The Bay House

Ithaca , Greece

  • 4
  • 2
  • 2
  • Light and airy house
  • Beautiful views of Vathy
  • Comfortable and welcoming
  • Vathy shops and restaurants 5min drive

The views from The Bay House encapsulate all that is best about this beautiful island: hillsides covered in wild thyme, olive and cypress trees, a natural harbour with translucent blue sea below, and the roof tops and night time sparkle of Vathy across the bay.

This pretty house has been designed to make the most of it all, surrounded by wide terraces which catch the breeze on a hot summer's day and a Mediterranean garden that prompts total relaxation in the tranquility of the elevated spot. Interiors are comfortable, well laid out, and simply decorated, with all rooms having a light, welcoming feel, while outside, the lovely pool is perfect for a dip at any time of day.

When you can tear yourself away, there's an appealing waterfront taverna serving the catch of the day just a 3-minute drive from the house and the vibrant harbourside shops and tavernas of Vathy are a couple of minutes further along. Below the villa the small pebble beach of Minimata, with its clear blue water, is a wonderfully enticing option for a little snorkelling and if you'd like to explore more of the island from the sea, boat hire is readily available in Vathy.

The Bay House is a charming base for a relaxing break in Ithaca, ideally suited to couples or families looking for a tranquil retreat from which to explore this enchanting island. 

Looking for 10 nights..? Why not add a 3-night stay in a boutique hotel in Kefalonia to your villa holiday. To find out more, view our 10-night holidays in Greece.

In Greece, a tourist tax may apply at your accommodation which will be payable locally, in cash, during the course of your holiday. Please use the link to view details specific to your accommodation. View tourist tax rates here.


Accommodation

Layout

  • 2-bedroom villa (sleeps 2-4)

Single-storey

  • Open-plan living/dining/kitchen area with TV (English speaking news channel), DVD
  • Kitchen includes full oven, fridge-freezer
  • Double bedroom (140cm x 200cm bed) with en-suite shower room
  • Twin bedroom with en-suite shower room

General

  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Air-conditioned throughout
  • Safe
  • Iron, ironing board, hairdryer
  • Washing machine
  • Simpson Travel pool towels 
  • Shaded area for dining and relaxing
  • Private swimming pool 4m x 6m (depth 1.1m – 1.7m)

WiFi

  • All properties with WiFi are able to support basic functionality such as web browsing and checking emails. We aim to offer an uninterrupted service but sometimes, due to factors beyond our control, reliability can be affected.

National tourist licence (EOT): 0830K10000842601

Transfers

  • Kefalonia airport to Sami port by private taxi or minibus 50min
  • Waiting time at Sami port is usually short at the port café
  • Sami port to Ithaca (Pisaetos) by sea taxi or ferry and depending on the mode of transport the journey will take 40-50 minutes

Location

  • Beach 5min drive
  • Vathy (tavernas, shops) 5min drive

Car hire

Car options

Based on the number of people travelling, the following hire car(s) are included in the package price of your holiday:

  • 2-3 guests – 1 Group B, Nissan Micra or similar*
  • 4 guests – 1 Group C, Citroen C3 or similar*

* All our cars include full comprehensive insurance with no excess charge. Please note that damage to the undercarriage, wing mirrors, windscreen and tyres is not covered by insurance. 

Car specification

Group B – 1.1 litre engine, 1 large suitcase*

Group C – 1.2 litre engine, 1 large and 1 medium suitcase*

The following cars are available as alternatives on request (supplements apply). Please call our travel specialists for details.

Group D – Automatic Nissan Micra or similar, 1.1 litre engine, 1 large suitcase*

Group E – Daihatsu Terios 4x4 Hard Top or similar, 1.4 litre engine, 2 large and 2 medium suitcases*

* Suitcase sizes are based on a large suitcase being approximately 75cm x 41cm x 31cm, a medium suitcase of approximately 65cm x 46cm x 29cm and a small suitcase of 55cm x 40cm x 20cm.

What an amazing setting. The Bay House must have one of the most beautiful views of Vathy and the mountains. Simpson has looked after us so well, from the minute we arrived in Kefalonia, the taxi to the port for the ferry crossing, plus the joy of having a car to explore the island. Judith has been wonderful, full of information and helpfulness, a minor incident seemed no problem for her and was sorted instantly. The house is beautifully appointed with lots of little extras and we have loved the different seating areas for following the sun round during the day. The view to Vathy is wonderful at night, with all the lights and the pool lit up. An ideal time for a swim in the pool as the sea is still a bit cold. It’s so peaceful and quiet but such an easy drive to tavernas for evening meals. We have explored some of the little villages round the island, in particular Exogi, a testing drive up the mountain but we were rewarded by a delicious lunch and homemade lemonade. The trip to the monastery is well worth taking for the views alone. Ithaca is so beautiful and unique that we have wondered why we have not visited before. We will be back.

Simpson Travellers, October 2023

The Bay House was without doubt one of the best villas we have stayed in. The views are stunning and the locality was perfect. The peace and quiet just envelopes you and you instantly relax. Ithaca reminded us of how Greece was twenty years ago. A slow pace and really friendly people. We have already booked to go for next year!

