My family and I visited Corfu and stayed at Villa Dione for 12 nights during August 2016. The hosts met us at the airport (having kindly arranged car hire on our behalf) so we could follow them to the villa as it is a little off the beaten track – a real plus in high season, as you really can get away from it all. The villa owners wanted nothing more than for our holiday to be a truly enjoyable experience and they went out of their way to ensure all our needs were met. Indeed, on our arrival, we found the fridge to be stocked with sufficient items to ensure we did not have to rush out to a supermarket for a day or two which is very welcome when you have been travelling. The villa itself did not disappoint. It is decorated with impeccable taste and has everything you need for a relaxing stay. Towels and bathrobes are provided in the bathrooms as well as hotel type toiletries (shampoo, body wash, etc. which smell lovely). One bedroom overlooks the pool, whilst the other is at the back of the villa and has a large balcony with chairs and table. The owners said there were no sea views but, you can actually catch a glimpse of the sea from the bedroom balcony. The bedrooms are both tastefully decorated and have ample cupboard space together with hairdryers, hotel type slippers and a safe. There are also televisions mounted on the walls in each bedroom which offer a good selection of European satellite channels. The villa also has a playroom in the basement with a selection of games and toys which will keep younger children happy. For older children, there is a Playstation 4, so bring your favourite games and DVDs to keep them entertained on any nights in. Reliable WiFi is available throughout the Villa and by the pool.
The pool area gives the villa a real 5* Hotel feel with good quality umbrellas and comfortable sun loungers plus seating areas on the balcony steps with cushions as well as deck chairs and two large beanbag chairs. The pool itself offers additional sun loungers which sit on a ledge at one end of the pool. The other end offers stepped seating where you can sit and enjoy the Jacuzzi whilst taking in the view of the stunning Agios Mattheous mountain area that dominates the horizon. Pool inflatables and balls were also provided. There is also an outside play area of swings and slide, etc. for younger children. There is dining on the pool balcony as well as a BBQ area.
If the beach is more your cup of tea, there is a very quiet unspoilt beach a mere 150 metres away from the villa. The beach is only used by locals as there is no parking in the immediate area. This is a real hidden gem and on one of the days we went there, our family of four doubled the population!!! The beach is sandy with just a few shingly stones to navigate on entering the sea although there are places along the shore where you can avoid the shingle. The sea is remarkably warm and shallow for quite a distance, so is safe for younger children. The views and sunsets from this beach are absolutely breathtaking and we found ourselves visiting the beach almost every day for a couple of hours to take in the view and relaxing atmosphere.
If you prefer things to be a bit more lively, you can take a 10 minute drive to Halikounas beach which is more commercial than the local beaches and offers ample parking, a bar or two as well as stand up paddling and kite surfing.
For the evening, there are a few local tavernas, situated on the cliff tops overlooking the sea which offer good food at reasonable prices with spectacular views. Again, if you want a livelier atmosphere, a short 10-15 minute drive to Messonghi beach will offer ample tavernas, bars and mini-markets, etc.
Our family really enjoyed our stay at Villa Dione and our hosts were local so any issues were dealt with promptly and with a good nature – nothing was ever too much trouble for them. I can honestly say this is the first holiday we have taken where we have truly been able to get away from it all and unwind. We will certainly be back!!
All bookings are direct with the owner 