Checklist for Renting a Dream Villa
A villa is one of the most popular types of holiday accommodation in Greece. You can find cottages for a variety of holiday styles: for families with children, groups of friends or romantic couples. Here is a checklist of the most necessary things that you need to check before renting a villa in Greece.
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Location of your villa
This is the first and main thing you need to pay attention to: decide on the region where you plan to vacation. For example, some areas of the Halkidiki peninsula are more suitable for traveling with friends, while others are more comfortable with children.
Check the location of the villa. Is it in the center of a resort village, close to bars and taverns, or in a secluded villa complex away from busy streets? Consider the distance from the cottage to the sea, the length of the walk, and the type of road—whether it’s along a highway with cars or through resort streets. Many houses lay right by the sea. For instance, Villa Mira Mare is on the first coastline, a stone's throw from the sandy beach, with a view of the blue sea horizon from its green area.
Another important point is the nearby infrastructure. Check the distance to shops, cafes, and entertainment and how easy it is to reach them. For example, Villa Kristina is on a quiet street near the center of the resort village of Chanioti in Halkidiki, whereas some places may require a car to get to the supermarket.
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Prices and Season
Do not forget to take into account the season, as this is the main factor influencing the price of villas for rent in all resort regions, including Greece. Even the summer months and weeks vary in demand. You can read about other factors that determine the price of a villa here.
If you are planning a long vacation, renting for two weeks or more can often allow you to negotiate a good discount with the management company.
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House and Yard Size
Next on the list is the size of your villa in Greece. It can often be difficult to tell from photos, so be sure to check how many floors, bedrooms, and square footage there are to ensure there is enough space for your whole family or friends. For example, the spacious Villa Princess is located in the picturesque village of Kriopigi in Halkidiki and is ideal for large groups and families. It has 4 comfortable bedrooms, a large terrace overlooking the sea, and even a gym. The spacious site of Selene Villa in the city of Nikiti on Kassandra includes an outdoor barbecue area.
The plot of the villa will be an excellent place to relax, especially if you are going on holiday with children. They can safely play and have fun in their own supervised yard, just like at Tristan Cottage. We talked about other best villas for families in Halkidiki in a previous article. In addition, in your garden, you can relax on sun loungers and have shared breakfasts surrounded by greenery.
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Villa Amenities
An important point to check before renting a villa in Greece is the availability of amenities. This is one of the main advantages of holiday cottages over hotels, as you typically have all the equipment, utensils, and other useful devices in your home. However, don’t rely solely on photos; check in advance to ensure your stay at the villa is as comfortable as possible.
Pay attention to the kitchen—whether there are appliances and how new they are. It's especially nice to start your morning in Greece with a cup of coffee on your balcony or terrace, so check if your villa offers a coffee machine. In addition to the stove, important additions include a kettle, microwave oven, and a set of dishes. Most villas have all this. For example, Anemi Beach Villa has a fully equipped kitchen combined with a living room, so everyone can cook together and then enjoy the result of their work on their own cozy terrace in the shade of trees.
Also, check the availability and condition of a washing machine—a very necessary device on vacation. For example, Villa Sol Mate has a state-of-the-art washing machine in the shower, so you won't have to worry about stains from local wine or ice cream.
In addition, if you are traveling with children, see if the villa has special cribs and high chairs for them—this will make your holiday much easier. For example, Villa Princess has a separate children's bedroom with a bunk bed, and Agnanti Villa, located near the most beautiful beaches of Kassandra, has a high chair and a crib for little travelers.
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Reliability of the Management Company
Another important aspect to check when renting a villa in Greece is the reliability of the management company. Before booking a house, study the information about who is renting it out—a private owner, a management company, or a hotel. We described each category in more detail in the previous article.
The advantage of renting a villa from a management company is the combination of privacy with the availability of assistance and services if needed. A good management company will ensure that the villa is ready on time and in good condition and will quickly help resolve any issues during your vacation.
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Additional Services
Depending on your holiday style, when renting a villa, you can choose additional services that will simplify and improve your trip. Transfer, cleaning, and concierge services are all available from good managers. For instance, Aktis Villas provides all the necessary accompanying services from the Aktis Group. This includes a transfer to your villa from the airport and car rental to explore all the beauties of the Halkidiki peninsula. In addition, you can even rent a yacht and admire the local bays and islands from the water, as well as book various excursions and learn about the best places to relax.
