Looking for a classic Greek island holiday? We discovered peaceful Paxos island, just an hour by hydrofoil from Corfu. A Paxos villa holiday is a chance to explore hidden beaches, villages and countryside, to swim, relax and soak up the scenery. Here’s the lowdown on our family stay in a villa with a view in Paxos.
- Modern two bedroom villa
- Postcard-worthy views of Lakka bay
- Pool, terrace and barbecue
- Close to beach, taverna and village
Who went where and when: My sons, Nick 20 and Ed 18, came with me to Paxos, one of the Ionian islands of Greece in early September 2017.
Ionian Villas arranged our Paxos villa holiday accommodation and transport to the island, we booked our flights online.
For Our Top 9 Things to Do on a Family Trip to Paxos, Greece click here.
A Villa with a View in Paxos, Greece
Imagine this view when you wake up in the morning. The sky is azure, the sun is warm and you decide to pop down to the village bakery. You find a little track and follow it down through the olive terraces towards the beach. At each turn you catch a glimpse of the turquoise sea glittering under the sun.
I’ve already posted here about our trip to Paxos in September. So here’s a close up look at the lovely villa we stayed in near Lakka.
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The View
Villa Avra is all about the view. And the pool of course. Also the fresh, welcoming vibe. And not forgetting that the beach and Lakka village are just at the bottom of the hill. But still, that view.
It’s where Paxos demonstrates all the blues it has in its palette and leaves you wondering why you ever bother to take a long haul flight.
Inside Villa Avra
Anyway let’s tear ourselves away from the view and step inside.
Avra is a modern two bedroom villa with pretty much all you’ll need for a happy Greek island holiday including efficient wi-fi, air-conditioning and insect screens at the windows. It has been finished to a high standard by its justifiably proud owners who live quietly next door.
The kitchen with dining table is well-equipped with all the usuals including dishwasher, microwave, washing machine and a choice of two coffee makers.
One step down leads to the living area with a sofa and Smart TV. The sofa transforms into a sofabed if necessary.
The main bedroom has a king-size bed and a generous ensuite wet room.
The twin bedroom has its own ensuite too. Avra is modern, fresh and stylish. Not huge but this is Paxos after all and we spent most of our time outdoors.
When we arrived a painted wooden chair was waiting for us in the hall with a pile of pool towels – which we made use of straight away!
Avra is newly built and it’s clear that it has been designed with guests in mind. For instance there’s almost as much space outside as there is indoors. The terrace has two outdoor tables, along with plenty of chairs and loungers.
We hopped from one to another depending whether we wanted to be in or out of the sun. There’s a barbecue of course with a handy outdoor sink and the shower by the pool is another good idea.
The pergola was in just the right position to provide a shady spot for our lunches. We sat here in the evenings sometimes too.
Harami Beach and taverna
Just below Avra, a quick scramble down a track between olive terraces, lies little Harami beach. We didn’t see anyone else use this route all week probably because a/ it’s not marked and b/ there are very few other houses around anyway.
We got quite good at the track and used it at night too, with the help of our phone torches, because it was such an excellent shortcut to and from the village. It’s a bit slippery in places so best reserved for the able-bodied and, ahem, sober.
Harami is a very handy place to have at the bottom of the ‘garden’. It’s a pretty little beach with smooth white pebbles and soft sand below the waterline. There’s a taverna alongside with plenty of shade and delicious things to eat and drink.
We popped up and down regularly for coffees, lunch and swims.
Lakka village
I’m possibly a bit biased but Lakka is my favourite of the three harbour villages on Paxos island. It seems to have just the right amount of shops, tavernas and local life as well as Instagram-worthy views in every direction. There are two or three ways to get to Lakka from Avra including the tarmac road but our favourite was the little track via Harami beach. We liked it best because after the steep bit there’s a pretty seaside route into the village.
Here’s the morning walk to the bakery for fresh bread and Greek doughnuts.
This was our evening stroll along the beach towards the welcoming glow of Lakka village and its tavernas.
Choosing a Paxos villa
Paxos is not an island with lots of water sports and nightlife! We wanted somewhere to relax, re-charge and catch up with friends and it filled the bill nicely. If your family are happy to swim, snorkel, beach-hop and chill then I reckon they’ll enjoy it too. There are some lovely Paxos villas to choose from but make your plans early because Paxos is the sort of place people return to again and again.
