In 1962 Eliot Watrous happened upon the little island of Paxos. He returned two years later and bought a small plot of land, just outside the capital village of Gaios, and a local team of builders constructed a small, simple house above the sea – based upon a design drawn on the back of a cigarette packet.
In 1965, Eliot and his wife and four sons, spent the months of July and August in their half finished Paxos home. In those days the island’s electricity was produced (sporadically) by a diesel-fuelled generator, the ferry journey from Corfu took up to five hours, provisions were limited and it was just two years before a military dictatorship overthrew the Greek government.
Over the next few years the Watrous family spent long summers in both work (on the house) and play (deserted beaches and more donkeys than cars).
The house was known as Eliot Villa. It was sold to one of Greece’s most famous folk singers, who converted and modernised the property to make it one of the most comfortable retreats on the stretch of coastline just outside Gaios.
Eliot Villa can now be booked through Ionian Villas. It has 4 bedrooms, a pool, privacy and is just 100 metres from a small beach.
You might feel hesitant about an Ionian holiday in October. Will the weather be ok? Will sufficient ferries be operating? Will tavernas and shops be open?
A few of us from the office travel to the Ionian in October in order to see property owners, take new photos, find out what changes are planned for the following year and then to check the local cuisine, sample new wines and gauge sea temperatures!
This year we spent the second week of October on Paxos.
A few wispy clouds on the last day but otherwise clear blue skies and temperatures in the late 20’s. We stayed on the west coast – hypnotically vibrant sunsets.
West coast sunset
With the good weather, nearly all of Paxos’ tavernas and café bars planned to stay open until the end of October. Supermarkets and shops were well stocked. Fruit aplenty: fresh canary melons, peaches, nectarines, grapes, pineapples, kiwi fruits, bananas – to name a few.
Sea temperature seemed warmer than August and we tested it every day – such is our dedication to getting our facts right!
Marmari beach
Morning temperatures of early 20’s make for perfect walking conditions. The sides of roads and donkey paths bordered by swathes of wild cyclamen and crocus. Branches of olive trees starting to droop with the weight of ripening olives. Black olive nets ready to catch the winter crop.
Roadside cyclamen
Paxos Cats
Village cats basking in the afternoon sun. Local islanders enjoying the peace and quiet of a waterfront cafenion. Hire boats being taken out of the water to leave village waterfronts with colourful wooden fishing boats. Gaios fish market selling an abundance of freshly caught fish. The opportunity to commandeer deserted beaches. The beautiful blues of the sea within sheltered coves below hillsides of olive and cypress trees.
And then, all too soon, the wake-up call to leave and return to colder, greyer shores.
Departing Paxos at sunrise
Corfu airport comparatively busy but a recently opened airside lounge offers a peaceful escape with comfy seating, complimentary snacks and drinks and even a porter to escort you to the lounge via a fast track security check. Ask us for details!
New Corfu Airport Lounge
Try an October break to the Ionian – the perfect tonic to prepare for winter back home.
Have you thought about switching your July and August Summer holiday for a Spring holiday? We like to visit the Ionian every May with our family and here’s why we think it is the perfect time to visit….
In May the islands and mainland Ionian coast are usually less crowded, flights can be cheaper, and villas tend to have good availability.
The islands begin to come to life with tavernas and shops opening after Greek Easter and there is a nice energy in the air for the new season ahead.
Day temperatures sit between 20 – 25 degrees, with evenings slightly cooler and night-time around 14 degrees; perfect for families like ours with young children.
The Ionian is usually a blaze with spring colours and the cooler temperatures can allow for a more active day of walking, running, yoga and cycling.
Sea temperatures are just about warm enough to take a dip and you often find you have the beach all to yourselves!!
If this appeals to you, we still have some fantastic properties available this May half term…
If you are interested in booking any of the villas above or would like to know about other available properties, please contact Alex and Samantha for prices and special offers enquiries@ionian-villas.co.uk
The Ionian Islands have the most wonderful, magnetic energy… warm air, blue skies, turquoise waters, hillsides full of olive and cypress trees, fresh seasonal locally grown food and the sun to nourish the soul. A perfect escape for wellness and yoga practice.
If you are a yoga/pilates teacher looking to host a retreat we believe we have some of the best properties in the Ionian. Our partnerships with the retreat owners will allow you to create the most extraordinary experience for your guests.
