Apartments and Villas in Greece and the Greek Islands, Greek Villas - Barclay International Group (800) 845-6636

Greek Island of Peloponnese
The North Peloponnese is the name given to the area of the north coast from Patras across to Loutra, the Isthmus of Corinth to Loutraki and the north coast of the Corinthian Gulf. Contrary to what you may have heard, the water of the Corinthian Gulf is clean and clear. The geographical position makes it ideal for exploring ancient sites as well as points of interests. Delphi, the Ossios monastery, the Epidaurus Theatre and many other places of cultural interests are in close vicinity. Corinth is one hour from Athens by car. Arrival: charter and schedule flights to Athens, ferry to Patras or Piraeus (Pireas). A car is necessary. The southwest of the Peloponnese, also called Messenia, is among other things, famous for its kilometre-long, white sandy beaches. The capital is Kalamata, a name that every Greek associates with the folk dance Kalamatianos. Sparkling springs make this area especially green and fertile. In the west, towering above the town of Pilos, which is situated in the crescent- shaped Bay of Navarino, you will find one of the most beautiful castles in the Peloponnese. Offshore from Marathopoli is the little island Proti, where remnants of an ancient, mycenean Acropolis have been found. Arrival: Charter flight to Kalamata, Athens and Araxos, hire car, private car, ferry from Italy to Patras.

Greek Island of Rhodes
Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, is a cosmopolitan place of international reputation, where the summer season lasts far longer than the traditional three summer months. Though a small island, this "pearl of the Mediterranean" with its crystal-clear waters offers natural splendors that more than compensate for its limited space. Lovers of history will be drawn to the remarkable ancient as well as medieval antiquities, signs of its past glory. Sports lovers can enjoy windsurfing, tennis, golf and water-skiing. Nightlife includes discos, pubs, bars and a casino. Whether you long for a major resort or a small, traditional seaside or mountain village, you'll find it in Rhodes.

Greek Island of Santorini

Santorini calls to those who seek an island of contrasting light and landscape. Guests can appreciate what has been written about the island’s incredible beauty. Stark sunlight cascades over blue church domes and white-washed houses, narrow terraces and the backdrop of a dark glistening sea one thousand feet below.

The island’s central stage of the Caldera was created by a volcanic eruption some four thousand years ago leaving Akrotiri’s Minoan ruins, rumored to be the remains of lost Atlantis. The legacy of this drama is an island so enchanting that it’s exploration leaves vivid memories with all who visit – swimming from the black sandy beaches of the east coast; discovering the island’s many white cubic churches; driving through the interior plains of wheat and tomato fields, vineyards and pistachio groves; ambling through narrow streets of chic boutiques and shops selling beautifully crafted wares; choosing from one of the many cliff-top eyries to enjoy some of the most dramatic views in all of Greece.

Each of the three cliff-top villages of Fira, Imerovigli and Oia offers an enticing selection of tavernas, bars and shops, hidden away in narrow, cobblestone streets. We recommend renting a car to discover the different parts of the island including the beaches on the east coast.

Greek Island of Sifnos
Sifnos is the fourth island in the West Kyklades groups. Every visitor finds the radiance of the light of this island unforgettable. The harbor of Kamares, with its lively narrow streets, quaint tavernas and long stretches of beaches, also radiate with the island's friendliness. The numerous monasteries and churches, with their turquoise-blue domes and the spotless white houses, are characteristic of Sifnos. Former gold and silver mines are reminders of the wealthy past of the island. In the archaeological museum of the former capital town of Kastro, one will find articles of Mycenean, Hellenistic and Byzantine origins. Arrival: Flight to Athens, ferry from Piraeus to Sifnos.

Greek Island of Sivota
Sivota is a small town of about 700 inhabitants in northwest Greece. It lies 24km south of the port of Igumenitsa and 52km north of Parga. Situated in a lovely landscape of hills and valleys that lead to the many beautiful beaches, this has become a favorite holiday region though still remaining unspoiled. Four tiny islands lie just offshore in front of the yacht harbor and these can be visited in the summer. In the town there are plenty of shops to explore and taverns to sit at and enjoy a glass of Ouzo. Day trips to the islands of Corfu, Paxi and Antipaxi are very worthwhile. Arrival: Ferry from Ancona, Italy to Igumenitsa, charter flights to Prevesa, rental car.

Greek Island of Skopelos
Northeast of Evia between Skiathos and Alonnesos, 60 nautical miles from Volos, lies this green island of the Sporades islands. It owes its name to the alternating cliffs and sandy beaches, which encircle the island almost like a garland. The main town, also called Skopelos, enchants its visitors with its lively harbour, its narrow, steep lanes and pretty white houses with their original grey shingle roofs, many of which are still in excellent condition. In the northwest of the island one finds the picturesque fishing village of Glossa with its harbour Loutraki. This is the first stop of the ferry that makes its way from Volos and Skiathos. Arrival: Charter flight to Skiathos or Saloniki, speedboat/hydrofoil.

