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 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Villa Evangelia’s View
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.
Sunset Cottages at sunset.
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.
Tzika House looking towards Kefalonia
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.
Villa Cara
LEFKAS
Rhoda (sleeps 2) – the sun sets directly opposite.
Villa Rhoda’s sunset view
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.
Escape the Crowds with Total Privacy
PAXOS
Aspro Alogo (sleeps 2) – a tiny hamlet of just a few houses in the hills above Loggos.
Cressida (sleeps up to 6) – only the sound of cicadas to disturb.
Spiantzi (sleeps up to 11) – a private headland of 2 acres and private access to the beach below.
Spiantzi’s upper terrace
ITHACA
Loutsa Retreat (sleeps up to 8) – hidden from the outside world within beautiful private gardens and forested hillsides of olive and pine.
The Loutsa Retreat
KEFALONIA
Paradiso (sleeps up to 7) – a total escape with an acre of lawns overlooking a landscape of olive groves and cypress trees.
Acacia (sleeps up to 10) – large, private grounds look out across the sea to the tiny island of Dias and to Zakynthos.
Efkalyptos (sleeps up to 16) – a spacious and comfortable retreat above Spartia’s sandy beach.
Spartia Retreat (sleeps up to 18) – surrounded by 5 acres of beautiful, extensive gardens just inland from the seaside village of Spartia.
The Spartia Retreat
CORFU
Helios (sleeps up to 8) – dramatic views all the away along the east coast to Corfu Town’s fortress.
Perivoli (sleeps up to 10) – 2 acre private gardens of crimson bougainvillaea and orchards of orange, lemon, avocado, pear, apple, plum, grapefruit and a private olive grove.
The Manor House (sleeps up to 10) – a mid 18th Century Venetian residence, hidden away amongst five hillside acres of citrus orchards, olive groves and cypress trees above the east coast.
Our newsletter brings you Warm Wishes and a Few Things New for the New Year.
Our office has some new family faces. Alex’s wife, Catherine, has joined our team. Catherine (Cat) has spent three years on Paxos as a Representative for Ionian Villas and Scott Williams. She has visited the other Ionian islands and will be revisiting in May.
Cat Watrous
Alex and Cat’s son, Archie, was born last September and will be on the May familiarisation trip to the islands!
Archie at the Office
For us, 2017 was the busiest and also the longest season – May and October in the Ionian are becoming more popular for warm weather escapes from more temperamental northern European climates.
May and October are possibly the best months to explore the islands on foot. Sea water and swimming pool water can, however, be bracing in May so a stay in a private apartment (with a good sea view) on the outskirts of a port or village, is fun and economical. For example:
Mermaid Cottage on Paxos has Loggos waterfront as a doorstep and in May is £570 per week.
Mermaid Cottage
Katy’s Apartment on Kefalonia has Fiscardo as a doorstep and is £500 per week in May.
We have added some new Ionian properties to our 2018 programme:
Inter-island communications are improving. For 2018 there is talk of the seaplane returning to link Corfu and Paxos and possibly the other more southern Ionian islands. We have also heard that a new ferry is being operated between Corfu, Lefkas, Kefalonia and Zakynthos. Sky Express already operate a flight linking Corfu, Preveza (for Lefkas), Kefalonia, Zakynthos and Athens. Apart from the regular inter-island hydrofoil and ferry services it is now possible to charter a private speedboat.
Ionian Seaplane
We understand that an island hopping holiday may not appeal to families wanting to limit overall travel but with this new choice of transferring from one island to another it can be seen as an exciting alternative.
And if you are a couple with more flexible time on your hands – let us know if you would like us to tailor-make an Ionian Island Hopping trip for you.
Talking about flights – there’s a new BA flight from Heathrow to Kefalonia starting mid May 2018 – Tuesday and Saturday departures.
For many of us it is difficult to know what wines to sample when on holiday in Greece. The ubiquitous and often bland “house wine” poured from taverna boxes will not show off what Greece is now producing.
On Paxos there is now an opportunity to explore the tastes of the grapes, regions and wineries of Greece from the comfort of your holiday villa. Andreas stocks some excellent wines from wineries he has selected from his annual research trips (someone’s got to do it!). He has his wine shop in Lakka but with a few days notice he can bring a selection of wines to your Paxos villa. He will give you an interesting history to the making of each wine. Best to give him a few likes & dislikes so he can tailor the selection for you. Then – when you return to Paxos for your next holiday you can arrange for Andreas to deliver your favourite wines for your arrival!
We came across an interesting blog about some of the Greek grapes
New hideaway bar in Corfu Town
The Palace and gardens of Mon Repos, surrounded by hillsides of pine forest, stand above the sea on the outskirts of Corfu Town.