Mrs Sally Armitage, September 2023

A lovely holiday in Ithaca. The villa is very quiet and the view of Vathy is stunning. Plenty going on in Ithaca. All restaurants are good. Sometimes we used the car and other times we walked down and got a taxi back. Hired a motor boat for the day and went south into the coves. Lovely villa, air con worked well, beautiful at night with the pool lights on – very relaxing. Many thanks.

Simpson Travellers, July 2023

Our first time with Simpson and first time in Greece ,best place we have ever been,and the best holiday company we have ever been with, Simpson will be our go to company from now on.

Kelvin Edwards, July 2023

We have had a lovely holiday on this beautiful island. The Bay House is just so relaxing and quiet, very private too. It’s been kept spotless. Judith has been a star, sorting out a couple of minor problems very quickly.

Pam and Dave, July 2023

It was so lovely to be able to spend our second week in Greece at The Bay House – a quiet but beautifully appointed villa. Judith has been so helpful throughout our stay and ensured that our first holiday post Covid has been one to remember. The weather has been perfect and given us a wonderful opportunity to meet so many of the local Greek community and share so many amusing moments. We have already registered our interest in booking for next year when hopefully we will be able to bring our family, including our grandson, to share the delights of Ithaca. Thank you so much to all concerned including the Simpson team back in the UK. We cannot wait to come again.

Judith and David, June 2023

We had a lovely time at the Bay House, Vathi, so peaceful and quiet (apart from the Crickets) with stunning views of Vathi. This villa is very private and not overlooked at all and just like being at home.

Pamela Margaret Head, June 2023

Our holiday was excellent from start to finish. The Villa was superb. It had spectacular views from every side and was extremely peaceful. We couldn’t fault it or it’s location and liked the way that there were seating areas if desired on every side to follow the sun round. Judith our Rep was very friendly and efficient. It was reassuring to know that she was easily available.

Sue Durrell, June 2023

Magic holiday - just what Simpsons promise.

Christine Steward, September 2022

Bay House is beautifully situated, the views over Vathy harbour and the mountains are stunning; it was a real pleasure to stay in. Our Simpson rep, Judith, was terrific - she was very friendly, knowledgeable and went out of her way to be helpful.

Simon Dew, August 2022

It was our first holiday to Greece. The Bay House in Ithaca didn’t disappoint. Great location. Stunning views over Vathy bay. The beaches and crystal clear water were a dream. Fabulous food. We are looking forward to exploring more of the Greek Islands. We loved our holiday. Thank you Simpson.

Katherine Dutton, July 2022

Excellent holiday all-round. Smooth and efficient arrangements resulting in a trouble-free, memorable experience. It is a delightful place to visit and we hope to return.

Glenn Mayoh, May 2022

We've had a great holiday. Lovely villa, great location/views. Everything was done when expected (cleaning, pool clean, arrival/departure arrangements. Would definitely use Simpson Travel again.

Patricia Duke, May 2022

This was our third holiday at The Bay House and an absolute joy to be in Ithaca once again. Despite our concerns, the pre-departure team were very helpful in supporting us through the correct departure protocols, as was our rep Judith, with the return testing and paperwork. The EasyJet flight was delayed so we were three hours late arriving in Kefalonia but thankfully the Simpson reps managed to reschedule our transfers and arrange for food and wine to be delivered to our villa. The next morning we awoke to brilliant sunshine and spent two blissful weeks relaxing by the pool with fabulous views over Vathy. We loved the town and the variety places to have drinks or eat with fantastic views over the sea and mountains. The only problem was which one to choose! We were so pleased to be back in Greece and it was great to see Judith again too, our favourite island and our favourite rep, what more could we ask.

Janice Baldwin, September 2021

Great stay at The Bay House with usual excellent service from Judith and all the staff at Simpson. House is in stunning position about 20 minutes’ walk down the hill to town with plenty of taxis back if wanted (€5)…all pretty smooth with the Covid restrictions with the back-up from Simpson. Great choice of restaurants – will be back.

Neil & Pat – via TrustPilot, September 2021

We have just returned from the most incredible island of Ithaca with Simpson Travel and once again Simpson and their incredibly dedicated staff lived up to expectation and beyond in a very, very tricky time. The expected nightmare of Covid testing, paperwork and hoops to jump through was, in fact, a breeze – helped enormously by the great team at Simpson both in the UK and in Ithaca. Our 10th time with Simpson now – well done for making another family holiday an absolute dream!

Charlie – via TrustPilot, August 2021

We only had a week on Ithaca at The Bay House overlooking Vathy. The house and Ithaca exceeded any expectations, both beautiful and with everything required for a peaceful but interesting holiday. Despite Covid, travel was stress-free largely because of the Simpson arrangements and Judith's excellent help on Ithaca. We would return anytime.

Linda & Paul, August 2021

We've already booked to return to Bay House next year – that really says it all! Thank you to all concerned and to Judith who was lovely throughout.

Mrs Ruby, October 2019

Every detail pre-departure to arrival back home executed with seamless precision – stress-free holiday preparation and a fantastic overseas rep met all our expectations.

