This gem of a cottage is tucked away at the south-eastern corner of the sweeping crescent-shaped bay that defines Lourdas as one of the island’s finest beach resorts on the south coast. Nestling amongst a Mediterranean garden of brightly coloured bougainvillea and cork oak trees the cottage offers total privacy for sun worshippers and those seeking complete relaxation.

Built on two floors, the front entrance leads into an attractive open plan lounge, dining area and kitchen, which have been decorated in a rustic chic style with comfortable rattan furniture that blends sympathetically with the exposed stone walls. Two sets of patio doors lead out onto the pool terrace, garden and “al fresco” dining area.

Upstairs are two equally charming bedrooms, a double and a twin, both with en-suite shower rooms. Each bedroom has attractive vaulted, exposed pine ceilings and French doors out to a magnificent, wide shaded terrace, from which to admire Lourdas’ spectacular sun sets.

Based on an “open plan” design with an atrium in the centre, the villa reflects the style and elegance of Greece’s historic temples.

This magnificent villa is tucked away at the end of a narrow lane and as a result enjoys almost complete seclusion. Bordering the terraces by the swimming pool at the front, to the sides and at the rear, is an extensive, colourful garden, which provides a pleasant blend of carefully landscaped plants and shrubs.

The large infinity-edge swimming pool sparkles alluringly in the sun, an incessant invitation to a refreshing dip. Alternatively, you may choose to recline on a comfortable sun bed beside the sparkling water, from where the eye is drawn to a point where the infinity-edge of the pool meets the horizon, stretching out over the edge of the cliff, towards the island of Zante shimmering in the heat haze.

Built is a classic but contemporary style, over two floors, the atmosphere of an original temple has been retained with the atrium style living space giving access to all the rooms from the centre. Providing every modern comfort, the well placed doors and windows, flood the villa with light, with the lounge, dining, kitchen area and two bedrooms downstairs allowing easy access out to the gardens and terraces. Upstairs, the remaining two bedrooms, all with either en-suite bath or shower rooms are no less comfortable, and all have a terrace or a balcony, from which to admire the peaceful countryside and stunning sea views.

Built for the Gods…. maybe ! Now available for us mere mortals to enjoy !

* Note: Due to the open-plan nature of the central atrium, this villa may not be suitable for families with younger children between the ages of 2 and 5 years.

Villa Estiasi 4 Bedroom - 18/7/10 for 7 nights €2349

Villa Leonidas 4 Bedroom – 29/8/10 for 7 nights €1599

Villa Aloni 2 Bedroom – 18/7/10 for 7 nights €1299 – 25/7/10 for 7 nights €1299

Villa Minos 4 Bedroom – 18/7/10 for 7 nights €2399

Villa Agriada 3 Bedroom – 31/8/10 for 7 nights €1299

Villa Kristola 2 Bedroom – 25/7/10 for 7 nights €1699

Villa Laura 2 Bedroom – 22/8/10 for 7 nights €1549

Villa Myrtero 3 Bedroom – 25/7/10 for 7 nights €1999 – 1/8/10 for 7 nights €1999 – 15/8/10 for 7 nights €1999

Villa Ambeli 3 Bedroom – 27/7/10 for 7 nights €1999 – 31/8/10 for 7 nights €1249

Ionian Sun Penthouse 82 – 25/7/10 for 7 nights €899 – 22/8/10 for 7 nights €899

Villa Aloni: All of May  €500 / week

Villa Eboros: All of May  €500 / week

Villa Stani: All of May  €600 / week

Villa Stani perches on the lower part of the south facing slopes of Old Skala, albeit at the top of a steep driveway, with views of Skala bay and the Ionian island of Zante. The villa is built in a style that blends with its rural surroundings whilst offering high levels of comfort. There are three levels inside this luxury villa; each level is linked by a short flight of steps. The kitchen, lounge and dining area are all in the middle section leading out to a terrace where you will find the wonderfully secluded swimming pool. The two twin rooms are on the upper section, each with its own terrace. The double room occupies the lower level and has a traditional Greek balcony with stunning views over the surrounding countryside. Pool heating available at an extra charge.

Gleaming like a rare gemstone, Villa Eros is a revered member of just a handful of quality villas that hug the upper contours of the Old Skala resort. Expertly crafted from a blend of natural materials the villa is a tribute to contemporary design and luxury with its muted tones and warm fabrics creating a cool, clean and harmonious living space and accommodation.

