Zakynthos · Greece
A private villa in northern Zakynthos
A villa with spellbinding Ionian Sea views. Four en-suite bedrooms, a 20-metre pool, and somewhere that feels like no other villa in Greece.
The Villa
Step through the double doors in the garden wall and the first glimpse of Maistrali stops people in their tracks every time — the pool, the terraces, the olive groves, and the Ionian Sea stretching to the horizon.
Maistrali is the Greek word for the west wind, and the house was designed around it. The owners, Jane and Robert, spent years researching traditional wind tower architecture, before creating a system that channels cool air naturally through the living areas all day. The result is an eco-friendly, beautiful and completely original villa. The same team of craftsmen who built Maistrali later travelled to the UK to construct Jane and Robert's British home, which featured on Channel 4's Grand Designs.
The villa sits on a hillside in the quiet, green, unspoiled north of Zakynthos, entirely private and not overlooked. The views sweep over the Ionian Sea, across to Kefalonia and along the full length of Zakynthos. Every bedroom has shuttered French doors opening directly onto incredible sea views and access to the terraces, pool and grounds.
Gallery
Features
Uninterrupted views across the Ionian Sea to Kefalonia, along the full length of Zakynthos, and on clear days to mainland Greece — Kilini Castle and the Peloponnese coastline visible on the horizon.
A 20-metre freshwater walk-in pool surrounded by teak sun loungers, shaded seating and a poolside shower.
A traditional stone wind tower channels cool air naturally through the living spaces all day using age-old techniques — keeping the villa comfortable through even the hottest Greek afternoons without air conditioning. For those who prefer it, air conditioning is also available in the living room.
Jane and Robert built Maistrali themselves. The same craftsmen later built their British home, which featured on Channel 4's Grand Designs.
A purpose-built outdoor kitchen with wood-fired pizza oven and charcoal BBQ for long summer evenings on the terrace.
Solar power, rainwater collection using traditional Greek sterna cisterns, LED lighting and eco-friendly cleaning products throughout.
A children's play area with climbing frame, shallow pool entry, cot, high chair and baby gate all available.
Giorgios and his team of housekeepers, gardeners and pool staff look after the house, pool and gardens throughout your stay. Everything you need for your holiday is provided — midweek cleaning and linen change included, with fresh white Egyptian cotton towels and Korres Greek organic toiletries replenished throughout.
Sleep
The largest suite, with a private terrace directly over the pool and uninterrupted Ionian Sea views. King bed, en-suite bathroom with separate bath tub, and direct access to the pool and gardens. The bath tub makes this the perfect room for families with young children.
A dramatic room anchored by a hand-carved ebony four-poster bed. Rich fabrics, high ceilings and direct access to the pool and gardens.
Light, airy and calm, with twin beds, a Calder mobile overhead and direct access to the gardens, pool and sea views beyond.
A characterful room with a bold zebra headboard, tropical prints and direct access to the pool and gardens. The same sweeping sea view shared by every room at Maistrali.
Reviews
I've lost count of how many times I've stayed at Maistrali. I keep going back because there's nowhere quite like it. It's magical in a way that's hard to explain until you're standing at the pool's edge looking out at the Ionian Sea. Inspiring, calming and completely unlike anywhere else I've ever been.
JOE P.
September 2025 · 7 nights · 10/10
A beautiful villa with a very kind housekeeper Giorgios. The pool and the house were very well taken care of. The kitchen was well equipped and it was a most pleasant stay.
Paul T.
June 2024 · 7 nights · 10/10
A week in paradise. The property is meticulously kept and is a lovely oasis. We had everything we needed and loved our time there. This is our second time staying at this home and it was just as wonderful as we had remembered.
Tanya L.
July 2023 · 7 nights · 10/10
We had an amazing stay for two weeks. For one week we had our three daughters, their partners and our grandson and there was plenty of room inside and out for everyone to have their own space. The pool was lovely and the local tavernas were amazing. A hire car is a must — we would come again.
Sally D.
September 2019 · 14 nights · 10/10
The villa is very comfortable and has everything you need for a long stay. The garden and pool area are fabulous and the view is absolutely stunning. Giorgios the house manager was extremely helpful and was on hand whenever we needed him. We loved our two weeks here and will definitely come back.
Guest review
June 2017 · 14 nights · 10/10
All reviews 10/10 · Rated Exceptional on VRBO
Location
The north of the island is its quietest and most beautiful stretch — pine-covered hills, ancient olive groves, hidden coves and a handful of small fishing villages along the coast road. It has been left largely to itself, which is precisely why guests return year after year. The valley below is still farmed the traditional way — the olive press at Ellies presses fresh oil every October and November and you can buy directly from the press all season.
Agios Nikolaos harbour — the departure point for boat trips to the Blue Caves and Navagio Beach — is 11 minutes away. The airport is under an hour.
Agios NikolaosA small working harbour at the water's edge where fishing boats come in each morning and taverna tables face the sea all evening. This is where you arrange a boat to the Blue Caves and Navagio — arguably the two most breathtaking sights in the whole of Greece.
VolimesFive minutes up the hill, this quiet mountain village has barely changed in decades. Go early for coffee and a tiropitakia — the local feta pastry — and come back with honey, olive oil and hand-woven linen.
Navagio BeachThe famous shipwreck sits in a cove of impossible blue, visible from the clifftops above and best reached by boat from Agios Nikolaos. Photographs do not prepare you for it.
Skinari LighthouseAt the northernmost tip of the island, fifteen minutes from Maistrali, the rocks fall straight into the clearest water in the Ionian. A short drive that never disappoints.
