Villa Kallithea provides a very rare opportunity for a couple or small family to stay at a gorgeous holiday villa with superlative sea, mountain, and sunset views, and where the extensive grounds and exceptionally long infinity pool (which has optional heating for a fee) are for their exclusive use only. Set on an elevated hillside, close to the local amenities,Villa Kallithea overlooks one of the prettiest stretches of coastline on Crete. All the outdoor areas, and most of the living accommodation, benefit from the fabulous scenery, which isn’t a surprise when you know that “Kali Thea” means “Good View” in Greek.
Beautifully designed both inside and out, every feature of this enviably located villa inspires effortless relaxation. Boasting the finest outside facilities that we have seen, including an incredible 3 tier feature fountain (not shown in the photos) there is an impressive amount of space to enjoy, all of which has been recently transformed with the use of local stone and the skill and artistry of a stonemason and his team who we have known for many years.
The centre of holiday enjoyment is sure to be at the magnificent 56m2 infinity pool and the eating and lounging area one terrace above, complete with a choice of 2 barbeques, a marble sink, a refrigerator/freezer, a drinks fridge, a private shower with hot and cold water, a cloakroom with basin and toilet, and 4 fire bowls. The comfortable L-shaped sofa, and substantial teak dining table, cushioned chairs, and sideboard sit under a gazebo which has adjustable blinds that provide welcome shade at the hottest times, or protection if the wind picks up.
When looking for a villa, the first thing that most of our clients ask for is a big pool. With taxes in Greece being much higher for larger pools, we seldom see pools like the jewel at Villa Kallithea. At 14m x 4m, it is the longest pool in our portfolio, and can be heated for a fee if required, which is a huge bonus in the Spring and Autumn when standard pools can be rather chilly. An array of furniture including 2 canopy double sun-loungers, invite you to do nothing more strenuous than lying back with a chilled drink whilst taking in the picturesque panorama.
Next to the pool terrace is a spa room which is available once per week included in the rental price, or perhaps more often for an extra fee. With a large jacuzzi, a sauna, and a steam room with a shower, you are spoiled for choice.
Unfurling over many terraces, to fit in with the natural lie of the land and take advantage of the mature cedar trees that flank the plot, the landscaped garden is nothing short of a horticulturalist’s delight. A myriad of trees, shrubs and flowers have been planted including grapes, lemon, apricot, pomegranate, quince, pear, fig, cherry, peach, nectarine, mandarin, apple, kumquat, orange, avocado, and sweet grapefruit, as well as bird of paradise, hibiscus, jasmine, honeysuckle, roses, African daisies, aloe vera, cacti, prickly pear, and palms. At the very highest point of the 3200m2 grounds is a terrace which incredible views, some shade from a tall olive tree, 2 sun-loungers, and built-in stone benches, and is the perfect place to enjoy moments of solitude with a good book if needed. At the lowest point of the plot, an electric gate opens onto a large, private parking area, from which a few steps, or a small ramp, reach the ground floor of the villa, outside of which is a spectacular fountain which, in common with the other terraces, is particularly magical when lit up at night.
The bright and welcoming living accommodation is situated on the top floor of Villa Kallithea and can be accessed either via an interior staircase to the main door to the lounge, or an exterior curved wrought iron staircase that leads directly from the dining and lounging terrace up to the west side bedroom balcony. Modern and tastefully styled throughout using the fresh Greek colours of white and blue, the recently renovated penthouse flows easily from one room, encouraging easy summer living whilst showcasing the glorious sea views. The open plan living/dining area covers the entire width of the villa and has 2 sets of 6 doors which can be folded back so that one side of the living room is completely open-air. With quality new furniture and fittings, and a newly fitted kitchen and shower room in 2024, free Wi-Fi, a smart TV, a blue tooth speaker, a selection of books and games, balconies on 3 sides, and remote-control LED lighting, there are all the vital facilities that make a superb home-away-from home holiday retreat.
Whilst there is no reason to stray far from Villa Kallithea, if you do want to go out for a delicious meal, a short 400m stroll through the quaint narrow streets in Kokkino Horio village takes you to the taverna and well-stocked general store, whilst the small fishing harbour, shops, cafes, and tavernas that are clustered around the pretty cove-like sandy beach in Almyrida, are only 7 minutes away by car.
***The living accommodation is on the top floor of the villa which has its own entrance door. The garden, pool, barbeque area, outside lounge and eating area, are all for the private use of the guests who rent the top floor of the villa. The only shared areas (when the owners are occasionally in residence on the middle and ground floors of the villa), are the main stair well and the parking area. The villa owners are a lovely couple from Germany who will sometimes be in their separate accommodation at the villa, but they will not use the outside area at all except for the parking area, and main entrance staircase when coming and going. When they are at their accommodation at the villa (separate to yours), they will be unobtrusive but will be able to help if needed and answer any questions. Other than this, the villa is for your personal and private use, and you can holiday as you would at any other villa.
*** As of January 01 2024 the Greek government have implemented a new tax that is applied to all stays in short-term rental accommodation in Greece. The Climate Resilience Levy is a response to the devastating forest fires and floods that Greece has experienced in recent years, with the government hoping to generate extra funding that will go towards financing reconstruction, supporting victims, and increasing the country’s defences against future natural disasters.
The owners of all short-term rental accommodation are legally obliged to collect the Climate Resilience Levy as a separate tax for all overnight stays (per villa) as follows:
€10.00 per night on stays between March 01 and October 31, and €4.00 per night on stays between November 01 and February 28/29.
Whilst we understand the potential budget concerns of our guests, this tax/levy is beyond our control and we encourage our guests to see this as a way of contributing to the protection of the planet and the beautiful area where they are holidaying.
The Vrbo system does not yet have a section for collecting the Climate Resilience Levy and we have, therefore, had to add it to the billing section as an extra Fee which will show on the booking as a Host or Adminstration Fee (until Vrbo update their system).
