Villa Bahari

VILLA BAHARI

Villa Bahari, a peaceful villa situated close to the village of Antipata, is a traditionally built stone house, built to very high specifications in 2008 by the previous Greek owner. The villa sits atop a slight rise on a road down to one of the most beautiful beaches in Kefalonia and below, a forest of pine, olive and cypress forest covers the entire area; in the evenings bells can be heard as goats forage below on their way through the forest. The villa has far reaching views to Ithaca, Lefkada and beyond to Meganisi and is close to the colourful and thriving harbour of Fiskardo.

Antipata is home to a traditional Greek restaurant and a small shop, conveniently situated only a 5 minute walk away. Nearby Dafnoudi beach involves a quiet amble down an old country road, followed by a cool walk through the forest, with the sea glistening in the near distance.

The villa sits in an acre of grounds, with flowers and fruit trees, and a small pool perfect for a cooling dip. The large pergola at one end of the pool provides plenty of shade and electric gates help keep the villa both private and secure.

Villa Bahari has three levels, the top two having the best of the sea views, the ground floor enjoying proximity to the pool. This floor has one bedroom with ensuite bathroom and dressing area, and has it’s own entrance. Located on the first floor is the main living area, with sitting room/kitchen and 2 bedrooms with a shared bathroom. 2 sets of French windows lead out to a large covered terrace, perfect for alfresco meals on warm, sunny Greek evenings. Looking out over the forest to the sea beyond is a wonderful way to spend the evening.

The Master bedroom on the second floor has an ensuite bathroom and large terrace with views looking out towards Lefkada and the mountains of Greece beyond. The stone benches with comfortable cushions are an excellent place to relax for an afternoon siesta, or a chilled glass of wine in the evening.

Fiskardo is only 3 km away, with its wonderful old harbour. It is famous for its beauty, unspoilt eighteenth century architecture and wide choice of tavernas, bars and boutiques. Fiscardo is also a perfect place to see traditional fishing boats, as well as watch the glamorous yachts as they vie for space in the very popular harbour.

There are many beaches to choose from. Dafnoudi is a 15 minute walk from the villa, and Kimilia, another beautiful beach, is still within walking distance, a 30 minute walk through cooling forest. Foki beach has it’s own taverna and is close to Fiscardo and further away are Alaties and Jerusalem beaches, each a 10 minute drive from the villa. All of them have unspoilt clear blue sea, and are perfect for swimming.

The beautiful coastline, mountains, forest covering vast tracts of land and low rise properties make this a wonderful island to visit. Kefalonians are friendly, helpful and rightly proud of their island. They mean to keep it pristine, with strict laws concerning building (buildings over 3 storeys are not allowed) and forbidding the cutting down of trees. This is one of the most beautiful Greek islands and can’t be missed!

Local Amenities

​Fiskardo is a 5 minute drive away, very handy for shopping or eating out. There is a large choice of tavernas and restaurants serving local specialties as well as international cuisine, and perfectly situated bars for watching the boats moor up at the harbour. Fiskardo’s small shops and boutiques snuggle in between the tavernas, and there are two well-stocked supermarkets as well as ATMs, two bakeries and an excellent chemist. The local chandler sells a wide range of goods and the Fiskardo Dive Centre, for those wishing to discover Kefalonia’s underwater life, is a must. The waters are clear and full of colourful fish.

The old Venetian lighthouse and ruined Byzantine Bassilica across the bay from Fiscardo, are well worth a visit. A short half hour walk takes you to both, walking through fragrant pine trees and swimming off the rocks if you get too hot. The keepers house and the tower have both been extensively renovated and are in excellent condition.

 The village of Magganos is a 5 minute drive away and has two small supermarkets with fresh bread daily and a good selection of fruit and veg and other daily staples. There are four restaurants in Magganos, ‘Picnic’ serving wonderful brunches, another hosting a traditional Greek night once a week, all excellent and a change from eating out in Fiscardo. Further on from Magganos, is Vassikiliades and Konidarata, where there are a few restaurants, a hardware shop and the local garage.

Driving around to explore the area is well worth the time and effort. Before tarmac roads were built, a vital network of donkey tracks and footpaths linked the villages and hamlets but years of neglect left these once vital communication routes overgrown and impassable. However, with the generous help of a philanthropic donor and hard work from local volunteers, many of these pathways have been cleared and re-opened. These reclaimed footpaths provide a multitude of walking opportunities – all in an area of unsurpassed natural beauty. It is possible to walk to the villa from Fiscardo using one of these footpaths which goes through the forest, passing Emblisi and Kimilia beaches on the way. A great way to keep fit by walking and swimming as you go!

NEARBY BEACHES

Dafnoudi beach is a 2 minute drive, followed by a lovely 5 minute walk on a well trodden path through beautiful forest. This beach is only accessible by foot or boat, with no facilities, so we recommend you take food and water with you.

Kimilia beach is a 3 minute drive, followed by a winding pathway through the forest. Seeing the turquoise sea glistering through the trees as you get closer, is wonderful. We recommend you take food and water as there are no facilities at the beach. You can also walk to the beach from the house, there is a cleared and well marked pathway to Kimilia and on to Fiskardo, passing Emblisi beach on the way.

Emblisi beach is reached by car, 5 minutes from the villa, and there is ample parking close to the beach. It is a lovely bay for swimming with a small mobile catering van providing food and snacks.

Foki beach is lovely and is 10 minutes away, on the other side of Fiskardo. It has a pretty olive grove and a cave to swim to and explore. A protected bay, so a perfect place to spend time, with plenty of shade, crystal clear water and a taverna close by for a delicious typically Greek lunch.

Alaties beach is within a 15 minute drive and is small but perfectly formed. As well as the beach, there are plenty of rocks for sunbathing, and ample parking. A great beach bar serves food throughout the day and evening; sitting here with a cocktail in hand, watching a spectacular sunset, is a must!

Agia Jerusalem, very near Alaties beach, is a pebble beach with crystal clear water for swimming. In high season there are sun-beds for rent on the beach and there is a taverna serving excellent traditional Greek food.