Picture yourself waking to the Cretan sun streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows, the scent of wild herbs drifting on the morning breeze, and the shimmer of the Aegean Sea visible from your private terrace. This is the reality awaiting you at this newly built 120-square-meter villa in Kounali, a tranquil village perched along Crete's northern coastline where authentic Greek island living meets contemporary comfort. Step outside to your 300-square-meter private plot where lemon trees cast dappled shadows across stone patios, and the distant sound of church bells marks the gentle rhythm of Mediterranean life. This is your opportunity to own a vacation home in one of Europe's most coveted destinations, where 300 days of sunshine annually and a lifestyle rooted in simplicity, fresh cuisine, and warm hospitality create the perfect second home retreat.
This villa represents modern Mediterranean architecture at its finest, designed specifically for those seeking a turnkey holiday property in Crete. The ground floor unfolds with an open-concept layout where the fully equipped designer kitchen flows seamlessly into a spacious living and dining area, perfect for gathering family and friends after days exploring hidden beaches and mountain villages. Large sliding glass doors erase the boundary between indoor and outdoor living, opening onto a front patio where morning coffee tastes better with sea views stretching toward the horizon. The ground floor bedroom with ensuite bathroom provides convenient single-level living, ideal for guests or multigenerational family visits. Upstairs, two additional double bedrooms include a master suite with private bathroom and access to a rear terrace overlooking the Cretan landscape, where olive groves march up hillsides toward distant peaks.
Owning a vacation home in Kounali means embracing the authentic Cretan experience while enjoying resort-style amenities within your gated community. The villa complex features 24/7 security with guards, surveillance cameras, and private electric gates, providing peace of mind for international owners who may spend months away. The communal facilities transform your holiday home into a year-round destination: a large swimming pool with poolside bar becomes your social hub during long summer afternoons, while paddle tennis and basketball courts offer active recreation without leaving the property. Children's playground areas make this an ideal family vacation home where multiple generations can create lasting memories together. Energy-efficient air conditioning throughout ensures comfort during both scorching July days and surprisingly cool winter evenings, while the five-year structural warranty provides additional security for your investment.
The village of Kounali embodies the timeless appeal that draws international buyers to Crete as a second home destination. With only a handful of permanent residents, this traditional settlement offers genuine immersion into Cretan culture, where two local tavernas serve as community gathering spots dispensing fresh-caught fish, dakos salads dripping with estate-bottled olive oil, and stories passed down through generations. Yet modern conveniences remain wonderfully accessible. A ten-minute drive delivers you to Milatos Beach, a working fishing village turned low-key resort where waterfront tavernas, cafes, and small shops line a crescent of golden sand. The beach season stretches from May through October, with water temperatures reaching 26 degrees Celsius in summer, perfect for morning swims before the day heats up.
Crete's legendary climate makes this vacation home viable year-round, not just a summer retreat. Spring transforms the island into a wildflower garden, with hiking trails through the Dikti Mountains offering moderate temperatures and breathtaking gorge walks. Autumn brings the olive harvest, wine festivals, and comfortable weather ideal for exploring archaeological sites without summer crowds. Winter, mild by northern European standards, attracts a growing community of long-term visitors who appreciate Crete's off-season authenticity when villages return to their traditional rhythms. Average winter temperatures hover around 15-17 degrees Celsius, allowing outdoor dining most days and making this holiday property in Greece genuinely usable across all seasons.
The location balances seclusion with accessibility, crucial for a successful vacation home investment. Neapoli and Malia, both fifteen minutes away, provide weekly shopping at modern supermarkets, hardware stores, and services. Agios Nikolaos, the sophisticated capital of Lasithi prefecture twenty minutes distant, offers everything from international banking to designer boutiques, waterfront restaurants, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. The town's picturesque lake, connected to the sea by a narrow channel, hosts evening promenades where locals and visitors mingle at cafe tables. Heraklion International Airport lies just forty minutes away with year-round connections to major European cities, making weekend getaways entirely feasible from London, Paris, Berlin, or Scandinavia.
For those considering rental income, this property delivers compelling investment potential. Crete ranks among Europe's most sought-after vacation rental markets, with demand extending well beyond July and August. The villa's resort amenities, modern finishes, and move-in ready condition position it perfectly for the premium rental market. Managed properly, similar properties in the Agios Nikolaos area generate substantial returns during high season while owners retain shoulder season access for personal use. The fully furnished, fully equipped status means you can begin generating income immediately while building equity in one of Greece's most stable property markets.
Key Features: Three double bedrooms across two levels providing flexible accommodation; Two bathrooms including master ensuite; 120 square meters of thoughtfully designed living space; 300 square meter private plot with multiple outdoor terraces; Sea views from front patio and rooms; Ground floor bedroom perfect for accessibility; Designer kitchen with energy-efficient appliances; Open-plan living and dining area with abundant natural light; Energy-efficient climate control throughout; Sold fully furnished and equipped, ready for immediate use; 24/7 security with guards and surveillance; Gated community with private electric gate; Access to communal pool with bar; Paddle tennis and basketball courts; Children's playground facilities; Five-year structural warranty; Private parking space.
This modern villa in Kounali represents more than a real estate transaction; it's an investment in the Mediterranean lifestyle that has captivated northern Europeans for generations. Whether you envision long summer holidays with extended family, winter escapes from grey skies, or a rental investment that pays for itself while appreciating in value, this property delivers. The combination of authentic village setting, contemporary comfort, resort amenities, and Crete's unmatched climate creates a vacation home opportunity rarely found in today's competitive European market. Contact Homestra today to schedule a viewing and begin your journey toward owning a piece of the Cretan dream, where every visit feels like coming home to the sun-drenched life you've always imagined.
