Crete, which has had unprecedented success this summer in drawing a record number of visitors to all four of its prefectures, is the ideal all-year-round destination and will be promoted as such, Greece’s Minister of Tourism Vassilis Kikilas has said.

More recently, the minister called out specifically to older-age Germans by extending an invitation for them to come and stay in Crete during the winter months. “It would be a great pleasure for us Greeks to welcome German pensioners who want to spend a Mediterranean winter with Greek hospitality, mild weather and a high level of service. We will be waiting for you,” he said, talking to Bild newspaper.

The mayor of Hania, Panagiotis Simandirakis, also welcomed Germans to spend winter in his city, because, as he claims, Hania has perhaps “the best climate in all of Europe” and “the houses do not even need heating.” In summary, the mayor assured Bild readers that “No German will freeze in Greece.”

Bild highly encouraged its readers to consider the option of spending wintertime in Crete. “Dear Germans, Live a Carefree Winter on the Beach” is the title of the recently published article in the newspaper’s online edition.

The publication wrote: “In the financial crisis, the Germans bailed out the Greeks by providing billions in loans. Now they want to pay us back. Greece is offering sanctuary to Germans suffering from the shock of price explosions and related anxiety caused by the energy crisis.”

“Winter in Crete lasts two to three months at most. The weather here is much milder than in Northern Europe,” the Rethymno Hoteliers Association said. “And we are ready to accommodate German citizens wishing to come and stay on our island, offering them high-quality services.” 

Speaking to the German newspaper, Greek real estate agent Giannis Kriaras said “here (in Crete) there is no crisis” and added that there are plenty of apartments and holiday homes available for rent in the winter at reasonable prices (from 300 euros plus about 40 euros for utilities).

Based on thorough research on the island, the Bild article also reported on the affordable cost of daily life, noting the price of everyday conveniences such as coffee priced from 1.50 euros, bread from 90 cents, potatoes from 80 cents a kilo at the farmers’ market, feta cheese from 8 euros a kilo, and haircuts from 8 euros for men and 10 euros for women.

Bild also noted that there are several discount supermarkets and German doctors in Crete. The online publication also suggested to its readers that when coming to live in Greece during the coldest winter months they can sublet their homes in Germany, receiving rent there as well.

With information from moneyreview.com.