This attractive stone villa offers a characterful island home near the delightful fishing village of Frikes. Traditional interiors are comfortably furnished, with rustic beams, painted wooden floors and colourful rugs adding to the authentic appeal. There’s a sense of being in a real Greek home here and the two air-conditioned bedrooms, though simply furnished, are both tasteful and restful in equal measure. On the lower ground floor a third bedroom, accessed by a spiral staircase, affords another peaceful option for an afternoon nap, though we only recommend it for this purpose as it isn’t air-conditioned.

But it’s the glorious setting that sets Petrino House apart. Approached through the olive groves along a narrow lane, it offers the best of both worlds; the joy of being tucked away, yet just a few minutes’ drive from the excellent waterfront tavernas and shops in Frikes. A near neighbour of Kioni, Frikes is a wonderfully unassuming little place which retains its charm and laid-back atmosphere, even in the height of summer.  

Petrino’s lush, exotic gardens are a mature and colourful blend of bougainvillaea, jasmine and citrus, offering several outdoor seating areas, perfect for alfresco dining or settling down with a drink and a good book. The extraordinary views across the valley from the pool terrace showcase Ithaca’s magnificent flora and fauna and there is a real sense of being at the very heart of the island.

When you’re ready to explore, nothing is very far away and the villa is well-placed for discovering the wealth of idyllic beaches that fringe this Ionian paradise. Set in the fashionable north of the island, the villa is equally suited for a romantic break or a memorable family holiday and the gated pool area means that even those with younger children can enjoy the simple pleasures it has to offer. Many moons ago, the English owners came across this very special house and made it their home. They still look forward to returning each year to enjoy the timelessness of the spot and the relaxed, uncomplicated way of life it offers. After seven days under its spell, we think you’ll feel the same.

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.