How it works…. we can help you decide which island is best suited to you and give you an idea of the cost. We have a selection of properties specifically designed for retreats with a variety of group sizes. We will then put you in touch with the owner of the venue or our island manager so that they can help you plan everything.
There are some incredible yoga and pilates teachers who live on the Ionian islands. If you have booked a property with us and wish to practice whilst on holiday, we can put you in touch with a teacher for a private 1-1 class or small group classes.
Take a look at some of our favourite retreat properties….
Kefalonia
Villa Olivestone is a private, secluded and peaceful hideaway for those wanting a special escape from a busy world outside. The property lies in a 32-acre private estate above the sandy beaches of the south coast, in the foothills of Mount Aenos. The property sleeps up to 12 guests in comfortable accommodation; there are many areas for social gatherings or quiet spots for total relaxation.
The villa comes with a cook, Yolanda who will prepare wonderful fresh dishes for your retreat guests. Other activities such as massage therapies and skippered boat trips can be arranged as part a tailor-made programme.
Paxos is lucky enough to have (in our opinion) one of the best Yoga teachers in Greece. German born Sandra has lived on the island for many years, she speaks a variety of languages including, German, English and Greek. She teaches a mix of Ashtanga, Hatha and Vinyasa flow, inspired by her practice in Berlin and India. Many of the Watrous family have attended her classes and we think she really is a special teacher!
Sandra also offers a range of other activities including dance, meditation, Pilates, body toning, hit, aqua fit and SUP yoga. Sandra does open classes and 1-1 private sessions either at your villa or in her own yoga studio.
Our suggestion would be to rent the fabulous Velianitatika Retreat, as this happens to be next door to Sandra’s studio, in the sleepy village of Velianitatika. Perfect for a group of yoga friends who want something more personalised and bespoke.
Vassiliki: Five spectacular villa; Icarus, Angeliki, Ismini, Grigoria and Villa Of Light sit perched high above the sea on the south coast looking down to the port of Vassiliki. The views across Vassiliki Bay and to the islands of Ithaca and Kefalonia are breathtaking. There are individual swimming pools for each villa, a large yoga studio and a retreat chef. The retreat can accommodate up to 25 guests (including teachers). The villas can be booked individually or all together depending on retreat size. Massage, Mediterranean cooking lessons, sporting activities, walks/hikes and day trips can also be arranged.
Geni: Surrounded by olive and pine trees and wild myrtle bushes, sit three beautifully designed villas; Antonella, Rosetta and Stefania. They have a special hilltop position with dramatic views from the pool terraces across Vlicho Bay. A variety of balconies and terraces cater for both sun and shade and each property has a private infinity pool. Above the villas amongst the olive groves overlooking Dessimi and Vlicho bay is a closed yoga studio surrounded by glass windows. Yoga can also be practiced in the open studio which overlooks the infinity pool and Vlicho bay, It is 70 sqm and crafted to host a group of 24 people.
Each villa sleeps 8 guests, so a retreat capacity of up to 24 (including teachers), the villas can be booked individually or all together. Adonis, a fellow yogi is the retreat chef, he cooks traditional Greek dishes or can cater to a vegan/health menu. Tavernas and Dessimi Beach are also within walking distance.
Ithaca
For a smaller group The Loutsa Retreat is perfect. The villa sleeps up to 8 guests and has total privacy and tranquility. Large terraces open out to beautiful gardens where it is possible to have sun or shade throughout the day. A curving swimming pool sweeps through a small olive grove, bordered by hedges of lavender.
A cook can be arranged for your retreat or if you would prefer to provide your guests with bed and breakfast only, the owner offers a complimentary organic breakfast delivered to your door each morning. The retreat is a 3-minute walk to Loutsa Beach and a 10-minute walk to a waterfront taverna and the port of Vathy.
The five Sunset Cottages are perched up high on Ithaca’s west coast, two kilometres south of Stavros village and just a five minute drive to Polis Bay beach. Each cottage sleeps 2 with a sea-facing terrace and a small garden of citrus and peach trees. The larger terraces are perfect to practice yoga and there is a swimming pool for all to enjoy. The cottages would be perfect for a smaller budget and retreat.
