... then staying at one of the villas at the famous Gods Little People Cat Sanctuary on the Greek island of Syros in harmony with nature might be just the place for you.
Described by the world press as a place of ‘exquisite beauty’ (BBC WORLD NEWS), and a ‘paradise on earth’ (CNN) the Sanctuary Villas in Delfini, are opening to the public in April 2021 on the site of the internationally famous Cat Sanctuary (the focus of a new Netflix documentary).
It is the perfect vacation place for comfort and tranquility.
Less that 200 meters from the best beach in Delfini, these beach-side family friendly villas have their own charming gardens and outdoor pergolas - and in the lower garden is the now famous cat sanctuary as has been featured on CNN, BBC, and in the Guardian, TIME Magazine, Washington Post... as located 'in paradise' on a Greek island!
Enter the large blue gates through the parking area and you will be at the three houses - each with large balconies with dining table area + sun deck chairs set in a lush garden of herbs and olive trees. Mountain view from the front door and kitchen and a spectacular ocean view from the living room area. Just two hundred meters walk from the pristine Delfini beach.
The villas sleeps 4 - 5 people / 5-6 people (two and three bedrooms)
Each house has two bathrooms, modern kitchen area with a dishwasher, dining and living area, flat screen TV and access to a laundry room.
The house is tastefully and comfortably furnished with stunning views over the Mediterranean and the pristine beach of Delfini.
The path to the beach is just a few minutes walk through the property's private cat garden (where the cats 'hang out". Enjoy a chat with the kitties on your way!
In season our manager will leave you fresh figs, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers (whatever is available) from our own organic kitchen garden.
Delfini is a tranquil area, ideal for families and the beach is accessed by a narrow partly unmade valley road. It is a mixture of gorgeous villas and un-spoilt nature. One traditionally Greek taverna is open in season at the far end of the beach about ten minutes walk away plus a small snack bar on the beach.
Built on a gentle hillside overlooking a nature protected bay with fabulous swimming and crystal clear waters. The gardens lead to coastal paths to other remote beaches and rocky areas covered with wild herbs such as wild sage, thyme and oregano – a delight to the senses in all seasons. In spring the whole mountainside is full of gorgeous wild flowers. Although the climate is a little cooler earlier in the year, this is a wonderful time to visit, when beaches are nearly deserted and the island is home only to its usual Greek population.
Once a week cleaning is included, all linen and towels are provided and changed each week. You may decide to dine 'at home' and admire the sunsets, or try one of the many lovely tavernas in nearby Kini, or even venture further afield in the many lovely villages along the coast.
To make the most of your stay in Syros, we recommend you hire a car. We can arrange this for you with pick up from either the port or airport when you arrive to make your transfer and luggage handling easy.
The main town and port of Hermoupolis is a gem of Italian and Greek architecture, with shops, supermarkets, banks, market, cinemas and a splendid theatre.
Impressive Neo-Classical buildings decorate the town, including a large central marbled square, where frequent cultural displays can be enjoyed from surrounding bars and tavernas. The older part of the city Ano Syros, is a walled hill-top area crowned with a Catholic cathedral.
Each July, the Festival of the Aegean offers world class performances in opera, music, dance and drama at the tiny Apollon Theatre - a small-scale version of La Scala in Milan, and local galleries showcase art from Greece and beyond. Syros has sun, sea, beautiful beaches, historical buildings, museums, shopping, cultural events and cats!!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
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We request that all guests respect the cats and are kind to them, do not bring them into the houses or feed them - thanks you
no smoking or barbecues
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
Property Registration Number 00001180170
About the area
Syros
Located in Syros, this villa is in a rural area and on the beach. Apollon Theater and Agios Nikolaos are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Varvaroúsa and Kini Beach. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and mountain climbing.
Ermoupolis (JSY-Syros Island National) - 27 min drive
Restaurants
Δελφίνι Beach Bar - 14 min walk
Meraki - 12 min drive
Hygge - 13 min drive
Αλλού Γυαλού - 4 min drive
Ano (The Upper Cocktail Bar) - 13 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Delfini, Syros - A 'Paradise Location' (BBC World) Be in the company of Cats pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Delfini, Syros - A 'Paradise Location' (BBC World) Be in the company of Cats?
As of 6 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Delfini, Syros - A 'Paradise Location' (BBC World) Be in the company of Cats on 6 Apr 2026 start from £222, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Delfini, Syros - A 'Paradise Location' (BBC World) Be in the company of Cats?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Delfini, Syros - A 'Paradise Location' (BBC World) Be in the company of Cats?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Delfini, Syros - A 'Paradise Location' (BBC World) Be in the company of Cats?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Delfini, Syros - A 'Paradise Location' (BBC World) Be in the company of Cats located?
