You're sitting in a sunken seating area in the middle of a vast infinity pool, gazing out over the glistening Ionian Sea towards Zakynthos, Mount Ainos looming in the background. No noise, no distractions, just peace - staying at Kefalonia Seaview Villa can easily make you feel like you’ve been parachuted into paradise.
Being greeted by your personal concierge on arrival is just the start of the spoils that await at this private villa, situated near the tiny fishing village of Pessada on the southwest coast of Kefalonia. Aside from the views, the exquisitely designed pool and the breathtaking sun terrace, there are 5 acres of surrounding gardens (newly planted but still offering up figs, lemons, pomegranate and mint) in which to wander and retreat. And then there is the house itself. Three large double bedrooms, a spacious kitchen, an open-plan living and dining area, several balconies and a steam room, as well as all the modern amenities you’d expect of a next-level stay. The finish is top-end and the décor is calming, neutral and eco-friendly, with a strong emphasis on local woods and natural fabrics. The harbourside capital of Argostoli is a 20-minute drive away, and you’re ideally situated to catch a launch to the nearby islands. Assuming, that is, you ever want to leave. We certainly didn't.
Highs
- There’s infinity pools and there’s this infinity pool. The square sunken sofa area in the centre genuinely makes this one of a kind
- The views: we lost hours looking out at the calm sea, watching the occasional boat sail past
- The whole place oozes exclusivity. The concierge will help tailor your perfect stay – want a private chef, yoga training, wine tasting or private island tours? Just ask in advance
- Fantastic location for exploring the rest of Kefalonia or taking day trips to neighbouring islands - the ferry to Zakynthos docks at the end of the driveway
- All the features for a memorable group getaway: onsite steam room, in-pool fire pit, secret pizza oven and space to spread out
Lows
- It’s a new construction so the surrounding gardens are still maturing
- There's very little within walking distance, so you'll need a car; it's in a secluded spot so be sure to have exact directions
- Only kids aged 8 upwards are allowed, and no extra beds
- The pool is unheated and only operational May-October
- Some recent feedback mentions minor plumbing issues, but we are assured these are being looked at
Best time to go
June to August, the weather is often searingly hot but that is when the bars, restaurants and shops are in full swing (and even in September, the temperatures can hit the high 30s). The pool terrace has a cabana and covered porch for shade, but this may not be enough in peak summer heat. October to May are generally warm and pleasant weatherwise. Kefalonia Seaview Villa is open all year round, but note the pool is unheated and only operational May-October.
Our top tips
The beaches on this side of the island are typically sandy, but further north they tend to be pebbly. If you're planning on exploring the coast, it's worth buying sea shoes. Not very fashionable, but they'll make your exit from the sea more Bond and less Bambi.
- Boutique Villa
- 3 bedrooms
- Self-catering (restaurants nearby)
- Over 8s welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Steam Room
- 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
Rooms
The villa can accommodate up to six people. There are three bedrooms in total, each with their own ensuite. The master bedroom is the showstopper, but there are no dud rooms. Situated on the ground floor, it boasts a free-standing bath, his-and-hers washbasins and walk-in shower, all open-plan for added romance (don't worry, the loo is separate). The bed and bath each sit in front of sliding French doors that open onto the main terrace. We loved waking up to views of a pale orange sky above a slither of sea, after a blissfully silent night.
The second bedroom on the ground floor features twin beds so is ideal for older children (over 8) or guests. It also has twin showers in the ensuite. Across the hall is the steam room which looks as luxurious as any spa, and feels even more spoiling knowing it's all yours. Bathrooms are stocked with beautifully scented Olive Era toiletries and thick bath and pool towels.
A third bedroom sits on the first floor with a balcony and stunning mountain views, and it is here that the main indoor living area is also situated – including a fully-equipped kitchen, comfortable lounge and dining area as well as a balcony opening up to the blue expanse of the Ionian Sea. Outside, there's also a covered bar and dining area for eating and socialising, and, of course, that sunken sofa in the pool. There's high speed WiFi throughout, even outside, and mosquito screens on all the door and windows.