Greek Island of Spetses
The islands of the Saronic and the Argolic Gulfs lie between the southeast coast of the Peloponnese and the west coast of Attica. Just as on Hydra, private cars are not allowed on this island. Instead of cars, buses are used throughout the island or you could hire a horse and carriage. The island has fine sandy beaches: Agios Nikolaos and Agia Marina are close to the city and others, such as Vrellos and Agia Paraskevi, can be reached by boat. On the west side of the island near the beach of Agii Anagiri is Bekiri Cave which was used by the partisans as a hiding place during the War of Independence. Arrival: Charter/schedule flight to Athens, ferry or high-speed boat.

Greek Island of Syros
Syros, also known as Syra, is the heart of the Kyklades, both in location and significance. This island, an age-old 'home of the seafarer' enjoys great prestige and wealth. Its buildings--such as the town hall, the customs house, a handsome theatre, spacious squares and impressive churches-- are witnesses of this glorious time. The island is known for its vast range of hills, far-reaching valleys and isolated golden sandy bays that, through their unspoilt beauty, guarantee their visitors an unforgettable stay. Arrival: Flight to Athens or Mykonos, ferry and fast boat/fast ferry/hydrofoil to Syros. (There is a daily four-hour car ferry from Piraeus; the fast ferry, speedboat and hydrofoil, which operates in good weather during the high summer season, take only 2 hours.) Once a day there is a car ferry from Piraeus to Syros, which takes four hours.

Greek Island of Zakynthos
The island Zakynthos is the southernmost of the seven Ionian Islands, located west of the Peloponnese. This well-known island is especially green and fertile with wonderful sandy beaches, pretty mountain villages and lively holiday resorts. The Ionian Islands are amongst the richest in Greece, a position that made it possible for them to effectively cultivate their relations with the Western World. This wealth is immediately evident upon entering Zakynthos Town. Whether it is through rigorous fishing, strenuous work in the fields or changing currency for the tourists, all the residents make a contribution to the island's good reputation. Tip: As beautiful as the harbor promenade is, there are not many good restaurants to offer. You may want to take advantage of your villa's kitchen. Once you leave the colourful hustle and bustle of the charming historical town of Zakynthos, the well-built road network helps you explore the picturesque villages on the coast and the mountainous inland regions. Attempts are being made to preserve the regular breeding grounds of the endangered sea turtle, Caretta-Caretta, on the kilometre long sandy beach of Laganas. Arrival: charter flight to Zakynthos or via Athens and Araxos, car ferry from Italy to Patras, then from Killini to Zakynthos.

	Click on the name of an island to see a description of the area.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12	Alonissos Attika Cephalonia Chalkidiki Corfu Crete Hydra Ithaca Lefkada Mykonos Naxos Paros	13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23	Patmos Paxos and AntiPaxos Peloponnese Rhodes Santorini Sifnos Sivota Skopelos Spetses Syros Zakynthos

Greek Islands of Paxos and AntiPaxos
The charm of Paxos lies in the friendliness of its people, in the beauty of its beaches, valleys of cypress trees, wild flowers and olive-clad hills. Paxos, the smallest of the Ionian islands, is seven miles long and three miles wide and lies ten miles south of Corfu. About half of the island's population of 2,400 live in the four villages of Gaios, Loggos, Magazia and Lakka. There is a delightful contrast of colours in the narrow, flagstoned streets: whitewashed walls; pastel coloured shutters; multicoloured café bar sun umbrellas; crimson and purple bougainvillaea; passion flower vines; oleander trees; potted plants on Venetian balconies and shop displays of fresh fruit. The island resembles one vast garden thickly covered with olives planted by the Venetians over three hundred years ago and tall pine trees, which together descend to over 30 beaches. In the hills bracken and wild flowers, lilies, cyclamen and crocuses abound. The sea is crystal clear and clean. Views from Paxos of Corfu, the mainland of Greece nine miles away and along the island of Paxos itself, are outstanding. AntiPaxos, the little vineyard island just one mile off the tip of Paxos, has only 30 inhabitants and some of the loveliest sandy beaches in the Mediterranean. It has a winter population of three, the lighthouse keepers and the agricultural officer. For those who like exploring by boat or on foot, there are on Paxos and AntiPaxos grottoes, caves, tiny unpopulated islands, uninhabited villages, ancient fortresses. A caïque leaves Gaios every morning to visit the mainland village of Parga from where one can be taken up the ancient River Styx by a local fisherman.
AntiPaxos
South across the sea about one mile from Paxos lies the tiny island of Antipaxos, just 4 kilometres long and 2 kilometres wide. The island is owned in individual plots by Paxiot families and although there are very few houses here, those families who have built a small home on Antipaxos come here for their holidays and to cultivate grapes. The landscape is rugged; there are only a few olive trees and the hillsides are carpeted by maquis. A network of narrow tracks lead from the small harbour of Agrapidia up to the interior and past the occasional cottage with gardens of fruit trees, vegetables and vineyards. The local grape produces a rich, red and unique wine.

