Once known as ‘The Flower of the East’, Zakynthos (or Zante) has been known as a place of abundance for centuries - heaving with olives, fruit, wine and music. Now, it’s an island with many faces; cosmopolitan coastal towns, sleepy mountain villages, party beaches and cliffs topped with frothy green vegetation. Ammoudi Seaside Villa sits on the quieter northeast coast, a peaceful, leafy retreat with restaurants, sandy beaches and the sea on its doorstep.
Inside, the villa is understated and elegant, with a cosy living area, a full kitchen, and two simple ensuite bedrooms with sea views. It’s breezy, sophisticated and effortlessly cool. But step outside, and you’re in a blissful oasis. Dine amongst the cypress trees or under the pergola, lounge on the large sofas or scattered deck chairs, or gather around the white-washed outdoor kitchen and bar. A row of stylish sun loungers lie waiting next to the 6x9m heated pool, all looking out over the bright blue Ionian sea. Steps down from the patio lead onto a stretch of green grass, and just beyond the fence, waves lap at the pebbly beach. It’s the ideal spot for friends and families to gather, reconnect and slip into the slow Mediterranean way of life.
Highs
- The location can't be beat; on a quieter stretch of coast, but just a short walk from beaches, restaurants and bars
- The plentiful outdoor space is well-designed for family and friends to gather, cook, eat and enjoy the stunning view
- We love knowing that this place isn’t just stylish, it was designed with sustainability in mind, with natural materials and energy-efficient technology
- Many guests have praised the exceptional service and hospitality
- The welcome hamper of fresh, local food is a generous and personal touch and sets the tone for a luxurious stay
Lows
- There are bars on the nearby beaches, but if you’re looking for an all-night party scene, this may not be for you
- Ammoudi and the nearby beaches are quite narrow (but even so, they rarely fill up)
- Bear in mind that solar heating for the pool, which you might appreciate during April-May or September-October, costs extra
- The bedrooms are on separate floors and one has a terrace, so for a family of four with younger children, this may not be ideal
Best time to go
The mid-season months of June and September are our favourites; warm weather, and touristy sites like Shipwreck Beach are less crowded. July and August are high season – hot and busy, but you can always cool off with a boat trip. April, May and October are low season months – the weather is still sunny, but in April-May, the sea is still quite cool for swimming. The villa is closed November to April.
Our top tips
Make sure to spend at least one day on the water. Some of the most memorable beaches are only reachable by boat, and you'll have most of them to yourself, so you'll have unimpeded views of the limestone cliffs and crystal clear water. To make it completely hassle-free, you can arrange everything through the villa concierge.
- Beachfront Eco Villa
- 2 bedrooms
- Self-catering
- All ages welcome
- Closed: November-April
- Heated Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Bicycles Available
- Daily cleaning available on request
Rooms
On the ground floor of the villa, there is a white-washed and sun-lit living room with a sofa bed and large shuttered windows. This leads into the Ground Floor Bedroom which has a large double bed, a shower ensuite and sea views.
The interiors are design-led with traditional features and the decor is folksy and minimalist. Rustic wooden furniture and terracotta ceramics lend warmth to the white textiles and walls, creating a space that's both fresh and cosy.
Stairs from the living room ascend up to the first floor with the second, slightly larger First Floor Bedroom which features another shower ensuite and a large, private terrace overlooking the bay.
The outdoor areas wrap around the house, from the courtyard to the shaded dining table under the cyprus trees, to the sofas and chairs scattered around the sun-drenched patio. The 6x9m pool is heated using solar power, and there's an outdoor rain shower for rinsing off. Stone walls and tall trees wrap around to ensure privacy and shady spots perfect for settling down with a book.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Beach towels
- Fireplace
- Hairdryer
- Pool towels
- Radio
- Safe box
- Satellite TV
- Terrace/balcony
- Toiletries
- WiFi
Eating
There are two well-equipped kitchens: one inside, and one outside by the pool with a barbecue. i-escape guests receive a welcome hamper of essentials such as coffee, olive oil, fresh bread and eggs, along with a bottle of wine. But there are also a couple of mini markets within walking distance to stock up on all your self-catering needs.
If you're looking for a catered experience, there are plenty of options on offer. A generous Greek breakfast can be whipped up for you every morning at the villa. Or if you're hoping for total privacy, breakfast can be delivered to your door in eco-boxes. The same goes for lunch and dinner - all on request for an additional fee. And a private chef can be arranged for a special meal or the duration of your stay.
Right next to the house and along the beach you will find tavernas and restaurants serving up fresh fish and classic Greek dishes. Most are right on the seafront, some with direct access to the beach.
Features include:
- Barbecue
- Chef on request
- Coffee maker
- Dinner by arrangement
- Dishwasher
- Food blender
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Lunch by arrangement
- Microwave
- Restaurants nearby
- Shopping service
- Toaster
Activities
- There are two lovely sandy beaches in walking distance: Ammoudi, with beach bars and sunbeds, and lesser-known Psarou
- This part of the coast is great for snorkeling
- There are bikes available for rent if you'd like to cycle to another beach, or maybe inland to Gerakari village
- A private massage can be arranged at the villa - perfect for unwinding after a long day of surf and sun
- The small farm surrounding the property has a vineyard, and you can arrange a private wine tasting at the villa
- The owner can arrange a private boat tour around the island, exploring secret alcoves, swimming in the turquoise waters near Marathonisi, and stunning sunsets at Keri
- We recommend renting a car to explore the island. The main harbour town of Zakinthos has eateries and shops aplenty; or head the other way to the sleepy village of Volimes
- Popular beaches include sandy Gerakas and cliff-ringed Navagio (Shipwreck); or swim in solitude at Xigia or Porto Limnionas
- Boat trips
- Cycling
- Snorkelling
- Swimming
- Wine tasting
Activities on site or nearby include:
Kids
Children of all ages are welcome at the villa, and with the heated pool and plenty of space to play outdoors, it's the ideal spot for families looking for a relaxing beach holiday. There aren't many activities for children on offer, but with plenty of beaches nearby, they won't be bored.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years)
Family friendly accommodation:
The First Floor Bedroom is slightly more spacious with a large terrace. This room might be better for fitting in a baby cot. For an older child, there's a sofa bed downstairs next to the Ground Floor Bedroom.
Cots Available
Families Should Know:
There are two double beds and no twins, so if you're travelling with two children, they would have to share.
Distances:
- Airport: 30 min drive (Zakynthos Airport)
- Hospital: 20 min drive (Zakynthos Hospital)
- Shop: 1 min walk (Supermarket Spiros)
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The villa is located on the east coast of Zakynthos (Zante) island, in the village of Ammoudi, 15km from Zakynthos Town.
By Air:
Fly into Zakynthos International Airport (18km) and book a transfer or hire a car to get here. There is free parking on the premises.
By Boat:
Alternatively, ferry here from one of the other islands (Kefalonia is close), and take a taxi or see our car rental recommendations. Electric car charging is available.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
More on getting to Greece and getting around
Airports:
- Zakynthos Airport 17.0 km
Other:
- Beach 0.1 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km