Tag: Lefkas villas

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.

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

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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!

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

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4-bedroom villas:

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

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

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On Corfu, the 18th 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 – 19th Century meets 21st 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.

Contact Us

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

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

Jupiter 29/5 – 5/6 (7-nights)

Elissa 27/5 – 5/6 (9-nights)

Simeoni 27/5 – 3/6 (7-nights)

Ithaca

Tzika House 27/5 – 3/6 (7-nights)

The Loutsa Retreat 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)

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

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.

Olivestone

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.

Velianitatika Retreat

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.

The Loutsa Retreat

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.

Sunset Cottages

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

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, Alpha
On 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.

Namaste,

Catherine x

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,

Carnival Season on Lefkas

The Greek word “Apokries” means abstaining from meat and is used to describe Greece’s carnival season, which precedes the 40 days of fasting (Lent) that lead up to Easter.

In Ancient Greece there were celebrations at this time of year to commemorate the end of winter and the coming of spring, which were associated with the worship of Dionysus.

Dionysus was the Greek god of wine and as a sideline he represented fertility, ritual madness, theatre and religious ecstasy! His Roman equivalent was Bacchus.

Like carnival season in places like New Orleans, Rio and the Caribbean, Apokreas is all about costumes, masks, partying, eating, drinking, dancing and ritual madness!

These photos of this year’s Carnival celebrations in Lefkas Town were taken by Margaret Soldatou, the owner of Villa Melodia.

New Year Newsletter 2017

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.

Catherine Watrous
Cat Watrous

Alex and Cat’s son, Archie, was born last September and will be on the May familiarisation trip to the islands!

Archie Ionian Villas
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 Paxos
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:

On Paxos

Avra for up to 5 people.

Elpitha for up to 5 people – and its sister villa Simeoni.

Kolomboki for up to 6 people.

Korpithi for up to 4 people – and its sister villa Loula.

The Levrecchio Villas – 3 adjacent villas each for up to 4 people.

Petrino Spiti for up to 10 people.

Polimnia for up to 6 people.

Valentina for up to 4 people.

Zoe for up to 6 people.

Villa Zoe Paxos
Villa Zoe

On Ithaca

Areti for up to 7 people.

Limonia for up to 8 people.

The Loutsa Retreat for up to 8 people.

On Kefalonia

Frappa for up to 8 people.

Frappa Cottage for up to 3 people.

Grace for up to 6 people).

Paradiso for up to 7 people.

Rea for up to 4 people.

Sea Breeze for up to 12 people.

On Lefkas

Sonata for up to 6 people.

On Corfu

Perivoli for up to 10 people.

Perivoli Corfu
Perivoli

Ionian Island Hopping

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.

New Greek wines

In October last year we went to the London Greek Wine Festival at the West Handyside Canopy in Kings Cross and sampled many of the 130 distinctively delicious and diverse Greek wines being showcased. The Festival, organised by The Greek Larder will happen again next October so check their websites for dates.

The Greek Wine Festival

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!

David, Vivienne, Alex, Cat & Archie.

Ionian Villas Celebrates 5 Years of Success

Village of Agnondas, Kythira

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.

Our new properties for 2017 are:

1-bedroom properties: Olitsi Apartment on Paxos; Lydia on Kefalonia; Fassoulou’s on Ithaca.

2-bedroom properties: Angelika on Paxos; Bougarini on Paxos; Delia on Paxos.

3-bedroom properties: Agni Bay on Corfu; Anetta on Corfu.

4-bedroom properties: Chiara on Paxos; Beach Villa on Kefalonia.

6-bedroom properties: Athanasia on Paxos.

7-bedroom properties: Marina on Paxos.

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 Agnondas, 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.

Have a look at Andrew Bostock’s piece on Kythira in the Guardian

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
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.greece-olive-snow

New Year Newsletter 2015

Escape to the Ionian

Another year goes by and despite the unrest in different parts of the world, now is a good time to make plans for one or more escapes in 2016. Our finger on the pulse of holiday bookings to the Greek islands tells us that the larger villas in August are being taken up quickly and the month of June is proving to be very popular.

Geni

I recently read, in a Sunday broadsheet, a review of travel destinations according to a “risk of terrorism” scale of 1 – 10. Many of the destinations were around the 5. I do not know where the Ionian islands of Greece would appear in this scale but I would imagine that they must be amongst the safest destinations to visit. Sitting on a terrace overlooking a still sea with the soft scratching of olive grove cicadas and just the worry of which waterfront taverna to visit later – one can’t help but detach oneself from the outside world.

2004-03-15 19.35.13 (1654 x 1096)

I have met many people who choose not to spend a holiday on a small island because they feel that there are too many limitations – the same views, the same food, the same daily routine – boring and “uneducating”! Every year over the last 50 years I have spent on average 2 – 3 months on Paxos. There are many hidden parts of the island that I have not yet found; all the views are constantly changing with the position of the sun, the movement of the sea and silver olive trees; the food has nearly always been fresh, inspired, colourful and delicious. I love my short breaks on islands like Paxos and after each visit I feel recharged, refreshed and educated in the simple things in life, which so often pass me by in a more frenetic lifestyle back home.

For 2016 we have added a new Ionian island: Zakynthos – direct flights (Easyjet and charter) – Villa Amphitriti sleeps up to 14 people and has a TV monitor showing live footage of local seals and starfish from a nearby underwater camera. We feature 10 villas and will be adding more next year.