Kalokeri is a beautifully elegant villa set within 4.5 acres of private land. It has dramatic views across the sea to Kefalonia and the Greek mainland. The property sleeps 12 and has an infinity pool, a stone Pool House, beautiful gardens and terraces for relaxing, activities including table tennis and now a fantastic new yoga deck! The deck looks out to sea with a spellbinding panorama. Sunrise meditation or early morning yoga is a truly magical experience at Kalokeri. Further activities including massage therapies and a retreat cook can be arranged.
Corfu
Morning yoga on the sand or amongst the olive trees is on offer at On the beach Alpha, Beta & Gamma. These three villas are less then 80 metres from the beach of Milou Bay. Villa Alpha sleeps 10, Beta and Gamma each sleep 12. All 3 villas have modern comforts inside and outside – the owners describe the overall design and décor as “boho-luxury”. Elements of the natural surroundings have been incorporated to create the feel of a countrified retreat by the sea.
On the Beach, AlphaOn the Beach, Alpha
If you are interested in booking any of the properties above for a future retreat and would like to know more – call or email us.
We would like to introduce two new members of our team: Samantha DeCourcy, who joined us in November, and Reggie, who is the office’s official shredder of sensitive documents and socks.
If, like us, you are concerned about the fragile environment of the Ionian islands, you might be interested to know that we are setting up a partnership with the Ionian Environment Foundation. We will keep you in touch with partnered projects for each island.
If you were unable to
enjoy a tactile Christmas with the whole family, you might be looking forward
to a family holiday in 2022 as a positive step towards more freedom. We have
some new properties to entice you:
Back in the days when the Watrous family ran the company, Greek Islands Club, they started a villa programme on the Sporades islands. After a recent revisit, we felt that Alonissos still offers a special escape from the crowds: a rich green interior of umbrella pine forest, olive groves and plum orchards; small, secluded beaches and deep sea caves carved out of steep cliff faces; sheltered ports with a colourful jostle of large and small fishing caiques. Contact us if you might be interested in an Alonissos escape with such properties as Paparouna and Fisherman’s cottage.
We still offer the chance to defer your 2022 holiday to a future date if, as a result of Covid conditions, travel in 2022 is prevented by Foreign & Commonwealth Office advice or a cancelled flight.
Please let us know if we can help you plan a special Ionian escape.
We realise that for
many, thoughts of 2021 holidays might well be on a back burner but for those of
you who would prefer to select and reserve another Ionian escape in 2021, here
are some reasons to do so now:
Availability of villas in 2021, especially in peak season, will be more limited than in previous years, caused by a combination of bookings deferred from 2020 to 2021 and a good number of people having already planned ahead.
We have recently introduced some new Paxos and Kefalonia villas (links given below) which we believe will be popular.
We continue to give a guarantee that your deposit and final balance payments will be carried over to a 2022 booking of the same property if you are prevented from travelling due to Covid-19. Further detail can be seen here.
The Best-Shaw family are regular visitors to Paxos and this
year they were our first clients of the season to experience the journey after Greek
airports opened to British airlines on 15th July.
Here is their report of the experience:
“We weren’t sure what to expect on our journey to Paxos this
year but I’m pleased to report that it was far easier and less stressful than
usual.
Early morning of 16th July – we arrived at
EasyJet check-in to find no queue and were checked in within two minutes. We
then sailed through security to find a relatively quiet departure lounge where
everyone was social distancing. There were a few shops and food outlets open,
all with minimal queues.
The plane was almost full, with everyone wearing masks but
very civilised boarding and disembarking with passengers and crew respecting
the EasyJet guidelines. There was a reduced trolley service and no hot drinks
but you are allowed to take your own food and drinks on board and remove your
mask while eating and drinking.
On arrival at Corfu airport the plane parked just outside
the terminal so we could walk to passport control, which was very efficient and
went smoothly. Approximately forty people off our flight were selected for a
Covid test. One member of our party was tested which only took a couple of
minutes. She was not told to self-isolate and was never contacted with the
results.
The baggage claim was quick and efficient and no risk of not
being able to social distance due to the reduced number of flights arriving.
There were plenty of taxis available at the airport, we all
wore masks, as did the driver and he kept the windows open.
The Hydrofoil from Corfu to Paxos was busy, but there were seats blocked off to enable groups to be separated. This was the only part of the journey where wearing a mask was not very comfortable due to the heat – but a small price to pay as Paxos quickly came into sight!
A Paxos beach to escape the crowds
We are now ensconced at Eagle’s Nest and will not feel daunted by the journey home when it comes.
