Summer sunshine, swimming, seclusion & space: Sample a Greek villa escape with GIC

Travelling later in the summer – when border restrictions will, hopefully, have been eased – a hand-picked Greek villa will make the perfect post-lockdown escape. With ample seclusion, privacy, and space to gather with friends or family, self-catering villa accommodation allows for natural social distancing and total relaxation, often with a private pool to enjoy, too.

GIC The Villa Collection (GIC) has featured villa holidays to Greece for over 50 years; its tempting selection of over 100 home-from-home villas means a GIC villa is perfect for groups of all shapes and sizes.

Guests can be assured that each and every property will have been cleaned thoroughly before their arrival, according to strict cleaning procedures and protocols. GIC owners already complied with high standards of cleaning, and all have now been provided with additional information on cleaning best practice for before and after a stay, together with contactless key collections and adjusted check in and check out times.

Here are GIC’s top villa picks for August, September and October escapes:

For big groups of buddies

Kefalonia – Villa Nichola and Villa Alexander (sleep 14)
Enjoying a superb waterfront location in the laid-back fishing village of Fiscardo, these charming whitewashed properties, next door to one another, are within walking distance of a fantastic choice of tavernas, bars, galleries and shops. Spacious and glamorous, Villa Nichola is set across three floors, with gorgeous Villa Alexander set across two, providing ample space for a large group of friends. The properties boast a series of terraces leading down to their very own swimming platform, where a boat can be moored for idyllic nautical excursions. With staggering sea views, and both Fiscardo itself and Foki beach within walking distance, look no further for the ideal holiday base for a big group.

Villa Nichola sleeps up to eight (four bedrooms) and Villa Alexander sleeps six (three bedrooms). Departing 15 August, a seven-night stay at Villa Nichola costs from £1,219 pp and at Villa Alexander from £1,335 pp, including return flights (Gatwick) with 20 kg luggage pp and transfers.

Family Fun
Paxos – Villa Andromeda and Villa Perseus (sleep 15)
If the roomy and relaxing Villa Andromeda (sleeps 10) doesn’t quite fit the whole family, you can rent neighbouring Villa Perseus to accommodate four more. Wander between villas – which both feature a pool and picturesque views of olive groves and the Greek mainland – and get together for family time, firing up the BBQ for a family feast or soaking up the sun. Local tavernas are within walking distance, Marmari Beach is nearby for snorkeling – or an extra five minutes’ drive takes you to the water sports centre at the larger Hamari Beach.

Villa Andromeda sleeps up to 10 (four bedrooms) and Villa Perseus sleeps up to four (two bedrooms). Departing 31 August, a seven-night stay at Villa Andromeda costs from £931 pp and at Villa Perseus from £1,058 pp, including return flights (Gatwick) with 20 kg luggage pp, ferry transfers from Corfu to Paxos and car hire (two cars for Villa Andromeda and one car for Villa Perseus).

Couples’ Retreat

Paxos – Loggos Mills (sleeps eight)
Partner up at The Loggos Mills, a cluster of three studios and one cottage, all surrounding a beautiful sun terrace and large communal pool. Enjoy couple’s time over breakfast on your private sea facing balcony, then join the others for a day of relaxing by the pool or visiting the pretty local village of Fontana. At night, dine together under the stars – making use of the shared BBQ – or take a short stroll to the small fishing village of Loggos for a traditional Greek meal complete with cocktails to start and then the excellent local wine.

Each property sleeps up to two (one bedroom). Departing 8 August, a seven-night stay costs from £834 pp (eight sharing), including return flights (Gatwick) with 20 kg luggage pp, ferry transfers from Corfu to Paxos and car hire (two cars).

Three is the magic number

Ithaca – The Lefki Villas (sleeps 12)
Situated next to one another, the Lefki Villas comprise three spacious and contemporary villas each featuring a private infinity pool with surrounding terrace and BBQ area, along with some of Ithaca’s most spectacular views. Simplify your holiday by booking one villa per family – you’ll get all the perks of shared cooking, cleaning and childcare, plus the privacy of your own space and special family time together, too. If you’re looking for a change of scenery, make the short journey to the waterfront at the village of Frikes and rent pedalos or canoes, then let the kids burn off some steam at the playground next to the beach.

Each of the Lefki Villas sleeps up to four (two bedrooms). Departing 1 August, a seven-night stay costs from £1,010 pp (12 sharing), including return flights (Gatwick), with 20 kg luggage pp, ferry transfers and transfers.

For ‘Buddymooners’

Lefkas – Villa Helonaki, Villa Ambelina and Villa Kyparissi (sleeps 12)
‘Buddymooning’ is the latest trend for millennial travellers; honeymooning with all of your loved ones, rather than just with your new spouse. It’s more fun that way, apparently! Luckily, this trio of villas in lesser-known Lefkas is ideally set up for a Buddymoon, as all are just minutes away from each other. Friends and family can do their own thing at villas Ambelina and Helonaki, whilst the happy couple can tuck themselves away at Villa Kyparissi, featuring a swim-up bar and outdoor fridge. Rent mountain bikes and head into the hills, explore the coastline by speedboat, or wander into vibrant Nidri and raise a glass to the newlyweds in one of the many friendly bars.

Villa Kyparissi sleeps up to two (one bedroom), Villa Ambelina sleeps up to four (two bedrooms) and Villa Helonaki sleeps up to six (three bedrooms). Departing 9 August, a seven-night stay at Villa Ambelina costs from £1,227 pp, at Villa Helonaki from £1,084 pp, and at Villa Kyparissi from £1,247 pp, including return flights (Gatwick) with 20 kg luggage pp and car hire (four cars).

For even more fabulous Greek island villas that cater for large groups, visit GIC’s Groups Collection here.

For more information, or to talk to an expert, call GIC The Villa Collection on 020 8232 9780 or visit www.gicthevillacollection.com.