If you are interested in purchasing a private island – And as long as you are not counting on a life of luxury and opulence – This offer is meant for you. In Greece, a deserted island is being offered at a public auction, but take into account that it holds a protected status, meaning it is impossible to carry out significant development and infrastructure works on it. On the other hand, it is certainly suitable for those who connect with the concept of a "digital detox" or the trend of staying in what is known as Deadzoning.
The island is defined as a "forest area"
The island of Makri in the Ionian Sea will be offered this coming November at a public auction, at a starting price of €247,000, as reported by the Greek newspaper THEMA. Its length is about 2.5 kilometers and its maximum width is about half a kilometer. And as we have already hinted, this is a place where you can truly return to basics – The island houses only a few abandoned structures, including a small house, a water cistern, and a chapel.
And since it is defined as a "forest area", it is, as mentioned, impossible to carry out serious upgrades on it, but rather only the implementation of "light and minimal infrastructure", as well as agricultural work. Makri first went up for auction back in 2022, at a price of €8 million, but a reassessment of its value revealed the limitations to potential investors who might have hoped to turn the island into a new holiday destination.
Enjoying without buying
On the other hand, if you want to experience life on a private island, you do not necessarily have to buy one. For instance, the Euronews website notes that elsewhere in Greece, you can rent the private island Turquoise in the Athenian Riviera. The property, which is capable of hosting up to 20 guests and includes 10 bedrooms and eight bathrooms, is accessible via helicopter and comes with a butler and a private chef. And there is more: The island of Tagomago, located less than a kilometer from Ibiza in the Balearic Islands in Spain, is also available for a vacation that will be exclusively yours. On the island, which spans 600,000 square meters, stands a five-bedroom villa featuring a 17-meter saltwater pool, an outdoor jacuzzi, and a gym. The staff available to you includes an "island manager" under whom a private chef, waiters, and housekeeping staff work.