Odyssea - Six Bedroom Villa, Sleeps 12

A spacious, flexible, cliff-top villa with sensational sea views, an infinity pool, and access on foot to a beach and a selection of tavernas.

Odyssea occupies a privileged cliff-top position on the south coast of Kefalonia. Its warm, burnt orange walls and terracotta-tiled roofs hint at hacienda-style architecture, its manicured Mediterranean gardens and shady terraces invite repose, and its impressive infinity pool sparkles temptingly above the intense blues of the Ionian Sea.

Inside: accommodation at Odyssea is spread over a main house on two floors and three independent garden rooms.

One enters the main house from a welcoming arched porch. The hallway inside leads directly to the generously sized living area, whose French doors, one on either side of a central fireplace, bring in the fabulous sea views and allow easy access to the surrounding terraces and gardens. Furnished with a long sofa and a pair of armchairs, there's a pleasing symmetry about this space.

To one end, the hard-wood flooring of the living area flows into a convivial dining room with white-washed wood-beamed ceilings, more sea views, and access to the main al fresco dining area.

Just next to the dining room, and accessed from the living area, is the fully equipped country-style kitchen with large central island. It too features white beamed ceilings and effortlessly serves both the indoor and the outdoor dining areas.

Back by the entrance, the hallway provides access first to a guest WC and then, in a separate wing, to two good-sized bedrooms, a double and a double-twin, both with en-suite shower rooms, sea views and garden access.

The remaining accommodation in the main house is found on the first floor, accessed via a flight of stairs from the entrance hall. Here there is a voluminous suite with lofty wood-beamed ceilings, a double bedroom, a study area, an en-suite shower room, and a pair of French doors opening out onto a splendidly panoramic terrace overlooking the pool, the gardens and the sea.

A few metres from the main house are the three spacious garden rooms:

• the first has a double bedroom, an en-suite shower room, sea views and a living area with kitchenette
• the second has a double-twin bedroom, an en-suite shower room and sea views
• the third has a double bedroom, an en-suite shower room, and will share the living area and kitchenette of the first garden room

Outside: Odyssea offers numerous options for those who love to spend time outside, gazing at the wonderful vistas, lounging serenely, dining long into the night, and having fun.

The living area opens out onto the main al fresco living area, a shady, comfortably furnished sea-view spot under a long gallery of arches. A few steps from here is the wonderful infinity pool, which has a panoramically positioned pergola at one end.

The stone-flagged surround of the pool gives way to a large expanse of manicured emerald green lawn, which wraps around the side of the house, leading to a second large shaded terrace, accessed from the kitchen and the dining room. Furnished both for sitting and dining, and served by a large built-in barbecue, it is a wonderful spot in which to come together and share long convivial meals.

Flanked by burgeoning shrubs and colourful plants, paths weave around the property, past another sea-view sitting area, to the garden rooms, both of which have their own furnished terraces.

Guests lucky enough to be staying in the main bedroom on the first floor, meanwhile, have their very own private terrace, from where the views are arguably at their best.

Odyssea features a fantastic infinity pool, offering swimmers stunning views while in the pool. There is a drop off the infinity side so we recommend children are supervised at all times. Please refer to our general safety page if you would like more information about infinity pools.

Due to the nature of the property including terraces low walls and several drops around the grounds, children must be supervised at all times.

In high season, and particularly on weekends, flights can be heard coming in to land at nearby Kefalonia International Airport.
Odyssea sits on the high cliffs of Kefalonia's south coast, close to a great many beaches, including the one at Ai Helis, which is a 10-to-15-minute walk away. Also within easy walking distance are a selection of tavernas.

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands but still easy to discover in a week (even the northernmost tip, with the lovely harbour village of Fiskardo, is only 80 minutes' drive). This is great news, as there's so much to discover, not least in terms of beaches, of which there are great many.

The buzzing island capital, Argostoli is an easy drive away from Odyssea and it's definitely worth spending some time there, not least for its pleasant pedestrianised streets flanked by tavernas, cafés and shops, but also for its market and its museums, one dedicated to archaeology, the other to folklore.

Of historical note is the Venetian Castle of St George, which offers insights into the island's past, while keen walkers will enjoy exploring Mount Ainos, which rises to over 1,600m. Needless to say, the views are unforgettable and well worth the trek.

Just 4km east of Kefalonia is the island of Ithaca and it's easy to spend a day there, thanks to the frequent crossings from the port of Sami.

Arrival details will be confirmed by The Thinking Traveller after your villa is confirmed.

The Thinking Traveller can organise transfers and car hire and an agent will be in touch with you once your villa is confirmed.