Welcome to Villa Livadi
A serene, spacious architect-designed Greek hideaway, situated in the hills of northern Zakynthos
Villa Livadi is our much loved family holiday home. Situated in the green hills of tranquil Northern Zakynthos, the house was designed by renowned architect, Dominic Skinner. It is a fantastic exemplar of vernacular architecture combined with the comforts of modern life.
Approached through a large courtyard bordered by olive trees, rosemary and lavender, the house has five air-conditioned double bedrooms all with ensuite bathrooms. Two of these are attractive bedroom suites attached to the main house by charming archways, providing privacy and a degree of separation, perhaps for grandparents, teenagers or staff.
The main house has a well equipped, airy kitchen and dining room leading to an enormous drawing room which in turn opens on to a TV room. The kitchen has an American style fridge, Smeg double oven stove and two dishwashers. All these rooms have French windows opening onto the main terrace.
In the basement there is a separate room for fitness with a rowing machine, Swiss balls, weights, yoga mats and so forth. Upstairs the house has three more generous bedrooms. The primary suite has a broad balcony with wide-reaching views of the Ionian Sea, Kefalonia and Ithaca. All the bedrooms have air conditioning.
The covered terrace stretches the main breadth of the house providing a wonderful spot for shaded suppers outside and drinks. Stone steps fringed by oleanders and olive trees lead down to a 100 square metre elliptical pool. Aside from secluded areas for sunloungers and day beds, there is an outdoor kitchen and charcoal barbecue. The outdoor kitchen has a sink, fridge and dishwasher.
Livadi is also available to rent with Allegra, our neighbouring smaller villa. Find out more about Allegra here
Gallery
Eating Out
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This is our closest restaurant located in Askos about two kilometres away. The food is delicious- a more innovative than usual Greek restaurant. It’s owned by Panos and Tonga - who are completely delightful. Wonderful views over the sea. We often come here for supper.
Tel: 00306974482619 or 0030 2695031555
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Madrakia is located on the far far right hand side of the concrete area where the ferry comes in at Aghios Nikolaus. This is our favourite lunch taverna. Very traditional, simple food served by Nikos and his family. It’s situated on a little beach, so it’s perfect for a swim either before or after lunch.
Tel: 00306973450794
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Micro Nisi is staffed and run by the nearby Peligoni Club, but is open to all. The food is an excellent mix of Mediterranean and Greek. The location is gorgeous, just above a tiny beach and landing point. Beautiful seas for swimming. It’s only a five minute drive from the house and is also a lovely spot for supper.
Tel: 00302695031506
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Nobelos is on the right hand side about 100 meters befor getting into the port.
The restaurant serves excellent Greek food and wonderful home made ice cream. There’s a good wine list. At night the beach is gently lit up and it’s a very atmospheric place to spend an evening- but it’s not cheap!
Tel:00302695031400
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La Storia is the last restaurant in the port as you drive through it on the right hand side.
This is a very traditional Greek taverna right on the water. Alex the head waiter will make you feel right at home. The food is very simple - grilled squid etc. It’s not expensive. I recommend booking for Greek night when there is dancing!
Tel: 00302695031635
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Orizodes ( on right as you drive into the port ) is run by the dashing Dimitri. The menu and wine list is extensive and the food is generally very good. It can be on the expensive side if you get stuck into the cocktails at the Sky Bar there. Wonderful views!
Tel: 00302695031627
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Skinos is in between Orizodes and Nobelos. Stephanos is the proud owner and proprietor of this lovely restaurant with its own pool. There’s a cocktail bar too if you fancy having a drink here before going on somewhere else. It’s also a good place to hang out if there’s a gap between the villa and the airport as it has showers as well as the pool.
Tel: 00306997047505
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Mahogani ( also known as Sofia’s Art Place ) is a cocktail bar just beyond Orizodes on the left hand side of the road and up some steps. Sofia’s is unusual and charming cocktail bar (also serving small plates and snacks). Lovely rambling plants and climbers frame views of the sea. Often dancing late at night….
Places of Interest
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The Monastery of Spillitossa about a 20 minute drive from the house. Both nuns and monks live here. You are welcome to go inside and see the chapel. They have a little shop selling herbs and artifacts which I hope you will buy from as they have very little.
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You can either drive and look down upon the shipwreck or go on a boat trip to see it. It is very touristy- but the reason is that the water there is the most extraordinary blue. I’d recommend hiring a skipper to take you in a private group early in the day to avoid the worst of the crowds . Boats available in the port- more details under ‘Boat Trips’.
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If you hire a skipper to take you to the shipwreck, they will also take you to these amazing caves with electric blue reflective waters.
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An old town about 10 minutes drive from the house. If you drive to the shipwreck you will pass through these large villages. There’s a number of shops selling souvenirs and local pottery. Lots of local honey and olive oil.
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The olive press is a hundred years old and the machinery still works perfectly. It’s where our olives are pressed. Marinetta will tell you its history and explain how it works. In addition you can buy some of the oil, honey and wines.
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Located between the Olive Press and The Old Windmill restaurant. Peacocks and other animals…
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Exo Chora is about a thirty minute drive. It has what is said to the the oldest olive tree on the island - well over a thousand years old and still going strong. It’s a remarkable sight. There is a cafe there for a drink and a snack as well as a souvenir shop.
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In the port you can either hire your own with a skipper ( usual capacity 8 ) for a half day or whole day trip. Ask for details of prices at the cash desk outside the bakery. Say you were sent by Sophia from Livadi. I recommend asking for a half day trip with visits to remote coves and blue caves. It can be expensive- so a cheaper option is to hop on one of the many larger tourist boats that leave every 15 minutes or so.
Down in Micro Nisi you can hire your own boat - or one with a skipper. Prices vary depending on how long you want to take it for.
Yachting - Sea and Stories is a yacht that you can hire for a day and Spiros and his crew mate will take you over to Kefalonia for the day. They will also provide lunch for you if you’d like - though I normally make a picnic. Drinks are provided by the crew at a reasonable cost. Magalie Theodosis Tel: 00306981331802
Luxury motor cruising:
Fiona Hattersley Smith has two motor cruisers. hattersleysmithfiona@gmail.com
Beaches & Coves
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Climati beach is our nearest beach. Leave the villa and head down to the village road. At the bin shelter turn right. At the end of the village turn left going down hill. At the next junction turn left again, still going downhill.
Drive for about a kilometre and a half until you come to the T junction at the coastal road. You will be able to park on the side of the road here. The track ( 150 meters ) to the beach is opposite the cafe bar EL.
I recommend going early or late in the day as it can get crowded in high summer. We swim here every day at 8am and it’s amazing.
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Micro Nisi has a tiny beach and a wooden decked area for sunbathing and swimming.
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Macri Gialos is a large wide bay with beautiful water. Parking can be an issue - so grab a space early.
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‘The stinky beach’ Despite its name this is a perennial favourite with my family and our guests. The sulphur springs are collagen rich and leave your slung feeling amazing (even if you do smell a bit eggy.)
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Madrakia on far right in the port has a tiny beach suitable for little children.
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Although there’s a beach in the main part of the port, it does get crowded with boats and I only ever swim there off season.
Prices for 2026
Low season (May, June, September & October)
£4,000 per week:
High season (July & August)
£7,995 per week
The house has a manager who will be on hand to help with any queries. Our cleaning staff come every other day. There is a mid week linen change too. All our bathroom products are from Molton Brown.
If you’d like to explore Livadi’s little sister, Villa Allegra, please click the button below: