Dreaming of endless swims and any manner of water sports in warm water, lunches at relaxed tavernas and a great place to book for a family holiday but simply not sure where to go in Greece?
Villa Lofus (meaning Hill), Villa Thasala (Water) and Villa Oranues (Sky) all have blissfully serene and simple interiors, but differ slightly in layout. They’re on the most remote side of the island of Évia (or Euboea – or simply Εύβοια in Greek), which is long and narrow – about 180 km long but as narrow as 6 km wide in parts.
With rough mountainous interiors and roads that often end up in dirt tracks along the coast, Évia is far from your typical tourist destination.
Thankfully there’s not an umbrella in sight on the beach below and days are spent lazing in hammocks and day beds in the shade or on the water. Explore pretty coves by kayak or SUP, go for a dip in the thermal springs nearby or visit authentic tavernas run by families who have been there for generations. Discover historical monasteries, castles and ruins, hike to hidden lakes and waterfalls… all to the ever-present soundtrack of cicadas, especially in summer.
Food is generous and unfussy: salty olives, dolmades, moussaka, succulent figs, a sip of ouzo. Life is simple here – and that’s why we love it. It’s not difficult to get to, and once you’re here you can live like a local, immerse yourself in the island’s daily rhythms and have a real holiday.
Authentic stone houses with magnificent views
All three original stone houses were sensitively renovated using local materials and each one is linked by natural walkways, many of which have been there for years. Interiors are by Amira Low whose style is contemporary and uncluttered, with an eye for layered textures and beautiful linens, all of which offset the beauty of natural stone walls.
Come sunset, the pool is the place to gather with its endless views across the Aegean. Dolphin are often sighted here and the colours ever-changing, depending on the weather. Spring and autumn are particularly lovely here, before the crowds descend on Greece and when hiking the hills and exploring neighbouring islands is easy. It’s a beautiful spot to start a Greek holiday, far from the maddening crowds of Mykonos and with not a nightclub in sight.
Edited by Dawn Kennedy