Ilium

Luxury properties are few and far between on low-key, laid back Ithaca, which makes this imposing five-bedroom villa overlooking Dexia beach all the more desirable. Location is the key here, and the villa cascades over a series of landscaped terraces down the hillside, promising view after stunning view as far as the mainland at Epirus and many little islands in between. It’s an impressive feat of engineering, and even more so when you realise there’s also a private tennis court (floodlit so you can enjoy the cool of evening) in the extensive grounds, carved out of the hillside for quite possibly the most scenic sets you’ll ever play.

The villa extends over two houses and three levels. The upper house has two bedrooms, the lower has three, and both have their own full kitchen and living area. This gives you a fantastically versatile layout for a mixed group of up to ten, with plenty of privacy and space to come together both inside and outside around the sparkling 12-metre pool. Ilium is part of a large private estate, and villa guests are welcome to wander along its stone pathways through the olive trees and fragrant, Mediterranean plants, always with a sea or mountain view for company. From the poolside cabana to the mini fridge at the tennis court, the attention to detail here is impeccable, creating an atmosphere that’s both pampering and very relaxing.

This lofty position is idyllic but not isolated, as Ithaca’s charming harbour capital Vathy is just an eight-minute drive away. Closer yet is Dexia beach; gloriously picturesque thanks to its clear water and olive trees which go all the way to the shore, Dexia also has coveted Blue Flag status. There are many other gem-like coves and pretty villages to explore in the area, though if you prefer not to move from Ilium, the estate offers a range of additional optional services, from bread and grocery deliveries to private catering, boat hire and guided walks.

Whilst Ilium might not have the full gloss and glamour of our top level villas in Crete or Kalkan, the splendour of the location and the high levels of service mean it still deserves a place in our Exclusive Collection; highly recommended for those looking for superior quality in the more traditional environment that makes Ithaca such a delight.

Our choice of Greek properties is as diverse as the islands themselves, ranging from simple seaside charm to genuine luxury and style. Much of our portfolio is privately owned, and price alone is therefore not a universal guide. We contract all our accommodation in person, and each property has its individual appeal. To help you make the right choice based on your own priorities, we have devised a simple grading guide to be considered in conjunction with each individual property description, awarding up to a maximum of five stars for the below categories.