Are you thinking about moving to Crete? A lot has been written about moving to the island! Books by people who have left everything behind to start a new, and often adventurous, life on Crete.
These are some of my favorite books about moving to Crete. They’re stories full of expectations, funny moments, hilarious misunderstandings, musings, and deep introspection that you shouldn’t miss reading if moving to Crete is a solid project, a bashful idea, or a lifelong dream.
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The Best Books About Moving to Crete
ARE YOU PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO CRETE LAST MINUTE?
Be sure to book accommodation and tours in Crete ahead of time to ensure availability!
📍 Top tours in Crete:
– Full-day Samaria Gorge trek (#1 tour in Crete!)
– Boat cruise to Balos Lagoon & Gramvousa (another top-selling tour!)
– Boat Trip to Spinalonga with swim stop (most popular in Agios!)
– Ticket to Knossos Archaeological Site (top tour in Heraklion)
– Day trip to Elafonisi (a must in Chania!)
🛌 Top picks for places to stay in Crete:
– Lyttos Beach (top beachfront hotel in Hersonissos)
– SanSal Boutique Hotel (in Chania old town with a pool!)
– Grecotel Lux Me White Palace (the best resort in Rethymnon)
🚗 Looking for the best way to get around Crete? Check rental car rates for Crete now!
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Have you ever been on holiday in Crete? If you’ve never been to the island and you‘re planning to visit soon, then you’ll find tons of useful information on this blog.
From things to do in Chania, to where to sleep in Agios Nikolaos or which are the best situated Airbnbs in the Rethymnon area.
Many of those who visit the island over and over dream about retiring on Crete. They love to imagine how it would be to spend their lives in this Mediterranean paradise.
How they would enjoy the great weather (even in winter!), the fantastic food, and the friendly character of the locals.
It might not be the right time to move to Crete for you yet. Or maybe you still haven’t made up your mind… Or it could be simply a dream that you don’t consider seriously.
It doesn’t matter where you’re standing, I’m certain that some of these books will offer a different insight about moving to Crete.
They will entertain you, puzzle you, and even open a whole new world that, so far, you’ve only imagined. Here are some of the best books about moving to Crete, take a look!
Are you a step ahead and planning to move now to Crete? Check this article.
Have you Read these Great Books About Moving to Crete?
These are some of my favorite ones…
A Small House in Crete
Geoff Dendle
A brave story about buying a small holiday home in a Cretan village and taking on a project of renovating a place lacking water supply, drains, and even electricity. The book paints a colorful portrait of a transition from regular holidaymakers to homeowners, including a gradual and extra amusing immersion in Greek everyday life.
Still Life in Crete
Anthony Cox
Although it does not technically deal with the logistics of moving to Crete, the book is a vivid portrait of local life and habits. It’s a perfect gift for those dreaming about retiring to Crete and it’s great for those who want to see the island in deep
Face up the challenge of the author’s unduly early retirement on Crete where he discovers an unspoiled corner he manages to make his own.
Uniquely Crete: Life Redefined on a Greek Island
Melanie A. Crane
Life Redefined on a Greek Island is probably one of the funniest and most enchanting books about moving to Crete I’ve ever read. And it’s one of my favorites!
The story takes place in the same place where I live which makes it closer to my experience… besides, the author depicts the oddities and perks of her adventure with extreme wit and a special eye to observe and take in how life really goes about in Crete.
Pomegranate Years
Sara Kafatou
Defined as “A Journal of Aging, Art, Love, and Loss on a Greek Island”, Pomegranate Years, is an intimate account of three years living in Crete. The book documents a stressful time of economic and political crisis in Greece.
During the author’s long walks in the Cretan mountains, she discovers hidden aspects of the island and develops a rich sense of belonging. The book is about how to live well at any age, but especially as one grows older and a beloved life draws almost imperceptibly nearer to its end.
For Now, This is Forever: Crete
Elena Baum
Written by the German author, Elena Baum, For now, this is forever is a complex book about moving to Crete, it’s beautifully written and it makes you think about your own life journey.
In this book, the author discusses her own time spent on the beautiful island and also tells us what a new love can be all about.
Second Wind: Journey to a New Life in Crete
Philip Mann
Discover the life and the adventures of two English townies slowly finding themselves wooed by more and more remote Greece. Exploring coincidences and unnerving omens, the book covers the positives and negatives of the move and new life and explains some of the subtle seductions of the islands, especially Crete.
Super inspiring reading for anyone thinking of starting a life abroad, this is an entertaining book about moving to the island of Crete and facing all odds.
Do you want to explore the island with a book before making your big move? Check this article about driving in Crete.
Have you ever thought about moving to Crete?
Read more about Crete
- Over 35 fun facts about Crete
- Great movies about Crete
- Where to stay in Crete
- Airbnbs in Agios Nikolaos
- Unique Things to Do in Crete in Winter
🛌 Suggested Accommodation in Crete:
- Budget: So Young Hostel (Heraklio), Cocoon City Hostel (Chania) Matthias Hotel (Rethymnon), or Villa Galini (Agios).
- Mid-range: Capsis Astoria (Heraklion), Porto Antico (Chania), Archipelagos Hotel (Rethymnon), and Hotel Port 7 (Agios).
- Luxury: Galaxy (Heraklion), Hotel OFF (Chania), Avli (Rethymnon), or Minos Beach Art Hotel (Agios).
- Check more: Where to stay in Crete.
🗺️ More resources to book your trip to Crete
- 🛫 Search for cheap flights with CheapOAir.
- 🛥️ Find convenient ferry tickets with Ferryhopper.
- 🚕 Book airport transfer with Welcome Pickups.
- 🚘 Rent a car in Crete with Discover Cars.
- 📍 Join adventures and cultural experiences with Get Your Guide.
- 🛟 Never leave without travel insurance Safety Wing.
- 💳 Carry the best credit card for travel with Wise.
Stop Everything and Pin Now! Save this Guide to Books about Moving and Living in Crete!
You might also want to read these posts about Crete’s regions:
- 52 Things to Do in Lasithi Region
- 52 Things to Do in Heraklion Region
- 52 Things to Do in Rethymnon Region
- 52 Things to Do in Chania Region
About my blog:
I moved to Crete in 2016. During these years, I learned much about the island.
In Crete, I juggle being a solo mom, hosting culinary tours, and writing for several travel blogs.
I’ve written for Greek Reporter, published travel guides about Greece, and had more glasses of frappe than any regular person could ever handle.
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