Live in Crete, Greece with a community of like-minded people.
Settle into the rhythms of Cretan life in Heraklion, where ancient history, warm hospitality, and Mediterranean flavors shape everyday moments. This two-week immersive stay invites you to live at the crossroads of Europe’s oldest civilization and one of its most welcoming cultures. From lively city squares and seaside breezes to shared meals and meaningful conversations, Heraklion offers a deeply enriching way to experience Greece—at a pace that encourages curiosity, connection, and ease.
Centrally Located Exclusive Apartments
Community Activities and Events
In-Person Support Staff
Optional Events & Tours
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Experience Island Life, History & Hospitality in Crete
Heraklion is more than a gateway to Crete—it’s a living, breathing city where layers of history meet contemporary island life. Minoan palaces, Venetian fortifications, Ottoman remnants, and modern cafés coexist within walkable streets filled with daily rituals and friendly faces.
For travelers seeking both stimulation and comfort, Heraklion strikes a rare balance. Mornings might begin with a stroll past the Morosini Fountain, afternoons with a museum visit or leisurely lunch, and evenings with wine by the harbor as the sun dips into the Aegean. Crete’s celebrated cuisine—rooted in olive oil, fresh produce, herbs, and seafood—adds richness to every day.
With its mild climate, welcoming locals, and deeply ingrained sense of community, Heraklion resonates especially well with those who value culture, learning, and meaningful experiences over rushed sightseeing.
Your experience always includes
Exclusive Apartments
Enjoy a fully furnished apartment in the heart of Heraklion’s historic center, just steps from cafés, markets, and cultural landmarks. All community members stay in the same building, creating an easy sense of connection while preserving privacy and comfort.
Local Community Manager
Your experience is supported by a dedicated local Community Manager who provides orientation, organizes activities, and serves as your on-the-ground resource. With deep knowledge of Crete’s history and culture, they help you feel at home from the moment you arrive.
Cultural Experiences
Immerse yourself in Crete through curated experiences that highlight history, food, and daily life. From walking tours and archaeological visits to shared meals and tastings, activities are designed to be enriching, social, and thoughtfully paced.
Health & Wellness
Travel with confidence knowing your stay includes travel medical insurance and medical evacuation coverage. The program’s walkable setting, relaxed schedule, and supportive environment also encourage daily movement, balance, and overall well-being.
Your Home in Crete
Your home during the program is located in the heart of Heraklion’s historic center, just steps from iconic Lion Square. From this central base, nearly everything you need is within walking distance—cafés, markets, museums, historic landmarks, and lively pedestrian streets.
Community members stay together in the same building, fostering an easy sense of connection while still allowing for privacy and independence.
Apartment options include studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences, featuring:
Comfortable, fully furnished interiors
Bright, thoughtfully designed living spaces
Fully equipped kitchens for simple home cooking
Queen-sized beds and modern bathrooms with shower stalls
Dining and living areas ideal for short-term living
All apartments include:
High-speed internet and Smart TV
Weekly cleaning
Fully equipped kitchen
Walking distance to major sites and daily necessities
This central location also serves as an ideal launch point for exploring beaches, vineyards, olive-groved hillsides, and nearby villages.
Authentic Experiences in Crete
Crete’s culture unfolds through stories, food, movement, and shared traditions. Community activities in Heraklion are thoughtfully curated to reflect the island’s rich past and vibrant present.
Experiences may include:
Welcome reception and farewell gathering
Weekly Tuesday Lunch Club featuring classic Cretan dishes such as dakos and kalitsounia
Guided walking tours of Old Town and the Venetian walls
Visit to the Palace of Knossos
Discussions on Cretan archaeology and history
Cretan cuisine tasting with olive oil pairing
Harbor sunset visit and seaside café meet-up
Greek wine and raki tasting evening
Activities are designed to be engaging yet flexible, allowing room for personal exploration and rest.
Community Manager
Eleni V.
Eleni is the Community Manager in Crete. She orients community members to the city, and organizes community activities. Eleni was born and raised in Heraklion, and her lifelong passion for Crete’s history, people, and landscapes shines through every experience she leads. She graduated from the University of Crete with a degree in History and Archaeology. She has worked in tourism since 2016 and guided visitors from around the world through iconic and lesser‑known sites with warmth and depth. Eleni’s mission is to reveal unexpected stories and deeper meaning in the places you visit, helping you connect with Crete beyond the surface.
Getaway with Day & Weekend Trips
Heraklion’s central location makes it an excellent base for discovering Crete’s diverse landscapes.
Knossos & Archanes
Ancient Minoan palaces and charming wine villages (approx. 20 minutes away)
Rethymnon
Venetian harbor, historic old town, and seaside cafés (approx. 1 hour away)
Agios Nikolaos
Relaxed coastal town with lake and sea views (approx. 1.5 hours away)
Matala
Red-cliff coves, sandy beaches, and a bohemian spirit (approx. 1.75 hours away)
Your Two-Week Long Experience
Life in Heraklion, Crete unfolds gently over your 15-day stay. After a warm welcome and orientation, you’ll quickly find your footing—learning the neighborhood, greeting familiar café owners, and settling into daily rhythms.
Your Tailored Experience Includes:
14 Nights Apartment Lodging
Furnished Apartment
Weekly ‘Tuesday Lunch Club’
Weekly Happy Hour
Weekly Walking Tour or Workshop
Also Included
Visit to the Palace of Knossos
Cretan cuisine tasting and olive oil pairing
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What Our Community is Saying
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Heraklion experience is a 15-day / 14-night short stay. It’s designed to offer meaningful cultural immersion without the commitment of a full month abroad.
This program is ideal for active, curious adults—many of whom are retired or semi-retired—who want to experience Greece in a deeper, more connected way. It’s well suited for travelers who value comfort, culture, community, and a relaxed pace.
Yes. Your apartment is located in Heraklion’s historic center, with cafés, shops, museums, and landmarks all within walking distance. Local buses and taxis are also readily available for longer trips.
Participants should be comfortable walking short to moderate distances and navigating historic streets, which may include uneven surfaces. If you have specific mobility or accessibility concerns, we recommend discussing them with our team before booking.
Yes. Guests may stay with you for part of your program, though they are not able to participate in included community activities. A small additional fee applies, and guest passport details are required to comply with local regulations.
Weekly Lunch Club meals and select food experiences are included as part of the program. Outside of scheduled activities, you’re free to enjoy local tavernas or prepare meals in your apartment’s fully equipped kitchen.
Yes. Your stay includes travel medical insurance (up to $100,000) and medical evacuation coverage (up to $500,000), providing added peace of mind while abroad.
While Greek is the local language, English is widely spoken in Heraklion, especially in shops, restaurants, and cultural sites. Your Community Manager is always available to assist with communication as needed.