In partnership with the Greece National Tourism Organisation
Sunvil puts together itineraries that give travellers a chance to discover the lesser-known destinations throughout Greece, in locally owned-accommodation in small, friendly resorts.
The operator aims to give its customers the opportunity to get right into the heart of the town or village so they have a real sense of the place and can listen to stories from the locals.
Find out more about the island of Ithaca – the first spotlight destination in a series of four hidden Greek gems – and there’s also a chance for you to win a holiday for yourself and a plus one!
Your clients can take time to discover the pretty fishing communities lining the Ionian coast; visit the charming horse-shoe bay at Kioni and explore the mountainous interior which hides atmospheric, traditional villages.
Ithaca is still a peaceful place where tourism remains in its infancy – which, in Sunvil’s opinion, is part of its allure and charm.
Sunvil has a variety of accommodation options on the island.
Kioni Apartments, located right on the waterfront, is surrounded by white-pebble beaches, neoclassical homes, and wooded hills. Each of its six air-conditioned apartments includes a twin bedroom, shower room, kitchenette, a living area and a balcony looking out to the sea.
The pretty village of Kioni features tavernas, cafés, and shops right by the harbour.
Looking for a self-catering villa right on the waterfront? Costa’s House in Kioni ticks all the boxes with its panoramic vistas of the Ionian Sea and the vibrant harbour. With three bedrooms, each with a private balcony, the villa is great for groups and families. It also has a fully-equipped kitchen, private garden, and large patio with a barbecue. Tastefully decorated in traditional Greek style, it provides a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Villa Nondas is a peaceful retreat nestled among olive groves above Vathy Bay. It combines modern comforts with traditional charm and offers views from its terrace and pool. Though tranquil, it’s just a 15-minute walk to Vathy’s tavernas and a short drive to the hilltop town of Perachori. The three-bedroom villa has an open plan living room with a fully-equipped kitchen.
Perantzada Hotel, set in the hills above the village of Vathy, is a stylish boutique hotel in a converted 19th-century mansion. With panoramic bay views, especially magical at night, it blends character, comfort, and top-tier service. Each of its 18 unique rooms combines vibrant or natural tones with designer pieces and original art from the likes of Varner Panton, Tom Dixon, Ingo Mauer and Philip Stark.
Ithaca is reached by ferry from Kefalonia and Sunvil offers a number of different itineraries, but a twin-centre stay with Kefalonia is a popular choice for those looking to experience the contrasts of the two islands.
For those who like to see as much as possible in one trip, another great holiday option is to incorporate Ithaca on an Ionian island hopping adventure from Corfu to Paxos, Lefkas, Meganissi, Kefalonia, Ithaca and Zakynthos. Sunvil can organise everything so guests can simply enjoy discovering the beauty of the destinations.
Tips from the locals…
Sunvil Local Representative Cheryl Collins said: “A must visit is Exogi, one of the island’s oldest villages, which has very few residents. It has quite an eerie feeling as it always seems to be cloudy and cold, even in August. It has beautiful views of Afales bay and mysterious pyramids above the church.”
Franciska Zwaart-Leeuw, another Sunvil Local Representative added: “Ithaca is a must-visit for anyone interested in the Odyssey. You can join a guided walk based on the stories of Homer. The walk journeys from Stavros to the School of Homer, during which you learn about island life, its history, and myths. To guarantee that you will return to Ithaca, you should drink from the Kalamos fountain using two hands.”
Find out more about Ithaca with Sunvil here.
Win a trip to Greece
We’re shining a spotlight on some of Greece’s hidden gems – and giving you the chance to win an unforgettable holiday! Courtesy of Sunvil the trip includes return flights, 20kg hold luggage per person, shared transfers, and seven nights’ self-catering accommodation. You could be heading off to one of several beautiful Greek islands, including Corfu, Ithaca, Paxos, Kefalonia, or Alonissos. To find out more click here.