Zakynthos TownAn hour south through pine forests and the coastal road, the island's bustling capital is more elegant than you might expect. Venetian architecture faithfully rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake, a sweeping harbour, excellent restaurants and a hilltop Venetian castle above it all. Worth a full day.
Zakynthos has its own international airport with direct flights from major UK airports throughout the summer season. British Airways, easyJet and Jet2 fly direct from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Bristol, Newcastle, East Midlands and Leeds Bradford. Flight time is approximately three hours.
From the airport, Maistrali is around 55 minutes by car heading north through the island. Car hire is strongly recommended — it is the only way to properly explore the north — and can be arranged at the airport on arrival. Your hosts Jane and Robert will send full driving directions ahead of your stay.
Where to eat
The Old Windmill— Our closest restaurant and one we come back to again and again. Panos and his family run this place with real warmth and the food is a cut above — inventive modern Greek cooking with extraordinary sea views over Agios Nikolaos. Book in advance. It gets busy for good reason. About two kilometres away in Askos.
Madrakia— Our favourite lunch spot. A tiny traditional taverna right on a small beach at the far end of Agios Nikolaos port, run by Nikos and his family. Simple, honest Greek food, cold beer and somewhere to swim before or after. Does not get better than this.
Nobelos— On the right as you enter the port, Nobelos has its own beach where you can spend the whole day — swimming, ordering lunch and finishing with their famous homemade ice cream. The food is excellent Greek cooking at its most confident and the wine list is worth exploring.
La Storia— Pull up a chair at the water's edge and watch the fishing boats come and go while you eat — simple grilled fish, no fuss, genuinely local. Book for Greek night when there is dancing.
Orizodes— On the right as you drive into the port, run by Dimitri. An extensive menu, a serious wine list and excellent cocktails. The Sky Bar has some of the best sundowner views on the island — arrive early for drinks before dinner elsewhere.
Skinos— Superb food, lovely cocktails and a pool. One of the most complete dining experiences in the north of the island and a firm favourite with guests who discover it.
Micro Nisi— Run by the Peligoni Club but open to everyone, just five minutes from Maistrali. Mediterranean and Greek food in a beautiful spot above a tiny beach and landing point — equally good for lunch or a long evening. One of our favourite places for supper.
These are our personal favourites — all within easy reach of Maistrali. We are happy to make reservations on your behalf
The water
Agios Nikolaos harbour— Eleven minutes from Maistrali, this is your base for everything on the water. You can hire a private boat with a skipper for a half or full day — the usual capacity is eight — or join one of the larger tourist boats that run every fifteen minutes or so through the summer. Ask at the port for details. Self-drive boats are also available to hire from the port without a skipper — perfect for exploring the coastline at your own pace.
The Blue Caves— Only reachable by sea, these extraordinary caves on the northern tip of the island have water that glows electric blue from the reflected light. Best visited early in the morning before the day trips arrive.
Navagio Beach— The famous shipwreck sits in a cove of impossible blue, accessible only by boat from Agios Nikolaos. If you hire a skipper they will take you to both the caves and the shipwreck in one trip. We recommend going early and going private — the crowds later in the day are considerable. Worth it regardless. Navagio is also reachable by smaller boat trips departing from Porto Vromi on the west coast — a more intimate way to arrive at the shipwreck beach.
Kefalonia by sea— Sea and Stories is a yacht available for hire from Agios Nikolaos for a full day crossing to Kefalonia. The crew provide drinks and can arrange lunch. An unforgettable day if the weather is kind. There is also a twice daily passenger ferry from Agios Nikolaos harbour to Kefalonia — a brilliant option for a day trip to the neighbouring island.
Where to swim— Climati beach is the closest, about ten minutes from Maistrali. Go early — locals swim here at eight in the morning and it is magnificent. Makri Gialos is a wide open bay with beautiful water, worth arriving early for parking. Zigias is known locally as the stinky beach for its sulphur springs — do not let that put you off. The water is collagen-rich and leaves your skin feeling extraordinary.
Secret Beach— Ask Jane and Robert about the locals' secret swimming spot. We share the details with every guest on booking.
The island
Anofonitria— A beautiful traditional village a short drive from Maistrali, home to the medieval monastery of Agios Dionysios, patron saint of Zakynthos. One of the most atmospheric corners of the north.
St Spyridon Church— A beautiful 16th century church in lower Volimes, with its distinctive blue walls and ornate bell tower. One of the most photographed and atmospheric corners of northern Zakynthos. Worth stopping for on any drive through the village.
The Olive Press— Between Maistrali and Volimes in Askos, run by brother and sister Giannis and Marinetta. The press is over a hundred years old and still working. They will walk you through how olives go from tree to bottle and their oils, honeys and wines make the finest gifts to take home.
The Monastery of Panagia Spilliotissa— A 16th century monastery in a breathtaking valley near Orthonies village, one of the very few buildings on Zakynthos to survive the devastating 1953 earthquake completely intact. Home to both monks and nuns and open to visitors. There is a small shop selling herbs and handmade items. Bring something modest to wear over your shoulders.
The oldest olive tree— Near Exo Chora, about thirty minutes south, stands what is said to be the oldest olive tree on the island — over a thousand years old and still fruiting. A remarkable thing to stand beside. There is a small café nearby for a drink afterwards.
Zakynthos Town— An hour south through pine forests and the coastal road, the island's capital is more elegant than you might expect. Venetian architecture faithfully rebuilt after the 1953 earthquake, a sweeping harbour, good restaurants and a hilltop castle above it all. Worth a full day.
Enquire
Rates
| High Season · July & August | £4,000 per week |
| Mid Season · June & September | £2,500 per week |
Minimum stay 7 nights. Changeover day Sunday. Check-in from 4pm, check-out by 10am. All rates are for the whole villa.
Also available on Airbnb and VRBO.