Real Estate Locations
Quite literally, I can point you in the right direction!
The Locations I Cover
You're not just buying a property in Greece, you're buying a lifestyle. The location matters because you need to know the area will deliver what you expect as much as the property does.
The location will affect how much house you'll get for your money and whether you can expect a return on your investment.
And once you own your idyllic Greek property, you'll need to maintain it, easily get provisions, and go out and about locally. I provide some personally gleaned information for each of the areas I cover, to get you started.
Why The Saronic Islands
I moved to Hydra, one of the Saronic Islands, in 2000 primarily because this group of Greek Islands doesn't have an airport so tourism hadn't exploded as it has in other areas but is close to Athens by sea making all of the group accessible within a couple of hours at most from Piraeus.
I am a fan of Neo-Classical architecture and have a preference for trees and greenery. Even though Hydra isn't the greenest of the islands, it's well-placed to make access to the other islands in the group easy. So the Saronic Islands are my real estate territory and I know and enjoy each of the islands for different reasons.
Strictly speaking, Salaminia, the biggest of the group is classed as one of the Saronics, but to my mind, it is so close to Piareus that it's almost a suburb of Athens and I don't include it in my territory.
In terms of physical and population sizes, Aegina is the biggest area that I cover. Agistri is the smallest. And all of them are very close to the Peloponnese mainland. So all of the islands, with the exception of Hydra which is entirely wheel-free, can be accessed by car. So it also makes sense that I cover the areas facing the islands on the mainland too.
My clients, sellers and buyers in all areas, can be assured that I personally visit every house I list, do my own survey, ask the questions that buyers will, so that I can talk about my property listings with detailed knowledge. What you see on my site is what you will see during viewings. And I am happy to share the information I find about the locations too.
Aegina Island
Land mass: 83 km2
Population: (2021) 12,911
GPS Coordinates: 37°43′48″N 23°29′24″E
Post Code: 18010 Dialling Code: +(30) 22970
Aegina is the largest of the Saronic Islands and is the least pretentious. It has an atmosphere of the 1970s and feels the most 'Greek'. It's very laid back and friendly. Yes, there is tourism but there are other year-round businesses independent of hospitality. There are archaeological sites and museums, plenty of artists and writers, and the pistachio industry is acknowledged worldwide. Aegina to my mind keeps its best bits hidden to be discovered over time. Property prices range from 50k apartments to exclusive, private estates in the millions.
Agistri Island
Agistri Island that's devoted to beach and sun lovers.
Poros Island & Galatas
Overlooked by tourism. It's deliciously green, relaxing, and very clean. Your investment will go a long way here. Poros is the administration center for Galatas on the mainland as well as the island itself.
Galatas is on the Peloponnese mainland exactly opposite Poros Island (only 5 mins by car ferry). This makes Poros and Galatas perfect for those who don't want to fly, drive themselves and have the minimum amount of time on a ferry. Property prices start very low, (€50k) but go into the millions for an estate. Super connections with other islands in the gulf and easy road access to the places of interest on the Peloponnese.
Spetses Island
Furthest away from Piraeus, about 2.5 hours by Cat, Spetses is the aristocratic favourite 2nd home destination especially with Greek Athenians. Prices are on par with Hydra but what you get for your money is quite a bit more.
Hydra Island & Metochi
Glamorous, step back in time, no wheeled vehicles allowed anywhere on the island, most expensive of the Saronic islands. The whole island is a designated National Monument with a strict building code attached to a preservation order.
Metochi, opposite on the mainland Peloponnese is the closest point you can drive to, then it's a passenger ferry (30 mins) across to Hydra. Otherwise, it's a 2-hour passenger catamaran journey from Piraeus.
I also list property for sale around Metochi which is a great place to explore all of the islands off the Peloponnese and property prices in this area are much more affordable.
For more information about Hydra, click the button below.
Ermioni (Peloponnese)
Ermioni is a small seaside town on a peninsula of the Peloponnese mainland with great access to Hydra. There's a wide range of property for sale from 100k up.