The Aegean island life beckons from a quartet of stunning homes on Mykonos, Hydra and Syros
by SARAH RAPPAPORT
AFTER breaking tourism records in 2023, the Greek islands are at a fever pitch this summer, with even more visitors expected this year. And as travellers flock to its famed beaches and line up outside souvlaki spots in the peak season, brokers are tied up with wealthy clients looking for vacation homes to extend their island idyll year-round.
Despina Laou, head of the Greece Sotheby’s International Realty private office, said there’s a marked increase in enquiries and interest from potential buyers during and after their summer holidays. “It’s common for
those inquires to turn into actual purchases in the months following the peak season,” she said, noting the majority of buyers are coming from Greece, the US and Switzerland.
Serge Cowan, an advisor at DDRE Global, said the post-Covid shift toward remote work has been a net benefit — given the attractiveness of Greek islands, visitors are stay- ing for longer stretches of time. “Mykonos and Santorini have been particular strongholds for holiday homes,” he said, adding that “emerging destinations like Paros have been gaining popularity.”
Home prices in the Cycladic islands have been gaining, surging to the highest levels in
a decade according to new data from Geoaxis research. The island of Mykonos in particular, famed for its hedonistic mix of bars, beach clubs and restaurants, saw prices rise 10% from the previous year.
This is in part due to Greece’s golden visa programme — offering residency in return for foreign investment — which has been propelling a wave of interest from overseas buyers, particularly from China. By the end of August, the Greek government has increased the required investment amount to a minimum of €800,000 (RM3.87 million) from €500,000 in popular areas such as Athens, Mykonos and Santorini; a
lower €400,000 threshold will still apply in less-populous areas. The government cited pressure on the country’s home and rental markets for the changes.
“The golden visa programme has undoubtedly played a role in the luxury real estate market in Greece by increasing overall demand and attracting international buyers,” Laou said. “However, its impact on the ultra-high-end segment is less pronounced.” She said wealthy buyers instead are prioritising investment potential for their second homes or the exclusivity of the property.
Here are four such island homes for sale now. — Bloomberg
New-Build Villa in Mykonos
Villa Lithos (picture) is one of the most expensive homes to come to the market in Mykonos in 2024. The recently completed project from Greek businesswoman Sofia Bithara, founder and creative director of fashion chain BSB Sa Garments, is a contemporary 14,445 sq ft villa inspired by the traditional Mykonian style. (Think white walls and heavy use of stone.)
The layout, spread over three levels, features views across the Aegean toward the beloved islands of Paros and Antiparos. There’s a cinema room with a projector,
and a gym with Technogym equipment but the star of the show is the heated infinity pool, which spans nearly the entire length of the house. The property is for sale fully furnished in a soft, natural colour palette, with the work overseen by Bithara; it’s also available for rent from €125,000 a week.
Price: €25m
Size: 14,445 sq ft Bedrooms: 10 Bathrooms: 12 Key amenity: Infinity pool
Neoclassical Retreat with Rooftop Pool in Syros
Price: €5.5m
Size: 8,288 sq ft
Bedrooms: 10 Bathrooms: 10
Key amenity: Expansive roof deck with sea views and pool
Instead of the white-and-blue paint and natural stone the islands are famous for, this restored neoclassical mansion, known as Andromeda, features a pink facade. Syros, the capital of the Cyclades, is home to the region’s courts and public offices, meaning there’s a vibrant population year-round and not just in peak summer season. Inside, there are herringbone-wood floors, glass-windowed arched doorways and a white marble staircase that leads up to the bedrooms, which have 16-ft-high ceilings.
Several of the rooms have private plunge pools and verandas with views toward neighbouring Mykonos and Tinos. There’s also a shaded garden and a rooftop pool where you can take in the Aegean at sunset. The historic property is within walking distance of the port and the shops, bars and restaurants of the town of Ermoupoli. It’s also just an eight-minute walk to the beach.
Home Overlooking Hydra’s Harbour
The carless island of Hydra, famed for its natural beauty, donkey carts and homes laced into the jagged hillside, has long been popular with wealthy Athenians, as it’s just a two-hour ferry ride from the capital’s port of Piraeus. Villa della Vita, occupying an ideal position in the hills overlooking the buzzy harbour, is just a five-minute walk down to the sea.
The villa has plenty of outdoor space ideal for use at different times of the day, so you can always enjoy the balmy Mediterranean climate. There’s a terrace just off the master bedroom that the owners use for breakfast; a shaded, vine-covered terrace to eat lunch
at midday; and a west-facing terrace to watch the sunset with dinner.
Price: €5.5m
Size: 6,652 sq ft
Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 4 full baths, 1 half
Key amenity: Private terraces tucked behind hand-built stone walls
Beachfront Home in Mykonos
Set on the southern coast of Mykonos, near Glyfadi beach, the gated Villa O! features an infinity pool, but it’s also only steps away from the sea, making it feel like you have your own private stretch of shoreline. The home’s layout is designed for hosting large groups; besides the primary suite, there are six bedrooms on
the ground floor, with independent temperature control.
The primary suite with its large picture windows takes up the entirety of the top floor, offering a wrap-around terrace with a fire pit and jacuzzi. The villa is ina serene part of an island famous for its party-until-dawn nightlife scene,
but it’s only a 15-minute drive to the shops, restaurants and bars of Mykonos Town.
Price: €6.5m
Size: 5,597 sq ft
Bedrooms: 7 Bathrooms: 7
Key amenity: Direct access to the water
- This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition