23.10.2026
Life on Lefkada: What You Should Know Before Buying a House
For international property buyers and future permanent residents, Lefkada can be a very smart option.

22.05.2026
If you're weighing up where to buy in Crete, Rethymno makes a strong case, and for many international buyers the answer is a clear yes. Sitting between Chania and Heraklion, it offers easy access to two major cities while keeping its own relaxed rhythm, historic charm, and a close connection to the sea. From restored village homes to modern villas near the coast, it draws buyers who want more than a summer base: a balanced life with beaches, mountain villages, restaurants, shops, and year-round services all within reach. It's often seen as Crete's smart middle ground, less busy than Chania, more intimate than Heraklion, and still well connected. Here's why it appeals, what makes it stand out, and who it suits best.
Rethymno's appeal is the way it combines historic character, coastal living, and practical everyday infrastructure. Its Old Town is one of the best-preserved historic centres in Crete, with Venetian and Ottoman influences, narrow streets, traditional houses, and an old harbour. That gives the city a strong identity and real appeal for holiday-home buyers and visitors alike. Unlike purely seasonal spots, Rethymno also works as a real town all year. It has shops, restaurants, schools, healthcare, public services, and a genuine local community, which makes it suitable not just for holidays but for longer stays or permanent living. Location adds to it. Between Chania and Heraklion, Rethymno gives you access to two of Crete's main cities while keeping a more relaxed feel. You can enjoy beaches, mountain villages, cultural sites, and everyday amenities without feeling cut off. For buyers in Crete, it's a balanced option: historic charm, access to the sea, year-round convenience, and a lifestyle that feels both authentic and practical.
Rethymno suits a range of buyers and goals. Traditional homes in or near the Old Town appeal to those who value historic character, walkability, and being close to restaurants, shops, cultural sites, and the harbour. They're attractive for holiday use or letting, though they often need more careful maintenance and renovation planning. Modern apartments near the centre or within walking distance of the beach are a practical, lower-upkeep choice, suiting both holiday visitors and longer-term residents, especially near everyday amenities. Properties near the coast appeal for their sea access and lifestyle. And for privacy, space, and a quieter setting, rural homes and villas in the wider Rethymno region, particularly those with mountain, countryside, or sea views, are worth considering. The best type depends on your priorities: rental potential, lifestyle use, renovation plans, maintenance, or long-term living.
Click here to check our current listings in Rethymno.
Buying in Greece involves specific legal, tax, and notarial steps. These typically include getting a Greek tax number, checking the property's title, reviewing building permits, confirming cadastral registration, and completing the purchase before a notary. For older or historic properties, especially in protected areas, renovation plans may need extra approvals. This can affect what changes are allowed and how long things take, so check it carefully before committing. There are also ongoing costs to factor in, such as the annual property tax, local charges, and tax on any rental income. Because the rules vary with the buyer, the property, and the intended use, proper legal and tax advice is essential.
A successful purchase starts with thorough due diligence. Work with qualified local professionals who understand the Greek market, the legal process, and the specifics of Cretan property. Before signing a preliminary agreement, check the title, building legality, planning status, access, utilities, and any restrictions affecting the property. For older homes, weigh the building's condition and likely renovation costs too. Good guidance helps you avoid delays, understand your obligations, and make informed decisions, which matters especially for international buyers less familiar with Greek documentation, local procedures, and property law.
Crete is one of our core regions, with our island offices in Rethymno and Plakias, so it's an area we know inside out. We've been guiding international property buyers to find their ideal house in Greece since 1991. With Elxis, you get:
An in-house team of 10 lawyers, not outsourced work
Full due diligence on every property: titles, the National Cadastre, planning and protected-area restrictions, tax, and any outstanding obligations
Contract drafting and management of the whole transaction
Everything explained in your own language: English, Dutch, German, French, or Greek
A trusted network across Crete: notaries, surveyors, viewing teams, and technical specialists
Rethymno is one of the most rewarding places to buy in Crete: historic and characterful, on the sea, alive all year, and neatly placed between Chania and Heraklion. Whether you want a home in the Old Town, an easy-care apartment near the beach, or a villa in the hills, it offers a balanced, authentic base, and it's an area we know especially well.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. For any issue relating to a specific property purchase, we recommend consulting a qualified lawyer, accountant, notary, or relevant professional adviser.
23.10.2026
For international property buyers and future permanent residents, Lefkada can be a very smart option.
22.09.2026
The Peloponnese gets far less international attention than Santorini or Mykonos, and for buyers, that is part of the appeal. The peninsula has a long and varied coastline, mountain villages that stay lived-in through winter, and some of the country's best-known ancient sites, Mycenae, Olympia, and Epidaurus among them. Prices here have stayed closer to reality than on the popular islands, mostly because foreign demand arrived later. If you are willing to look past the obvious destinations, the Peloponnese gives you more for your money and a region that does not shut down in October.
29.07.2026
One of Greece's unparalleled advantages is the bounty of islands it offers, with countless places to explore, all set against the backdrop of the endless blue sea. However, figuring out where each of these islands is located can be tricky. The purpose of this guide, therefore, is to provide a simple and easy-to-understand overview of Greece's island groups.
04.06.2026
It's a sensible thing to check before you start house-hunting, and the answer is a qualified yes. There is a train, but it only reaches the northern edge of the Peloponnese. Athens connects by rail to Kiato, and on towards Aigio, with a bus completing the run to Patras while the line is being finished. Beyond that, the peninsula has very little passenger rail, so the popular spots like Nafplio, Kalamata, and the Mani are reached by road. For most buyers, that makes the bus or the car the practical choice. Here's the full picture, and what it means if you're thinking of a home here.
24.05.2026
Crete is referred to with the nickname “island of the gods.” The famous Greek island is known for its history, its welcoming people, its picturesque landscapes, and its high quality of life. It seems like everyone is always in a good mood, even when there is a disagreement. What's not to like? In this article, we break down why Crete is the ideal place to buy a second home.
18.05.2026
Yes, and a growing number of international professionals are proving it: they are choosing Thessaloniki as their European base, drawn by its rare combination of cultural richness, affordability, and Mediterranean lifestyle. As Greece's second-largest city, Thessaloniki offers significantly lower living costs compared to many major European cities, while still providing a high quality of life, strong urban character, and easy access to the sea.
14.05.2026
Lefkada is connected to mainland Greece by a floating bridge near Lefkada Town, at the narrow Lefkada Canal. This road connection is one of the island’s most practical advantages, as visitors and property owners can reach Lefkada by car without taking a ferry. The bridge opens at scheduled times to allow boats to pass through the canal. For drivers, this can occasionally mean a short wait, especially during the summer season, so it is wise to allow a little extra time when arriving on or leaving the island. This connection makes Lefkada different from many other Greek island destinations. While islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, Corfu, and Crete require either a ferry or a flight, Lefkada can be reached directly by road from mainland Greece.
07.05.2026
Chania is one of Crete's most beautiful corners, and many buyers find that the villages around it, rather than the city itself, offer the best of it: authentic Cretan life, sea or mountain views, and easy access to everything Chania provides. There's no single best village, but a handful stand out, and we have the most to offer in a few clear areas: the green Apokoronas region to the east, the lively coast to the west around Platanias and Maleme, and a scattering of characterful spots in between. Here's a guide to the villages worth knowing, and how to think about choosing one.







