"Why Greece? | SPL Villas Blog | The Villa Specialists

Villa holidays in Greece

Who can resist the timeless appeal of Greece for a villa holiday? Its stunning islands, inviting beaches, white villages and sparkling blue waters are incredibly alluring. The evocative setting of ancient myths, each Greek island is bathed in warm sunshine and combines a breath-taking mix of scenic landscapes, historic sites and rich wildlife.

Our Greece holiday homes are nestled in the most idyllic Greek Islands. From the picturesque Ionian islands of Corfu, Kefalonia and Zakynthos to eye-catching Mykonos, Crete and Rhodes, each has its own unique character and style.

Whether you dream of perfect beach weather, exhilarating water sports, fun boat trips, discovering ancient temples or delicious seafood feasts, Greece will stimulate your senses and enhance your well-being.

When to go to Greece

June and September are also fantastic months for island life in Greece. The weather is gorgeous with the bonus of lower rental prices and less tourists. May and October are often wonderfully warm and peaceful in the Greek Islands too, although the weather can be unpredictable. Smaller resorts close from November to March but islands with larger populations such as Rhodes and Crete are open all year round.

How to get to Greece

In summer, several airlines fly direct from most UK airports to Corfu, Kefalonia, Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos and Zakynthos where are villas are situated. Off season you may need to fly via Athens then fly or go by ferry to reach your island of choice.

A direct flight from the UK takes around 3 to 4 hours so remember to take plenty of entertainment for little ones!  Just ask us for travel guidance when you are ready to book your favourite villa and we will give you the latest updates.

Which Greek island is best for you?

Why Corfu?

When you book one of our Corfu villas with a pool in Kassiopi, north east Corfu, you have a fabulous choice of scenic beaches, mountainous scenery and gentle Mediterranean charm. Hire a boat at the harbour and you discover hidden coves along the coast and waterside tavernas. Enjoy a blissful lunch or drinks together here. Younger children will adore paddling in sheltered waters. Adventurous teens can try a variety of activities from diving and snorkelling to sailing and paddle boarding. Choose from a range of pebbly beaches such as Avlaki and Kerasia or head to Kalamaki for a sandy stretch.

Nature lovers seeking a peaceful retreat love our holiday homes in south west Corfu. As an area of outstanding natural beauty by the Lake Korission, it is ideal for spotting interesting birds and other wildlife. Here a glorious stretch of golden sand dunes back onto Halikounas Beach, the perfect spot to catch a few rays and enjoy a revitalising dip in its shallow waters. Apart from a couple of tavernas, the setting is beautifully untouched.

If you can tear yourself away from the beach, head to Corfu town. Bursting with style, its elegant Venetian architecture, forts and charming historic old town have earned it a place on UNESCO's list. Stroll through its narrow streets and soak up the atmosphere while enjoying a drink or tasty Greek feast together for a memorable day trip.

Why Kefalonia?

An absolute jewel of an island, Kefalonia is the place to go for magnificent, picturesque scenery. Its sublime limestone cliffs, white beaches, fishing villages and turquoise waters are a tantalising mix for a holiday. As a film set, the beauty of Kefalonia is unforgettable, featured most notably in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.

Despite being the largest of the Ionian islands, Kefalonia has happily mostly avoided mass tourism and has retained much of its authentic Greek charm. For adventurous types, there is plenty to see and do, while those wishing simply to unwind in peace will love it too. From kayaking in coves and caves, to diving from boats, hiking in the mountains and exploring ancient Greek and Roman ruins, Kefalonia offers a stimulating mix of activities for all ages.

Our villas in Kefalonia are nestled in different areas of the island, each one unique in style. Choose a villa in Skala in the south east and you have an endless sandy shingle beach to enjoy, backed by verdant pine woods. Discover a Roman villa here, while easy-going tavernas and bars are all within easy reach.

Head to the north east for our villas by the pretty fishing village of Fiskardo. Adored by all who visit for its picture-postcard style, boutiques and waterside tavernas, stroll along its promenade by the harbour and prepare to fall for its charms. Nearby is the hillside village of Evreti where more of our villas with superb sea views are set. The beach at Evreti is simply stunning and popular for scuba diving, swimming and snorkelling.

For rural charm, base yourself in a villa in the south west of Kefalonia, by the villages of Spartia and Svoronata. Within easy reach of gorgeous beaches and the capital city of Argostoli, it is an idyllic spot for combining beach days with fun evenings out in the city.

Why Zakynthos?

Also known as Zante, the majestic Ionian island of Zakynthos, south of Corfu, is a firm favourite for villa holidays with friends or family. Dotted with traditional Greek villages, laid back and lively holiday resorts, forested wilderness, verdant hills and rich wildlife, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Zakynthos.

Take a boat trip to the west coast for the star of the show. Shipwreck Beach is the best-known stretch, a breath-taking, sandy bay surrounded by dramatic white cliffs which plunge into the azure sea.

