Beauty is in the eye of the beholder - quite literally if you are lucky enough to be staying at Nitsa’s House. This charming single-storey villa enjoys such breathtaking views across the Ionian to Meganissi and the mountains of northern Greece, that it’s easy to imagine why Odysseus might have undertaken an epic ten-year battle to return to these waters. Though Nitsa’s House, named after the daughter of the family who originally owned it, wasn’t around in ancient times, this magical spot has a timelessness that’s utterly captivating.

There’s an appealing simplicity about this unpretentious little house, just a few metres above the idyllic cove of Kouvoulia. The open plan living space and en-suite bedrooms (one double and one twin) all have doors opening out onto the terrace, ensuring everyone enjoys the same connection with the beautiful surroundings, and creating an easy flow for a relaxed and comfortable escape. Alfresco dining is a joy here but when you’re of a mind to let someone else do the catering, delightful Frikes is just a 10-minute stroll around the headland, boasting some excellent harbourside tavernas, coffee shops and bars. There’s also a well-stocked mini-market, bakery and a couple of gift shops here and for an equally appealing change of scene, the picturesque harbour in Kioni is just a 15-minute drive away.

But ultimately, it’s the sea that will call you away from Nitsa’s House. The gentle sound of the waves lapping against the shore beneath will prove irresistable time and again and a 3-minute stroll is all it takes to bathe in Ithaca’s mythical waters. For snorkelling it’s a dream - and if your day starts early, a dip at sunrise is unbeatable.

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.