On Paxos we have been made to feel welcome – a genuine friendliness coupled with a respect for safety guidelines. We wish we could have self-isolated here for the last 3 months!”
Visit Ithaca any month of the year and you will never be part of a crowd. Ithaca has no cruise ships and no crowded beaches. Athens based Ithacicians will return for their summer break in August but there are still many deserted beaches to be found.
April & May: Normally mild with lots of sunshine and the one-off shower. The olive groves are carpeted with wild flowers – ideal conditions for trail walking. Rivers and waterfalls that have dried up in the summer months are flowing.
June: Pool and sea temperatures are comfortably warm and the views to offshore islands are crisp and clear.
July & August: Higher temperatures, warmer seas and more visitors to the island.
September: Perfect conditions for escaping the crowds but still with high temperatures.
October: similar to May.
Are beaches sand or pebble?
Apart from some beautiful sandy beaches in Afales Bay (only
accessible by hired boat), all beaches on Ithaca are pebble and fine shingle.
Most of the beaches are natural (no sunloungers etc) and usually deserted. The
following beaches have “cantinas” (serving drinks & snacks): Filiatro,
Vathy, one of the beaches in Kioni Bay, Aetos, Marmaka, Gidaki, Polis Bay.
Polis Bay beach has sunbeds and umbrellas, toilets, showers, kayaks for hire –
all supervised by Takis the beach manager .
Life on Ithaca tends to be low key. There are a few music
bars on the Vathy waterfront but the other villages are for those wanting a
quieter alternative to city living. Family activities on offer include boat
hire, kayaking & paddle boards at Filiatro Beach just outside Vathy, scuba diving,
snorkelling trips; hiking trails, electric bike hire.
Eating out costs?
There is a good selection of tavernas in all the island’s
villages plus a few off the beaten track. In the main they will be traditional
Greek cuisine with Mediterranean twists & fusions. The average cost is
around 30 euros per person for a 3 course meal including house wine – freshly
caught fish however, will be more expensive.
There are some excellent and very innovative waterfront
tavernas in Frikes.
The house wine offered in tavernas is usually very good but
there are now some very good Greek wineries on so well worthwhile trying them.
Kioni Taverna
Is it easy to buy fresh fish?
You can often buy fresh fish direct from the fishing boats
on the harbour front during the mornings. You will also find a fishmonger in Stavros
and Rigos (the man with the fish van) sells in all the villages.
Are supermarkets well stocked?
You will find everything you need. Most also sell fresh
fruit and vegetables. Many have a butcher’s and a deli counter. British
products are readily available, although may be more expensive.
Local Store in Rachi, Kioni
Do supermarkets sell gluten free/dairy free products?
The majority of the larger supermarkets sell a good range of
dairy and gluten free products. Supermarkets in coastal resorts will also
generally sell them, although the range may not be as good as in the larger
supermarkets.
Do supermarkets deliver?
Most supermarkets and minimarkets are usually happy to
deliver to local properties providing you spend a reasonable amount in their
shop.
Are pharmacies well stocked?
Yes – and more treatments available over the counter than in
British chemists. You will also find well known brands of baby formula and more
specific baby supplies that may not be stocked in the supermarket such as
creams, dummies etc.
There are 3 chemists: 1 in Stavros and 2 in Vathy.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Most shops, supermarkets and tavernas now accept
credit/debit cards but you’ll get a bigger smile when paying in cash.
Best parts of the island to stay?
Ithaca’s east coast hillsides of olive groves, pine and
cypress forest, shelve gently to small coves – with distant views of the Greek
mainland. Ithaca’s west coast is steeper and has dramatic views to the east
coast of Kefalonia.
The seaside villages of Kioni and Frikes are picture
postcard pretty. Vathy is more of a working town but has beautiful views across
the bay to the east coast of the island.
The drive from Frikes, in the far north, to Vathy, in the
south, takes around 30 minutes so wherever you stay, you are never far from a
beach or village.
View over Vathy Bay
How child friendly is Ithaca?
Greeks love children and Ithacicians are no exception.
Very few pools are gated and some gardens can be uneven with
prickly shrubs. Most tavernas have a
childrens’ menu or are happy to provide child-size portions.
Is Ithaca good for boat hire?
