Which is the best Greek island for a villa holiday?
- By Simpson Travel
- 16 Apr 2025
- Where to go
Fancy a Greek Island holiday this summer but have no idea which one to choose? Here’s our easy Greece cheat sheet to help you decide.
Broadly speaking:
Expect breathtaking beaches, magnificent mountains and vibrant Venetian towns, perfect for an easy fly-and-flop escape. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, it’s worth the drive to magical Mochlos in the east, or head west for sheer cliffs, deep gorges and the sublime, other-worldly beauty of Balos, Falasarna and Elafonissi.
Best for:
Villas for families, couples and groups; walkers, beach lovers, history fans, explorers.
Bonus: The labyrinthine Palace of Knossos is the home of the mythical Minotaur, a story to engage even the most reluctant of young visitors with lots of capture the imagination.
Family villas in Crete
Villas for two in Crete
Large villas in Crete
Walking holidays in Crete
Villas near the Beach in Crete
Kouremenos Beach, Crete
Spinalonga and the Gulf of Elounda, Crete
The Palace of Knossos, Crete
A selection of our Crete villas...
"A truly wonderful villa - well appointed and very spacious... fabulous garden and views. The concierge service provided by Irini was exceptional. Her local knowledge and contacts made our holiday like no other, and the local people couldn’t have been more helpful and friendly... thank you Simpsons!" Mrs Michelle Jones, Mirabello Bay House, Crete
Broadly speaking:
Cinematic landscapes make this island one of the stars of the Ionian; think bijou harbours lined with colourful Venetian-style houses, forested hillsides and an island peak of over 5000ft. The coast is full of drama, from sea caves and secret coves to big sandy beaches equipped with tavernas and sunbeds.
Best for:
Villas for couples and families; nature lovers.
Bonus: Visit Argostoli, the vibrant island capital that still has an active fishing fleet alongside its buzzing cafes and restaurants. Come early and you’ll probably spot a loggerhead turtle in the harbour.
Family villas in Kefalonia
Villas for two in Kefalonia
Large villas in Kefalonia
Fiskardo, Kefalonia
Melissani lake, Kefalonia
Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia
A selection of our Kefalonia villas...
Trapezaki Blue
Villa Stellina
Trapezaki Bay"Villa Stellina has been built to a very high spec both inside & out. We particularly loved the outside space & gardens. The interior is very modern & stylish & well looked after. We loved its position overlooking the sea & the mountain view. As we have been to Kefalonia several times before, we decided to have a lazy week & this is the ideal villa to do it in." John & Geoff, Villa Stellina, Kefalonia
Broadly speaking:
Local life potters along as it’s done for centuries and there are no bustling resorts on Meganissi, just three flower-filled villages – and yet you’ll still see luxury yachts moored in the harbours, and to-die-for villas suspended over the jewel-bright sea.
Best for:
Villa for groups, multi-generation parties and luxury lovers.
Bonus: Book a villa with direct sea access for the ultimate Greek Island holiday experience.
Family villas in Meganissi
Villas for two in Meganissi
Large villas in Meganissi
Loutrolimi beach, Meganissi
Vathy, Meganissi
Meganissi
A selection of our Meganissi villas...
Saffron
Genesis
Babu"A wonderful week in Villa Genesis. Never tiring of the view. Lots of paddle boarding and snorkelling from the decked beach area, trips to Vathy for dinner, hired a motor boat for a day around the island. All just perfect. Thank you to the wonderful Maria who was advising us along the way. The accommodation was very comfortable. All in all, a great way to switch off and relax. Bravo once again, Simpson!" Ally, David, Bea & Angus, Genesis, Meganissi
Broadly speaking:
While some parts of the island are quite developed, the north east is an upmarket enclave of luxury villas nestled above impossibly pretty bays. Base yourself around Agios Stephanos, Kassiopi, Avlaki or Kerasia for maximum beach and boating fun, with plenty of excellent tavernas too.
Best for:
Villas for families, groups, teenagers and multi-generation parties; luxury lovers, and watersports.
Bonus: Spend a day in Corfu town, a recognised UNESCO site that’s easy to explore on foot.
Family villas in Corfu
Villas for two in Corfu
Large villas in Corfu
Villas near the Beach in Corfu
Corfu Town
Agios Stephanos, Corfu
Kouloura Harbour, Corfu
A selection of our Corfu villas...
