We were attracted to this villa because of the huge pool and we were not disappointed! With an 11-, a 10- and an 8-year-old to entertain between our two families (not to mention the two larger kids in the shape of the dads!), we found that there was so much to do and plenty of space, so that we did not feel like we were on top of one another.
We arrived quite late due to a flight delay and George and Erato could not have been more accommodating and empathetic. They anticipated our every need, providing refreshments and detailed hints and tips about how to enjoy our stay. We all felt extremely relaxed from day one!
The island was a wonderful surprise. Evia is unspoilt and truly Greek, with its share of historical sights, beautiful beaches, varied terrain and some fantastic cuisine. The nearby seaside town of Eretria was perfect for restaurants, cafés and even a spot of souvenir shopping (some fabulous jewellers and ceramic artists have their wares tucked away in shops near the ferry port). We also climbed to the acropolis, accompanied by some local puppies, and visited the fascinating museum full of local finds.
As recommended by our hosts, outings to the beaches of Kalamos and Hiliadou were great fun for all the family and we enjoyed a stop at a hidden-gem of a taverna in the mountain-top village of Steni. The local beaches alongside the church (within walking distance) were fantastic for snorkelling, with beautiful clear water and plenty of sealife to spot, including cuttlefish and crabs.
We also ventured further afield to visit the Parthenon, following George's travel advice and found it to be an easy daytrip. However, the villa kept calling us back with promises of the next tennis tournament, floating on a lilo or a sheltered, lazy BBQ dinner with Greek radio playing from the outdoor kitchen!
We slept really well, thanks to the comfortable beds and air-conditioning and the luxurious en-suite in the master-bedroom was a real treat. We enjoyed selecting from the many seating areas and trying out different combinations of lights for evening drinks. The sun-loungers are really comfortable too and there is a fantastic view of the floodlit tennis court from the far end of the pool (useful for umpiring particularly close calls!)
There is nothing we would change about this holiday and we're certainly hoping to return soon. Thank you, Erato and George.