Jo & Jonathan, September 2019

This was the first time that we booked a holiday with a tour operator to Europe for years. The quality of accommodation and service coupled with the knowledge and recommendations of the Simpson Travel reps, Judith and Marion, made for a fantastic first time in the Ionian islands. We definitely discovered places which we would not have known about had we booked independently. Five-star holiday all round.

Jessica Harvey Taylor, August 2019

A great fortnight again with Simpson. Lovely island which is unspoilt and very quiet. The location of the villa is superb and we will be very likely to return.

Martin & Jo, July 2019

This was our first time travelling with Simpson Travel but won’t be the last. Happy to have found a tour operator that organises and communicates to the standard that I set if I was organising it for myself. Friendly and efficient enabling us to completely relax and enjoy our holiday. Thank you so much.

Mrs Connolly, July 2019

This was our second year at this property, great views, friendly people, great food venues, a lovely island for a relaxing holiday. We had a great rep. We hope to go again next year.

Mr Baldwin, May 2019

This was our fourth holiday with Simpson Travel. As ever, we fell in love with our beautiful villa, which is in the best location on the Island. We also enjoyed the discreet but constant support that keeps us coming back every year.

Mrs Manning, July 2018

This villa sits high above Vathy affording spectacular views from early morning sun rising from behind the surrounding hills to an enormous night sky packed to bursting with stars. The sense of calm and peace in this quiet setting is truly special. Driving round the island you will discover many treasures and treats both for the eyes and the stomach! A simpler life to unwind and relax into.

Mrs Donovan, October 2017

Fabulous villa with a great location – hard to leave, but leave you must. Best advice – go and explore this stunningly beautiful island. From lovely secluded beaches to hilltop villages.

Sandra & Ben, September 2017

Our second visit to The Bay House and just as wonderful. Thank you to all concerned for making our stay so comfortable. Lots of lovely beaches around Vathy but particularly like the small coves between Frikes and Kuoni. We enjoyed the small open air arena in Vathy where we saw 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding'. I'm sure we'll return.

Jill & Douglas, September 2017

Excellent service as experienced in previous years. Wi-fi connections only difficult because of location...was solved by standing on the edge of the garden! Would much prefer a larger bed – it would probably be possible to get one in the bedroom space; we're all getting spoiled at home and in other holiday villas! Greta as good as ever and the house looked after beautifully. Will be returning!

Mrs Wyatt, August 2017

A worry-free and guaranteed quality experience with Simpson Travel. Everything is well thought out and looked after on your behalf. Very slick and good value for money given the level of service.

Mr Hutchinson, July 2017

Our second visit to Ithaca and The Bay House. Another wonderful holiday on this beautiful island. Visiting here makes it so difficult to go somewhere else! The perfect place to switch off and relax. Thank you to Greta and everyone here for looking after us both so well, we hope to see you again soon.

Jo & Jon, July 2017

Firstly, thank you to Angelika and family. Very peaceful and beautiful, The Bay House is perfectly located away from the town and yet just a few minutes' drive away. The house itself is very comfortable and really well equipped. The view is gorgeous and especially twinkly at night. This has been the perfect antidote to life in London.

Claire & Sally, June 2017

We had a wonderful two-centre holiday and were extremely well looked after by the Simpson Travel reps at both centres. We had been to Kefalonia before so knew what to expect of this lovely and peaceful island, although it was our first time at the Blue Jasmine which is set in a lovely position overlooking the sea, with a great size pool for such a small hotel. It was, however, the first time we had been to Ithaca where we stayed at The Bay House, just above Vathy, which can only be described as a wonderful location on probably one of Greece's most picturesque islands with some delightful bays and stunning scenery, while if you enjoy walking it is without doubt a walker's paradise. Any concerns that we might have had on a two-centre holiday involving a ferry link were soon dismissed with the transfer both to and from Ithaca being completely hassle free.

Mr Conner, September 2016

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.

Grading

Property Grading Key:

  • 5/5

    Excellent

  • 4/5

    Very good

  • 3/5

    Good

Close
  • Location

    4/5

    Position, view, serenity, privacy

  • Comfort

    3/5

    Space, style, overall furnishings

  • Facilities*

    3/5

    Property enhancements

  • Amenities*

    4/5

    Proximity to beaches, restaurants and shops

* For further clarification on Facilities and Amenities, please view the 'Details' tab for each property or speak to one of our experienced sales consultants.

The fabled land of Homer’s Odyssey and a safe harbour through the ages for Romans, Venetians and Ottomans, Ithaca is historic to the core: a beach holiday destination that comes with an epic story to match its beautiful landscape. The sweeping panorama of Vathy’s bay and a shoreline of eucalyptus-shaded coves give way to undulating hills of pine, olive and cypress groves, whilst timeless rural life plays out in the island’s unspoilt interior, ensuring that Ithaca remains a place to truly relax.

To help you unwind in style, we offer a selection of handpicked luxury villas, giving your Ithaca holiday a welcome touch of comfort.

Read more on our Ithaca region page


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