If the thought of a car-free holiday sounds appealing, believe me – you are in good company!
Whether you’re unsure about driving on the other side of the road, keen to reduce your carbon footprint, prefer not to drive at all or conversely, spend far too much time behind the wheel for work or ferrying the kids around, we reckon a few days (or weeks!) without driving will be as much of a break for you as the holiday itself.
If you are wondering whether it is possible to enjoy a Freelance Villas holiday without the need to hire a car, the answer is a resounding, fuel-free “yes!”
And it gets better: We’ve already done the hard work for you and put together a list of villas that fit the bill perfectly. While you will need to grab a taxi or use public transport to reach your destination in Crete, Croatia, Kefalonia, Mallorca, Menorca, or Sicily, – once you have arrived at your villa, you needn’t step foot in a vehicle again until it’s time to head home.
Our selection of ‘best car-free holiday villas’ consists of beautiful properties in destinations that have all the necessary local amenities for a relaxing stay. Restaurants, cafes, bakeries, delis and supermarkets either on or near your doorstep, and even some tavernas and mini markets that deliver traditional dishes and fresh groceries to your door!
Name? Villa Nynemia
Where? Almyrida, Crete
Sleeps? 6 in 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Why? Located on a terraced hillside and surrounded by 6,000 square metres of olive groves, it is hard to imagine that less than 2 kilometres separate you from the laid-back, small seafront resort of Almyrida. After a downhill walk you’ll find waterside tavernas, restaurants, small shops and mini-markets. Two kilometres inland from the tranquil villa is the delightfully village centre of Gavalochori, which in recent years has undergone something of a makeover. It now boast a handful of eateries, a couple of supermarkets, artisan craft shops, a fabulous bakery – and plenty of traditional charm!
Name? Villa Seagull
Where? Skala, Kefalonia
Sleeps? 6 in 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Why? With everything on the doorstep, and Skala ‘s restaurants, cafes and shops within a 1.5 km radius, this lovely bright villa is mere minutes from a stunning yet still relatively undiscovered pebbly cove, a sandy beach and two excellent tavernas. Affording fabulous views of the sea and, on a clear day, the Greek mainland in the distance, this villa offers a pool and beachside holiday, self-catering and meals out, as well as all the privacy of a private villa but with the options to mingle. Travelling as a group? Villa Seagull is one of three neighbouring properties, with Villa Sakos and Villa Korfos next door.
Name? Villa Vicina
Where? Milna, Braç, Croatia
Sleeps? 7 in 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Why? Just LOOK at this stunning, 19th century, stone villa’s location, perched just 80 metres from the sea above picture perfect Milna and its pretty harbour, surrounded by walled gardens and fruit trees. Everything you could wish for on a fabulous holiday is here: a pool, a wrap-around-terrace, a separate outdoor kitchen with cosy dining area and wood oven for your BBQ, a children’s play area with equipment and table tennis, a herb and tree filled garden…Within a minute’s walk or two you will reach the harbour with high quality restaurants serving freshly caught seafood, cafe/patisseries, cool bars, bakeries, mini markets and other shops.
Name? Villa Medina
Where? Cala San Vincente (Cala Sant Vicenç), Mallorca
Sleeps? 8 in 4 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms
Why? Situated at the heart of Cala San Vincente in the North-East of Mallorca, and only about 300 metres from the sandy coves of Cala Molins and Cala Barques, this is the perfectly located beach villa – with pool – for those who prefer not to hire a car. Built on two levels, the property is modern and stylish and has plenty of room. The village of Cala Sant Vicenç is a great base for walking and hiking and famous for its Alzinaret Caves dating back to the Bronze Age, which can easily be reached on foot.
The village has many restaurants and cafes and it is well connected by bus to larger towns in the area.
