24.07.2023
This article was originally published on July 16th in Het Laatste Nieuws, a Dutch-language newspaper that is now the most popular newspaper in Flanders and Belgium. The lovely couple you see pictured below are Paul Maeyens and Ellen Besard, both 58, at their second home in Crete. They are from Deinze, East Flanders. Het Laatste reporters met with Paul and Ellen to learn more about their long-cherised dream of buying a second home in Crete.
“Buying a Home in Crete was not always the plan,” admit Paul and Ellen. 6 years ago, they invested in a second home in Crete for retirement, choosing a site in the south of Crete which is quieter and more green when compared to Crete's big cities. The villa they chose is impressively long, at 25 meters, with expansive views of the natural scenery and of the Mediterranean Sea.
Paul sold his candy company, and began investing in real estate soon after. The couple first learned about Elxis - At Home in Greece at the Second Home Fair in Belgium. They began searching for a second home in Crete, hoping to rent it out when they weren't visiting. Elxis's team showed them a plot northeast of Plakias, and Paul and Ellen were attracted to the pristine and mountainous landscape. For them, the area offers more than the typical sea view, which can be found elsewhere in Greece.
Paul and Ellen like visiting their Cretan home in shoulder season: "We prefer to stay in Crete in spring, when everything is beautifully green, and in October at the end of the tourist season." The couple shares the home with friends during their visit, but also with renters. Those wishing to vacation at Villa Lithos can do so starting at 1,500 euros per week. For a new construction in the area, it’s possible to find a two-bedroom home from about 210,000 euros.
Paul and Ellen started working with Elxis - At Home in Greece, real estate professionals with offices in both the Netherlands and in Greece. The team is experienced in advising Belgian clients who are unfamiliar with the Greek market. After a viewing of the plot, they fell in love with the area: “When we step down the mountain, it's a kilometer and a half to the beach. Especially in spring, it's impressive to be among the wild orchids and all kinds of flowers."
Back in Belgium, their home is a renovated farmhouse. In Crete, they wanted a change in style and chose a modern villa. “We gave our own input and we were allowed to provide our own sketches. We clearly recognize our hand in this house. For example, we absolutely wanted maximum connection with nature and the house had to be a bungalow.” The couple also focused on accessibility, making sure the house would accommodate them even in old age.
The couple chose to buy furniture locally instead of going to mainland Greece, so they could support local Cretan stores. “That took more time and effort, but we're glad we did it anyway." The countertop they chose is made of a composite material that looks like marble. Paul and Ellen add: "We are still impressed every time because it is so beautiful. When we sit on the couch, it makes it seem like we are outside."
Paul and Ellen organized the bedrooms with their grandkids in mind. There are three bedrooms, each with a bathroom, a terrace and a large window - so that every guest can wake up to a beautiful view. "Everyone has their own place to retreat for a while. When two families stay here, the kids love lying on the bunk beds."
"We liked to be a bit contrary every now and then," Paul laughs. "For example, the straight lines of the villa were broken by a circular cutout in the concrete awning.” This meant a tree could grow in the cutout. He decided for the infinity pool to be a little longer than originally planned, so at the end it follows the twists and turns of the plot.
Want to read the original article in Dutch as it appeared in Het Laatste Nieuws? Reach out to our team at [email protected] we’ll share the original text with you.
19.03.2026
Spanning over 1700 km across the southern peninsula and connecting 12 major hiking routes, the Peloponnese Trails network is set to become the Largest Certified Hiking Trail Network in Greece, weaving together landscapes, heritage, and storytelling in a way that is both immersive and sustainable.
18.03.2026
Basements are a familiar feature of many homes across Greece. Traditionally used for storage, parking, or utility areas, these spaces are increasingly being reimagined—sometimes as guest rooms, independent apartments, or even stylish leisure areas. For anyone exploring property in Greece, it’s useful to understand how basements are defined and when they can legally function as living spaces. The rules are quite specific, but once explained clearly, they follow a logical structure.
