If you could hop on a plane this minute and head to anywhere in the world, where would it be? The white sandy beaches of the Maldives? Or perhaps the glitzy nightlife of Dubai? What about a trip to a magical city rich in history and culture…like Paris? How about if you could combine all three into one single destination- Greece? White Sandy beaches? Check… Great party scene? Check… History and Culture? Check….
Think of Greece as Gaia, the mother of the Olympian gods and goddesses, with each city and island representing a mythical deity. With over 6,000 islands and islets, 227 of which are inhabited, one is undoubtedly spoiled for choice. Think of Mykonos as the God Hedone, Corfu as Dionysus, Santorini as Aphrodite, Crete as Plutus, Rhodes as Charis, Amorgos as Eros, Kefalonia as Venus…long story short, you really can find anything you want in Greece.
With Athens becoming a fertile ground for many lucrative foreign investments, you can set up a base there be it for business or pleasure, and escape to one of the 227 islands every weekend. It can be merely a 3o minute flight or 4hr ferry ride away, although a road trip cruising by the Greek scenic, rich greenery and crystal blue waters isn’t a bad idea either.
Without a doubt, Europe’s best kept secret is officially out, with Greece attracting the likes of De Niro who is opening Nobu Hotel in Santorini any day now, and Hollywood icons such as Steven Spielberg, Jennifer Lopez, Hugh Jackman, and Russell Crowe visiting the country every year. Even Leonardo DiCaprio said the country left him absolutely breathless.
Other celebrities have also taken so much of a liking to Greece that they bought holiday homes, businesses and even entire islands there!
Who you might ask? Well, the island of Corfu seems to have captured the heart of Bruce Willis who is thought to own land there while Mr. Bean himself, Rowan Atkinson, fell in love with Andros and bought a nice holiday home on the island.
Even though Greece’s debt crisis a few years back, celebrities kept flocking there and investing in its real estate.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, for instance, own a summer home that’s over 24,000 sqm on the small island of Antiparos, while the most charming 007, the late Sir Sean Connery, was attracted to the island of Portocheli, located near the islands of Hydra and Spetses, for a holiday home. He was in good company with neighbours such as Russian billionaire Roman Abramovic who also purchased a huge 118,000 sqm property in Porto Heli and the beautiful Nikole Kidman not too far away in her home in Spetses.
Another Greek Island, Patmos, the island of the Apocalypse of the Apostle John, caught the eye of Hollywood’s pretty woman Julia Roberts and her knight in shining armor, Richard Gere. These two friends and on-screen lovers both invested in the same island to capitalize on its serenity and meditative energy.
Finally, who remembers Zorba the Greek? The late Mexican American legend Anthony Quinn owned land in the island of Rhodes. He loved Greece so much that after his death, a bay and a beach in Rhodes were named in his honor.
From Winston Churchill to JFK Jr., Jackie O, Catherine Deneuve, Yanni, Maria Callas, Madonna, Prince Charles, Elizabeth Taylor, and Sophia Loren, no one could resist the charms of Greece, with Loren calling the island of Hydra one of the most beautiful places on earth.
This beautiful country even touched the Emir of Qatar who purchased six of the Echinades islands near the island of Ithaca, in the Ionian Sea, bringing in millions to the islands, particularly the island of Oxeia, where he intends to build a huge estate.
You would be surprised how many other well-known figures around the world have already established their holiday homes in Greece, their little escape from the stresses of everyday life. Some even intend to retire there while others have also opened fruitful business ventures in the country. The birthplace of democracy and culture has enchanted many with its fairylike pristine beaches, magical waters, rich history, fun-loving people, and spectacularly fresh and delectable cuisine. Even more so, lucrative business opportunities await as the country has so much to offer in many fields. At the end of the day, what’s not to love about Greece?
Valenci Luxury Developers are experts in the country and can help guide you towards your future home or business venture. Our team will provide you with personalized services and property selections to suit your needs. For any inquiries, do not hesitate to contact us at: [email protected]
