Even with its status as a desirable location to hunt for a Greek home, Crete still has brilliant options for those after a budget-friendly home, especially in its villages.
To find cheap properties on Crete, look to the villages. You can still find cheap stone houses to renovate and apartments. Many villages are off the beaten track, yet some can be found a short distance from a bigger town. Therefore, you can enjoy the peace and quiet of village life without the tourist crowds. Yet, still be able to get to a supermarket, restaurant, beach etc. It is still possible to find properties needing renovation work for as little as €50,000 in some places. Here are five examples of villages on Crete where you might find that cheap property you are looking for.
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1. Panormos, Rethymno
The pretty coastal village of Panormos.
Panormos is a fishing village with a mix of modern and traditional buildings, mostly built with thick stone walls. Even the rendered houses tend to painted in earthy tones, with blue shutters and doors. Many of the houses have two or three floors, terraces, and enclosed courtyards or patios with potted plants, herbs, and flowering climbers.
The narrow stone streets, have traditional buildings with Venetian style balconies, and Greek tavernas. There is a nice sense of community, and you will often see neighbours sitting outside chatting. There are several festivals which generally include music, dancing, wine, food and traditional costumes. Nearby, you will also find shops, a supermarket, a bank, a pharmacy, a playground and some luxury hotels.
Panormos by the sea
Palormos is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the laidback Greek atmosphere. Enjoy the simple things. Go for a walk along the waterfront and find a cafe or taverna overlooking the harbour and enjoy the beautiful views. While you sip your morning coffee you can watch the fishermen on their small boats.
The flower covered seafront restaurants serve a range of Cretan cuisine. From the harbour, you can play watersports or take a boat trip. The water is so clear, it’s a great place to go snorkelling or diving.
Panormos village is near to some excellent beaches. In fact, there are three good beaches attached to village itself. Also, Just west of Panormos is Geropotamos Beach, recognised by it’s rock arch, river and golden sand. Well priced properties can also be found in this area.
Places to visit near Palormos
In the summer, a tourist road train runs to nearby villages and attractions, such as Melidoni cave. Then there is the fortified Arkadi Monastry with its 16th century church, cloisters, courtyard, and small museum. If you love wine you should visit Klados Winery, which provides interesting tours. Of course, you can’t miss a trip into the town of Rethymnon, just a 30 minute drive away. The old town and Venetian fortress are a must see.
Panormos’s Location
Panormos is 22 km east of the town of Rethymnon on the northern coast of Cretea, between Chania and Heraklion. It is a great location to base yourself, while exploring the island. Use “Panormos, Rethymnon, Crete” when looking it up, as there are places with the same name on Mykonos and Skoplelos.
Getting to Panormos
From Heraklion airport, the main road that runs along the north coast will get you there in just under an hour. From Chania airport it takes about an hour and a half. KTEL buses also run between Heraklion, Rethymnon and Chania.
Property for sale in Panormos
You can buy modern villas ready to move in for around €300,000 and apartments near the sea from 120,000. A beachfront sea view apartment costs from €250,000.
2. Vamos, Chania
Ancient olive oil press, Vamos.
If you want a village near to a city with an airport the question will be, which city area to look in, Chania or Heraklion?. Although Vamos is only 20 kilometres southeast of Chania Town, the village remains largely untouched by tourism. With a population of less than 3,000, Vamos has maintained its authentic Cretan village look. There are traditional stone houses and stone-paved streets, and you can still see the old school building, and the churches of Saint George and Saint Nicholas.
The architecture in the village of Vamos, was greatly influenced by the Venetians up until the 19th century, resulting in some elegant houses. The old district of Vamos is of particular interest to visitors, as is the 13th century Parthenou Marias chapel. Despite its small size, Vamos is quite a lively village offering year-round amenities including a health centre, schools, a bank, a pharmacy, butcher, bakery, supermarkets, restaurants, tavernas, coffee shops & a patisserie.
Places to visit near Vamos
The Monastery of Saint George (Agios Georgios) in Karydi, is located about 2km east of the village. The twelve stone arches and the remains of an ancient olive press are definitely worth seeing. Plus, the factory still produces a large amount of olive oil.
The seaside towns and sandy beaches of Kalyves and Almyrida are about 10 -15 minute drive from Vamos. Here you will find more shops and amenities. When you want to visit a bigger town, Chania is only about a 38 minute drive away.
Location of Vamos
Vamos village is 25 km from Chania city centre and 35km from Rethymno. The village is nestled in the foothills of Crete’s stunning White Mountains. At 300 metres altitude, its lush surroundings offer a refreshing alternative to the heat of the city.
Getting to Vamos
Vamos is about 45km from Chania airport. You can hire a car or get a taxi transfer.
Property for sale in Vamos
Property prices in Vamos currently start at about €70,000 for an apartment. While a house ready to move in costs over €300,000.
3. Spilia, Chania
Spilia is a beautiful traditional village surrounded by orange and olive groves. The village atmosphere is warm and welcoming. The houses are well spaced out around the quiet lanes and there is plenty of greenery all around. Homes are mostly painted white with stone features and terracotta roof tiles.
At the small village square there is a taverna offering local cuisine under the canopy of large trees.. There are several good tavernas and cafes in the area.