There are boat hirers in Vathy, Kioni and Polis Bay. A
speedboat licence needs to be shown for hiring a boat with an outboard over
30HP. Hiring a boat is the best way to find your own private beach and to
explore the coastline.
Frikes
Are there good medical facilities?
There is a Medical Centre in Vathy and a smaller medical
centre in Stavros. The GP and Head of Vathy’s Medical Centre is a good heart
surgeon!
Ferry service to other islands?
There are ferry services connecting Ithaca with Patras and
Killini on the mainland, Kefalonia and Lefkas. The ferry from Piso Aetos on
Ithaca to Sami on Kefalonia takes just 30 minutes – alternatively, private
speedboat charter takes just 15 minutes.
Voucher Prize can not be exchanged for a cash alternative. Voucher must be redeemed by 31/10/2019 Flights, transfers & car hire not included. Minimum 7 day stay. Winner will be drawn at random. Winner will be contacted via email. Draw will be made on 20/05/2019.
By entering competition you accept that your email address may be used to contact you about this competition and others hosted by Ionian Villas.
Archie is now 19 months old and has been travelling with us on our trips to Greece since the age of 6 months! Our little man has done several flights including one long haul and he really seems to be getting the hang of it now… as do we! Alex and I often get asked how we find travelling with a young baby/ toddler. So, I thought I would share with you some of our tips, including useful gadgets and good advice given to us along the way.
The Flight
Firstly, try not to over-fret! 90% of people on the flight have probably had children of their own or have children in their family so they know it isn’t easy travelling with little humans. Cut yourself some slack – if your baby starts crying don’t worry, try and stay calm – your baby will sense your anxiety and it will only make things worse.
Snacks, snacks and more snacks. Now Archie is a toddler we pack as many snacks as we can. We try and go low sugar so he doesn’t get too excited on the flight!
If your little one is walking, try and tire him/her out as much as possible in the airport. If they want to walk up and down the aisle on the flight – stay close but again don’t worry about the occasional passenger scowl – most people understand. A three hour flight to Greece is a long time for a child to sit still.
If your baby is on formula you can pre order this from Boots up to 5 working days before you fly and pick it up in the terminal … it’s really handy. You can also do this with baby food too!
To help with ear popping on the flight a friend told me to try to feed your baby their milk at take-off and landing. The sucking really helps regulate the pressure.
Fun pack … we always pack a little fun pack for Archie full of some of his favourite toys along with some new exciting ones to keep him busy on the flight and for the holiday. But don’t forget to hold some back for the flight home!
Our favourite holiday must-haves and gadgets
Bullabaloo muslins – these muslins are great and so versatile. I particularly like the large size. I used mine for snuggling Archie up on the plane and when he was small they were great for creating shade or as a blanket at the beach. https://bullabaloo.com/collections/new-muslin-swaddles/products/muslin-swaddle-blue-cloud
Once out of a pram it’s a great idea to invest in a lightweight travel pushchair. Our friends who also travel a lot recommended the baby jogger buggy, it folds up easily and has a travel bag with straps. http://babyjogger.co.uk/product/city-tour/
Greek tavernas will make you and your children feel welcome. Many have highchairs and some even have toys/crayons etc. Sometimes we like to go off the beaten track so we take a travel highchair with us – it’s great for beach picnics and can be strapped to any chair. https://summerinfant.co.uk/product/pop-n-sit-booster/
Our top toddler friendly villas
When choosing a holiday villa it can be hard to know which ones are toddler-friendly. Here are our Ionian island favourites ….
Paxos
Elissa– sleeps 6. The property is all on one level with plenty of outside space and shade. Also within walking distance of Lakka bay which is great when you have a buggy.
Kefalonia
Artemis–sleeps 5. The villa is all on one level with lots of grass for burning off some toddler steam!
Ithaca
Limonia – sleeps 8. A great location in the centre of Vathy port close to a children’s play-park. The villa also has an enclosed, fenced-off pool area.
Corfu
Kalami – sleeps 4. A spacious modern villa in large grounds with plenty of grass around the pool.
Lefkas
Nicholetta – sleeps 4. The villa has an enclosed lawn and swimming pool area. It is a 10 minute walk to Agios Ioannis beach which has a few tavernas and a sheltered swimming area at one end. Lefkas town is also only a 10 minute walk via a flat track.
If you would like any further advice you can always give us a call or email. We have been to all our villas and can help pick the best one for you and your family.