Nestled on the beach, this Syros villa is within 2 mi (3 km) of Kini Beach, Varvaroúsa and Lotó Beach. Galissas Beach and Neorion Elefsis Shipyard are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This was the vacation of a lifetime.
Joan and Richard’s Delfini property was possibly the most beautiful place we’ve ever been. The view is the best on the island, and the home is lovely. They made it easy for our family of 3 to enjoy a special trip. They were available when we needed them, and made us feel quite welcome. The fact that they run a cat sanctuary on the property was an extra special bonus! Our daughter is crazy for cats, and spent some of her mornings and evenings helping their cat guardian care for the kitties. I can’t overstate what a special place this is. We were so sad to leave. Thank you!
Susannah N.
Stayed 12 nights in Jun 2019
Archival
10/10 Excellent
John S.
14 Aug 2015
Wonderful vacation!
This place kept all its promises! An elegant, clean and well equipped house in beautiful surroundings made our stay perfect. We were met by nice and caring housekeepers and hosts who made us feel at home immediately, and gave us a perfect start for 14 lazy days. A few minutes walk to the beach with crystal-clear water in a sheltered bay and with a very good taverna, nice walks in the hills nearby, gourmet-restaurants in Kini, undescribeable sunsets: We`ll be back!
Four Syros-fans from Norway
John S.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer D.
24 Jun 2015
Beautiful, peaceful villa
We stayed in a small villa on this property for our honeymoon in June. It could not have been more perfect. The villa has everything you need - full kitchen, towels, comfortable furniture, A/C, and amazing outdoor spaces (several sitting areas both covered and uncovered overlooking the ocean). The wonderful Delfini beach is less than a 5 minute walk down the hill, featuring a small cafe and a taverna where you can get drinks and food right on the beach (lounge chairs, umbrellas, and tables are provided). The weather was perfect. Kini, a small town with grocery stores and many good restaurants, is a 15-20 minute walk down the road. Perfect for a single person, couple, or family looking to get away from it all and have a quiet, peaceful holiday. Very welcoming.
Jennifer D.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Elizabeth G.
29 Jan 2015
Idyllic holiday
My husband and I spent an idyllic holiday in the wonderfully peaceful surroundings of this beautifully-located villa. The quiet beach was only a short stroll away through lovely gardens with a convenient taverna nearby. The villa itself was clean and well maintained with everything we needed.
Elizabeth G.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Lari J.
29 Jan 2015
Excellent choice!
This was already my third trip to this Estate. I have come back, because the place offers ecxcellent possibilities for a peaceful holiday. The nearby beach and adjoining Nature Preserve surroundings give excellent opportunities for outdoors activities, hiking etc. The house is beautiful, tastefully furnished and decorated. It is well kept, garden is very nice, elegant.
The village with good restaurants is within walking distance.
I am looking forward to come again and highly recommend this place to everyone.
Lari J.
About the host
Hosted by Joan Bowell
We are a Danish/English couple that purchased the land and developed the estate from scratch . We are creative people - a writer working with the United Nations in New York and an artist. Our work is about caring for the environment and the estate is about harmony and quiet and beauty. It has taken many years to find this unique piece of land that embodied the vision of the perfect 'SANCTUARY as an oasis of tranquility where cats can live in harmony with the land.
We wanted to create a place that families found enchanting and full of well-being..
Over time we looked after the cats left here and nurtured and fed them and have created a small (and now famous) cat sanctuary in the lower gardens - you can visit by request.
Why they chose this property
We wanted to create a family orientated place where friends to the estate might come year after year because they had the same values as we do - quiet, the beauty of Greece and a place where you can live at ease - day and night. With subtle night lights one can eat in the gardens on ones private balcony / garden or in the well equipped villas. Enjoying eating and having a drink reading and relaxing under the stars is such a special experience and to hear the waves lapping against the sea shore - unique.
What makes this property unique
The villa is near to wonderful restaurants and a truly great town whilst feeling a little 'old Greek', the estate being at the end of an unmade up road with only exclusive villas with large gardens in the area and sheep and bee hives in the mountains around and through the valley to Delfini. This is a controlled nature-preserved area where only a limited number of houses have been able to be built - so very exclusive and with a beach that has not been exploited -combing natural beauty with high quality villas.
We are cat lovers and have offered a home to the cats of Delfini who are fed in the lower gardens. They are clean, cared for, have been neutered and been maintained by the local vet to a very high standard. They are tame but with children it is always good to guide them in interacting with cats. All are welcome to watch them being fed morning and evening. The estate is the focus of a NETFLIX documentary.