Our latest selection of villas and experiences is perfect for fans of the Greek islands of Mykonos, Paros, and Kea.Very much associated with summer holidays, these smaller islands are much quieter between autumn and spring, but visitors can still relax and enjoy a local Greek experience at a more peaceful, and slower pace.From tranquil nature activities to picturesque villages brimming with of history and mouthwatering food, discover the pleasures of visiting Greece off-season and your TLTB home away from home.
MYKONOSThe beautiful island of Mykonos is the perfect example of the advantages of travelling both during and outside of high season. With its popular crowded beaches by day and a vibrant nightlife during the peak summer months, the island offers a completely different experience for visitors during low season when, with a less frenetic pace, the island’s natural beauty can be enjoyed. We recommend spring as a particularly lovely time to visit the Cycladic islands, before the crowds arrive, but the weather is usually a comfortable 16 – 20 degrees.
The charming, picturesque main town and capital, Chora, with its narrow streets, and pretty white-washed houses with colourful doors and balconies, can be explored on foot more easily without the crowds, as can a walk to see the iconic view of famous windmills at sunset. Another beautiful landmark in Mykonos town is Little Venice with its quaint original fishermen’s houses, perched on the edge of the sea. From here, you can also explore the Paraportiani Church and the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos, or walk up to the ancient ruins of the Venetian castle which overlooks the town. Winter and spring are also ideal times to visit the island for those who enjoy hiking or cycling, long walks along the beach without the summer crowds, and exploring historic sights. For lovers of ancient history, we highly recommend a day trip to nearby Delos island, the mythological birthplace of Apollo, with its ruins including Doric temples, an amphitheatre with famous statues and mosaics, and its Archaeological Museum, which is one the most important museums in Greece.
Villa Apollo 12 Guests | 6 BedroomsWith its beautiful sea views, this high-end residence is just a couple of minutes drive (or 10 minute walk downhill) to the beach. Ano Mera, the second largest town on the island, with food shops and family run restaurants and cafés, open all year round, is just a 7 minute drive, and Mykonos Town, a 15 minute drive. The villa is surrounded by spacious terraces, with sitting and dining areas, including a large wood fired barbecue. Depending on the time of year (and weather), guests here can swim in the 100m2 pool, or sit in the hot jacuzzi, while enjoying the beautiful views
The interiors have been beautifully decorated and furnished, and amenities include satellite cable television, LCD TV in living room, free Wi-Fi Internet in all areas, air conditioning and electric heating.Daily maid service is included, and other services can be arranged, including chef service, in-house massages and beauty treatments. Yoga classes can also be arranged at the villa or at a nearby ashram.
PAROSLike most of the Cycladic islands, the best time to visit Paros out of the more crowded high season, is from beginning of March to the end of June, or autumn, when there are fewer crowds, and the shops and restaurants, on the whole, remain open. There is plenty to tempt visitors who enjoy walks on long sandy beaches, hiking in the countryside, and sporting activities, as well as exploring authentic Cycladic villages and towns, dining in local restaurants, and visiting historic sites. There are also several family run wineries which can be visited for tastings. The picturesque fishing village of Naoussa, built around a small port, is considered to be one of the prettiest villages in the Cyclades and, despite its popularity, it has retained its traditional authenticity and charm. As well as a good choice of dining options, and a wine museum, there is a small 15th century Venetian Castle in the old port of Naoussa, which once served as a watch tower.
The capital and main port of Paros, Parikia, also offers a good choice of restaurants and cafés, shopping, and much of historical interest including the Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani, one of the oldest churches on the island, a castle dating from 1260, small 15th Century Venetian castle in the old port, and a Byzantine Museum at the entrance of the town. Just 13 kms south of Parikia, is another quaint fishing village and port, Alyki, popular for its sandy beaches and traditional tavernas, specialising in fish. The three independent villas featured below are all located on an estate on the coast, just 8 minutes’ walk from a sandy beach, and 2 kms from Alyki village. Naoussa is within 30 minutes’ drive, and the small port of Pounta, from where you can visit the charming small island of Anti-Paros, is under 10 minutes’ drive. All three villas mentioned below, have WiFi, satellite TV and air conditioning. Maid service is also included.