Spilia is known for its lovely churches. At the centre of the village, you will see the 14th century church of Archangel Michael. The church of Panagia Myrtidiotissa, is another significant church in the area. In addition, the village has an ecclesiastical museum that exhibits a collection of religious treasures and relics.
Location of Spilia
Spilia is about 2,8 km inland of the coastal village of Kolimbari, in Western Crete. It’s name means “cave” and derives from the cave of Agios Ioannis Erimitis. The pebble beach of the seaside village Kolimbari is a short drive away. The town of Chania is just a half hour drive away.
Getting to Spilia
Chania airport is about a 40 minutes drive. You can hire a car at the airport or get a taxi transfer.
Places to visit near Spilia
About 1 km from Spilia is the Cave of Saint John the Hermit. It’s a large cave with stalactites, and a small church dedicated to Saint John.
As most of Crete’s nature reserves are on the west coast, it’s a great area to be amongst nature. Worth a visit are the beach of Falassarna or Balos Lagoon. Also, there is the national park of Crete, the Samaria Gorge and the varied landscape of the “White Mountains” and the peninsulas. The picturesque old town of Chania is a lovely place to go for a stroll.
Property for sale in Spilia
A house needing renovation sells for about €130.000. While a detached house or villa ready to move in can cost €300,000.
4. Kritsa, Agios Nikolaos
An idyllic natural setting…
Kritsa is an authentic old Crete village and one of the prettiest on Crete. Built on a rocky slope and surrounded by olive trees, the village is at an altitude of 375m. Kritsa has less than 3,000 inhabitants who live in neighbourhoods named Palemilos, Koukistres, Christos and Pergiolikia.
Many locals keep animals, farm small plots of land and tend to their olive groves. Kritsa is considered one of the most important centres for weaving. The people are very welcoming to visitors and new residents. Amenities in the village include supermarkets, post office, newsagents etc.
Kritsa’s location
It is part of the municipality of Agios Nikolaos, the main town of which is 10km from Kritsa. Agios Nikolaos is the capital of the province of Lasithi in north-east Crete.
Getting to Kritsa
Kritsa is about an hour’s drive from the international airport of Heraklion. When the new airport opens near Kasteli, the drive time should be about the same. The new airport is expected to open in 2027.
Places to visit near Kitsa
From Kritsa you can hike up to the plateau of Katharo, which provides a panoramic view of Mirabello Bay, Agios Nikolaos and Kalo Horio. Another great place to walk is at The Kritsa Gorge, which is located on the route to Tapes.
For a pleasant day out and to find more amenities, Agios Nikolaos is a bustling town with banks, supermarkets, shops, doctors, a modern hospital, public swimming pool and tennis courts, yacht marina, cinema, theatre, gyms, schools etc.
Property for sale in Kritsa
Houses needing renovation can be currently found from €30,000. Many of the properties are full of character and have views across countryside to the hills beyond. A small renovated house can cost as little as €160,000.
5. Limnes, Agios Nikolaos
Limnes is best known for its stone windmills, but it is increasingly attracting the attention of overseas’ buyers. This is largely due to it’s close proximity to Agios Nikolaos, affordable houses, beautiful natural surroundings and friendly village feel. Behind the village are high hills and mountains beyond. There are old trails in the area that are great for those who love hiking in nature.
Limnes is one of the oldest villages in the area, and is authentically Cretan in style with small stone or white-washed and houses with red tiled roofs, and arched doorways. On the quiet stone streets and narrow lanes there is a mixture of crumbling stone houses and ones that have been renovated. The tiny square has just a village well, which local women have decorated with rocks and plants and some benches in the shade of trees.
Limnes village life
Traditional crafts and traditions are kept alive, people tend their olive groves and grow fruit trees and other produce. Locals meet up in one of the charming cafes, pastry shop, tavernas and religious festivals. There are two Byzantine churches, both boasting beautiful frescoes and other smaller churches. There is also a large indoor events venue outside the village.
Location of Limnes
Located in northern Crete, in the prefecture of Lassithi. The nearest big town is Agios Nikolaos and the city of Heraklion is only 48 minutes drive away. The neighbouring villages of Chsoumeriakos and Nikithiano are very close by. Also, the small town of Neapolis, where you will find shops, a hospital, etc.
Getting to Limnes
Limnes is conveniently located next to a fast road (90/E75) which runs from Agios Nikolaos across to Heraklion. Buses run regularly along this road. The nearest airport is Heraklion, which takes about 40 minutes by car.
Places to visit near Limnes
The coastal area near Limnes is popular with tourists, as there are great beaches such as Ammoudi and Kitroplatia. As well as enjoying the many beautiful beaches, you can take a boat tour to see the island of Spinalonga. This is the site of an offshore Venetian fortress, built in the 16th century to protect Mirabello Bay from attack. There are also the ruins of a settlement that was once Greece’s official leper colony from 1903 to 1957.
Agios Nikolaos has many attractions for tourists, including shops and restaurants. You can dine near the waters edge at the port or by Lake Voulismeni. In the archaeological museum there are finds from the Neolithic, the Minoan era and the Greco-Roman period from all over the eastern Crete.
Property for sale in Limnos
A renovation project in Limnos can cost from €32,000. A traditional house might have a fireplace, wooden beams, arches and a courtyard. Such a house, ready to move in can cost from €145,000.
*Property prices are a rough guide based on asking prices of properties for sale at time of writing.
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