Alavastros Villa

The garden was one of our favorite places. It’s quiet and green, with hammocks, spots to sit and read, and that gentle Jasmin scent. There are plenty of animals around the area, including goats, dogs, insects, chickens, a donkey, peacocks, birds and sometimes a cat. Rocky, the family’s little dog, is the one you’ll see in the courtyard. He’s friendly and will happily make friends over some ham. We spent two peaceful weeks at Alavastros after finding it during an online search. The family made us feel welcome, and messages on WhatsApp were answered quickly. She was happy to look into questions and share useful tips. Breakfast came to our room and was so good that we gained weight. The kitchen was well supplied, though a little dated, and we didn’t end up cooking. Our apartment was on the ground floor, with just one step at the entrance, which may matter if mobility is limited. The bedroom was small, but we were fine with it. The mattress was reasonably soft and comfortable, and there were a few drawers for storage. We didn’t use the TV. There were good mosquito nets and exterior shutters, so we felt safe sleeping with the windows open and no air conditioning. We had a brief hot-water issue one day, apparently due to a power problem on the island, and it was sorted quickly. There’s a small private garden at the back with shade from an umbrella, plus a drying rack but no clothespins. The woman of the house can wash clothes, though you need to dry them yourself. The neighbors were friendly and didn’t seem fed up with tourists. WiFi worked well, including in the garden. A rental car is a must around here. Alavastros is on the only road connecting Vasilikos in the south with Zante, and the area is a handy base for beaches, historical sights and hikes. Argassi is nearby, busier and a bit loud, with some supermarkets. There are dining options at different prices. Our favorite was Restaurant Agnanti, a family-run place about a 10-minute walk up the road toward Zante, with excellent food and part of the route having a pedestrian sidewalk. There are plenty of day trips too, and it’s worth comparing options. We’d definitely come back.

Rocky, the friendly white terrier, was a lovely little security presence and was often keen on belly rubs. The owners were super friendly, and the orange-tree garden, private patio and self-catering setup made for a peaceful stay. It’s a few minutes by car from shops and restaurants, and close to many of Zakynthos’s nicest beaches.

The view was amazing, and everything was very clean. It’s a lovely family-run place, with a warm welcome and hosts who are always ready to help.

The apartments are well equipped, and the owners are so kind. We’ll definitely come back!