Mint Villa | 2-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Stavros Kefalonia

Four guests. Two bedrooms. A private swimming pool overlooking the Ionian Sea. This is what a luxury villa rental in Stavros, Ithaca feels like when you step onto the terrace of Mint Villa and realise the next week belongs entirely to you. Perched on the northern slope of Homer’s legendary island, minutes from the whitewashed harbour town of Stavros, this contemporary villa combines the simplicity of island living with the sophistication of modern comfort—the kind of place where time moves differently.

Inside Mint Villa

Mint Villa sleeps 4 guests across 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, each space designed to feel more spacious than its dimensions suggest. On the ground floor, an open-plan living and dining area draws light from multiple angles, with 4-metre ceilings that create an almost gallery-like sense of proportion. The kitchen sits integrated into this space, equipped with a functional hob, oven, small dishwasher, filter coffee machine and toaster—everything necessary for casual morning breakfasts or more ambitious cooking projects. A twin bedroom with en-suite bathroom occupies the remaining ground floor, offering direct terrace access and morning light that floods through oversized windows.

Climb the internal staircase to the first floor, and the master double bedroom reveals itself—a private retreat with its own en-suite bathroom and a mezzanine balcony that overlooks the double-height living space below, creating unexpected visual connection between the two levels. Storage throughout both bedrooms is generous, a detail that matters more than most first-time villa renters realise. The working fireplace on the ground floor isn’t decorative; it functions through cooler months or evening gatherings, drawing people together naturally. Three televisions throughout the property offer escape from the view, though few guests choose it. A sound system, DVD player, and high-speed Wi-Fi ensure entertainment options beyond what the terrace already provides.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Two distinct terraces wrap around the villa’s exterior—one designed for morning coffee and quiet reading, the other oriented toward social gathering. The swimming pool, fenced for safety and positioned to capture southern light, becomes the day’s gravitational centre for families. Sun loungers edge the pool deck; a full barbecue and outdoor dining table occupy the second terrace, positioned to catch the Ionian breeze without losing the sea views.

The terraces command panoramic sightlines across Ithaca’s landscape—olive groves descending toward the coast, the profile of Kefalonia visible across the channel on clear days, and the soft ambient light that Ionian islands are known for. At sunset, the views shift from blue to orange to purple within minutes. There’s no specific dimension to this vista; it simply extends until the horizon intervenes. The property sits within a gated cluster of four villas sharing 9 terraced levels of landscaping, which means you possess privacy without isolation. Neighbouring properties remain screened by mature olive trees, native plants, and architectural separation.

Location: Stavros and the Surrounding Area

Stavros village sits 5 minutes’ drive downhill—a functional harbour town of roughly 1,200 residents that transforms seasonally into a lively regional hub. The village retains its fishing-village character despite growing tourism; local tavernas cluster around the small harbour, serving grilled octopus and catch-of-the-day to both residents and visiting yachtspeople. The nearest beach, Stavros Town Beach, lies within the village itself, a sheltered semicircular cove with white sand and turquoise water, approximately 4km from Mint Villa by road.

For more developed beach infrastructure, Polis Bay lies 12km northeast and offers larger sandy beaches, water sports facilities, and restaurants with sea-view tables. The archaeological site of the Ancient City of Stavros sits elevated above the modern town—a modest but atmospheric cluster of ruins representing the island’s significant classical period. The journey to reach it involves a short walk through olive groves, rewarded with views across the northern coast.

Vathy, Ithaca’s main harbour and largest settlement, occupies the island’s southern coast approximately 18km away via winding mountain roads. It functions as the primary commercial centre, home to supermarkets, pharmacies, the weekly ferry connection to Patras (on mainland Greece, 45km away), and restaurants ranging from casual tavernas to more formal dining establishments. The drive to Vathy takes 25–30 minutes depending on traffic patterns during peak season.

Ithaca itself lacks major airport facilities; most international visitors arrive via Kefalonia International Airport, located 50km away across the sea (accessible by ferry from Sami or Pessada, approximately 60 minutes by boat). Alternative routes include ferry connections from Astakos (mainland, 45km), Lefkada island (48km), or the port city of Patras (95km). Once on Ithaca, exploring by car, scooter, or boat allows access to hidden coves—Gidaki Beach, Afales Bay, and Ligia Bay each offer distinct character, some accessible only by foot or water.

The island’s interior rewards wandering. Cycling routes connect villages through olive groves; walking trails lead through pine forests with sea views emerging unexpectedly. Local boat operators offer day cruises to nearby islands—Lefkada, Kefalonia, and the smaller islets of Arkoudi and Atokos. These excursions typically cost €40–70 per person and provide access to secluded anchorages. Taverna meals in Stavros cost €12–20 per person for traditional Greek fare; supermarket provisions run standard EU prices. The best time to visit Ithaca runs from late April through early June and September through October—warm enough for swimming, uncrowded, with stable weather patterns. July and August bring peak heat and significant tourist populations.