Greek Island of Alonissos
The island of Alonissos is thirteen miles long and three miles wide, and like her neighbours Skopelos and Skiathos, her hillsides are covered in thick pine forests and olive groves. Close by are the tiny islands of Peristera, home to a few shepherds and small colonies of cormorants; Panagia Kyra, uninhabited except for wild goats; Skangoura and her isolated monastery; Pappou, uninhabited except for wild hares; Youra, again uninhabited except for wild goats and possessing a spectacular cave which is believed to have been the home of the Cyclops. Traditional professions and customs are evident; out of the island's population of nearly 2000, 200 are fishermen. The fishing port of Patitiri is a colourful jostle of large and small caïques supplying the island and the mainland with a rich assortment of fish. Shaded by trees, the waterfront bars and tavernas of Patitiri provide an attractive setting for those who like to watch the complicated antics of yachtsmen negotiating mooring space with local fishing boats. Two supermarkets, three bakeries, two fruit shops and an innovative 'croissanterie' provide for all tastes.

Greek Island of Attika
The east coast of the Attican peninsula is opposite the island of Evia and extends from the town of Halkida in the north to Sounion on the southern tip with its imposing Poseidon Temple. Varying landscapes and lush vegetation characterize this unusual and still untouched area. One of the features of the East Attican Coast is its crystal clear water and its beaches. It you are fortunate, you may see dolphins here. Getting there: Charter and schedule flights to Athens, transfer by rental car and ferry to island, then private car to villa.

Greek Island of Cephalonia
Cephalonia, the island of honey and wine, lies opposite the mouth of the Gulf of Corinth just sixty miles south of Paxos. Many of the island's beaches are of fine golden sand which shelve gently under sparkling water making them ideal for children. Other beaches on the island are of white, red and gray sand. For the explorer, Cephalonia offers many ancient sites of unrivalled beauty. Venetian fortresses and monasteries; Byzantine churches containing their sixteenth century icons still in their original bright colors; underground Mycenaean tombs dating back to 1200 BC; the remains of a Roman villa which houses four fascinating mosaics dating back to the second century AD; serene lakes surrounded by proud cypress trees; large caves encrusted with stalactites; and a host of small fishing villages and secluded coves. Mount Aenos, in the centre of the island, looks down through thick pine forests to a luxuriant landscape of olive, cypress, orange, lemon, grape, corn and wild lavender. The mountain attracts many birds such as the Golden Eagle, a large number of ravens, hoopoes, kestrels and warblers. Watersport facilities are available on the sandy beach of Makris Yalos. These include waterskiing, parasailing, windsurfing, sailing and canoeing. The many tavernas on the island serve an extensive range of delicious dishes which are exclusive to the island; the local Calliga and Manzavino wines are delightfully crisp.

Greek Island of Chalkidiki
The Chalkidiki peninsula is one of the favourite holiday regions of northern Greece. It lies to the south of Thessaloniki. First-time visitors are surprised by the variety of landscapes to be found here. Green hills, dense pine forests and the blue sea intersperse with the sandy beaches and bays. Mountains succeed one another, their curving silhouettes giving off varying shades of purple. The roads along the peninsula follow the coastline with its beautiful views and then pass through romantic fishing villages with their tavernas. Good bus connections bring you easily to Thessaloniki, both a modern and a historically interesting town. Arrival: Charter/schedule flight to Thessaloniki, transfer from airport to villa possible on request, private car.

Greek Island of Corfu
The green island of Corfu, with its gently rolling hills in the south, soaring mountains in the north, its olive groves, evergreen cypress, palms and innumerable hibiscus, is so diverse that there is something for everyone. Not only does the island have a marvelous landscape but also a very pleasant climate, hearty hospitality and an interesting array of architecture. Here you find byzantine churches, Venetian fortresses and the Spinada, the biggest square in Greece. Furthermore, Corfu is renowned for its bathing beaches, which are mainly found in Gouvia, Nissaki, Benitses and Dassia. Golfers will be accommodated by Corfu's 21-hole golf course. Arrival: Charter flight to Corfu or ferry from Italy to Corfu.