Villa Avra is a good choice for a family with teens as both village and beach are walkable which gives everyone a bit more independence. We all liked it and I’ll happily recommend it to friends for its great position, its seclusion and – did I mention the pool with a view!
What to Read Next
Want to know more about Paxos including where to go, what to do and how to get there? Click here for Our Top 9 Things to Do on a Family Trip to Paxos, Greece
Read more about our day trip to Antipaxos here
Or how about one of the other lovely Ionian islands?
On Kefalonia we stayed in a chic Fiscardo villa and a catered villa in an olive grove.
On Lefkada we stayed at Vasiliki, it has a unique bay for watersports and is close to some of the best beaches in Europe. And we spent the day on Meganisi, one of the best kept secrets in the Ionians!
A Paxos Villa Holiday
The boys and I arranged our Paxos villa accommodation, transfers and hire car with Ionian Villas, click here to go to their website
I loved the fact that this is a family-run specialist villa company. Based in the UK, the Watrous family have an in-depth knowledge and love of the islands coupled with years of experience in the travel industry. They offer a great range of Paxos villas and carefully select every house and apartment on their books.
Ionian Villas gives a truly personalised service: they will advise on destinations and can tailor-make individual itineraries to allow flexibility in arrival dates to suit flights or two-centre trips.
Their charming and efficient on-island managers, Dimitris Aronis and his father, run an agency in Lakka and oversee their Paxos villas. Dimitris emailed us in advance and, according to needs, he can arrange meet and greet, transfers, Paxos car hire, villa cooks and even hampers. This on-the-spot expertise smoothed over any worries about transfers or co-ordinating flights with boats. We could walk to their office from Villa Avra and popped in several times to ask for tips and say hello to Pongo the office dog.
Disclosure: Ionian Villas hosted our stay in one of their Paxos villas in return for honest coverage of our trip. This post is entirely my own thoughts and opinions.
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All photos are all rights reserved. Please do not reproduce these photos without prior written permission.
Nicole says
Thank you! I’m currently planning a trip to the Greek Islands and now I may have to make a stop here. Beautiful pictures!!
Map & Family says
Thank you Nicole – that’s a lovely trip to be planning!
Jody Robbins says
Staying at a villa in Greece is high on my list. I went when I was 16 and am dying to get back. I loved how you gave detailed shots of the villa interior and the company who set it up for you. The major hassle with travel is doing this research. When I get a decent referral like this, I feel like I won the lottery. Thank you! Bookmarking it.
Map & Family says
I’m so glad it’s helpful Jody, thank you!
Claudia says
I have to admit that Greece has not been high on my list. But looking at your amazing stay at Villa Avra, I think I’ve changed my mind. I love the view and how gorgeous the villa is in general. What a great restful spot to stay and enjoy Greece and all its charms.
Map & Family says
Thanks so much Claudia! Yes the view really made it special.
poorna says
I have a question: how expensive was renting this villa? I’m asking because I intend to go to Greece in 2018 and I need a place to stay with family.
Map & Family says
Hi Poorna, check out the link to the Ionian Villas website http://ionian-villas.co.uk/ It lists their villas and 2018 prices. Hope you have a lovely trip!
Hang Around The World says
We haven’t planned a trip to Greece yet so this post can help us very much!
What we are looking for is a place near the sea of course with a modern design and this looks like perfect for us!
Thanks for the photos 🙂
Jenna du Preez says
Wow! This villa looks amazing. I really love the view from the pool area and also the funky tiles in the bathroom. I wish I was there right now!
Map & Family says
It was a lovely place to relax!
Rachelle says
I blame Mama Mia for my newfound obsession and desire to visit Greece. I’m not a huge nightlife type of person, so Paxos sounds like my type of island. I love how clear the water looks and how open and beautiful that villa is!
Claire says
Oh wow, it looks beautiful here. I want to jump on a plane and visit now 🙂 Beautiful photos. The sea looks amazing.
Map & Family says
Thanks Claire I loved all the colours in the sea.
Out Of Depth Dad says
Paxos looks amazing! What a nice villa! I must organise a similar trip for the family holiday next year! Thanks for sharing – feeling inspired.
Map & Family says
Thanks! Glad you found it interesting.
five little doves says
I LOVE Greece and we have thought about getting a villa over there next summer! I think finding the right villa is so important and a view like that is a real win!
Map & Family says
Yes, I agree, a villa can be wonderful but the surroundings have a big influence as well.