"What a very special place – the views across the bay are timeless, the waters – pure. This little cottage is a cosy haven, the loggia shelters you from all the weathers – the ‘blue birds of happiness’ nest above and flit in and out, feeding their young. What bliss!" Sue, Agni Cottage, Corfu
Broadly speaking:
Petite and astonishingly picturesque, Paxos snoozes through May and June but comes to life when the yachting crowd arrive in the height of summer, filling the harbours and quay-side tavernas. Find peace at a gorgeous private villa tucked away into the olive groves.
Best for:
Villas for couples, families, multi-generation parties; understated luxury, natural beauty.
Bonus: Boat hire is the very best way to enjoy Paxos – no licence is needed up to 30hp engines, which is more than enough to let you find your own secret spot.
Family villas in Paxos
Villas for two in Paxos
Villas near the Beach in Paxos
Gaios, Paxos
Erimitis, Paxos
Lakka, Paxos
A selection of our Paxos villas...
Avlaki Bay House
The Windmill
Villa Asteri"How does Paxos make 2 weeks seem like two months, I don't know but it does. From the moment you step onto the island you are immediately taken to a world of peace and tranquility, the hustle and bustle of home left behind. We just couldn't have asked for more, thank you." Mrs Sandra Bickmore, Villa Asteri
Broadly speaking:
Easy peasy access via a bridge makes Lefkada number one for little ones, but it’s also great for more adventurous adults and teens. Plenty of places to wind or kite surf, plus waterfalls to explore and teen-friendly Lefkada town for shopping and some low-key nightlife give it broad family appeal.
Best for:
Villas for families of all ages; active holidays, beach lovers, kids' clubs and childcare
Bonus: Mousses Villas offers childcare and kids' clubs for little ones, so you can have some well-deserved time off while the kids are safe and having fun.
Agiofili Beach, Lefkada
Agios Nikitas, Lefkada
Nydri Harbour, Lefkada
A selection of our Lefkada villas...
Mousses Crèche and Kids' Club
Villa Valia
Alessia"We had a great holiday at Mousses. Wendy and the childcare team were excellent and we felt really comfortable with our son attending and he had a great time. The accommodation was excellent, really clean and comfortable and so child friendly with lots of little details to make life easier with children. A really lovely holiday destination and we will definitely be returning." Mrs Emma Geary, Mousses, Lefkada
Broadly speaking:
No airport means no mass tourism on this emerald isle. Head here for turquoise seas and pristine pebble beaches then get out and explore it all on a kayak, SUP or motor boat, with a good chance of spotting dolphins in the summer.
Best for:
Villas for couples and groups; active holidays, nature lovers, history fans.
Bonus: Pick up a picnic in Kioni or Vathy then hire a motor boat for an afternoon of private swimming and sunbathing: the ideal Ithaca day.
Family villas in Ithaca
Villas for two in Ithaca
Villas near the Beach in Ithaca
Kioni, Ithaca
Kioni Ithaca
Vathy Bay, Ithaca
A selection of our Ithaca villas...
Ilium
Elia Beach House
Arethusa Cottage"Ithaca is a beautiful, friendly, interesting island. Villa Elia is perfectly situated for wonderful sea swims and a peaceful holiday. What a joy." Mrs Shan Coupe, Elia Beach Villa, Ithaca
Broadly speaking:
Choose north Zakynthos for sunset views, scenic drives and a peaceful Greek vibe, plus pretty coves perfect for snorkelling and the spectacular Navagio (a.k.a. shipwreck) beach. The south is sandier and livelier, but still with peaceful spots like Vasilikos and the protected turtle breeding ground at Gerakas.
Best for:
Villas for families, groups and couples; photographers, nature lovers.
Bonus: The further north you go the more cute coves there are, with gems like Climati and Kremidi lapped by deep crystalline water, or Xigia, famed for its health-enhancing sulphur waters.
Family villas in Zakynthos
Villas for two in Zakynthos
Large Villas in Zakynthos
Makri Gialos, Zakynthos
Navagio Beach, Zakynthos
Agios Nikolaos, Zakynthos
A selection of our Zakynthos villas...
The Yiameli Collection – Levandi
Villa Sigalia
Villa Avgi"We had an amazing week at Villa Sigalia - it was absolutely beautiful! Our hosts met us on arrival and provided all the information we could have asked for. The villa is their family home and this became apparent as we discovered all of the outdoor areas around the villa and pool, each of which features beautiful fabrics and furnishings, not mention the pots of herbs and flowers growing in abundance around the garden. The kitchen was fully equipped with everything you need for cooking and the lounge area was very comfortable. The sea views from the first floor balconies are also an added bonus. Stunning beaches and high quality restaurants are within a 5-10 minute drive too. An absolutely amazing experience all in all!" Mrs Rebecca Collinge, Villa Sigalia, Zakynthos
