Winter Newsletter

Another year has flown by and once again winter is upon us. Hopefully, we can revive some sunny Ionian memories.

Our new Ionian Villas website appeared in October – bigger pictures and easier to navigate.

It includes a great new feature where instead of scrolling through a long list of villas based only on price or group size, you can now filter your search by ‘holiday type’. Whether you are seeking a ‘romantic hideaway’ or a ‘waterfront property’, it’s now easy to narrow down your options. We have also introduced a new ‘My Booking’ area where you can conveniently access all your booking details and holiday information.

Find out more

IV Team news:

Alex competed in the Rout Classic 100 Miler in Greece. This is a prestigious and tough adventure footrace for experienced runners who compete over 100 miles. The course is set along abandoned paths and trails through the tremendous scenery of the Rodopi Mountains National Park in Northern Greece.

The Rodopi Mountain range is spread across Greece and Bulgaria. Its beautiful, untouched mountain trails date back to the prehistoric age where runners cross some of the original paths and bridges Alexander the Great used!

He finished the race in under 32 hours, securing an impressive 5th place out of 95 runners!

Back in the summer, Sophie Kempson joined our team, she will be working alongside Alex in Sales and looking after our PR and marketing.

Natalie had her second child, Ottilie in June and will return from maternity leave in March next year. We cannot wait to have her back in the office – as she keeps us all organised!

We say farewell to our fantastic intern, Amariah. Hopefully, we will have you back working with us again in the future.

Alex and Cat have moved house and have been exploring some exciting new destinations and properties for 2025!!

Here are some of those great new properties…

2-bedroom villas:

On Kefalonia, Brunella has a peaceful setting amongst olive groves, just inland from Fiscardo – a sumptuous retreat.

Find out more

On tiny AntiPaxos, Morpheus is walking distance to two beautiful sandy beaches – a private escape.

Find out more

On laid-back Ithaca, Odyssea Villas are a rare find for those wanting a swimming pool – big sea views.

Find out more

On pretty Meganissi, Silvia Villas overlook the little islands of Kastos and Kalamos – escape the crowds.

Find out more

3-bedroom villas:

On Lefkas, Pikermi is a 15 minute walk to the beachfront tavernas of Mikros Gialos.

Find out more

The Setting Sun Villas on Lefkas have a gloriously dramatic location above sandy west coast beaches – to infinity and beyond!

Find out more

Also on Lefkas, Tassia is just a 2 minute walk to the sea – plunge from your doorstep!

Find out more

4-bedroom villas:

On Paxos, Jo’s House hides away in an olive grove close to Monodendri beach – amazing outside kitchen!

Find out more

Also on Paxos, Savra is a stylish & spacious villa on the west coast and a 10 minute walk to the sea – a swish escape.

Find out more

On Corfu, the 18^th Century Olive Mill has been brought into the 21st Century with stylish, elegant, modern comforts – a unique experience. Villa Bliss overlooks the bays of Kouloura, Kalami and Agni on Corfu’s north east coast – stunning sea views.

Find out more

7-bedroom villa:

On Corfu, Claudia hides away in a sleepy village with local tavernas just a short stroll away – 19^th Century meets 21^st Century.

Find out more

Watch this space:

In 2025 we will be introducing some new island escapes (not in the Ionian!) so if you might be tempted by some out the ordinary holiday options on mainland Greece, the Aegean and the Caribbean – ask us for a sneak preview!

Get in touch:

Despite an overhaul and redesign of our website, we realise that it is still difficult to find a property to tick all the boxes so please get in touch if you would like some personal recommendations to suit your requirements – we’d love to hear from you.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

December 3, 2024

Eliot Villa

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.

January 4, 2024

Visiting Paxos in October

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

Try an October break to the Ionian – the perfect tonic to prepare for winter back home.

October 23, 2023

Ionian Escapes May Half Term 2023

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…

Paxos:

Elissa 27/5 – 5/6 (9-nights)

Simeoni 27/5 – 3/6 (7-nights)

Jupiter 29/5 – 5/6 (7-nights)

Ithaca:

The Loutsa Retreat 27/5 – 3/6 (7-nights)

Tzika House 27/5 – 3/6 (7-nights)

Lefkas:

Antonella 28/5 – 4/6 (7-nights)

Koumaria 28/5 – 4/6 (7-nights)

Mandarini 28/5 – 4/6 (7-nights)

Kefalonia:

Persephone 28/5 – 4/6 (7-nights)

Verikoko 28/5 – 4/6 (7-nights)

Paxos

Ithaca

**The Loutsa Retreat 27/5 – 3/6 (7-nights)**

Lefkas

Kefalonia

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

Catherine x

March 30, 2023

Yoga in the Ionian

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

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.

Lefkas

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.

Antonella, Rosetta, Stefania and Yoga Studio

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.

Zakynthos

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.

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.

Namaste,

Catherine x

January 27, 2023

January 2022 Newsletter

We wish our clients a very Happy New Year.

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.

Alex, David, Catherine, Samantha & Reggie

January 5, 2022

Ionian Villas Newsletter

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.

New for 2021 on Paxos:

New for 2021 on Kefalonia:

We were lucky enough to visit the Ionian in September. This was baby Norah’s first opportunity to meet our Paxos manager, Dimitris, and his family.

In the new year we welcome Catherine back to our office after some time away raising the babies.

We hope you have an uncomplicated winter – stay safe and keep dreaming of the Ionian.

David, Vivienne, Alex & Catherine

November 12, 2020

Travelling to Paxos with Covid-19 Safety Protocols – What To Expect

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 15^th 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 16^th 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!

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!”

July 19, 2020

ITHACA FAQ’S

When is the best time to visit Ithaca?

When is the best time to visit Ithaca?

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 .

Kioni Beach
Afales Bay, West Coast
Aetos Bay
Dexa Beach, East Coast

What is there to do for teenagers?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

November 20, 2019

Easter Holiday Escape Competition

Banish Brexit Blues this Easter and escape to the little Ionian island of Paxos.

Ionian Villas are offering a fantastic £100 holiday voucher to use on any villa or apartment on any of the 7 Ionian islands.

All you have to do to is follow the entry methods below to win.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Terms & Conditions

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.

April 18, 2019

Another year has flown by and once again winter is upon us. Hopefully, we can revive some sunny Ionian memories.

IV Team news:

Here are some of those great new properties…

2-bedroom villas:

3-bedroom villas:

4-bedroom villas:

7-bedroom villa:

Watch this space:

Get in touch:

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Paxos

Ithaca

Lefkas

Kefalonia

Kefalonia

Paxos

Lefkas

Ithaca

Zakynthos

Corfu

Paxos

Lefkas

Kefalonia

Ithaca

Corfu

New for 2021 on Paxos:

New for 2021 on Kefalonia:

When is the best time to visit Ithaca?

Are beaches sand or pebble?

What is there to do for teenagers?

Eating out costs?

Is it easy to buy fresh fish?

Are supermarkets well stocked?

Do supermarkets sell gluten free/dairy free products?

Do supermarkets deliver?

Are pharmacies well stocked?

Are credit cards widely accepted?

Best parts of the island to stay?

How child friendly is Ithaca?

Is Ithaca good for boat hire?

Are there good medical facilities?

Ferry service to other islands?

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