A villa by colourful Zakynthos town is the best of both worlds. Relax in style on the beach, a boat or by your pool by day then head into town in the evening for the buzz and nightlife. Here at the water's edge, you discover a fantastic mix of modern squares, vibrant bars, restaurants and boat life. Head further along the coast and you come to the resort of Argassi, an ideal spot for all ages. There are plenty of entertainment options here from cocktails to tavernas.

Just north of Zakynthos town you find our villas by Tsilivi, an authentic fishing village and resort. From building sandcastles and paddling in the sea to mini golf and a waterpark, there is no end of family fun to be had here.  Lively bars and tavernas for drinks and Greek dining are nearby.

Further north is the bay of Agios Nikolaos and our hillside Zakynthos villas overlooking the sea. With its picturesque bay and beaches as well as water sports and boat trips, it makes an excellent base for exploring the island.

Head south of Zakynthos town to our villas by the coast. Stay by the village of Keri in the south west or Vasilikos in the east if you love peaceful sea views, scenery and wildlife. You may even spot sea turtles and seals here. Combine family friendly fun with vibrant nightlife and authentic Greek tavernas in Laganas Bay. For gentle, picturesque Greek charm, go for a villa just a bit further along the coast in Agios Sostis,

Why Crete?

The largest Greek island, sun-kissed Crete is brimming with intriguing and beautiful places to experience. From the gorgeous pink sands of Elafonsi to hiking through spectacular mountains and gorges, with an array of colourful resort entertainment to boot, Crete gives you unparalleled variety.

Choose one of our Crete villas with pools by Heraklion, Crete's capital city, for sociable buzz, pool and beach. With its handsome Venetian buildings, shops and fascinating historic sites such as the Minoan Palace of Knossos, there is plenty to experience beyond the oasis of your private villa and pool. Classic beach fun is on hand here from boat excursions and water sports to theme parks, vibrant waterside bars and places to eat.

Crete villa holidays near the towns of Chania or Rethymno, give you a fantastic choice of tavernas, bars and beautiful, historic buildings on a smaller scale. A holiday here inevitably revolves around beach and inviting blue sea.

If you are after a more low-key break, then go for a villa in Plaka, Kolymvari or Elounda. Spend lazy days at the beach, enjoy long lunches at your leisure and gentle strolls by turquoise waters, through picturesque countryside and welcoming Greek villages.

Why Rhodes?

Our holiday rentals in Rhodes are clustered around Pefkos on the east coast. Spend your days on the long, sandy beach here by shady pine trees. Amble along to welcoming tavernas and bars for summer meals and drinks where you discover the charm of a Greek village.

If you pull yourself away from the beach, the charming white village of Lindos is nearby and worth visiting. Wind through its narrow streets up to its incredible, ancient acropolis. Stop at one of the many small bars for a cooling drink. For a more adrenaline fuelled splash, try the Faliraki Water Park further up the coast. For nature lovers, head into the hills and forests where you may spot the islands’ famous butterflies or wild miniature horses.

A trip to Rhodes would not be complete without a visit to the capital city of Rhodes. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, step back in time as you amble through its medieval cobbled streets and marvel at its ancient city walls.

Why Mykonos?

Perfectly formed, white-washed houses, boutiques, bars and even art galleries cluster across rocky hillsides and along the coastline of Mykonos. Traditional white windmills and green palm trees are dotted across the horizon. Stroll through the narrow streets of Little Venice for cooling, summer drinks in its vibrant waterside bars and restaurants, brimming with traditional Greek and cutting edge modern Mediterranean cuisine.

There are plenty of Mykonos holiday rentals on offer but choose one of our villas by the pretty village of Agios Stefanos and it gives you the best of Mykonos lifestyle, within easy reach of the island's lively capital. Further along the coast is long, sandy Ornos beach and village, a popular spot for families and kite surfing.

Head to the scenic bay of Psarou for pristine white sands, clear waters, chic hotels and a famous beach club. A villa here gives you panoramic views and glamour. It is a great place to admire yachts and do a bit of celebrity spotting too.

How is the food and wine in Greece?

Greek cuisine is delicious. It tends to play a starring role in a villa holiday in the Greek Islands.

Eating out in Greece is usually informal and relaxed, in picturesque outdoor tavernas by the sea. Avoid menus designed for tourists in favour of traditional Greek dishes and you are rewarded with a mouth-watering array of tasty Mediterranean flavours. Your local supermarket may well stock British favourites but stick to fresh, local produce in season and get stuck in.

Firstly, easy barbecues back at the villa are a huge part of the holiday fun. Freshly grilled meats or vegetables with a Greek salad of feta cheese and juicy tomatoes drizzled with olive oil are firm summer favourites.

Secondly, you must try moussaka, meze, calamari and tzatziki, the classic highlights. Thirdly, be sure to drink a glass of Greek wine and if you are in the mood, a shot of Greek ouzo. Finally try the tempting desserts. From traditional bougatsa and sweet honeyed baklava to freshly picked watermelon, grapes, and peaches, it is impossible to resist.

Each island has its own culinary specialities so make sure you try them for the full Greek experience!