Greek Island of Crete
The area around the harbor of Rethymnon City was heavily trafficked by Venetians in the Middle Ages. Today, Rethymnon is one of the most beautiful cities on the north coast of Crete, with its medieval influences visible in the typical narrow streets, the Venetian- and Turkish-style houses and the slender minarets. The 16th century Venetian fortress is also worth visiting. Only 6km from Rethymnon via a romantic road completely built out of old stone, one discovers the Venetian village of Maroulas, with its two wonderful old towers. Arrival: Schedule/charter flight to Heraklion or Chania

Greek Island of Hydra
Hydra is an island with a very interesting history and colorful past. Up until the end of the 18th century the island, with its innumerable sailing ships, was world famous for trade. Hydra always had its own government and was completely autonomous. Because of its powerful sailing fleet the island was able to hold off the attack of the Turks and furthermore, could begin the offensive against the Turks in 1821. Today Hydra is under the protection of the archaeological section of the Greek Ministry of Culture, which therefore guarantees the preservation of its architectural style and tradition. Arrival: Flight to Athens, (speedboat/hydrofoil) from Marina Zea to Hydra.

Greek Island of Ithaca
Ithaca, the island of Odysseus and Homer's Odyssey, is only a few miles from Cephalonia. Probably the most legendary of all Greek islands, Ithaca is strangely one of the least known. Many visitors have come close by sea but few have stayed in one of the tiny fishing villages and felt the charm of a beautiful island still unspoilt by tourism. The crop of olives constitutes the main economy. The atmosphere in the clear water harbours of Kioni and Frikes is simple, lazy and welcoming. Mornings are greeted by the smell of freshly baked bread and the sight of children walking to school; the evenings echo the sound of distant goat bells as farmers urge their flocks back home. Exploring this unspoilt island by boat or on foot, you are able to discover the legendary places mentioned in Homer's Odyssey, small inland villages, ancient monasteries and deserted beaches.

Greek Island of Lefkada
The island of Lefkada, also known as the White Island, is approximately 45 kilometres long and is connected to the nearby mainland by a swing bridge. It inherited its name from the remarkable light-colored steep cliffs, which are broken up by magnificent sandy beaches and rock grottos. The vegetation in the southeast of the island is particularly green. The country road along the east coast passes through wonderful fertile terrain as it leads past the pretty fishing villages of Ligia and Nikiana on the way to Nidri, one of the prettiest holiday destinations on the island. There are numerous interesting sights to visit in the area nearby. Arrival: Flights to Athens or Preveza, then rental car or your own car. Alternate: car ferry from Italy.

Greek Island of Mykonos
On Mykonos, whitewashed houses gather together to brave the winds while, in the towns, the white-marble streets wind labyrinthine between the shops and restaurants. The island is very sophisticated offering fine beaches and upscale shops.

Greek Island of Naxos
With an area of 400 sq.km. and mountains ranging up to 1000 m. in height, Naxos is the largest of the Kyklades islands. Its beauty is unsurpassed by any other islands in the area with its incomparable landscape and diverse vegetation. Apart from a balanced climate, it offers guests over 30 km of glorious, peaceful beaches, many with golden sand and a sparkling turquoise sea, set before a mainly green hinterland. There are also many delightful excursions offered on the island. Arrival: charter/schedule flights to Athens and a further flight to Naxos - Charter flight to Santorini or Mykonos, and then speed boat/hydrofoil or ferry to Naxos.

Greek Island of Paros
After Naxos, Andros and Turos, Paros is the fourth largest island in the Kyklades group, and one of its most fascinating. Here you will find beautiful beaches, mountains from which the famous Paros marble is cut, sparkling blue sea and interesting cultural sites. The island is renowned as being particularly friendly to visitors. It's also an ideal base from which to travel to other islands of the group. On arrival at the entrance to the harbor of the capital town, Paros, you are greeted by a marvelous view: the old Venetian castle ruin overlooking the snow-white houses surrounded by jasmine bushes and flowers. The quaint narrow streets entice you to explore the town and its many tavernas and shops. Paros is often described as a half-eaten apple. The 'bitten part' forms the Bay of Naoussa. Villa Petra reigns over the left and westerly part of this convex curve. From here one has a breathtaking view of the harbour of Naoussa. Apart from the main town of Parikia in the west, there is the Naoussa Harbor in the north, the town of Pisso Livadi in the east and Aliki in the south. Between Parikia and Aliki is the Agia-Irini Cove, with a fascinating view of Anitparos (its sister island, to the southwest) and the numerous other nearby islands dotted before you. Arrival: Flights connecting through Athens or Mykonos or a direct flight from Austria with Tyrolian Air, ferry.

Villas of Greece