Improvements to the island's roads, low cost flights to Heraklion, a lower cost of living than many other European countries along with a number of property developments in the popular Chania area are also attracting more interest in the Mediterranean island.
'The low cost of living is attracting would-be Spanish purchasers and EasyJet's take-over of GB Airways Gatwick-Heraklion route gives people the impression that Crete is more accessible,' said property consultant Oonagh Karanjia.
New roads are opening up the remoter, eastern side of Crete. When complete this will cut the journey time from Heraklion airport to Elounda to just 40 minutes. A possible new airport in Sitia could also open up the far east of Crete.
Several new developments are being built in the east of Crete, where prices are slightly higher than in the west and there are signs that this unfashionable destination is becoming more popular, according to Karanjia.
But buyers are not after quick profits. They are interested in ancient sites, gorges and villages which are little changed in centuries. Only one place, Malia, has a reputation for the excesses of cheap package-tourism.
'People have always bought in Crete because they love the lifestyle and the fact that flipping, selling a newbuild property on quickly for profit, doesn't work here,' she added.
'Many buyers still want the traditional village house, although the past few years have seen much new development.'
Some newbuild properties are now selling for 10 times the average cost of a typical stone house. 'A market is being created. People who have never considered buying in Crete before are realising it is a fantastic opportunity. It is good value compared with other EU countries,' said John Batty, of Greek property specialist Aegean Blue.
Nikos Christohides of Parador's Greek office said it is not just British buyers who are interested in Crete. The British tend to buy at the lower end of the market but Russians, French and Scandanavians are buying in the new luxury developments paying as much as €1 million for a villa. Although a run-down traditional village house inland in need of renovation can still be found from €40,000.
