Digital Nomads: 6 Reasons Why Crete is the Perfect Place for You

Digital Nomads seeking a remote work paradise will find their haven in Crete. This stunning Greek island offers everything needed to boost productivity while immersing oneself in a tranquil Mediterranean lifestyle. With its blend of breathtaking landscapes, reliable connectivity, and a welcoming community, Crete is an ideal destination for those looking to balance work and leisure in a picturesque setting.

Crete is the biggest and southernmost Greek island. It has a rich history, dating back to the Minoan civilization – considered the oldest in Greece. In fact, Crete is often referred to as the “cradle of European civilizations”.

The island of Crete has a strong digital nomad and remote workers community, one of the biggest in all of Greece. Early in 2021, Crete launched a website dedicated to offering information to digital nomads interested in visiting the island.

1. New Rules for Digital Nomads in Greece

Greece launched for Digital Nomads its new Digital Nomad Visa through Law 4825/2021. Basically, the new law 4825/2021 allows non-EU citizens to legally work and live in Greece. Nonetheless, future applicants still need to meet its requirements.

Greece is a member of the European Union so any EU citizen is allowed to live and work freely in Crete.

The island leadership has taken a step to market Crete as a haven for digital nomads, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. In this article, we’ll highlight why you should consider Crete for your next digital nomad adventure.

2. Mild Year-Round Weather: Ideal for Remote Work

Digital nomads and people who work remotely have been increasingly choosing Crete as their go-to destination. The weather is mild year-round, making it a great place to take your laptop and work from home or outdoors. In fact, many digital nomads find that they’re more productive when working from Crete because of the great weather and laid-back lifestyle. And with so many beautiful beaches and hiking trails, it’s easy to stay active and healthy. If you’re looking for a place to work remotely, be sure to add Crete to your list!

3. Affordable Living Costs in Crete for Digital Nomads

Life in Crete for a digital nomad will typically be around €500 to €1000 depending on your place of stay and other expenses. This makes Crete a great option for digital nomads looking for a place to live on a budget. Additionally, there are many options for both short-term and long-term stays, so you can easily find a place that fits your needs.

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4. Coworking Spaces and Cafes with Great Internet on the Island

Crete has a vibrant expat community, which makes it easy to meet other digital nomads and make friends.

The best places for working remotely in Crete are: 

• If you’re someone who loves being in the heart of busy areas, Heraklion – also known as Iraklio -should be your go-to. The capital of the Greek island of Crete, this five-star city is bustling with activity and life. You’ll find a number of coworking spaces and cafes with fast internet connection and plenty of places to eat and drink.
• Chania is a beautiful, historic city located on the northwest coast of the island. This is a great place for digital nomads who want to be surrounded by nature and history. The old town is full of character and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to enjoy.
• Rethymnon is a smaller city located between Heraklion and Chania. This is a great option for those who want a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds. There are still plenty of coworking spaces and cafes to choose from, and you’ll be able to enjoy the quieter pace of life.
• Agios Nikolaos is another small but charming city to the east of Heraklion. This is a great place to enjoy the laid-back vibe and stunning beaches. There are also a number of cafes with good internet, so you’ll be able to get some work done in between swimming and exploring. You can read “3 Months of Working Remotely from Crete” blog to see what experience we had working remotely from Agios Nikolaos.

No matter which city you choose, you’ll be able to find a coworking space that fits your needs and helps you stay productive while you’re on the island.

5. Island Adventures: Hiking, Swimming, and Exploring Ruins

The beaches on Crete are some of the most beautiful in the world, and the gorges are just as impressive. There are plenty of opportunities for swimming, hiking, and exploring the natural wonders of the island.

One great way to see some of the ancient ruins is to take a trip to Spinalonga Island. This small island is located in the Gulf of Elounda and is home to a number of Byzantine and Venetian ruins. It’s also a great place for swimming and sunbathing.

If you’re interested in history, be sure to visit the Historical Museum of Crete. This museum is dedicated to the history of the region, from prehistory to modern times. It’s a great place to learn more about the culture and heritage of Crete.

Samaria gorge is one of the most beautiful treks that you can take because it’s 16 kilometres taking you through abandoned villages and narrow pathways. This is one of Crete’s famous national parks and one of the longest gorges in Europe.

Finally, don’t forget to enjoy a wine tour while you’re on the island. Crete is home to some excellent wines, and there are plenty of vineyards and wineries waiting to be explored.

6. Delicious Cretan Cuisine

Cretan traditional cuisine is healthy and includes a lot of vegetables, fruits, legumes, grains, meat and fish. Some of the most famous dishes are dakos (a type of rusk with tomato, cheese and olive oil), marinated pork loin with rosemary and honey, and roasted goat with potatoes. Cretans also love their fresh seafood, which is why you’ll find plenty of seafood restaurants on the island. And of course, no meal is complete without a glass (or two) of raki, the traditional Cretan spirit!

Traditional Cretan Food: 6 Unforgettable Delicacies & More

If you’re looking for a great place to be a digital nomad, Crete should definitely be on your list. With its low cost of living, mild weather, and plenty of coworking spaces and cafes, it has everything you need to live and work comfortably. Entrepreneurs, freelancers, remote workers, and even the self-employed are all welcome to work and live in Crete. So what are you waiting for? Come and visit Crete! You won’t regret it!