Peaceful Skiathos, delightful villa ideal for 6-8; pool, garden, stunning views

If I could come here every year I would! The views alone would do it - truly spectacular view of the sea from the terrace and a lovely pool that we struggled to tear ourselves away from despite having come to spend time at the beach. One of the best things about this place is that it is family owned and run, so it is beautifully cared for and feels like a home rather than an agency letting. That said all v well organised and clean. We were there as two friends with a child but it would work for a group of families of friends as there is a large double room plus three small twin rooms and lots of outdoor space. The villa is comfortable, spacious, with a beautiful outdoor space organised with tables and sunloungers on different levels, surrounded by fig trees, grape vines, flowers.... You could happily hang out at the villa and not go anywhere for a week! That said it would be a shame as Skiathos is so lovely. It's really worth having a car on the island as there are so many lovely beaches and restaurants and sites to visit, but not impossible to get around by bus. The nearest beach from the villa is walkable - we did it a couple of times - but it's a long steep schlep in high temperatures. Lovely Olive Tree restaurant round the corner (also walkable but take a torch at night!) with incredible views and lovely food, but our favourite place to eat was the fish taverna on Sklithri beach, lovely and laid back by day and intimate and romantic at night, with tables right on the beach, dinner by lamplight. The monastery was also a fantastic place to visit, incredibly serene and stunning setting. The other brillaint thing about the villa is that the owner Vivienne is incredibly helpful and was always available to answer questions, offer advice, help with organising travel or car hire - and clearly knows the island very well and loves it. We left feeling fully recharged, rested and relaxed.

"What a great place for our family get together"

From our booking through to our departure we were impressed by the care and dedication of Orchard Villa's owner Vivienne and her support team.

Vivienne furnished us with all the information one could wish for to help get our holiday on Skiathos off to a great start. Info included travel suggestions, Local Car Hire (you will need to check your insurance cover with international car hire firms as 70% of the islands roads are NOT paved therefore your included insurance will not cover you) Places to shop, eat and visit etc.. and this was before we had even left the UK!

We were met by the property manager and were given a comprehensive tour of the property and an overview of the facilities including the do's and dont's of life on a greek island.

The 'welcome pack' was very impressive and included EVERYTHING we needed and more for our first night at the villa, we have travelled extensively and have never been so well looked after.

INSIDE

The Villa was well prepared, clean and well appointed with everything needed for a family with 6 adults, two young people and a small child including a new Cot, play pen, highchair and bath.

The property has a master suite with double bed and ensuite with a view through the gardens and across to Skopolos.

The other three bedrooms are situated at the front of the Villa and all have twin beds and are of reasonable size with Two shower/toilet rooms in the corridor directly outside. All rooms have ample wardrobe/draw space.

The living room kitchen and diner has a kitchen diner divided by a breakfast bar then on a split level a small seating area with easy chairs and fireplace, these areas have plenty of access out to the garden and have windows overlooking the views to the sea. There are hundreds of books, guides, maps etc and a good selection of games.

The kitchen has all the required equipment including Dishwasher, two fridges (with small freezer) washing machine, microwave, cooker/oven, kettle, coffee maker and all the cooking/eating utensils you might need, and a well stocked cleaning cupboard with all the basics required.

OUTSIDE

On three split levels the gardens are a delight, mature vines over trellis and copious flower pots and planted beds, a grassed area off to one side and plenty of seating, dining and chill out areas. There is a sun deck with loungers and a pool deck with a generous sized pool overlooking the gorgeous views.

All in all a perfect holiday.

We spent a magical 12 nights at Orchard Villas, the pictures do not do justice to the magnificent views. The detailed info pack about the Island (emailed by the owners) was spot on and we would concur to all their suggestions of beaches and restaurants to eat at. Vivienne was most helpful and the few blips (of which where no fault of the owners) where dealt with quickly. Even on our day trip to Skopolos where we had no idea where to eat - Vivienne came back to us within moments with a fab suggestion. We have suggested that they need to refresh the towels and have plastic cups and plates for kids and I'm sure they will take it on board as Vivienne is most eager to make sure her guest have a pleasant stay. We hope when we next visit they will have installed wifi as the 3G was intermittent. This did not spoil my trip (but my husband needs to be connected). We came away with many wonderful moments to add to the memory bank! I have already recommended Orchard Villas to friends who enjoy the rustic life and laid back approach Orchard Villas and Skiathos have to offer.

We had such a wonderful stay at Orchard Villa in Skiathos. The villa was well stocked with everything we need and there was a welcome pack of wine and beer and food enough to make a basic meal. The views for the villa were so beautiful and it was well positioned for town too. Very quiet and Vivienne had provided a comprehensive guide to everything about the villa and Skiathos which was really helpful. We would defnitely come again.

We stayed for a week at Orchard Villa in July 2014 to experience the island of Skiathos before departing on a week flotilla sailing around the Sporades. The villa was a perfect size for a family of four or more. Our two teenage girls had a room each and spent most days chilled out by the pool. We hired a car and used it for exploring the island including the more remote beaches on the north side. We would recommend a 4X4 as many of the roads on Skiathos are really dirt tracks and our hire car struggled a little with the steep hills and ruts. The views from the villa were amazing and it made a relaxing start to our holiday. The local tavern within walking distance of the villa is superb, but we used the car to regularly drive into Skiathos town for the restaurants and bars. Great villa and location with excellent service from the owners and their representatives.