The Ionian islands of Greece have some of the most beautiful, natural coastlines and crystal clear waters in southern Europe. The islands offer a diverse playground for both explorer and cushioned deckchair enthusiast. Say you are the one responsible for planning the family holiday or for trying to get a party of friends together –…
After the Trojan War it took Odysseus 10 eventful years to return to his Ithaca home. Reaching the end of his journey, Odysseus was taken from Kefalonia to Ithaca in a Phaeacian longboat. Seeing the Phaeacians returning to Kefalonia, Poseidon raised his trident and turned the boat and oarsmen to stone. Tzika House and the…
What boxes need ticking when you look for that special Greek island holiday? Most people look for: a modern villa with pool but one that feels Greek; the biggest and most dramatic sea views possible; seclusion but close to a village and beaches; privacy and tranquillity. All of our Ionian properties have one or more…
In Episode 5 of the latest series of The Durrells, the family are invited for dinner by some Italian friends. The beautiful Manor House was chosen as the filming location for this dinner. You too can be part of the Durrells’ adventure and have a special holiday escape on Corfu at The Manor House. The…
Fiscardo is undoubtedly one of the most colourful and prettiest ports in the Ionian. In 1953 an earthquake destroyed all Kefalonia buildings except those in Fiscardo and a few outlying villages. In my early Greek Islands Club days we took on a small programme of village houses for those visitors wanting to spend lazy days…
Whether Greece stays in the Euro and/or the European Community or not, she will continue to depend on tourism as one of her most important income opportunities. Thousands of visitors each year to the smaller Greek islands have a serious impact on local infrastructures. Over time these islands will inevitably lose part of their culture, traditions,…
I was once managing director of Greek Islands Club. When we had offices in Old Isleworth it meant a 2 hour drive from home in West Sussex and then a 2 hour drive back home. The M25 was my companion and pacemaker. I now look after Ionian Villas from our home in a little Dorset…
Photo – Villa Arenia on Meganissi Most people’s prerequisites for a relaxing Greek island holiday will include being close to a beach. Fortunately there are ancient laws within Greece to restrict building close to the sea and “private” beaches do not exist. It is not easy therefore to find an island retreat above the sea,…
Photo – The Elgin Marbles Browsing in a second hand bookshop in Sherborne I came across a book: “Through Greece and Dalmatia” – published in 1912 to show “a diary of impressions recorded by pen & picture by Mrs Russell Barrington.” When Mrs Barrington was in Athens she wrote: “The most glorious jewel in the…
When my father and I started up Greek Islands Club on Paxos in the late 1960’s we arranged holidays from the beginning of April until the end of October. In more recent years the islands, including Paxos, have experienced a shortening of the summer season. Both tour operators and charter flight airlines are not able…
