AN ISLAND in Greece is on sale – and the asking price is less than the cost of an average UK home.
The ancient Greeks believed the paradise landmass was cursed by the gods to remain deserted forever.
The idyllic island of Makri in a haze of sky-blue seas Credit: Alamy
The island is part of a cluster of five in the Ionian sea Credit: Google Maps
The island is entirely uninhabited Credit: Alamy
The island is several hundreds of pounds cheaper than the average UK home Credit: Alamy
But now the Greek island Makri is up for auction at a starting price of £213,000.
That’s lower than the average price of a home in Britain which is £268,000, according to the government’s most recent .
Makri is the fifth largest island in a cluster called Echinades – named after mythical nymphs punished by the gods and cursed to become islands.
The private island was dubbed a “crown jewel” by international investors.
The original price was about £6.9million when it was first listed in 2022 – but the price has plummeted since.
The uninhabited island is a pristine nature sanctuary with white sand beaches and lush forests.
The area also has an interesting history.
In 1571, over 500 ships and 85,000 men fought in the Battle of Lepanto.
The island is found south-west of mainland Greece Credit: Alamy
But not all is as it seems on this unpeopled paradise island Credit: Getty
Allied Christian troops under Don Juan of Austria battled the Ottomans under Müezzinzade Ali Pasha – resulting in a crushing Ottoman defeat.
Unfortunately, there is a catch.
The owner of the island would also inherit an Olympus-sized mountain of tax and debt – around £17.3million.
The figure includes paying off debt from the Greek government.
The 243-acre paradise is also within a Site of Community Importance and Special Protection Zone.
This means that developments like hotels and luxury villas are essentially prohibited.
Makri is also under Natura 2000, and eco-pact to protect nature across the European Union, which requires any building to be approved by the Greek president.
Only farming and grazing is allowed on the island – and so the pool of investors has substantially shrunken.
Murky legal issues swirl around the island Credit: Handout
Makri falls under the hammer in November of this year Credit: Alamy
Makri will officially fall under the hammer in an auction on November 13.
Sadly it is almost impossible to visit as there are no public ferry services.
It is one of few Greek hotspots not plagued by overtourism.
Just last month the Greek government in a mass crackdown on holidaymakers.
Over 250 beaches have been slapped with the sunbed ban – meaning visitors will have to make do with a towel.
The rule aims to deter tourists and preserve natural beauty.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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