Ana De- Jesus says
My favourite thing about your Paxos trip has to be the rainbow unicorn haha! On another note you are right the view is absolutely stunning but I also loved the villa that you stayed in too and with a view like that you certainly can’t complain!
Map & Family says
Ana, we loved the unicorn – definitely added value!
Sonia Cave says
Oh my this is gorgeous both inside and out. A true relaxing holiday spot
Katy Stevens says
Greece looks SO beautiful. Definitely one for my bucket list one of these days!
Kara says
I love Greece but have not been to Paxos – the view is amazing from your villa
Teresa says
What a fabulous place! So bright and airy. And the views are to die for. The whole of Greece is to die for… Love your photos too . Thanks for sharing 🙂
Mei says
We’ve visited Greece many times (l was in Athens as an Erasmus archaeology student), but never went to Paxos. The view from that villa is simply breathtaking, and the fact that it has a path that leads down to the beach is just awesome. I love the simple yet comfy and modern decor of that villa. Would definitely consider staying there when we visit Paxos!
Map & Family says
It must have been amazing to study archaeology in Athens! Paxos is easy to visit from Corfu – worth a visit 🙂
Alexa Meisler says
The house looks amazing. Love that green door! The view is gorgeous. What a beautiful place for a vacation.
Map & Family says
Thanks, yes I loved the door too 🙂
My Travelogue by Bhushavali says
Wow! Its indeed an awesome location. To be able to go to sleep and wake up to this view, would be just magical. Lakka village looks beautiful & quaint unlike other touristy places.
Map & Family says
It was really quite peaceful in September!
Laura says
Oh wow what a stunning view and beautiful Villa. I’ve been to Greece a few times but not for the past few years and I really need to get back there – such a beautiful culture and their food is amazing
Laura x
Map & Family says
That’s exactly how i felt – I hadn’t been to Greece for a while and now I can’t wait to go back.
Francesca says
We just discovered Greece, hubs and I having made our very first trip there in September. We loved it! We will have to consider Paxos for a return visit. The views are incredible and that villa!! Love the kitchen and the backsplash. So, so charming.
Map & Family says
September is a great month to visit. Thanks Francesca!
fashionandstylepolice says
This place looks amazing. The pictures are so beautiful.
Map & Family says
Thank you 😀
scots2travel says
I have these photos too, as we walked round Lakka Bay. It’s the cover photo of Scots2Travel Facebook page in fact! If I return that would be the ideal villa for me. I’ve bookmarked it for next time 🙂
Map & Family says
I thought I recognised it on your page – it’s such a photogenic village!
Stephanie says
Oh wow that is just stunnimg, the view???? Thats amazing and a perfect place to relax
Newcastle Family Life says
It looks like a wonderful place to stay, the view is amazing. We have been looking at booking a Greek villa for our family honeymoon in 2019 and somewhere like this looks ideal x
Map & Family says
Thanks, a view’s a lovely addition for a special holiday!
Holly - Little Pickle's Mom says
Wowzas. This looks gorgeous – and a perfect destination for families. I love the idea of sitting out and looking out over the view once the kids are in bed!
Map & Family says
Haha, mine stay up longer than me now 😂
Divyakshi Gupta says
Bookmarking this RIGHT away!! The views of Lakka bay are sooo awesome and imagine getting them right from your villa! the place looks so rustic and well done with the tiles and all the modern comforts! 🙂 Loved it! 🙂
Map & Family says
I loved the tiles as well as the view!
Claire says
Looks unbelievably beautiful and is an island so high on my list, wow! Lakka Bay is just WOW!
Map & Family says
Thanks Claire, it was beautiful
Jez says
Love your blog. We were the very first guests in Villa Avra last year (August) and left a unicorn as it had so much fun – is this the same one in your photos?? We loved Villa Avra too and are thinking about going back :-)) Best wishes, Jez
Map & Family says
Hi Jez, thanks so much for getting in touch and sorry I’ve been slow to pick up your comment. Yes! Very likely that that’s your unicorn in the photos! Thanks so much for leaving it. We genuinely loved Villa Avra – it ticked all the boxes for us. Do let me know if you go back.
Ali says
After stumbling across your blog browsing Paxos on Pinterest, I just had to book this villa! Never been to Greece before, your blog has proved very helpful researching.
My Sister and I cannot wait to see what Paxos has to offer, it looks beautiful. 🙂
Map & Family says
Hi Ali, I hope you have a wonderful holiday there! Thanks so much for letting me know and it’s great to hear that you found it thru Pinterest too 😀.