Accommodation

We have a wide selection of beautiful private villas and historic houses on a selection of the most beautiful Greek islands. The following is a short guide to the islands which we have selected

The Ionian Islands

Island group off the west coast of Greece, stretching south from the Albanian coast to the southern tip of the Peloponnese, and often called Heptanesos (seven islands). The islands are mainly frequented in August by Italians, who with their demanding standards ensure good food all around and outside the peak season by British and other North Europeans travelling alone or in small groups. With the exception of a couple of resorts in the south of Cephalonia and the island of Corfu, there is no real mass tourism in these islands.

Cephalonia

One of the larger islands of the group, Cephalonia is a scenic island with a rich and turbulent history, having been occupied by the Turks, the venetians and the French. Its recent history is no less dramatic with the slaughtering of the Italian contingent on the island by the retreating German command in the second world war and the terrible earthquake of 1953, events described in the best seller "Captain Corelli's mandolin ". Despite the devastation caused by the earthquake, which meant that much of the South had to be rebuilt, the North of the island preserves much of its traditional architecture and the island is full of archeological sites. The towns of Assos and particularly Fiscardo, a pretty, traditional yet stylish fishing harbour, with great restaurants and good beaches (mainly pebble) nearby. Cephalonia is a good island for families. There are great beaches but somewhat inaccesable. The island is wonderful for walkers.

Ithaca

Home of Odysseus, this pretty little island is still off the beaten track, not having its own airport. Despite the earthquake of 1953, much of the Venetian architecture is still intact in Vathy the charming capital of the island. A quiet gentle island with wonderful walks, crystal clear water and pretty little pebble beaches, many of which can only be reached by small boat, make Ithaca a perfect destination to escape from the crowds.

Paxos

Paxos has been famous for many years for its well tended nature, pretty fishing villages, little coves with pebble beaches and the neighboring island of anti-paxos with its spectacular sandy beaches just a short boat ride away. Winding roads weave through olive orchards, then plunge down to idyllic brightly coloured villages. This is a very special island. The capital Gaios can get a little crowded in Summer but the villages of Lakka and Loggos are amongst the prettiest in the Greek islands.

Cyclades

Due to their proximity to Athens these islands tend to be more visited that the more remote Dodecanese or the Ionian islands. We have chosen the two classic islands of Mykonos and Santorini for their unique character and appeal.

Mykonos

Mykonos is the ultimate picture postcard greek island with bright white and blue villages against a backdrop of glittering blue water and rolling hills studded with windmills. The island is one of the hippest holiday locations in the world and attracts those looking for beach life, high quality al fresco dining and nightlife in an idyllic location. This is destination probably best suited to young adults but families with a wide generational spread can find something for everyone on this island. The island is not cheap and you will not be alone but it is the genuine article.

Santorini

Huge cliffs, with villages perched on the top and built into the rock itself, sunken volcanoes and dramatic black beaches make Santorini the ultimate romantic destination. the food is excellent, the accommodation often luxurious and idiosyncratic and the backdrop always to die for. Santorini is one of a kind and is so unique it must be visited at least once in a lifetime.

 
The Dodecanese Islands

The outer-lying islands of the Aegean Sea are very different one from the other. The only real linking feature being their vicinity to the Turkish mainland and a strong cultural influence despite their animosity and the distance from Athens. This distance resulted in each island developing a very strong individual personality very seperate from mainland Greece.

Leros

There is nothing special about Leros to draw the tourist which is exactly why we love this island. The cruise ships and the tourists tend to pass by on the way to other more famous destinations leaving Leros as a pleasant unspoiled, friendly island perfect for a relaxing holiday. The island has good traditional tavernas, attractive villages and good if not spectacular beaches. It has lots of little coves best discovered by small boat for diving and swimming and is surrounded by other smaller islands many of which make a great day trip.

Rhodos - Lindos village

Rhodes is a large island which attracts every type of tourism. We have fallen in love with the village of Lindos. Nestling under the mountaintop acropolis and dividing two beautiful bays. It is the wonderful Captain's Houses that are in our view the most unique feature of Lindos and represent some of the most beautiful historic houses in the world. The internal courtyards often planted with lemon trees provide total peace and privacy whereas the upstairs rooms and terraces provide beautiful views over the village and the glittering sea beyond. The town can get a bit overrun in high season during the day but that is to be expected in such a pictoresque town but at night the town empties out.  There is a great beach, attractive bars,  a number of excellent restaurants and good nightlife. This a good destination for families with a large spread of ages and interests or those who want to have fun but be able to retreat into their own private garden and relax.

Patmos

At the Northern end of the Dodecanese chain, it was the historic town of Chiora with its massive walled monastery above that attracted us to the island at first. The houses are very special here too, grand and opulent in some cases and all with spectacular mountaintop views. The rest of the island is also charming with good beaches, several attractive villages and tavernas. The island is increasingly attracting the well healed of Europe and the States who appreciate the cultural richness of the island and its scenic beauty.