Amiddalia - Cinq Chambres Villa, Couchages 10

From its panoramic hillside position, Amiddalia surveys a scene of pure enchantment: the inviting blue waters of Keri Bay (home to the National Marine Park of Zakynthos), the mountainous peninsula of Vassilikos, and Marathonissi island spread out in front of you. You might be tempted to explore all this, or you may just decide to stay where you are and enjoy it all from the little oasis that is Amiddalia.

Inside: accommodation at Amiddalia is spread over two independent levels.

The hub of the house, on the upper level, is a welcoming open-concept living and dining area, whose light grey tiled floors and white walls flow throughout the house. To one side is a large L-shaped sofa and a door opening out onto a long sea-view terrace, while to the other is a dining area, a well-equipped modern kitchen, and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors accessing the pool terrace. Picture windows along two walls bring in the wonderful views and give this sociable space a bright, airy and tranquil atmosphere.

Up a step from the living area is a hallway, off which is a guest WC, the laundry room and two of the bedrooms:

• the main bedroom, a spacious and luminous double with en-suite shower room, sea and pool views, a dressing area, and a wall of sliding glass doors opening out onto the pool terrace.
• a double with en-suite shower room, and sliding glass doors opening out onto to a large, shaded communal sea-view terrace

The communal terrace mentioned above provides access to the two remaining upper-level bedrooms:

• a double-twin with en-suite shower room
• a double, both with en-suite shower rooms and gorgeous sea views.

Steps lead down from the pool area to the lower level (which is not connected internally to the upper level). Here, accessed from a long sea-view terrace is:

• a guest suite with a double-twin beds, sea views, an en-suite shower room, and a living area with kitchen corner
• a cinema room
• a well-equipped gym

Outside: al fresco life at Amiddalia is spent between three generously proportioned terraces. On the upper level two of these form a pair of wings, one on either side of the central living and dining area. All the upper floor rooms spill out via sliding glass doors onto one of these terraces (or both of them in the case of the living and dining area), allowing guests to enjoy a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

The first upper-floor terrace, which is accessed from three of the bedrooms, has a shaded area furnished with easy chairs and a coffee table. This is a peaceful spot, perfect for quiet breakfasts, relaxing with a book or taking an afternoon snooze.

The second upper-level terrace (also accessed from the main bedroom), is more of a social space and comprises a shaded sitting area, a covered dining area served by a large barbecue, and, sitting in pride of place, a tempting infinity pool with built-in sun lounger supports hovering above the water.

Glass balustrades run along the front of both terraces, ensuring that no matter whether you are sitting, reclining or swimming, the tremendous views are omnipresent.

Steps lead down from the pool terrace to the third terrace, which runs along the entire façade of lower level. Furnished with several spots for seating, hosting a panoramic hydromassage pool, and offering more glorious views out to sea, this terrace also provides access to the guest suite, the cinema room and the gym.

Keri Limniou, with its pebble bay and seafront restaurants, is just a short stroll away below the house. The walk back up is quite steep.

Amiddalia features a fantastic infinity pool, offering swimmers stunning views out to sea while in the pool. There is a drop from the infinity edge 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.
Amiddalia nestles in the southwest corner of Zakynthos looking out over the little village of Keri Limniou and Keri Bay. This latter is home to the National Marine Park of Zakynthos, the idyllic islet of Marathonissi, and a wide arc of sandy beaches where sea turtles come to lay their eggs.

Keri Limniou is just a 10-minute stroll from Amiddalia and has a few mini-markets, a handful of tavernas and cafés, a beach and, importantly if you're thinking of renting a boat, a little harbour. Also within walking distance or a quick drive (2km) is the lovely sandy beach of Marathia.

At just over 30km long and 20km wide, Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is easily discoverable in a week and you're never more than an hour's drive from most places of interest. Glorious sandy beaches line the east coast of the island, while to the west things are rather more dramatic, with towering chalky cliffs, rocky coves (such as those at Porto Roxa and Porto Limnionas) and plenty of excellent opportunities for snorkelling.

Zakynthos's most popular, most spectacular and most photographed beach is Navagio, located in the northwest of the island. Taking its name from the shipwreck that has lain on its sand since the early 1980s, the bay is surrounded on three sides by spectacular tree-topped white cliffs and is only accessible by boat. This sublime setting and the bay's transparent, electric blue waters attract the crowds in high summer, but it's most certainly a sight to behold, both from the viewing point above and from the water below.

Just a few kilometres west of Amiddalia is the charming little village of Keri (not to be confused with Keri Limniou below the house). It's particularly attractive in the late afternoon when the sun begins to set into the sea. There are a couple of tavernas and it's a lovely spot to while away an evening.

The countryside of Zakynthos is peppered with other villages, a few of which, such as Lithakia and Exo Chora (this latter with 16th-century houses, a 17th-century church and a 2,000-year-old olive tree) survived the earthquake of 1953 relatively unscathed.

Finally, just over 20 minutes drive away from Amiddalia is the capital of Zakynthos, Chora (or Zakynthos Town), which is well worth a visit. A few of its historic Venetian buildings remain, there are some interesting museums and galleries, and its streets and squares are flanked by a summery buzz of bars, cafés and tavernas.

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.