16.03.2026
Crete and Syros have been named among the most worthwhile Greek island destinations for 2026, according to the international tourism platform Travel And Tour World, which recently published a list highlighting Greek islands that offer visitors a strong balance between quality and price.
The globally recognized tourism publication, widely read by travel professionals, tourism organizations, and travelers around the world, compiled the ranking based on research and travel data. The list focuses on destinations that combine authentic experiences, cultural richness, and natural beauty with relatively accessible prices.
13.03.2026
Greece is preparing to introduce a sweeping reform in the way property ownership and usage are recorded. Through the creation of the Μητρώο Ιδιοκτησίας και Διαχείρισης Ακινήτων (ΜΙΔΑ) — translated as the Property Ownership and Management Registry — authorities aim to create a comprehensive digital record of every property in the country.
The project is being developed by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (Ανεξάρτητη Αρχή Δημοσίων Εσόδων - ΑΑΔΕ), in cooperation with the Ministry of National Economy and Finance. Its goal is to consolidate fragmented real estate information into a single platform and provide a clearer picture of property ownership and use across the country.
The new registry also featured prominently in discussions at the Property Owners’ Conference organised by the Panhellenic Federation of Property Owners (ΠΟΜΙΔΑ). The event brought together representatives of the government, local authorities, the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (ΑΑΔΕ), the Hellenic Cadastre, and property owners from across the country.
During the conference, the new registry was presented as one of the most significant reforms in the Greek real estate sector in recent years. Speaking at the event, Minister of National Economy and Finance, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, described the initiative as “the most systematic recording of the use of private real estate ever carried out in the country.” According to the minister, the registry will give the state a comprehensive digital overview of the country’s property stock and the way the real estate market actually functions.
03.03.2026
Kalamata is quietly stepping into a new chapter.
In 2026, Kalamata International Airport “Captain Vassilis Constantakopoulos” will connect the Peloponnese to 22 international destinations through 31 direct routes, significantly strengthening the region’s ties with key European markets. For a city long appreciated for its olive groves, relaxed pace, and coastal living, this expanded network signals something bigger: accessibility is no longer a seasonal privilege — it’s becoming a structural advantage.
The announcement follows a record year for inbound traffic. In 2025, the airport welcomed 169,730 international passengers, marking a 25.6 percent increase compared to 2023. This steady rise reflects consistent demand from core European source markets and growing confidence in Kalamata as a destination that delivers both lifestyle and substance.
27.02.2026
Five Greek beaches located in Crete, Corfu, and Rhodes have earned prestigious distinctions at the Tripadvisor 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards, ranking among the best beaches in Europe and the world. Renowned for their crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes, and exceptional natural beauty, these destinations continue to strengthen Greece’s global reputation as a premier seaside escape.
The TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards are based on millions of reviews and ratings submitted by travelers worldwide over 12 months. The awards highlight travelers’ favorite destinations, hotels, restaurants, and experiences, offering valuable insights for those planning their next getaway.
30.01.2026
Crete has significantly strengthened its position as one of the most attractive real estate destinations in Greece. For the first time, the island’s electricity demand is being fully covered by high-capacity grid interconnections with mainland Greece, combined with locally produced renewable energy sources (RES), as announced in late 2025 by the Greek Independent Electricity Transmission Operator (ADMIE). This energy achievement is a structural upgrade that directly impacts property value, investment security, and long-term growth prospects.
23.01.2026
Messinia, Greece, is attracting growing international attention after being included in The New York Times’ respected list of the 52 Best Places to Go in 2026. Ranked 38th worldwide, Messinia is the only Greek region featured, praised for its natural beauty, cultural depth, and authentic Mediterranean character.
Located in the southwestern Peloponnese, Messinia offers a rare combination of unspoiled coastline, fertile landscapes, and deep historical roots—qualities that increasingly appeal to travellers and long-term visitors seeking a genuine Greek experience.
