By Eleni Vasiliki Bampaliouta
The love of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands for Greece is no secret. For years, the country has been their favored retreat—away from royal protocol and prying eyes—a preference now seemingly confirmed by the reported purchase of yet another impressive property.
According to information published earlier today by Newsbeast, the Dutch royals are said to be the new owners of an imposing mansion in the northern suburbs of Athens, specifically in Ekali.
Described as a “diamond” of the real estate market, the property has a total built area of 1,489 square meters and is set on a plot of 5,535 square meters. Its value is estimated at no less than €15 million, with the transaction reportedly completed through Sotheby’s International Realty Greece.
In addition to the main living areas, the mansion includes an extensive auxiliary space of 904 square meters, featuring a garage, storage rooms, and a security center. The property also offers the possibility of constructing an additional building of up to 700 square meters.
The Kranidi Refuge: Love at First Sight
The story of the royal “landing” in Greece essentially began in 2010, when the couple visited Spetses for the wedding of Nikolaos De Grèce and Tatiana Blatnik. They reportedly fell in love with the area immediately.
Two years later, in 2012, Willem-Alexander and Máxima acquired their own country house. After selling their property in Mozambique, they chose to invest in Greece, purchasing a villa in Doroufi, near Porto Heli and Kranidi.
The acquisition, which reportedly cost around €4.5 million, did not go unnoticed in the Netherlands. At the time, it sparked criticism, as it coincided with the height of Greece’s deep economic recession.
The “Palace” Overlooking the Aegean Sea
The Doroufi property—frequently referenced by the Dutch press—is a complex of three houses set on a 4,000-square-meter plot, designed to offer complete privacy. Located within easy reach of Spetses—an island particularly popular with royal families—it provides a secluded retreat overlooking the Aegean Sea. The estate includes two swimming pools, a private beach, and a small harbor.
The Greek residence has become a favorite destination for the royal family, including their three daughters, Amalia, Alexia, and Ariane. King Willem-Alexander once joked in an interview about how at ease his daughters feel there:
“Our daughters love being at our house in Greece. They decide for themselves whom they invite, and perhaps soon they will ask us not to be present at times.”
The Porto Heli area has also attracted other royal families, including Spain’s, with reports of frequent encounters and close ties with King Felipe and Queen Letizia.
The reported acquisition of a residence in Ekali further suggests that Greece is more than a holiday destination for the Dutch royal couple. Instead, it appears to have become a true second home—underscoring, their long lasting trust and affection for Greece.
