Simpson Travel expands its handpicked selection of charming independent villas on Ithaca for 2021

Amalthia Cottage and Arethusa Cottage
  
Options include Amalthia Cottage, and its near neighbour Arethusa Cottage, two romantic, open-plan cottages for two with separate private pools and gardens. Whilst they are sold independently, they would also make the perfect option for two couples travelling together but still wanting some privacy.
Both are a short stroll along the shoreline at Dexa Beach where there is a simple beach bar serving cold drinks and are a 5-minute drive from the island’s quiet capital, Vathy with its varied selection of shops, bars and tavernas.
For hikers there are self-guided walks nearby and a stroll up to the ancient village of Paleochora is a must; Ithaca’s capital in the Middle Ages, it enjoys fabulous views south across the island and some of the old frescoes are still visible in the ruins of the church. Guided walks can also be arranged, along with self-drive boat hire, kayaking and scuba diving, on request.
Simpson Travel (www.simpsontravel.com ; 020 8003 6557) offers a week at Amalthia Cottage or at Arethusa Cottage from £822 pp (departing 1 May 2021). Cost includes flights to Kefalonia and transfers from Kefalonia airport to Ithaca port, car hire, plus pre-departure and overseas concierge services based on two sharing a one-bedroom villa.

Nitsa’s House

There is an appealing simplicity to Nitsa’s House where an open plan living space and two en-suite bedrooms (one double and one twin) both have doors opening out onto the bougainvillea clad terrace.
 
Situated just a few metres above the idyllic cove of Kouvoulia, a stay here provides an idyllic location for early morning bathers to take advantage of this lovely little beach before retreating to the terrace for elevated views across the Ionian to Meganissi and the mountains of northern Greece.
Alfresco dining is a delight here but when you’re of a mind to let someone else do the catering, Frikes is just a 10-minute stroll around the headland, with some excellent harbourside tavernas and bars and the picturesque harbour in Kioni is just a 15-minute drive away.
Simpson Travel (www.simpsontravel.com ; 020 8003 6557) offers a week at Nitsa’s House from £872 pp (departing 1 May 2021). Cost includes flights to Kefalonia and transfers from Kefalonia airport to Ithaca port, car hire, plus pre-departure and overseas concierge services based on two sharing a one-bedroom villa.
 
Rhodia Beach House, Lemonia Beach House, and Elia Beach House
 
Nestled together on the lush green hillside, just a stone’s throw from Polis Beach Rhodia Beach House, Lemonia Beach House and Elia Beach House are a collection of three terracotta-coloured villas overlooking Polis Bay.
Despite a shared driveway each villa is independent and enjoys a good degree of privacy making them the perfect choice for a private booking as well as collectively for multi-generational gatherings or for a group of friends travelling together.
Lemonia and Elia are two spacious villas, each with two en-suite bedrooms (one double and one twin), whilst Rhodia Beach House offers a smaller more intimate one-bedroom romantic escape.
Each villa has a delightful west-facing terrace for sunsets views across the sea to Kefalonia and a two-minute stroll along a footpath from each house leads directly to the beach where a simple kantina is a charming spot for a bite to eat during the day. There are sunbeds available for stretching out with a book or taking a little nap and the colourful fishing boats moored up by the tiny harbour offer their daily catch.
Self-drive boat hire is readily available for exploring the island from the sea and back on terra firma Simpson Travel’s local concierge can advise on guided walks and art workshops which can be arranged on request.
Simpson Travel (www.simpsontravel.com ; 020 8003 6557) offers a week at Rhodia Beach House, from £872 pp or at Lemonia Beach House or Elia Beach House from £897 pp (departing 1 May 2021). Cost includes flights to Kefalonia and transfers from Kefalonia airport to Ithaca port, car hire, plus pre-departure and overseas concierge services based on two sharing a one-bedroom villa.
 
For bookings, contact Simpson Travel (www.simpsontravel.com  020 8003 6557)
- Ends –
 
For further media information, please contact:
Sarah Bolam on 07714 337756 or email [email protected] or Anthea Yabsley – 0208 578 6777 or email [email protected]
 
Notes to Editors
Simpson Travel
Independently owned, Simpson Travel was established in 2002, yet its heritage predates this by many years. Founder Graham Simpson, a veteran of the travel industry, built up the highly successful Simply Travel in the 1970s with his Greek wife Yianna. From humble beginnings in a flat in Chiswick, it became one of the most respected independent travel companies of its time, renowned for offering authentic rather than ‘packaged’ holiday experiences, with carefully researched programmes, exceptional product knowledge and service. In Simpson Travel, he recreated the original ethos of Simply Travel, offering a very personal service, with individually selected properties, exceptional local knowledge for each destination, a highly experienced team of staff and excellent local representatives. Clients booking with Simpson Travel can be safe in the knowledge that their holiday has been created with their needs in mind and each property matched to their individual tastes and requirements.