Crete is developing into a hub for digital nomads working from Greece. Why?
Greece recently introduced incentives to draw online workers. Cities such as Heraklion, Chania and Rethymno are drawing a growing global community of professionals swapping their homes for Cretan shores where people go for a dip at the beach just about year-round.
How Many Digital Nomads are in Crete?
With the help of evolving technology, digital nomads are remote workers who live and work wherever they chose in a lifestyle that is gaining more and more fans.
Signs indicate that Crete has beaten other Greek islands, and the country’s large cities, such as Athens and Thessaloniki, in the race to draw digital workers. Membership of Facebook group “Digital Nomads & Remote Workers Chania” is growing fast while more than 27,000 members have joined the “I want to live in Crete” group where a lively community of foreigners discuss all issues relevant to living on Greece’s biggest island.
Co-Working in Crete
A number of co-living and co-working spaces have also popped up in Crete, providing workers a quiet place to work with a stable internet connection, while industry sources say that more are in the pipeline.
Regional authorities in Crete also launched workfromcrete.gr, a site that helps acquaint remote workers with what is offered locally, while the island dominates blog greecefornomads.com.
Why Is Crete Perfect for Digital Nomads?
With its breath-taking turquoise waters and endless white sandy beaches, Crete provides a unique mix of laid-back lifestyle, low cost of living and a bustling social life.
Hospitality remains a key part of living in Crete where the cuisine is renowned internationally for its unique flavours and ingredients.
A growing ex-pat community is adding flair to Crete, rivalling places like Athens, as music, film, poetry, theatre, dance and food festivals are held year-round. Investments in infrastructure ensure that living standards are kept high, with the government and investors pouring money into transport, healthcare and education.
Digital Nomad Visa in Greece
In an industry estimated to be worth 670 billion euros globally, there are some 70 countries worldwide that offer some sort of visa targeting digital nomads.
Greece introduced a visa that allows non-EU foreign nationals to live and work in the country for up to two years on the condition that they have a foreign employer and earn at least 3,500 euros per month. A higher income is needed if dependent family members are also involved. The Visa also goes by the name “Greece nomadic visa.”
Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
To qualify for a Digital Nomad Visa, you need to fulfill these requirements:
- You must be a non-EU citizen.
- You must prove that you are a digital nomad.
- You must prove that you will work with telecommunications.
- You must be able to show an employment contract with a company that is registered outside Greece.
- Your monthly salary must be at least €3,500.
Impact on Real Estate
The need for a place to live and work for digital nomads is adding to already strong demand for accommodation on the island. This is pushing up rents – and keeping yields high.
Hotels will cover most of these accommodation needs with a large chunk of demand also being met by homes offered for short-term rentals. An area of business that is proving to be particularly profitable for homeowners that invest in a beachside dream house, who use the villa for as long as they like, then rent it out at daily rates that often exceed 500 Euros per night.
Notos Real Estate Management
One example of a high-quality property management company is Notos Estate Management. Notos is known for their 5-star service, offering a full villa maintenance and rental management service for private villa owners in the south of Crete. Working with a property management company like Notos can drastically improve your return on investment on your property in Greece.
One important thing to note is the difference in the property needs separating digital nomads from remote workers. Digital nomads normally stay at one place for one to two months at a time before moving on, meaning that they demand flexibility in where they work and live. They also need fast and reliable internet access, quiet, soundproof spaces for online meetings and seek community activities to foster connections (especially with other like-minded professionals).
Remote workers, on the other hand, are professionals who don’t need to go into the office, allowing them to work from home, but normally remain at one location.
Both remote workers and digital nomads are helping reshape the real estate market in Crete, as demand for houses on the islands from foreign and international investors remains strong, keeping market prospects strong.
Where to Become a Digital Nomad in Crete
Rethymnon
It’s Crete’s third largest city and a very romantic place! It also perfectly combines the old town’s charm and history with proximity to a long sandy beach. It’s one of the most well-preserved Venetian old towns on the island (though also showing some of its Turkish appearance) as today’s old town was almost entirely built by the Republic of Venice. The 16th-century buildings are stunning and the monolithic Fortezza reflects both European and Moorish influences.
Makrygialos
Tucked away in southeastern Crete, about 30 minutes east of Ierapetra, Makrigialos, which means long shore in Greek, has a lot to offer. Its main beach has been certified with a blue flag and has calm, shallow swimming waters, ideal for families.
In the nearby areas there are more impressive white sand swimming beaches, some of Crete’s best, including Diaskari and Langada. International and local visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a spot to relax under the shade of a tree next to the turquoise waters.
A large number of water sports are on offer, such as jet-skiing and wind surfing, while the area takes great pride in the quality traditional Cretan food prepared with fresh locally produced ingredients.
Plakias
Ok, we admit we are biased, because the Elxis Crete office is located in Plakias. The beaches here provide splendid swimming waters that even many Greeks are not aware of, while the traditional villages in the surrounding hills offer a combination of picturesque sceneries along with tavernas that serve the best food you will taste on the island.
The former fishing village of Plakias is the biggest town along the stretch. Surrounded by mountains to the north, it faces the sea to the south. Its blue-flagged sandy beach is one of the longest in Crete.
There are numerous tavernas and bars on offer, helping complete the summer experience.