The first striking feature that becomes immediately apparent is the superb, iridescent, infinity edged swimming pool that complements and enhances the arresting views over the Ionian Sea to the Greek mainland and south to the beautiful island of Zakinthos. Once inside the villa, this beautiful vista can still be enjoyed in Villa Eros’ living room and sumptuous master bedroom.

As with all of our villas in the historic village of Old Skala, the concept of outdoor living is a key factor in the layout of Villa Eros. A number of well-placed picture windows and large sliding-glass doors allow easy access to these areas and ensures that these captivating views are never forgotten. Entrance to the villa brings you directly into the open plan, split-level living, dining and kitchen areas. A modern, lounge area with a comfortable & inviting suite, around a low coffee table, leads out through patio doors to the pool terrace, where a shaded veranda awaits complete with sumptuous outdoor seating and an “al-fresco” dining area.

Inside Villa Eros, a few marble steps lead up from the living area to a magnificently spacious and stylish double bedroom, complete with well-appointed and luxurious en-suite bathroom. The bedroom leads out to a secluded terrace with enjoy wonderful sea vistas, perfect for lingering over breakfast in the mornings as the rising sun illuminates the Kefalonian seascape below.

Villa Eros is a unique, secluded and intimate hideaway with individual style that has been designed with meticulous attention to detail. Villa Eros makes a statement that sets the standard for comfort and elegance among the exclusive, Old Skala collection and Kefalonia.

Villa Aloni from €599 / week

Villa Stani from €699 / week

Shaded and waterproof terrace for al fresco dining, swimming pool, BBQ and sea view

Villa Ambeli from €749 / week

large patio with infinity edge swimming pool

Overall : 24 / 35 Good all-round beach, good for tanning.

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Child Suitability : Well suited for children. 3 / 5

Facilities : Bar available and sun beds available for rent. 3 / 5

Depth : No dramatic increase in depth, making It suitable for all swimming abilities. 3 / 5

Popularity : This beach is very popular with the locals but not to the point of being overcrowded. 4 / 5

Natural Beauty : Clear sea and surrounded by the authentic Greek natural wildlife and beautiful Ionian island scenery. 3 / 5

Composition : All sand. 4 / 5

Special Characteristic : It is well positioned on the island and renowned for the best place to tan, because it gets so much sun. 4 / 5

Lourdas Beach, Kefalonia

Overall : 28 / 35 A good beach for any age group with activities for all ages.

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Child Suitbaility : Lourdas is very suitable for children, with a lifeguard on duty for most of the day. 4 / 5

Facilities : A business called ‘Escape Club’ is open in peak season offering many different rental services (ranging from boats to kayaks and jetskis). There is a mini market and a wonderful array of taverna’s each offering a different experience of Greek cuisine whilst sitting merely metres from the beach. This makes it a very desirable destination for an ‘all-day’ trip. 5 / 5

Depth : Drop of the shelf is not very dramatic, making it suitable for all swimming abilities. 4 / 5

Popularity : Popular for all types of ages because it is wide, however it is not over crowded. 4 / 5

Natural Beauty : As with all the beaches in the Ionian Islands the water is crystal clear with sea life able to be seen (especially near rocks) and occasionally dolphins and turtles can be seen in this region of the Greek Islands. 4 / 5

Composition : The large majority of the beach is made of sand, with a small composite of pebbles. 3 / 5

Special Characteristic : The main characteristic of Lourdas beach is the length of the beach boasting to be the longest beach on Kefalonia so there is always space. 4 / 5

For the adventurous and active travellerthere is a small island approximately 5 kilometres from the beach shore, this island is approximately 50m2 and is as authentic as it gets. This originally had an altar built in devotion to the Greek god Zeus, this altar was built to face an even bigger altar on the top of Mount Aenos. A church can still be found on this classic island with many carved steps leading to it, this was an exile spot for clergymen seeking refuge under the English occupation (Henry VIII). A definite recommendation, far out of reasonable swimming distance hiring a kayak or a boat makes a very good and interesting trip you won’t find anywhere else.

Makris Gialos Beach, Lassi, Kefalonia

Overall : 31 / 35 A destination perfect if people are after the social aspect of going to the beach.