Villa Athena 110 Guests | 5 BedroomsAs well as a great location, just a short walk from a secluded beach, our Villa Athena 1 offers spacious and comfortable accommodation, with use of natural materials throughout the interiors. Surrounded by a beautiful Mediterranean garden, the terraces outside the villa are made from local stone, and furnished for dining and relaxing outdoors.Views over the garden to the sea beyond can be enjoyed from the terraces, and the inviting swimming pool.
Villa Athena 26 – 7 Guests | 3 BedroomsVilla Athena 2 is also surrounded by a Mediterranean garden, with an infinity pool, and sea views. The terraces, paved with local stone, are furnished for relaxing and dining outdoors, and there is also a bar and a barbecue with a wood oven. The tastefully furnished and comfortable interiors feature natural materials throughout, including handcrafted wooden ceilings and stone-paved floors. The accommodation is in a main house, and a guest house with a double bedroom.
Villa Athena 36 Guests | 3 BedroomsLike Athena 1 and 2, this villa is also a short walk from a quiet beach, and just 2 kms from Alyki town. The property offers comfortable and spacious accommodation, featuring a combination of traditional and contemporary styles, including classic furnishings, subtle colours and selected art works. The furnished stone terraces include an outdoor dining area, also with outdoor bar and barbecue, and overlook the swimming pool to the sea beyond.
KEAKea can be reached via is a 60-minute boat ride from Lavrio, a port on the mainland, about 30 minutes south of Athens airport. The island, with its mountainous terrain, valleys, picturesque coves and beaches, olive groves and vineyards, offers a perfect getaway escape during both the summer and out of season months. With a system of walking trails connecting the capital, Ioulis, to ‘off the beaten track’ beaches, beautiful terrain, spectacular views and archaeological sites, the island is ideal for those who love the outdoors. Swimming, snorkelling and diving are popular activities on the island, including the reef off Koundouraki, one of the island’s top diving spots. Dives can be made from here to view the HMHS Britannic, which was sunk in 1916, and discovered by Jacques Cousteau in 1975.
The beautiful village of Ioulis, with its lovely squares and traditional tavernas, is the capital of the island. It is also home to its Archaelogical Museum, with its artefacts from the island’s most important archaeological site, Karthea. The beautiful bay of Kathea, can be reached, either on foot or by boat, to view the remains of monuments including a Doric temple of Athena goddess, and the archaic temple of Pythion Apollo, apart from the bars and taverns, the main square or platia is also highly advisable.
Villa Meria10 – 12 Guests | 5 BedroomsA new, white-washed villa in a secluded hilltop position in the area of Pera Meria, guests at Villa Meria will be in an area of outstanding beauty and stunning sea views. Within its own land of 10,000m2, the villa offers many amenities, including an infinity salt water swimming pool, an outdoor dining area with barbecue, a tennis court, a basketball court, a gym, and a spa with hammam and massage room.
This is a villa where guests can truly relax and enjoy the 5-star services, including a private chef who prepares breakfast and, on request, dishes for other meals, using organic produce from the villa’s garden and the local market, with the emphasis on traditional and healthy Greek-Mediterranean recipes. Daily cleaning is included, and other services can be arranged. The villa is also equipped with central air conditioning, Wi-Fi, Samsung Smart TVs, satellite TV, 2 internet desktop PCs, a scanner, printer and 2 Samsung tablets. There is also a home cinema, Playstation 4, Xbox 360, a safe box and a hairdryer in each room.
LATEST TRAVEL REQUIREMENTSTo travel to Greece, you must complete an online Passenger Locator Form (PLF) at least 24 hours before your arrival in Greece. Once you have completed the form, you will receive an email acknowledgement. In a separate email, you will also receive a QR code. This code is likely to be sent up to 24 hours before you travel, regardless of how early you fill in your form. When you receive your code, make sure you either print it, or can show it on your mobile phone.Upon arrival, the Greek authorities may ask you to undergo an additional rapid test for Coronavirus, as a condition of permitting entry. This is in addition to the pre-travel testing requirement set out above.We recommend travellers also check with the advice on their own government websites before going abroad.Follow the latest updates here.
