What Made the Future King of The Netherlands buy a home in the Peloponnese in Greece?
Back in 2012, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands bought a luxury villa in the southern region of Greece, the Peloponnese, which is famous for its picturesque beaches, UNESCO Heritage sites, and great traditional Greek food. King Willem-Alexander spent 4.5 million euros on the property, hoping to find a holiday home for his family with privacy and plenty of Greek sun.
What is Special About the King’s Mansion?
The King’s mansion comes complete with a swimming pool, a private marina, and a private beach. It has a view of the Mediterranean Sea, and access to the nearby town of Kranidi.
About Kranidi
The town where the King’s villa is found is called Kranidi, and it is a hidden gem which most visitors to Greece don’t know about. The region is called Argolida, which is known for its traditional architecture and is culturally a lot like the islands near Athens in the Saronic Gulf, like Hydra and Spetses.
With about 4000 residents, it sits on the hills of Agia Anna and Bardounia and has amazing views of Porto Heli and Ermionida beach. About 50 kilometers away is the famous town of Nafplio.
The roots of the town of Kranidi are in the Middle Ages, when 4 different settlements (Ai-Yiannis, Milindra, Villa & Bies) came together.
The Windmills of Kranidi
On a green hill just next to Kranidi are three traditional windmills, which are now renovated and are a popular place to enjoy a view of the surrounding landscape. These windmills are made of white bricks and metallic roofs. You can go inside, where you will find two giant millstones. During the summer, the windmills are lit up and used for cultural events.
About Windmills in Greece
The first windmills of Greece were built in the 12th century. In their heyday, more than 50,000 mills were built, 2,000 of which could be found in the Aegean islands. The windmills were a place of production for local grain, and they were a key part of Greece’s economic history. Combined with the scenery of the Mediterranean Sea and the blue and white buildings of Cyclades, the whitewashed mills are an iconic part of Greece’s landscape.
About the Argolida Region
Epidaurus
The Sanctuary of Asklepius is found in Epidaurus in the eastern Peloponnese. This was a place of healing during times of antiquity because Epidaurus was thought to be the birthplace of the god Asklepius. Pilgrims came to Epidaurus to ask for a cure for their illnesses, and the answer was given to them in their dreams.
A large theater with excellent acoustics is located nearby, which was used to honor the god and is today called the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus. Today, concerts and festivals are held here, and it holds 14,000 people.
Nafplio
Nafplio is one of the most pretty towns in southern Greece, and it was the first capital of modern Greece. It is known for its old town, narrow alleyways, delicious Greek food, and its seafront promenade. One of the best sights in town is the Palamidi Castle on the hill overlooking the old town. It takes 999 stairs to reach the top of the Palamidi castle.
Porto Heli
Porto Heli Greece is a luxury port village in Argolida. It used to be a fishing village but now has become a place for the rich and famous with all the investment from wealthy Athenians. Porto Heli is popular for those with private yachts and is a convenient place to reach Athens and the Saronic islands.
Porto Heli is also a safe and relaxing place for family vacations. The beaches have soft sand and clean water. A drive around the area will take you to small chapels other small fishing villages with cozy Greek restaurants.
Kilada Country Golf Course
Greece’s newest course is in the Porto Heli area of the Peloponnese in southern Greece. Construction started in 2020, and the course is set to open in late 2024. Jack Nicklaus designed the course, and it is part of a larger development led by Dolphin Capital Investors, including a hotel, sport and leisure facilities, and luxury resort residences.
The town of Kilada is a fishing village and the area features open hills, ancient ruins, mountain biking, and sailing. The development is advertised as “a place where you can do anything you want. Or nothing at all.”
