Villas in Greece: make memories at your own seaside escape

At the Emerald Villas & Suites, you can stretch out in your private pool while taking in views of the nearby Ionian Sea. In these spacious Zante villas, there are plenty of idyllic spots to soak up the scenery. Lounge poolside on the sun terrace, swing on the shaded hammock or fire up the barbecue and tuck into chargrilled souvlaki. In an Emerald suite, you’ll have a stone-walled terrace and a plush daybed by the pool for afternoon dozing.

Inside, bare stone walls and exposed beams create a traditional and rustic feel, while sparkling chandeliers and whirlpool baths add a sense of luxury. Ideal for couples who like a little more space, the suites are decorated with contemporary flair, featuring open-plan style living, lavish rainfall showers and floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the space with sunlight.

Nestled along hillsides on the north-eastern side of Zante, you’ll feel miles away from modern life. The villas are close to the old town of Agios Nikolaos, with a backdrop of dramatic cliffs. Visit the town’s small port, filled with paintbox-coloured fishing boats, to find quaint tavernas serving Greek delicacies on the waterfront.

Unwind in the privacy of your own pool at the serene Villa D’Oro – Luxury Villas & Suites, or take a short stroll down to the resort’s private beach to swim in Halkidiki’s calm crystal waters. Surrounded by its own verdant gardens and neat lawns, the resort is just a short drive from the postcard-perfect village of Paliouri with its cluster of stone houses and a backdrop of pine-clad hills.

Elegantly modern in design, both the villas and suites have plenty of character, with antique-style furnishings, statement lights and a colour palette inspired by the Aegean Sea. For added luxury, the bathrooms are crafted from sleek marble with deep tubs and drenching rainfall showers. There’s a contemporary kitchen area with everything you need to put together tasty meals, while the full-height windows overlooking the sea ensure you’ll always be dining with a view.

For the ultimate in relaxation, breakfast is delivered straight to your door, so all you have to do is find a comfy spot to enjoy it on your own terrace overlooking Toroneos Bay. Wander over to the resort’s spacious shared pool to lounge on cushioned Balinese daybeds to take advantage of the poolside waiter service.

Painted in a sweet rosy hue and topped with a terracotta-tiled roof, Villa Caterina is a serene spot for a rejuvenating holiday in Corfu. This classic-looking balconied villa is surrounded by a lush garden of rustling palms, twisted olive trees and vibrant pink flowers, neatly bordered by a pretty white fence. Make the most of the warm Mediterranean sun with outdoor dining and midday spritzers around the garden’s marble-topped dining table, under the shade of a tiled pergola.

If you’d rather dine out, the small seaside town of Pyrgi, with its collection of café-bars and restaurants, is right on your doorstep. Relax with some retail therapy by browsing for locally made souvenirs in small boutiques or spend the day with the little ones on the long stretch of sandy shore at Ipsos beach.

Converted to include just three apartments, the villa has a personal touch and homely feel. Smartly modern, the fresh décor features pops of colour and rustic furnishings alongside contemporary essentials like Wi-Fi and air conditioning. You can spread out in the open-plan style living room that leads to a modern kitchen area with an open-air dining space on the bijou balcony. Each apartment has one bedroom, with space for children on the pull-out sofa beds and a sleek bathroom with walk-in showers.

The aptly named seaside resort of Azure Beach is lapped by the turquoise Sea of Crete on the island’s west coast. Only steps from the pristine beach of Nopigia in Kissamos, where you can bask in the Cretan sun, it’s a blissfully peaceful spot. For a change of (idyllic) scenery, just a short drive away is the award-winning beach of Falassarna with its crystal waters and pale soft sand – a popular place for unspoilt sunsets.

A choice of one, two and three-bedroomed villas means couples can enjoy extra space or stay together with family and friends. The interiors have a fresh feel with a contemporary kitchen, decorated in neutral tones with touches of brighter hues. Private roof terraces and balconies are the ideal spot for a morning coffee with views of the distant hills.

With a traditional village layout for an authentic look, these modern-style villas are linked with pergola-covered terraces and walkways, coloured with local pink flowers and leading to landscaped gardens of palms and neat lawns. Spend days getting lost in your latest read under the shade of parasols on the sun terrace or float in the serene pools, shared between the villas.

The renovated traditional houses and newly built residences of Paxos Sunrise Villas are nestled in peaceful terraced grounds with decades-old olive trees and sea views. In the shade of native trees, dine on the paved patio while watching the gentle waves wash in nearby or spend a peaceful an hour listening to the rustling leaves as you swing in a hammock. Balconies with classic white-painted balustrades and terraces beneath elegant arches offer more private places to sit and watch the water together.

The spacious villas feature traditional Greek architectural design such as exposed stone walls and white-washed wood-beamed ceilings. They can accommodate groups and families of up to 10. In a calming palette of soft shades with lightweight fabrics, the rooms are classically chic, while bathrooms have a modern touch. There’s a refreshing walk-in rainfall shower, decorated with patterned tiles beneath lofty ceilings.

Each villa is just a couple of steps from the inviting turquoise sea on the tiny island of Paxos – the smallest of the Ionian archipelago. All of the houses sit along the gently sloping verdant east coast, close to the charming capital, Gaios. Explore the port town’s historic monastery and churches before sampling local specialities such as sofrito (beef in wine sauce with garlic) or bourdeto (a spicy fish stew, made with paprika).

Perched on the renowned Caldera of Oia in Santorini are the luxuriously minimalist Canvas Suites. Built in-keeping with the island’s distinctive Cycladic architecture, each suite is perfectly positioned to maximise the breathtaking views of iconic blue domes, the Aegean Sea and the Volcano of Santorini. Sea breeze on your skin, unwind outside on your white-washed terrace where you’ll find sink-in beanbag chairs and bistro sets for alfresco dining.

Carved into the hillsides, the two to six-person suites are a cosy warren of rooms and bedrooms with bright white walls that curve into ceilings and feature exposed Caldera rock. Soft textiles add a homely feel to the cave-like rooms, while elegant chandeliers and candle-lit lanterns bring warmth to the space. There are plenty of luxurious elements too, from marble bathrooms to private whirlpools and outdoor plunge pools with sea views.

Thoughtful touches, like slippers and a pillow menu for ultimate comfort, make these extraordinary suites even more special. To help you relax, bathrooms are filled with sumptuous Greek toiletries made with local botanicals. Although they’re classic in style, these villas also have all the modern-day essentials you’d expect including air conditioning, Wi-Fi and smart TVs.

Decorated with a palette of white and blue tones characteristic of Mykonos, Niriides Luxury Homes are airy and bright, featuring white-washed wooden furniture and chandeliers for rustic sophistication. With enough space for up to five, the villas are ideal for families who need a little extra space. You’ll find they’re spread out over three elegantly designed levels, which include a spacious living area with an open-plan dining-kitchen and luxurious extras such as an outdoor whirlpool.

Come the morning, sit down to breakfasts of honey-topped Greek yoghurt in your outdoor dining area that’s ideally positioned for gazing out to sea. Days here are spent around the resort’s serene pool, lounging on plump-cushioned sunbeds.

For a change of scenery, wander down to the sandy shores of nearby Elia Beach. Known as one of Mykonos’ largest and finest beaches, Elia is a popular spot as it’s naturally protected from the northern summer winds and has views out to nearby Naxos. Laze on loungers shaded by grass-topped parasols, positioned down by the water’s edge. Or get your adrenaline pumping by trying out the water sports on offer.