Ah, Crete! When you set foot on this enchanting Greek island, you never cease to be amazed by its beauty and gentle way of life. Climate, landscape, people: the island in the middle of the Mediterranean has it all. If you're wondering why you should move to Crete, then let me tell you why so many people have decided to take the plunge and, I hope, inspire you to give it a try. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I'll be revealing my 9 good reasons for moving to Crete.
Idyllic Mediterranean climate
One of the main reasons I decided to move to Crete is undoubtedly its idyllic Mediterranean climate. The island enjoys generous amounts of sunshine throughout the year, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This pleasant climate means that you can take full advantage of all the outdoor activities on offer, whether you're lounging on the fine sandy beaches, hiking in the mountains or wandering through the charming lanes of the picturesque villages. What's more, this mild weather contributes to better health and general well-being, as it encourages an active lifestyle and reduces the risk of seasonal depression linked to lack of sunshine.
Tasty, healthy Cretan cuisine
Cretan cuisine is a real treat for the taste buds. Not only is it delicious, it is also renowned for its health benefits. In fact, Cretan food is at the heart of the Mediterranean diet, famous for its positive effects on longevity and the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Local ingredients, such as olive oil, fresh vegetables, fruit, pulses, fish and seafood, form the basis of tasty, well-balanced dishes. Living in Crete, you'll have the chance to sample local specialities such as dakos (a salad made from barley bread and tomatoes), kalitsounia (small turnovers with cheese and herbs) and bougatsa (a sweet pastry with cream).
Affordable cost of living
Another major attraction of Crete is its affordable cost of living, which means you can make the most of your expatriate experience without breaking the bank. Accommodation, transport, food shopping and leisure activities are generally cheaper than in Northern or Western Europe. You can rent a comfortable flat or a charming village house at reasonable prices, and enjoy traditional dishes in local taverns without worrying about your wallet. This affordable quality of life is an undeniable asset for those wishing to settle in Crete and take full advantage of all the island has to offer, without sacrificing their budget.
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Rich history and cultural heritage
Crete is a real treasure trove for history and culture buffs. The island is the cradle of the Minoan civilisation, one of the oldest in Europe, which left behind fascinating archaeological sites such as the palace of Knossos and the town of Phaistos. When you come to Crete, you'll have the chance to explore these relics of the past and delve into the legends of Greek mythology.
But Cretan history doesn't stop there: over the centuries, the island has been marked by the presence of different civilisations, such as the Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans, whose influences are still visible today in the architecture and local traditions. The museums, churches and monasteries dotted around the island bear witness to this rich cultural heritage, which is sure to fill you with wonder.
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Heavenly beaches and breathtaking scenery
Crete is renowned for its heavenly beaches and breathtaking scenery. Living on this island, you can enjoy over 1,000 kilometres of coastline, with sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and wild coves to discover. Among the must-sees are Elafonisi beach and its stretches of pink sand, or Balos beach and its turquoise lagoon.
But Crete isn't just about beaches: the island also offers impressive mountain scenery, with deep gorges, green plateaux and snow-capped peaks in winter. Hiking enthusiasts can take on the challenge of the famous Samaria trail, while nature lovers can observe the endemic flora and fauna during their escapades.
A warm and welcoming population
One of the most striking things about moving to Crete is the kindness and friendliness of the island's inhabitants. The Cretans are renowned for their generosity, hospitality and sense of community. They are always ready to help, guide and share their traditions and culture.
By moving to Crete, you will have the opportunity to forge sincere and lasting friendships with the locals, and to integrate easily into the social and cultural life of the island. This human warmth and friendly welcome is a real asset to a successful and fulfilling expatriation experience.
You'll have to find your own good reasons for living in Crete
High quality of life and relaxed lifestyle
Living in Crete means adopting a more relaxed and serene lifestyle, far from the stress and hectic pace of the big cities. The quality of life here is high, with an unspoilt natural environment, a peaceful atmosphere and a daily life punctuated by local traditions.
The island also has a good infrastructure, with health services, schools and local shops accessible to all. By moving to Crete, you can enjoy a balance between work, leisure and family life, and learn to savour the simple pleasures of life in an idyllic setting.
Opportunities to learn and practise Greek
Immersing yourself in Cretan culture also means learning the Greek language. Moving to Crete gives you the chance to familiarise yourself with this rich and fascinating language, and to practise it on a daily basis with the locals. The Cretans are often very patient and encouraging with learners, which makes progress much easier.
Mastering Greek will not only help you to integrate better and form deeper bonds with the locals, it will also enrich your cultural experience and help you to discover the subtleties of Greek literature and philosophy.
Geographical proximity to the rest of Europe
One of Crete's notable advantages is its strategic location, making it easy to travel to other European destinations. The island is well served by airlines, with many direct and affordable flights to major European cities. Whether you want to explore other Mediterranean countries, travel to European capitals for a cultural break or return home to visit loved ones, Crete is an ideal base.
What's more, its proximity to the African continent and the Middle East also offers opportunities to discover exotic and enriching destinations. So, living in Crete not only allows you to enjoy an exceptional living environment on a daily basis, but also to broaden your horizons and multiply your travel experiences throughout Europe and beyond.
I've given you my 9 good reasons for living in Crete, and of course there are others, such as water sports, its various museums and its markets, but it would be difficult to cover everything in just one video, and everyone needs to discover their own good reasons for living in Crete.
