Global Spotlight

by Marie-Hélène Poulin

Global Spotlight: Inside Greece's Most Iconic Islands

The Greece edition of GG Magazine takes us on a captivating journey through all that Greece has to offer. Dive into the rich histories of its land and legends, learn about recent tourism efforts, and see why Greece is an ideal location for foreign investors. Discover the country’s unparalleled charm and your dream home with Engel & Völkers.

Welcome to Greece

Imagine waking up to a view where blue skies meet even bluer waters on an island rich with ancient ruins and legendary tales. This dream is the reality of buying a home in Greece. Each island is steeped in captivating history—both mythical and real. Stories of knights and castles blend with legends of Greek gods and fearless heroes, forming the country's unique and vibrant culture.

The Cycladic Islands form a circle around Delos, the sacred island believed to be the birthplace of the Greek god Apollo, where many ancient artifacts still stand. Within these islands, you'll find Santorini and Mykonos, known for their pristine white buildings, iconic blue accents, and bustling restaurant scenes. The island of Rhodes, located in the Dodecanese, features the Valley of the Butterflies, castles, and the medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the mainland, visit ancient Sparta, the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

Greece's stunning scenery, rich culture, and diverse landscapes make it an ideal location for holiday properties. Whether you're seeking seafront villas, historic houses, or city-center apartments, Greece offers a wealth of options for your dream home.

The Perfect Destination

With its rich history and stunning landscapes, it's no surprise that Greece consistently ranks as a top travel destination. Ioanna Dretta, the country's Minister of Tourism, has played a pivotal role in elevating Greece as a sought-after global destination. Marketing Greece, her small but dedicated team, works diligently to promote and protect the nation's diverse attractions.

Collaboration lies at the heart of Dretta’s strategy, and effective communication between the private sector, central government, and local authorities is vital to her long-term plan. Looking ahead, sustainability presents both a challenge and an opportunity, requiring unity across all sectors. Dretta’s plan emphasizes a holistic approach to sustainability, extending beyond environmental protection to include societal and cultural preservation.

Under Dretta’s leadership, Greece has steadily reestablished itself on the global tourism map. The country excels in the “sun and sea” category, but aims to build accompanying experiences, ensuring it remains competitive and offers the best stay possible.

Economic Growth

Tourism is not the only industry experiencing growth in Greece. According to Nikolaos Bakatselos, President of the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, the overall economy is showing steady signs of growth and stability. Greece’s strategic location, diverse economy, and rich culture make it a prime target for foreign direct investment.

One sector attracting significant interest, particularly from the United States, is real estate. Greece offers a wide range of investment opportunities, including island homes, waterfront properties, locations near historical sites, and commercial real estate. To encourage foreign investment, the government has introduced legislation to streamline the property acquisition process and enhance transparency.

Investing in Greek real estate comes with several perks beyond owning a dream property. Greece’s Citizenship by Investment Program grants citizenship to individuals making significant investments. Through purchasing real estate, investors can gain European Union citizenship and access to its promising market.