Insider Tips for Booking a Holiday Villa in Paxos

by Doreen Dendias Owner Of Glyfada Beach Villas

Paxos is a special little island. Situated in the Ionian Sea, with its crystal-clear turquoise to deep blue waters, it enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate that is healthy and comfortable. The holiday season here extends from May all the way through to October, and the island offers something for everyone.

Possibly the best way to stay on Paxos is by hiring a self-catering accommodation. In other words: a holiday villa. This allows you to live holiday life on your terms, without worrying about breakfast schedules, wearing facemasks, or hotel facilities that might be closed.

But how do you find the best holiday villas on Paxos? This article will help you find the best location and the most suitable holiday home for your group.

Hotels vs. Villas

While we think that hiring a villa is the best way to enjoy Paxos, we do recommend you to explore the alternatives. In the case of Paxos, these are limited to small and medium-sized hotels. Be aware that, until COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, some of these hotel facilities will be in disuse and that group sizes may have been limited.

We do not claim that rental villas offer only advantages. There are some cons, one of them being the fact that you have to self-cater: make your own meals, make your own beds, and so on. But in our opinion, privacy and hygiene make up for this.

Don’t break the bank

When looking at the facilities of holiday villas, it is easy to think that these villas will be out of your (financial) league. And while it is true that gyms, jacuzzis, pool tables, and lounge furniture come with a cost, the rental price may surprise you. And the bigger your group is, the more likely that your holidays will be (a lot) more affordable than if you were to stay in a hotel on Paxos.

Double-check the facilities

Villa owners will do their utmost best to present their accommodation in an attractive manner. An interior designer and a professional photographer usually fit into this. That means that some items in the villa are not as they were on the photos. Take stock of the appliances and amenities and double-check with the owner if anything has changed. For example, will there be a welcome pack for you? What is the internet connection speed? What kitchenware is there?

Ask for extras

You know the saying: nothing in life is for free. That is only partly true because when you pay for something, you can always ask for extras! For example, when renting a villa you could ask for a free ferry ticket (since Paxos can only be reached by ferry). You could ask for a discount on car hire or a complimentary meal in a local restaurant. Local villa owners are often well-connected and can arrange these things. He who dares wins!

Take advantage of your local contact

Hiring accommodation from a local puts you in the unique position to get insider tips for your stay on Paxos. For example, which bar is hip and popular with the local crowds? What is the best beach for a quiet afternoon with little children? Which restaurant has the island’s best chef? Which hiking or cycling trails are the most recommendable? The best moment to ask for these tips and suggestions is before making your reservation; the owner will be eager to please. The second-best time will be, of course, once you’re on Paxos.

Find the best deal

Holiday villas can often be booked through well-known online travel agencies (OTAs) like Booking, Airbnb, and Expedia. It is recommended to compare the prices between these platforms since villa owners pay different commissions to the various platforms and will vary the price accordingly. It is also worth searching for the villa owner’s website or direct contact details. By cutting out the middleman, you can save considerably on your Paxos holidays.

Choose a villa park

Holiday villas can be relatively expensive if you want the best amenities and facilities. Even the addition of a small pool can set you back hundreds of euros extra per week. Mind you, this can still work out cheaper than a luxury hotel.

However, there is a trick to getting the best facilities at the lowest cost: staying in a holiday park. There you can find pools, restaurants, and play your favourite sports, while still having the privacy of your own private space. It’s the best of both worlds!

One such park is Glyfada Beach Villas & Restaurant. In a 17-acre olive grove, you can find a variety of holiday homes, from traditional stone houses to family-sized luxury villas. With two swimming pools, a tennis court, two restaurants that serve delicious Greek food, and direct access to two nearby beaches, you are spoilt for choice here.