What is it we most look forward to in a holiday? Is it the opportunity to recharge the batteries? To truly relax with your loved ones? To soak up the sun in stunning surrounds? Or a combination of all!
If you relish nothing more than getting away from it all in a place far removed from the fast- paced living that is modern life, then we have the perfect private villas and properties for you.
Make the rat race a distant memory, consign the commute to the bin and instead peruse this selection of off-the-beaten-track villas which make the ultimate get-away-from-it-all escapes.
From mountain-side retreats or villas in the heart of ancient villages to private beaches or properties surrounded by forests or olive groves, there’s something for everyone here.
Alternatively, take a look at our entire collection here: ‘Villas off the beaten track’.
Best off-the-beaten-track villa for mountains
What? Son Ramon. Sleeps 10 in 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms
Where? Valle de Colonya, Pollensa Mallorca
Why? Located in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains, surrounded by wooded slopes, olive, lemon, and almond groves and accessed via a very quiet lane, Son Ramon is the perfect mountain escape.
Having been sympathetically renovated, this stone-walled and wooden-beamed farmhouse may feel like a world away from urban life – and an ideal base for local walks and hikes – but is actually just 3 kilometres from Pollenca town.
The outside pool is the place to gather, that and the outside dining areas, BBQ casita and Balinese day bed, but the interior is ultra-chic, too. For large groups and or families seeking tranquillity it’s a 10 / 10.
Best off-the-beaten-track villa for small village
What? Villa Vigla, sleeps 5 in 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Where? Stylos, Crete
Why? Not many tourists make it to the tiny village of Samonas, a peaceful backwater on the beautiful lower slopes of the White Mountains. For the few who do, though, to experience ‘authentic Crete,’ enjoy a small taverna serving home-cooked food and visit the Byzantine Church of Agia Nikolaso (known for its 13th century frescoes) nestling at the bottom of the neighbouring valley.
Stay here in this rural idyll far off the beaten track and you’ll enjoy a 200-year-old traditional home lovingly restored with original features yet with a contemporary twist. There is also a private pool in the grounds. Sit back, relax, and soak up the atmosphere!
Best off-the-beaten-track villa for private beach
What? Villa Bol, sleeps 6 in 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Why? Is this the best location in Brac? There’s fierce competition, but if you’re seeking a get-away-from-it-all where it feels like the beach is just for you, Villa Bol is it! Behind the villa are gently sloping mountains, to the left and right, vineyards, in the grounds itself, a crystal clear salt water pool but oh, the sea view which stretches out ahead!
Just a few steps from the Villa grounds is your own private beach and swim spot! If you want to venture further, to the beach, bars, and restaurants in Bol (or indeed Zlatni Rat beach), it’s just an easy ten to fifteen minutes’ walk along a beach path. Turn right, and you’ll find more secluded naturist beaches – surely the ultimate sign of privacy and splendid isolation!
Best off-the-beaten-track villa for private gardens
What? La Timpa, sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Why? Take one look at the ground of this private villa and the words, ‘tropical paradise’ and ‘garden oasis’ spring immediately to mind. Blending perfectly with the lush Mediterranean vegetation which surrounds the villa, it’s the upper pool area in particular, surrounded by palms terraced into the rock face which give La Timpa its island paradise feel – that and the views of deep blue sea just beyond.
Whilst La Timpa certainly enjoys an exclusive and private position, it’s actually one of a small enclave of private villas within the Timpa nature reserve. Nearby, you’ll find St Tecla, a picturesque small fishing village which stretches along the Gulf of Santa Tecla at the foot of Mount Etna.
If you can bear to leave the grounds, La Timpa is also well placed for exploring Mount Etna National Park and the well-known upmarket resorts of Taormina, Catania and Syracuse.
We have nearly 40 years’ experience in arranging villa holidays in Crete and know the island and each area intimately. Diane, our Operations Director has lived near Chania for over 30 years and can help with your holiday once you are on the island too! If you need any more information, do get in touch. Call us on +44 1789 297705 or e-mail us at info@freelancevillas.com