You feel as if you could step off terra firma straight into the deep azure sea from the decks of these snazzy serviced villas. High on a cliff-edge 200m above one of Greece’s most stunning stretches of coastline, there’s nothing between you and the mesmerising blue ocean, except the occasional white sail or a swiftly turning swallow. At night, when the fiery red sun has fallen into the sea and a warm breeze blows, the stars are astonishing.
There are 6 crisp, cool villas, built in 2 pods of 3. Each is arranged over 3 levels - a double bedroom, full kitchen and living room open onto a ground-floor terrace; a master bedroom with a spacious balcony is on level 2; and a smaller bird’s nest room is located at the top - perfect for kids. But the shimmering infinity pool and deck area are the real draw. Side villas are slightly bigger than middle villas, with a larger pool and marginally more spacious bedrooms. But all are decorated similarly and all have sun loungers and a glass-top table seating 10. Best of all, you're minutes from amazing white-sand beaches - some of the best in the Med.
Highs
- An incredibly beautiful, peaceful setting
- A short drive from Egremni (5 mins) and Porto Katsiki (20 mins); world-famous beaches
- Inviting bedrooms with ensuite shower rooms; lie in bed and look out to sea
- The outdoor spaces can be linked between each set of 3 villas - perfect for groups of friends or multi-families
- Nina and Eithan (the property managers) go the extra mile to make your stay memorable, with personal recommendations
Lows
- A car is essential as there's no pedestrian access to the best beaches. Beware the steep tarmacked turns to the villas
- You may feel overlooked by your neighbours
- You're a 20-minute walk (or 5-min drive) from Athani's bars and restaurants
Best time to go
Astonishing wildflowers are abundant in May, come for the searing heat in mid-summer and return for the mild days of autumn when you’ll have the beaches practically to yourself. Winter bookings are considered but generally the villas are closed Jan-mid April.
Our top tips
Want a change of beach scene? Kathisma and Agios Nikitas are both glorious. Head to the south of Kathisma, where it is quietest - around the corner, past the rocks.
- Boutique Villas
- 6 villas for 6-8
- Self-catering (restaurants a drive away)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car essential
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Concierge Service
- Laundry Service
- Cleaning 2-3 times a week
Rooms
The six villas are arranged in sets of three over two levels. The two end houses on the higher tier are Deluxe Villas, distinguished from the Royal Villas (the other four) only by slightly smaller decks and infinity pools. Whichever you choose, you get three big bedrooms and a similar layout in each villa, tranquil havens designed to maximise the nautical views. Splashes of colour from original artworks accent cool, minimal lines and crisp linens. Ensuite bathrooms have rain-head showers and REN toiletries.
The ground-floor double opens onto the pool, perfectly positioned for a pre-breakfast splash; while the second-floor double takes pole position with a big balcony and that beautiful sea vista. A bird’s eye view awaits on the top floor where a diagonal window looks down onto the stunning coastline. This room is a double or twin, and can fit an additional 2 single beds if needed, making it a perfect hideout for kids.
The ground-floor living area is open plan; a kitchen leads onto a comfortable living room where a sofa and 2 armchairs are arranged around a home-cinema system. A wood-burning stove is a treat for autumn evenings.
Features include:
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Mosquito net
- Safe box
- WiFi
Eating
If you’ve been clever, you’ve sent your grocery list ahead of you so the kitchen is magically stocked with provisions upon your arrival - no extra charge for this wonderful service. A dishwasher, fridge/freezer, hob and oven are at your disposal and there’s a Nespresso machine. High stools cluster around the kitchen island but you’re bound to spend most of your meals fighting for the view around the table on the outdoor deck.
There are a number of tavernas in Athani (5 mins' drive), as well as a supermarket. Lefkatas is perched on the cliff at the far end of the village and dishes up local specialities, grilled meat and fresh fish - we recommend the lobster pasta. Nearer, Greco Levante features a traditional Greek menu and organic breakfasts or, nearest, family-owned Ionio (home cooking, vegan dishes) are both recommended. T'Aloni (20 mins drive) and Rachi (30+ mins drive) are both modern Greek fusion restaurants, with great views and atmosphere. You can also hang out in traditional tavernas, local snack stands and vibrant bars in Vasiliki (20 mins drive).
Features include:
- Barbecue
- Dishwasher
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Microwave
- Oven
- Restaurants nearby
- Shopping service
- Basic supplies
Activities
- You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to beaches - west is definitely best on Lefkas. The stunning sands of Egremni are 5 mins (and 350 steep steps) away while Greek tourism poster-star Porto Katsiki is a 20-minute drive
- Sailing is popular in the calmer waters of the east coast while Vasiliki, in the south, is world famous for windsurfing
- Agios Nikitas is a quaint village, with a pretty beach and seaside cafes for a cold Amstel as the world goes by
- Drive the winding road to the lighthouse at Cape Lefkada; magnificent
- Take a boat trip from Nydri and visit Lefkas’s secret islands and coves
- Lefkas town is lovely, a simple, typically Greek small town with family-run tavernas, bars and little souvenir boutiques. Head to the marina for the best seafood restaurants
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Kitesurfing
- Sailing
- Scuba diving
- Shopping / markets
- Snorkelling
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
Kids
The villas are great for families, though best suited to 4+ year olds not toddlers. Kids will love splashing in the beautiful (unfenced) infinity pools, and being tucked up in the bedroom at the top of the villa. Gialos beach, seen from the villa's windows, is the best bet for children - no steps, you can drive right up to it and it’s less crowded than its more famous neighbours.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years), Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
There are 2 double rooms per villa, and the top room has a double or 2 single beds, and can fit an additional 2 single beds - so the villas are perfect for 2 families with 2 kids apiece, or a multi-generational holiday. The ground-floor terraces can interlink on request if you rent more than 1 villa, giving you a lovely entertaining space to play with.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Babysitting:
On request
Baby equipment:
Baby cots and high chairs
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Kids Activities on site:
- Each villa has a swimming pool
Families Should Know:
There are gaps in the staircases and pools are unfenced.
Distances:
- Airport: Preveza (1 hr 20 mins)
- Shop: Athani (5 mins)
- Hospital: 30 minutes (Lefkas town; minor injuries)
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The villas are on the west coast of Lefkas (also called Lefkada) in the Ionian islands, a short hop from the mainland across a causeway. The tiny town of Athani is a 5-minute drive away and it's 40 minutes to Lefkas town, the island’s mini capital.
By Air:
The nearest airport is Preveza, 60km / 1hr 20min drive away on the Greek mainland. If you want to combine Lefkas with other islands, you could take a charter flight to Zakinthos (Zante) or Kefalonia, which have ferry links to Lefkas. If none of these work, fly to Athens and take a domestic flight to Preveza; or drive.
By Car:
If flying into Athens, you could drive the 400km via Corinth and the spectacular Rion-Antirion bridge to Lefkas. If coming from another island, check you can take your hire car on the ferry. For car hire, see our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be set to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Preveza 57.0 km PVK
- Athens 431.0 km ATH
Other:
- Beach 1.0 km
- Shops 2.0 km
- Restaurant 2.0 km