Wood and linen feature extensively throughout, and the colour palette is muted – creams, ecrus and earth tones, exposed brick, polished stone and whitewashed walls – creating a soothing marriage between modern glamour and local flavour. They've managed to design a space that feels equally as cosy as it does luxurious; even compared to the wow-factor of the patio, being inside never felt like a raw deal.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Fireplace
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Pool towels
- Terrace/balcony
- Toiletries
- TV
- WiFi
- Yoga mat
Eating
The first-floor kitchen comes with only very basic supplies (washing up liquid, bin bags, seasoning) as well as tea, coffee and assorted sweet treats for booking through i-escape, so you'll need to head to the shops. There's a mini-market in nearby Pessada or a choice of supermarkets within a 20-minute drive. The dining area has a handsome table which seats six, adjacent to the living area and balcony. Outside there's a shaded alfresco terrace also with a table for six, as well as a grill/pizza oven tucked away in the garden.
Pessada is a tiny fishing village so don’t expect haute cuisine. However, traditional Greek fare abounds and the authentic settings merely add to the charm. Particularly popular (and conveniently located at the end of the lane) is Sunset Pessada, where we enjoyed spectacular views and an afternoon snack of pork and chicken souvlaki. For a beach club vibe, hit Tratamento which also serves freshly caught fish (whitebait, seabass), or Il Borgo in the grand setting of St George’s Castle for a really romantic dinner.
We drove 10 minutes to the village of Trapezaki for dinner at Gefiri. It had a lovely, relaxed atmosphere and a mixed crowd of locals and holidaymakers. I went for a mezze of Greek appetizers, my partner opted for lamb kleftiko, and we both agreed it was the best meal of our trip.
Features include:
- Barbecue
- Chef on request
- Full kitchen
- Self-catering
- Shopping service
Activities
- The tiny sandy cove of Pessada is a short walk downhill, with perfectly clear waters for snorkelling, and rarely more than a few people (but it can attract seaweed in early season). We also liked Spartia beach, a bit further along the coast
- Otherwise you’re spoiled for beaches with Myrtos, Assos, Petani and the horseshoe-shaped Antisamos cove just outside Sami all offering a mecca for sun-worshippers. The film version of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin was shot around Antisamos
- The stunning, but very different, Melissani Cave and Drogorati Cave are close to each other and merit a visit. Drogorati is an underground cathedral of stalactites and stalagmites, while Melissani has a crystal clear lake in its centre that dapples the walls in twinkling light
- The ruins of the Castle of St George in Peratata are a fascinating taste of history. Climb in the morning or late afternoon before a dip in the clear sea and a drink in the village just below
- Take at least one trip to a neighbouring island – the concierge can assist with bookings. The boat to Zante (Zakynthos) leaves from the port below the villa, so you’re only an hour from its beaches, wineries and historic towns.
- The very bijou Fiskardo Harbour in the north of the island, with its beautiful Venetian-style architecture, is packed with chic boutiques and trendy quayside restaurants
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Boat trips
- Historical sites
- Shopping / markets
- Snorkelling
- Swimming
Kids
Families with children aged 8 and older are welcome, and the villa works well for a large or extended family. There are many beaches nearby. The villa is close to the airport and within walking distance of the village, beach and harbour, though there isn't much going on - you'll want a car.
Best for:
Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
One bedroom on the terrace/pool level can be set up as a twin. Note that there are no extra beds.
Kids Activities nearby:
- Beaches nearby include Pessada (400m), Chatzokli (750m), Klimatsias (1km), Agios Thomas (1.5km) and Trapezaki (2.3km)
- Boat trips
- Watersports
Families Should Know:
Energetic youngsters should be supervised on the stone stairs and on the patio, which has a sizeable drop into the garden below.
Distances:
- Airport: 20 minutes
- Shops: 8 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
On the southern coast of Kefalonia, near the village and harbour of Pessada, Kefalonia Seaview Villa is around 9km from the capital Argostoli and its airport.
By Air
Kefalonia airport (Anna Pollatou, 9km away) is served by charter flights from the UK and Europe throughout the summer; at other times you can fly via Athens.
From the Airport:
Taxis are freely available and there is onsite parking but be sure to get clear directions as it can be tricky to find. If you want to hire a car to explore the island see our car rental recommendations.
By Ferry:
There are two ports on the island: on the SE side of the island Poros port connects with Kyllini in the Peloponnese; and Sami port on the NE side which connects with Patra, also in the Peloponnese.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Kefalonia International Airport 8.0 km EFL
Other:
- Beach 0.4 km
- Shops 0.4 km
- Restaurant 0.3 km