Name? Villa Metapothia
Where? Gavalohchori, Crete
Sleeps? 13 in 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms
Why? One of our most popular villas, just check out those reviews (!), where it seems that one stay is never quite enough. It’s not just its fantastic size that makes it so sought-after, as no matter how large the gathering, there is always plenty of space for everyone; it’s also the wonderful pool and the great views over the wooded valleys towards Souda Bay and the White Mountains on the other side. And then there is the location, just 130 metres from Gavalohori (aka Gavalochori), the lovely village already mentioned earlier, which has fabulous tavernas, a cafe, bakery, artisan shops, a hair salon, a mini-market that does door to door deliveries by quad bike, – and a taxi service!
Name? Villa Nica
Where? Marzamemi, Syracuse, Sicily
Sleeps? 7 in 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Why? In a word: Choice. This sophisticated modern villa is located half way between the Vendicari nature reserve (a ‘paradise for nature lovers’) and the charming fishing village of Marzamemi, with its 18th century historic centre, often referred to as one of Sicily’s prettiest seaside destinations. It is also within easy walking distance of San Lorenzo beach. So, if you ever did want to leave this stylish private villa with its gorgeous garden and 12 metre saltwater pool, then there is history, culture and natural beauty (including pristine beaches) right on your doorstep.
Name? Villa Zara
Where? Plaka, Crete
Sleeps? 7 in 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Why? If the essence of Crete is a combination of sea and mountains for you, then this villa, with its far reaching views from its three terraces, really captures the spirit of the island. Modern, yet decorated with tradition in mind, it is set in an almost rural location, surrounded by a scattering of villas. Nevertheless, the vibrant village square of Plaka, which has plenty of tavernas and cafes as well as a supermarket, is only a 15min walk away. Almyrida’s sandy beach, where waterside tavernas and cafes look out over the sea, is a half-hour downhill stroll away, and as this villa is remarkably good value and (!) you will be saving on car rental and fuel, there might even be some money left to spend on the odd taxi on the way home.
Name? Villa Bini Sac
Where? Binisafuller, Menorca
Sleeps? 8 in 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Why? Just 10 metres from the sea, with your own private access at the bottom of your garden. The perfect spot to enjoy breathtaking sea views from sunrise to sunset from your sunbed on the lawn or the comfortable seating areas on the large shaded terrace. A gentle 5-minute walk takes you to a sandy beach and a handful of restaurants and in the summer there is a bus to Mahon from Binisafuller. The airport is also just a 15 minute taxi-ride away. No wonder this wonderful traditional Menorcan villa is such a hit with those looking for a car-free holiday.
Name? Villa Andreas
Where? Tavronitis, Crete
Sleeps? 5 in 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Why? If you are after a quiet holiday but wish to have car-free access to amenities when it suits you, this charming private villa in the laid back traditional village of Kamisiana, is a fabulous option. There’s a stony cove near the village, and the sandy beach, shops and other amenities of Tavronitis are just over a kilometre away. Even better, Kamisiana is on the regular bus route between Kolymbari, Tavronitis and Chania. A mere 5 min ride west will take you to the harbour-side tavernas of Kolymbari village, while 22km east, the bustling city of Chania awaits you with its many interesting sights and beautiful Venetian harbour, – a great day out on the bus!
Name? Villa Menta and Villa Mela
Where? Skala, Kefalonia
Sleeps? 2 in each, 1 bedroom 1 bathroom
Why? Because couples love a villa, too! This pair of equally attractive new villas with panoramic sea views, have infinity pools and beautiful interiors. They are set in a peaceful, elevated position on the outskirts of Skala, close to this sheltered pebble beach with crystal clear waters, and in walking distance from some excellent tavernas and a mini-market. Why not try one of the restaurants or beach bars along the sandy beach, or stroll into town for a night out. Walk home along the sea under the stars (or just treat yourself to a short taxi ride, if you have been partying).
Too much choice or not sure what you are after?
Chat to us! With decades in the business, we know our villas and destinations inside out and will be more than happy to help!
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