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

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

Our Winter Newsletter: All things new…

We hope that you have enjoyed a relaxed and “forget all the doom & gloom” Christmas and that you are looking forward to a positive new year. Difficult when there is so much uncertainty and grief in the world but important to face 2023 with a determined spirit. In the hope that thoughts of holidays in the sun can bring some colour to your mid-winter, we’d like to tell you about what is new for Ionian Villas in 2023.
Within the next few weeks we will be announcing our new villa programme in Epirus, on the Ionian coastline of the Greek mainland.

Sivota and Paleros are small ports on the mainland. Sivota is opposite the south-eastern tip of Corfu and Paleros is opposite the north-east coast of Lefkas. Both seaside villages are excellent locations for those who look for more exploration and choice of activities than offered on the islands. Wild and untouched inland and a coastline of deserted beaches, only reachable by boat.

Paleros is a 30 minute drive from Lefkas and Sivota is a 1-hour drive from Lefkas. Good choices for a 2-centre holiday combining Lefkas with the mainland.

**On a hillside above Sivota, Villa Infinity looks out across the sea to Paxos and Corfu.**

Our Touch of Luxury programme now includes some stunning villas on Corfu. Villa Callisto sleeps up to 12 and is just a few steps away from Agia Triada beach, near Paliokastritsa.

A new Greek TV series, called “Maestro in Blue”, will appear on Netflix in the new year (dates to be confirmed). The series was filmed on Paxos in 2022 and tells the story of a music festival being organised during the Covid-19 pandemic. “In the nine episodes, director Christoforos Papakaliatis narrates a story of passion and conflict.”

Our Paxos manager, Dimitris, and his parents (who had walk-on roles) and actress Kleilia Andriolatou.
Dimitris, his dogs and actor Christoforos Papakaliatis

Filming on Paxos’ west coast

In the Spring 2023 we will be introducing our new website – bigger pictures and more user-friendly.
For 2023 we have added new villas on each island. Here is a selection according to villa size:

Chiara on Lefkas is a spacious retreat for up to 20 people with a special west coast location for sunsets and sandy beaches.
Contessa Sara on Corfu sleeps up to 12 and is a perfect spot for those wanting to be within close distance of beaches, watersports, tavernas and shops.
Yannisatika House on Paxos, sleeping up to 10, is a well kept secret – one of the most beautiful properties on the island
Fortouna on Corfu, sleeps up to 8 and is just 35 steps away from the sea.
Salto on Kefalonia is a sumptuous villa just above the sea for up to 6 people.
Lucie, sleeping up to 4, is a 10 minute walk through olive groves to Lakka port on Paxos.
Apaggio on Ithaca is a one-bedroom cottage with panoramic views over Vathy Bay and across the sea to Atokos island and the Greek mainland.

New to our West Sussex team is Natalie Verrall. Natalie wears an Administration and Social Media Manager cap.

Finally, we have joined forces with the Ionian Environment Foundation in a venture to support various projects to protect the Ionian’s environment. Watch this space!

We hope to see you in the Ionian in 2023.

Our best wishes,

January 6, 2023

Stylish and Bespoke Wedding Planning on Ithaca – From Guest Writer Sue White

Hello, let me introduce myself, Sue, Ionian Villa’s contact on the beautifully un-spoilt island of Ithaca and wedding planner of stylish bespoke celebrations. I moved to Ithaca approximately ten years ago after living on Kefalonia for many years and after meeting my husband!

Ithaca was no stranger to me as often I would hop on the ferry from Kefalonia to visit this special island. After planning our own wedding, I decided to combine and channel my local knowledge, organizational skills, and language ability, establishing Ithaki Weddings, to assist other couples realise their dreams of hosting their weddings in such a unique location.

Waterside churches, private villas, olive groves and secluded beaches are just some of the locations and venues my brides have chosen.

Taking inspiration from the islands’ natural beauty every wedding I plan and design is bespoke to each couple ensuring that their dream day is exactly as they envisioned.

Villa venues are always popular offering complete privacy for the perfect intimate wedding or elopement.

A beach wedding is the dream location for many, with so many secluded and beautiful beaches around Ithaca’s rugged coastline it’s a tough choice to make, but a beach accessible only by boat is always the first choice for many couples.

Ithaca is a truly magical island which once visited is very hard to forget, a local legend implies ‘that if you cup your hand under the Kalamos spring and drink its’ ice-cold water you will return again to Ithaca’.

If like me you’ve fallen in love with Ithaca and dream of hosting your own destination wedding on the island, contact me and together we will make it happen.

Wedding Planner Ithaki Weddings

Photography Maxeen Kim & Vicky Bekiaridou

Villa Venue Loutsa Retreat

Ithaca Weddings Instagram

September 29, 2022

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

Escaping to Ithaca Needn’t Be an Odyssey

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 Sunset Cottages look down to an outcrop of rock emerging from the sea in the distinct shape of a Phaeacian longboat.

It is said that the Phaeacians dropped Odysseus off at the beach below Dexa Beach House and Villa Areti. The photo below was taken by the owner of Areti – the rainbow falls onto the beach.

Nowadays Odysseus could fly to Kefalonia, then a 40 minute taxi journey to the port of Sami with a private speedboat to whisk him over to Ithaca in 30 minutes. All arranged by our Ithaca manager, Sue.

And to regain his strength before slaughtering Penelope’s suitors he could hide himself away in comfort at Hilltop House.

January 31, 2019

Villas with the Wow Factor

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 of these attributes but here is a shortlist for each island of the ones we consider to head the wow list.

The Best Sea Views

PAXOS

Bougainvillaea (sleeps 2) – forested, west coast hillsides and the open sea.

Evangelia (sleeps up to 4) – birds eye views over Gaios port.

Jupiter (sleeps up to 6) – east to the Greek mainland, north across Mogonisi Bay, west to AntiPaxos.

Chimara (sleeps up to 8) – a big sea and the mountains of the mainland, framed by tall cypress trees.

ITHACA

Sunset Cottages (sleeps 2) – watch the sun set behind the north coast of Kefalonia.

Fassoulou’s Cottage (sleeps up to 4) – over Afales Bay and across the sea to the islands of Lefkas, Meganissi, Kalamos, Arkoudi and Atokos.

Hilltop House (sleeps up to 5) – the highest spot above Kioni Bay.

Tzika House (sleeps up to 8) – across the sea to Kefalonia’s north coast.

KEFALONIA

Sonia’s Apartment (sleeps 2) – watch the fishing boats and yachts arrive at and depart from Fiscardo port.

Villa Lito (sleeps up to 4) – a valley of olive groves to the sea, the pine and cypress forested foothills of Mount Aenos and the sandy coastline.

Villa Cara (sleeps up to 8) – looks out over a spectacular, natural landscape of pine and cypress to the sea and in the distance, the island of Zakynthos.

LEFKAS

Rhoda (sleeps 2) – the sun sets directly opposite.

Vassiliko (sleeps up to 4) – over a valley of olive groves and across Vassiliki Bay to the islands of Ithaca and Kefalonia.

Victoria (sleeps up to 10) – across Vliho Bay and up to Lefkas’ mountainous interior.

Helena (sleeps up to 10) – panoramic views over the offshore islands of Skorpios, Sparti, Skorpithi, Meganissi and across the sea to the Greek mainland.