When people dream of a Greek villa with a private pool, they usually picture Mykonos or Santorini. But a growing number of travellers are discovering that some of the best villa holidays in Greece are much closer to Athens, on the island of Evia. Here is why Evia, and the village of Agioi Apostoloi in particular, can beat the famous islands.
1. No flights or long ferries
Evia is connected to the mainland by bridges, so you can drive from Athens Airport to Norte Luxury Villas in a little over two hours. No early ferry check-in, no rough seas, no domestic flights, and no being tied to a ferry timetable on your last day. Read our step-by-step guide to getting here.
2. Real privacy
On the busiest islands, villas are often packed close together and beaches are crowded from June to September. Agioi Apostoloi is a quiet fishing village where Greek families have holidayed for generations. Our four stone villas each have their own private pool, terrace and garden, so you can spend the whole day without seeing anyone except the people you came with.
3. Better value
Evia is far less expensive than the Cyclades. The money you save on accommodation, ferries, taxis and beach loungers goes a long way: long lunches at the fish tavernas, boat days, or simply a longer stay. Booking direct on our website is also guaranteed 10% cheaper than on booking platforms.
4. Beaches without the crowds
Stomio beach is right in front of the villas, and within a short drive you will find sandy bays, pebble coves and turquoise water, many of them without a single sunbed. Our local guide to the hidden beaches lists our favourites with distances.
5. Authentic Greece
Evia still feels like Greece as it used to be: village festivals in summer, tavernas serving the morning’s catch, fig orchards around Kymi and mountain villages where time slows down. See our tips on where to eat in Agioi Apostoloi and Petries.
6. A villa that feels like home
Each villa has 65 m² of indoor space, two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, Wi-Fi and a 20 m² private pool with hydromassage that can even be heated on request.
- Villas 1 and 4 sleep up to 5 guests and have the largest private lawn garden (80 m²).
- Villas 2 and 3 sleep up to 6 guests thanks to a double sofa bed that converts into two single beds.
When the islands still make sense
If nightlife and island hopping are your priorities, the Cyclades are hard to beat. But if you want space, quiet, your own pool and the sea on your doorstep without a complicated journey, Evia is one of Greece’s best-kept secrets. Explore our villas and check availability for your dates.