Child Suitability : Makris Gialos beach is child suitable with lifeguards and no strong currents. 4 / 5

Facilities : Beach bar, excellent water-sport activities (banana boating, wakeboarding etc.) and good sunbathing facilities with a variety of different sun beds available for rent. It is located near the lively Kefalonian holiday resort of Lassi and so many bars play music throughout the day here. 5 / 5

Depth : No considerable problem with depth. 4 / 5

Popularity : Is extremely busy during peak season, can become overcrowded however it is large and can accommodate a lot of visitors. It is one of the most popular ‘hip’ beaches in the Ionian and Greek islands. 4 / 5

Natural Beauty : The surrounding scenery makes for a good ambience and the usual Ionian crystal clear sea. 4 / 5

Composition : All sand. 5 / 5

Special Characteristic : Is very much a place where the local’s and many italians go, with beach parties every full moon taking place and going on through the night. 5 / 5

Makris Gialos beach is not the beach for people who want to relax in a peaceful and tranquil setting as the beach bar is regularly playing music and it is very much a social beach.

Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia

Overall : 25 / 35 This is the most photographed beach on the island due to the stunning views from above.

Child Suitability : There is a chance of strong currents because it is on the more exposed side of Kefalonia and the depth increases quickly. 2 / 5 

Facilities : Beach bar located literally on the beach and sun beds are available for rent. 3 / 5 

Depth : The shelf drops away quite close to the shore,becoming very deep quite rapidly. 1 / 5 

Popularity : Myrtos beach is popular to look at being voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the Greek Islands and Europe. Apart from in peak season though it does not get very busy and can be the perfect destination for a quiet relaxed day at the beach. 4 / 5 

Natural Beauty : The scenery surrounding myrtos beach is breathtaking just like the unusually turquoise sea which is always a highlight of people’s holidays. It is one of Greece’s most photographed beaches. 5 /  5 

Composition : All sand. 5 / 5 

Special Characteristic : The turquoise colour of the sea and the picturesque view over the Ionian Sea from above the beach (which is always featured on postcards) is stunning in person with dramatic hills and cliffs surrounding the area. 5 / 5 

Skala Beach, Kefalonia

Overall : 29 / 35 An all round good beach offering something for everyone.

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Child Suitability : Beach is child suitable with many water sports available. 4 / 5

Facilities : A large variety of different water sports are availablein this popular Kefalonian resort, sun beds available for hire and many places to eat or drink offering traditional Greek cuisine. 5 / 5

Depth : No dramatic increases in depth to worry about. 4 / 5

Popularity : Skala is one of the largest resorts on the south of the island so it gets busy especially in peak season (July and August), not making it the ideal place for a quiet relaxing day but excellent for people who are after activities. Although it is possible to walk further along the beach to find a secluded area it is advisable to take your own parasols and chairs if you look for these more secluded areas. 4 / 5

Natural Beauty : Crystal clear (typical Ionian Sea), surrounded by tall pine trees offering shade off the beach makes for a very surreal setting. Also a good view of other Greek Islands. 4 / 5

Composition : Large sandy beach, very wide and long beach. 5 / 5

Special Characteristics : The beach is organised and  developed with many facilities near by, this can be viewed as a positive or negative point. 3 / 5

Skala beach has a blue flag, signifying it is a recreational beach that has met strict quality standards and the way it is operated/maintained is considered environmentally sound.

Trapezaki Beach, Kefalonia

Overall : 25 / 35 A great destination for groups with young children.

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Child Suitability : One of the most suitable beaches for children because it is very shallow and stays shallow for tens of metres, making it perfect for activities in the water especially for children. 5 / 5

Facilities : Beach bar, taverna, sunbeds and pedalos available for rent. 3 / 5

Depth : The depth is stays shallow, one of the shallowest Kefalonian beaches. 5 / 5

Popularity : In peak season it can become over crowded but it is possible to walk along the coast in the direction of Lourdas beach to find many more little and usually empty beaches. 2 / 5

Natural Beauty : Some small fish to see close to the shore but apart from that not a lot in terms of sea life, but like all the beaches of Kefalonia its natural beauty is of great value. 3 / 5

Composition : Like Lourdas beach it consists largely of sand but some pebbles. 3 / 5

Special Characteristic : The depth of the water is a great asset the beach has to offer, making it perfect if you are accompanied by and have to entertain young children. 4 / 5

Villa Stani from €699 per week

sea view over the infinity edged swimming pool

 Villa Aloni From €599 per week

Stunning sea view from private infinity pool