Explore our collection of luxury villas across Europe or browse additional properties in our Kefalonia and Ionian Islands portfolio. For deeper destination context, our comprehensive Greece travel guide covers seasonal considerations, cultural sites, and regional specialities throughout the country.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Mint Villa accommodates small groups seeking both privacy and proximity to working villages. Two couples travelling together find the dual bedrooms with separate bathrooms particularly valuable. Families with children under 12 benefit from the fenced pool, ground-floor twin bedroom positioned near adult supervision areas, and proximity to Stavros Town Beach—calmer and more accessible than exposed coves. Multi-generational groups (grandparents, parents, grandchildren) appreciate the spatial separation between bedrooms, allowing younger guests early sleeping schedules without disturbing others.

The villa suits professionals working remotely; high-speed Wi-Fi and the distinct separation of work-from-home spaces (the mezzanine overlook functions well as a quiet desk area) support this arrangement. Couples prioritising couples’ privacy and island exploration find the villa’s scale—not too large, not cramped—appropriate. The working fireplace appeals to guests planning autumn or early winter visits. The barbecue and outdoor dining setup suits groups planning to cook together or host casual entertaining during their stay.

Practical Information

Mint Villa sleeps 4 guests across 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The property includes Wi-Fi internet access, air conditioning throughout, television in multiple rooms, DVD player, sound system, working fireplace, and a safe box. Kitchen equipment encompasses hob, oven, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, microwave, and filter coffee machine. Utilities, Wi-Fi, and standard housekeeping are included in the rental price. Maid service and private chef services are available by arrangement. Airport transfers from Kefalonia (50km, approximately 75 minutes including ferry) or Patras (95km, approximately 120 minutes) can be organised. The nearest supermarket is in Stavros village, 4km away. Check-in flexibility depends on seasonal availability but typically operates on standard afternoon/evening arrival and morning departure protocols.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mint Villa

How many guests does Mint Villa sleep?

Mint Villa accommodates 4 guests in 2 bedrooms: a ground-floor twin bedroom and a first-floor double bedroom. Both bedrooms include private en-suite bathrooms. The villa is not suitable for additional guests or sofa bed arrangements.

What is the nearest airport to Mint Villa in Stavros?

Kefalonia International Airport (JKL) lies approximately 50km away across the Ionian Sea. The journey involves a 30–40 minute drive to Sami or Pessada port on Kefalonia’s eastern coast, followed by a 60-minute ferry crossing to Vathy, Ithaca’s main harbour. From Vathy, Mint Villa is another 25–30 minute drive. Total transfer time is typically 2.5–3 hours. Patras International Airport (100km via mainland routes) offers an alternative, requiring approximately 120 minutes total travel time including ferry connections.

What is the best time of year to rent Mint Villa?

Late April through early June offers warm swimming temperatures (20–24°C), reliable sunshine, and manageable tourist volumes. September through October provides similar conditions—stable weather, clear skies, warm water (21–23°C), and noticeably fewer visitors competing for restaurants and beaches. July and August are warm (27–30°C) with excellent sea conditions but attract peak international tourism, potentially compromising the tranquility Ithaca offers. Winter months (November–March) are mild but rainy and subject to unpredictable wind patterns; the working fireplace becomes valuable during these periods.

Is Mint Villa suitable for families with children?

Yes. The fenced private swimming pool meets safety standards and eliminates beach-only swimming dependencies. Stavros Town Beach, 4km away, features calm protected waters ideal for younger swimmers and shallow entry gradients. The ground-floor layout allows parents to supervise children while cooking or relaxing. The twin bedroom accommodates families with two younger children. However, the villa lacks high chairs, cots, or toys—families requiring these items should arrange provision in advance. The nearest paediatrician is in Vathy (30 minutes away); the nearest pharmacy is in Stavros village (5 minutes away).

What is included in the rental price at Mint Villa?

The rental price includes accommodation for 4 guests, utilities (electricity, water, heating), Wi-Fi internet access, air conditioning, pool maintenance, and twice-weekly housekeeping. Bed linen and towels are provided and changed weekly. The private swimming pool, barbecue, and all kitchen equipment (hob, oven, dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker) are included. Television and DVD player access is included. Additional services—private chef, maid service beyond standard cleaning, airport transfers, and boat excursions—are available at additional cost and can be arranged at booking.

What restaurants and shops are near Mint Villa?

Stavros village (5km, 8-minute drive) contains three supermarkets offering standard groceries, fresh produce, bread, and wine. Taverna Mythos, Taverna Trehantiri, and Gidaki Taverna serve traditional Greek cuisine with sea views; meals typically cost €14–22 per person. For more extensive shopping or dining variety, Vathy (18km, 30-minute drive) offers multiple supermarkets, restaurants, and a weekly farmers’ market. Specialist provisions—premium wines, imported goods, fresh fish from daily catches—are available in both towns. Most restaurants operate seasonal hours, closing November through March; summer hours typically extend to midnight or later.