09.09.2024
What is the name of those famous goats I always see in Instagram pictures of Crete? Where can I find Crete's goats? The kri-kri is a wild goat on the island of Crete, also referred to as the Cretan wild goat, the Cretan ibex, or “agrimi”, which means “the wild one.” Its scientific name is Capra aegagrus cretica. The wild goat was brought to Crete by Neolithic-era settlers at least 8000 years ago. The goats migrated from the Near East along with Cretan settlers. The kri-kri escaped human control in Crete and lived in the mountainous areas of the island. They were hunted even in Minoan times - we know this because Minoan art from over 3000 years ago shows that they were game. Homer also refers to an “isle of goats” in The Odyssey.
Today, because of habitat loss for the kri-kri in Crete, their natural roaming area is small. The kri-kri now lives in the White Mountains, Samaria Gorge, and Agios Theodoros. The kri-kri is almost impossible to find on other islands, except in cases of inbreeding. In 1960, the kri-kri population had slipped to 200 in the White Mountains, and so the Samaria National Park was created as a reserve for kri-kri in 1962. The reserve is now a major tourist attraction and is protected by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. As of 1996, kri-kri numbers had boosted to 500.
Kri-kri generally avoid human contact and sleep during the day. Females live in herds of up to 20 members and males move alone. In folk music in Crete, particularly in the Rizitika folk songs, the kri-kri are heroes. They represent the wild nature which is untameable. What do the kri-kri look like? In stature, the kri-kri is bigger than the domesticated goat and has a light brown coat. It is identifiable by a dark stripe on the goat’s back and backward-curving horns. Like most mountain goats, the kri-kri can move easily on steep rock formations.
If you don’t get the chance to see a kri-kri in the wild, you will surely find it as the focal figure in souvenirs. In museums, you will also find it on ancient vases, coins, and masonry, because it was a symbol in Minoan civilization.
Kri Kri (without a dash) is also the name of a famous ice cream chain that you are likely to find at your local corner store in Greece. The company opened back in 1954 when its founder, George Tsinavos, opened a small pastry shop in Serres. From there, Tsinavos sold ice cream in the town of Serres, gradually growing the business. Kri Kri ice creams and the “Cassata” variety in particular, which was made from rich sheep’s milk, grew in popularity beyond the city’s borders. Today you can’t go through a supermarket or local grocery store without coming across their blue and red logo. The brand doesn’t happen to have a relation with the goat, and Kri Kri’s ice cream is in fact made from cow and sheep’s milk from Serres in the north. But one can’t help but wonder if they were inspired by the iconic symbol from Cretan folklore.
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.
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.
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.
05.05.2026
The Greek islands are a classic destination of romance, offering intimate caldera dinners and sunset sails to charming village squares, where every moment feels timeless. If you're searching for "Greece Travel Ideas", these islands provide endless options for couples, whether it's your first visit or the start of a future life embraced by the Aegean breeze.