Villa Amphitriti, Zante
Villa Amphitriti, Zakynthos

There is a ferry service between Agios Nikolaos (North Zakynthos) and Pessada on Kefalonia – taking 1 hour. As Easyjet operates to both islands you could fly to Zakynthos for a holiday and then on to Kefalonia, flying back to UK from there.

Our other new properties are:

Small villas with pool:

On Paxos, Aspro Alogo – 1-bedroom hideaway cottage above Loggos.

On Kefalonia, Marika – a 2-bedroom villa above a sandy beach.

On Kefalonia, The Fiscardo Suites – luxury Suites in the centre of Fiscardo.

On Meganissi, Eftihia – 1-bedroom villa close to the sea.

3-bedroom villas with pool:

On Paxos, Alexia –  hillside olive groves above Lakka Bay.

On Paxos, Erato – coastal villa just outside Gaios.

On Paxos, Kallisto – reasonably priced villa close to Magazia.

Villa Kallisto, Paxos
Villa Kallisto, Paxos

On Paxos, Stassinos – close to Lakka.

On Paxos, Portokali House – a comfy house just outside Gaios.

On Kefalonia, Villa Amalthea – modern villa above a sandy beach.

On Corfu, Perivoli – a 300 year old property with beautiful gardens.

On Lefkas, Nichola – amazing sea views.

On Ithaca, Mavrouna – short walk to a beach.

4 & 5-bedroom villas with pool:

On Paxos, Aetofolia – possibly the best views over Gaios’ Venetian fortress.

On Kefalonia, Acacia – sprawling villa with huge pool close to a sandy beach.

Villa Acacia, Kefalonia
Villa Acacia, Kefalonia

On Lefkas, Ophelia – spacious retreat with powerful views.

Villas without a pool but close to the sea:

On Paxos, The Old Residency – fantastic apartment for 6 on Gaios waterfront.

On Kefalonia, Villi’s House – just a 5 minute walk to Fiscardo waterfront.

On Ithaca, Poli Beach House – just above a beach & close to village tavernas.

Villa Videos

On our island travels we have started to take some brief videos of villa views as these are not easy to capture in a photo. It’s a learning curve for us but hopefully our filming techniques will become less shaky the more we do. Some examples can be seen on the following properties (click on “View Video”):

Amalia (Paxos)

Beach House (Paxos)

Doctor’s Apartment (Paxos)

Villa Victoria (Lefkas)

Now We Are Three

In 2011 Ionian Villas began with me and my wife, Vivienne. Our son, Alex, has added to his education by working on Paxos as a waiter, a boatman, a dancer, a hamper organiser, a Rep and then for the last 2 years as our Ionian Villas Paxos manager. Alex now joins us back at our Felpham (West Sussex) HQ and Dimitris Aronis becomes our new Paxos manager.

Monodendri beach, Paxos
Alex & Cat’s Paxos wedding day 2015

Photo Competition

We would love to see your Ionian island photos.

Our Photo Competition offers a 1st Prize of a “10% Off” Voucher (redeemable on any of our properties in 2016) and the 2nd and 3rd Prizes are each a case of 12 bottles of Prosseco. Photos can be of any subject but in some way should give a flavour of the Ionian island. Only “Landscape” format, colour not black & white and any number of entries. We will be setting up a website page just to show a selection of these photographs so by sending us your photos you give us the authority to use each photo. We will not pass on any photo to any third party. This Blog is being sent to our Ionian Villas guests but the competition is open to anyone who has visited any of the Ionian islands.

If sending more than 2 photos please send in a Zip file – all photos to be sent to enquiries@ionian-villas.co.uk

The Competition closes on 1st March 2016.

Corfu Overnight for Paxos Visitors

There are now 3 different hydrofoil/ferry services between Corfu and Paxos so most morning flight departures from UK will allow Paxos clients to reach Paxos the same day. More and more of our Paxos clients are opting to take a flight departing at a “reasonable” time from UK and not at the crack of dawn and staying overnight in Corfu Town before catching an early afternoon hydrofoil to Paxos the following day.

Corfu Old Town is a fascinating mix of the old and the new. Italian and French occupations have left a legacy of beautiful architecture and there are now many excellent restaurants and bars. As an alternative to rushing over to Paxos in one day, why not choose from our selection of Corfu hotels (see below), which are all within a 5-minute taxi ride from the airport and a 10-minute taxi ride to the Paxos hydrofoil.

Mon Repos

Cavalieri

Corfu Palace

Please get in touch for hotel room prices.

Corfu
Corfu

Private Speedboat Charter

On most days there are fairly regular ferries between Corfu and Paxos (also hydrofoil), Kefalonia and Ithaca, Kefalonia and Zakynthos, Lefkas and Meganissi. There are also private speedboat charter services if you don’t want any waiting around at the port. Please ask us for more information.

Not Sure What to Buy Her for Christmas?

Auree Jewellery has a sparkly selection of surprisingly inexpensive ideas to show that you care. Their website also has a selection of compressed, easy-to-read travel guides including one for Paxos.

Xmas

We hope you have a very Happy Christmas.

 

© 2018 Ionian Villas Limited

Call us on: +44 (0) 1243 820928    ..or email enquiries@ionian-villas.co.uk

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