Greece, Corfu
As the birthplace of a Prince, it seems only natural to start with Corfu. Born in 1921 in Mon Repos Palace in Corfu Old Town, Prince Philip’s stay on the island was brief and bittersweet, as he was exiled with the Greek Royal Family at the age of two.
However, Britain and Corfu share a long and pleasant history. The island was formerly a British colony, and the TV program The Durrells has emphasized the appeal of living in Corfu, whether you’re a young family or retired. There’s even a cricket league
Corfu provides the best of both worlds, with many ex-pats claiming that the island is like two different countries: bustling and lively in the summer yet pleasant and peaceful in the winter. In addition, the temperature is slightly milder than on some of the more southern Greek islands, which might be beneficial, especially if you intend on leading an active lifestyle.
The island boasts a beautiful green environment densely forested with olive and citrus trees that provide fresh air. The beaches on the island are well-known for their beauty and are one of the island’s primary draws. Crystal clear seas and sandy coves provide the ideal setting for aquatic sports such as scuba diving, sailing, and snorkelling
Where can I buy?
With its scattered Adriatic-style villages, coastal resorts, and culturally significant Old Town, Corfu provides various settings for property purchasers. With a length of 40 miles and a width of 20 miles, you could quickly drive between towns and villages.
The beautiful fishing hamlet of Kassiopi and the peaceful village of Kalami on the northeast coast are popular holiday destinations. They will be excellent alternatives if you are considering renting out your home. In addition, traditional tavernas with breathtaking views of the bay may be found.
Prices in the two communities are comparable, with Kalami being somewhat more costly. A villa will require a beginning expenditure in the mid-€300,000s.
The little town of Glyfada is located on the west side of the island, not far from Corfu Town. Many consider Glyfada the most fabulous beach on Corfu, and there are several walking paths to explore surrounding the area. One-bedroom flats here start around €100,000, while villas start around €350,000.
Malta
Malta is another faraway place dear to the royals’ hearts. Between 1949 and 1951, the Queen and Prince Philip stayed on the Mediterranean island, close outside Valletta.
When the prince served as a naval captain, he fell in love with the island. His wife soon joined him, and they spent the next five years trying to live as regular a life as possible.
One of the Queen’s bridesmaids, Lady Pamela Hicks, recalled their stay in Malta as “wonderful days of unending picnics, sunbathing, and water skiing.”
Malta has over 3,000 hours of sunlight each year, which is roughly the most in Europe, and it provides lots of opportunities for an active and healthy lifestyle.
Despite being one of Europe’s smallest countries, the island caters to everyone, ingeniously blending traditional and modern living. The island’s south is peaceful and quiet, but things get livelier and more crowded as you travel north.
Where can I buy ?
Malta is divided into six districts, and property purchasers have many lovely cities and villages to choose from.
In recent decades, Valletta, Malta’s capital in the Southern Harbour District, has been modernized and offers significant investment potential. There are several pubs, restaurants, and stores, and the city was designated the 2018 Cultural Capital of Europe. Valletta, however, has preserved much of its original beauty, including several beautiful Maltese Baroque Palazzos. Property costs might be high, but there is plenty of options for less than €500,000.
Mellieha in the Northern District is another popular destination for international purchasers, notably British retirees. This hillside village has the island’s longest beach and is known for its stunning landscape, laid-back culture, and charming Maltese architecture. Property costs vary, and some very luxurious villas with breathtaking ocean views are available. However, there are still some excellent flats available for approximately €250,000.
Choose Saint Julian’s, a popular tourist resort with a thriving social scene, if you want a more lively atmosphere. Saint Julian’s, located on the island’s eastern coast, features a tiny Blue Flag beach – one of the island’s few sandy beaches – and many harborfront restaurants offering traditional Maltese cuisine. In addition to having outstanding nightlife, the town is only 20 minutes from the capital. Like the rest of Malta, property prices in Saint Julian’s vary greatly, but flats start at €170,000.
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