30.12.2025
Crete is stepping into the global spotlight once again. According to Airbnb’s latest travel trend insights based on worldwide search data from Q3 2025, the island — and especially the iconic Samaria Gorge National Park — ranks among the most sought-after nature destinations for 2026. This surge reflects a broader shift in how people choose where to travel, live, and invest. Travellers are no longer looking only for beaches or city breaks. Instead, they are drawn to authentic natural environments, outdoor experiences, and destinations that offer both beauty and balance, qualities that Crete delivers effortlessly.
Travel trends are clearly moving “back to nature”. Searches for accommodation near national parks have grown significantly, and outdoor experiences now dominate travel planning worldwide. Crete fits perfectly into this new mindset with its: - Scenic landscapes - Protected natural parks like Samaria Gorge - Year-round outdoor lifestyle - Mild climate and diverse terrain. As more travellers prioritise hiking, wellness, slow living, and meaningful experiences, destinations with strong natural identities gain long-term appeal, not just for holidays, but also for second homes and relocation. Crete is the number one choice for Elxis’ clients, with total sales nearly matching the combined sales of all other regions. As Crete continues to attract travellers who later become repeat visitors and homeowners, interest in high-quality residential projects on the island keeps growing. Rethymno, in particular, stands out as a location that reflects everything modern buyers are looking for in Crete. Below, you can explore one of our newest residential projects in this area.
Samaria Gorge is one of Europe’s most impressive natural landmarks, attracting hikers and nature lovers from across the globe. Its growing international visibility reinforces Crete’s reputation as more than a seasonal destination. For real estate buyers, proximity to protected nature areas offers higher long-term desirability, strong appeal for short-term rentals and sustainable value growth. Areas near national parks tend to attract quality tourism, longer stays, and visitors who value privacy, scenery, and authenticity, all factors that positively influence property demand.
Another key trend shaping 2026 is the rise of short but frequent trips, especially among younger travellers. Influenced by social media and event-driven travel, people are increasingly willing to travel internationally for just a few days. Crete has the advantage of combining excellent flight connections, strong cultural and culinary identity, and a mix of lively cities with peaceful countryside. This flexibility supports both holiday rentals and hybrid living models, where owners can combine personal use with rental income. Solo travel is also on the rise, with people seeking destinations that offer space, reflection, and a slower pace of life. Mountains, coastlines, and islands are among the top choices, placing Crete in an ideal position.
It’s worth mentioning that another recent survey showed that 91% of visitors in Crete were fully satisfied with the experience, while 97% rated their stay positively or very positively. Additionally, the new Kastelli Airport, expected to be completed in 2027, will take accessibility to the island to an even higher level. For lifestyle buyers, Crete offers:
- Affordable property prices compared to other Mediterranean hotspots
- High quality of life
- Strong local culture and gastronomy
- Safety and accessibility
These qualities make the island attractive not only for investors, but also for retirees, remote workers, and second-home buyers. As travel becomes more experience-driven and nature-focused, destinations like Crete gain lasting relevance. The island’s combination of natural beauty, international recognition, and high quality of life positions it strongly for the years ahead. For anyone considering real estate in Greece, Crete is a choice beyond beautiful; it is also a strategic and wise one.
05.10.2026
Leonard Cohen's poem "Days of Kindness", from 1985, describes Greece as being a good place to read by moonlight on the terrace. He knew this from experience. Hydra was his home for much of the 1960s. He arrived in the spring of 1960, aged 25, and bought a house on the island, where he wrote much of his early work. Many places on Hydra still carry traces of him, even now that Hydra has become far better known.
16.04.2026
Greece is often associated with ancient history, island landscapes, and carefully preserved traditions. Less discussed, however, is another layer of its identity: its place names. Across the mainland and the islands, thousands of villages carry names that can sound unexpectedly funny or strikingly literal to a modern Greek speaker. These are not recent inventions or deliberate attempts at humor. Most date back centuries, shaped by geography, daily life, local dialects, and historical circumstances. What makes them stand out today is the shift in language over time. Words that once served as straightforward descriptions of land, resources, or communities can now feel unusually direct or unexpectedly humorous. Looking at these names more closely offers insight into how earlier generations observed their surroundings and chose to define them.
20.03.2026
Greece has long been more than a travel destination. For centuries, writers have been drawn to its history, natural beauty, and authenticity, finding in Greece not just a setting, but a source of inspiration that shapes narratives, characters, and perspectives.
19.02.2026
02.01.2026
In Greece, the holiday season does not end on New Year’s Day. Instead, it culminates in one of the most symbolic celebrations of the year: Epiphany, known in Greek as Theofania. More than a religious holiday, Epiphany in Greece represents the triumph of light over darkness, a spiritual “new beginning” for individuals and communities. For anyone living in Greece, or dreaming of owning a home here, Epiphany offers one of the most authentic snapshots of local culture. From the blessing of the waters to ancient folk rituals, this day reveals the deep connection between the Greek people, nature, and tradition.
19.12.2025
Greece is known mostly for its pristine beaches and its endless summers. Also, Greek cuisine, with its unique Mediterranean dishes, is widely sought after. What might feel surprising is the magical beauty during Christmas in Greece. The country has a long festive season that runs from Christmas to Epiphany (the “Φώτα” on 6 January), full of local customs, food traditions, and small village rituals that still matter to people today. Winter destinations are also famous in Greece, as according to the latest Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel report (Wave 23) by the European Travel Commission (ETC), Greece ranks among the top 10 most desired European destinations for travel between October 2025 and March 2026, holding a solid 7th place.
19.12.2025
Spending New Year’s Eve on Greek islands is about much more than fireworks, food and champagne. It’s about little family rituals, centuries-old customs and the warm feeling of being part of a close community. For anyone dreaming of a holiday home or a new life in Greece, New Year's Eve is one of the unique moments to experience the soul of island life, when most tourists aren’t there, and you can experience authentic community moments with locals. As we’ve mentioned in an older blog post, cutting the famous Vasilopita, a special bread to honour the Greek Santa Claus, is the most important custom happening in almost every house in Greece at the turn of the year. A lucky coin is baked into the cake, and whoever finds it will have good luck for the next year or may even take a gift. But let’s explore a bit more of Greece’s rich traditions and local communities, from its enchanting islands to the unique customs celebrated on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
09.12.2025
Greece’s archaeological sites have always been one of the country’s greatest strengths, like a bridge between the past and the present, and a cornerstone of national identity. But a new nationwide survey conducted by research firm PULSE on behalf of the Ministry of Culture shows that these monuments are far more than cultural landmarks. They significantly influence quality of life, drive economic development, and shape how Greeks connect with their own history. The findings, based on the responses of 1,062 adults across Greece, reveal exceptionally high satisfaction levels with archaeological sites and museums. They also highlight how modern upgrades, better services, and ongoing investments are transforming the visitor experience.
