August is 30°C and the chance of rain is very slim. In January and February, maximum temperatures average 15°C.
15. Outdoor activities
Crete offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking and swimming in the sea. You can also enjoy water sports, such as windsurfing, kitesurfing and kayaking. The island is ideal for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.
There’s a wide range of water sports in Crete
16. Good Healthcare
Being a big island with three major cities, there are well-equipped hospitals. The University Hospital Heraklion has the largest medical facility, including diagnostic and laboratory facilities. There are also smaller clinics, private hospitals and a large number of good pharmacies across the island.
I recommend translating what you want to say to the doctor and taking a printout to your appointment. Crete also has several medical translators who can come to appointments with you and make sure you understand any prescriptions or procedures.
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