Mon Repos Palace was built as a summer residence for the British Lord High Commissioner of the United States of the Ionian Islands in 1828. When the Ionian islands were ceded back to Greece in 1864, the Palace became the residence of Greece’s King George 1. The Greek royal family used it as a summer residence up until King Constantine II fled the country in 1967 and the Palace was repossessed by the Greek State.
Several royal births have taken place at the villa, including those of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh on 10 June 1921, and Princess Alexia of Greece and Denmark on 10 July 1965.
The Palace and its gardens are now being used as an archaeological museum.
At the foot of the Palace’s forested hillside a sheltered beach, once the bathing spot for the Greek royal family, is now open to the public and has an excellent café bar and restaurant. “The Royal Baths” is close to Garitsa waterfront but its walled gardens (bordered by around 50 old-school, wooden changing huts) are a peaceful escape from the world outside – well worth a visit if you have time on Corfu.
The Royal Baths
Royal Baths’ changing huts
If you feel like a return to the Ionian this year and need some ideas – call us!
If you have time – add us as a friend on Facebook and give us a Like or follow us on Instagram for some Ionian holiday inspiration!
We wish you all the very best for 2018 – may all your dreams come true!
This Blog was written by our Ionian Villas manager on Ithaca, Sue White.
Sue lived on Kefalonia for 18 years and has now been living on Ithaca for 5 years.
Sue is a taxi driver on Ithaca – one of twelve drivers.
Sue looks after our clients and is able to give a valuable, personal insight into the history, culture and lifestyles of Ithaca.
Sue has her own website: Ithaca Travel Services
“A lot of people who visit Greece in the summer are under the impression that there is wall to wall sunshine year-round. In my taxi, apart from being asked the usual list of questions as to how I ended up being an English lady taxi driver on a small Greek island, the conversation then switches to ‘the weather’.
It’s not only tourists who have an interest in the weather. The locals here on Ithaca also have a very healthy interest on the subject, and of course they are all experts! From fishermen, shepherds and even the all-knowing γιαγιαδες (grand matriachs), I hear conflicting predictions about the weather but this last summer they all seemed to agree with each other. In August temperatures of 40 Degrees the talk was of a ‘βαρύ Χειμώνας’ (a heavy winter) – and they were right.
After a reasonably mild November and December, the New Year kicked off with freezing cold temperatures and snow, swiftly followed by days of torrential rain. For the first time in 10 years the snow settled all over the island – not just the mountain villages but also on the beaches!
January snow on an Ithaca olive tree
When the snow was washed away by days of relentless rain, the mountain streams flowed down the valleys to resemble a Lake District landscape (apart from the olive trees!). Ithaca, an island rich in pasture land and olive groves, is now super lush and green.
Snowy Stavros village
One of the effects of the snow, say the fishermen, shepherds and γιαγιαδες, is that invasive bugs have been frozen and they are now predicting a good olive harvest next October.”
Ionian Villas is coming up to its 5th birthday. With a big thank you to our guests over these 5 years, our Ionian programme has grown to feature over 200 properties.
We continue to visit all the properties each year.
Kythira. In the earlier days of Greek Islands Club, before it became part of a larger corporate image, we started a small programme on the southernmost Ionian island: Kythira.
Village of Avlemonas, Kythira
We returned to Kythira in October this year to meet up with old friends. We were delighted to see that little, if anything, had changed in the past 25 years.
We will be introducing our Kythira programme in the new year. Kythira is not for the package holidaymaker or the lover of swimming pools and will appeal to the more intrepid Grecophile.
Holiday Snaps. We are keen to add your holiday photos to our website. If you have any images, which you would like to share – please send them to us in an email.
What is happening in Greece today? The UK’s media coverage of life in Greece is often scant. Very few of us know and understand how austerity measures are affecting the Greeks. Greek Crisis is a blog dedicated to the understanding of the current Greek (but also European) economic, political and institutional crisis. It was created by Prof. Aristides Hatzis of the University of Athens, after many requests by his students seeking a source of reliable analysis on the Greek current affairs. Its aim is to post commentary and reports published mainly in the major U.S., European and Greek media and to encourage a rigorous discussion.
Walking on Paxos. Before roads were built on the islands, communication between island hamlets and villages was via a network of pathways. Many of these paths have become overgrown or the stone walls on either side have collapsed, making access difficult.
Paxos path clearing
On Paxos, a hard working group of locals are clearing these paths so that eventually all parts of the island can be reached on foot. Come to Paxos in May and explore olive groves coloured by a profusion of wild flowers. 2 people staying at Olitsi Apartment 8th to 15th May would pay £225 per person for the apartment and an Easyjet flight for around £150 each.
We hope to see you again on one of the Ionian islands – do get in touch if you would like us to search for a special island escape.
Vivienne, Alex and I wish you all a very Happy Christmas.
