On the resort-packed Greek coasts and islands, few places stand out as bona fide high-end destinations, untouched by mass tourism and uncontrolled development. Such is Porto Heli, a seaside village that has doubled as the ideal summer hideaway for the Greek elite for many decades.

Welcome to the “Hamptons of Greece”

What combined qualities do you look for in a holiday spot? Discreet surroundings, check. Superior amenities, check. Authentic experiences, check. Welcome the Mediterranean paradise righteously called the “Hamptons of Greece.”

Porto Heli is a picturesque port surrounded by a seamless blend of rural landscapes and luxurious residencies. The first one, the Tower of Elli, was built in 1930 by a wealthy Athenian couple that approached the area by yacht and instantly fell in love with its beauty. A few decades later, Porto Heli won the hearts of Greece’s shipping magnates, wealthy industrialists and top celebrities. Soon, the coast was brimming with palatial summer estates that welcomed VIP guests all year long.

Today, the greater Porto Heli area is home to some of the most expensive resorts in Europe while boasting a large selection of lavish villas for rent. To its advantage, the place maintains all the qualities revered by the rich and famous: superb facilities, inimitable scenery, elegant lifestyle and the ability to enjoy it all incognito.

Simple pleasures with a cosmopolitan edge

The sheltered Porto Heli bay is pinned on the tip of the Argolic peninsula, a couple of hours away from Athens by land (or 25 minutes by helicopter). Ideally, you can reach it by sea and lose yourself in the breathtaking view of the winding shoreline and the hidden coves where the pine trees kiss the waves.

Upon arrival, you’re greeted by the picturesque village and its waveless harbour that provides shelter to hundreds of yachts every summer. Here, you’ll find some of the finest restaurants in the area, where you can taste the freshest local fish and seafood (like the pink Kilada shrimps). In the evenings you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail while mingling with the jet set in one of the many cozy nightlife spots.

The beaches here are beautiful and inviting, with crystal-clear waters and calming vibes. On the sandy or pebbly shores of Porto Heli, Kounoupi, Hinitsa, Agios Emilianos, Ververonda, Petrothalassa, and Kosta you’ll find everything you want, whether it’s a relaxing swim or a day full of watersports and fun. What’s worth mentioning is that apart from the renowned beaches, smaller ones exist on every gulf that can only be accessed by the villas laying on top of each gulf.

An upscale neighbourhood

Porto Heli offers an ideal getaway for a quiet, restful summer. But it’s also a great starting point for day trips to neighbouring destinations. Close by, Ermioni offers excellent dining and bustling nightlife. On the hillside, looking over the bay, stands Kranidi with its imposing neoclassical mansions. To the West, you’ll meet the traditional fishing village of Kilada and the palaeolithic Franchthi cave.

Conveniently located across Porto Heli are Spetses and, a bit further, the island of Hydra, both renowned for their timeless beauty and cosmopolitan aura. Here, you can enjoy a walk in the car-free cobblestone alleys, taste fine dishes like fish “a la Spetsiota”, and have a rich cultural experience in the local museums and landmarks.

The whole Argolic peninsula is a hotbed of Greek history. On the top of the gulf, you’ll find Nafplio, the first capital of modern Greece and home of its first Parliament. Further West, you can walk among the ruins of Mycenae, one of the dominating city-states of ancient times. And on the East Coast, you can admire the archaeological site of Epidaurus and the preserved ancient theater that hosts the world-famous high-brow festival.

In a nutshell, Porto Heli combines a perfect summer sanctuary with a wholesome traveler’s experience. So, are you ready for a genuine high-end holiday?

Check out our luxurious villas in the area

Villa Rafaella

A combination of Neoclassical and Mediterranean style form the ideal holiday destination. An excellent location on the southern-eastern cape of Peloponnese, very close to Porto Heli and Spetses island, makes Villa Rafaella a unique reference point. A large swimming pool and beautiful tennis court create a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Villa Eleganza

A villa with a unique modern architectural design that is meant to offer the utmost privacy and relaxation. Enjoy the elegant indoors and unwind yourself in the spacious outdoors by the infinity pool.

Villa Pigna

Villa Pigna is the perfect getaway for families with young children to spend quality time together and relax. Guests will most certainly enjoy the lush gardens and the dining areas, while children will love the wooden playground, the basketball court and the large swimming pool.

Villa Mneme

An idyllic location and modern design with an influence from local traditional architecture, are what make Villa Mneme so special. Decorations inspired from the Greek marine culture, and furniture arrangement according to the Feng Shui, create the perfect accommodation for moments of complete tranquility.

Villa Liberia

Villa Liberia is a brand-new addition to our portfolio. With modern design and spacious areas, the villa invites you to gaze at amazing sea views, to make refreshing dives in the large swimming pool, as well as swim at the beautiful beach that is within walking distance.

Villa Anais

A charming residence with a unique position, in the area’s most beautiful cove. Villa Anais awaits you to experience the perfect Greek holiday. Charming gardens along with tennis and basketball courts will give you the perfect setup to unwind. At the same time, a beautiful beach is located right next to the villa to enjoy beautiful summer moments.

If you find yourself in Spetses during early September, you’re in for a special treat. It’s the time of year when locals commemorate their victorious battle against the Ottoman fleet during the Greek War of Independence. The renowned Armata festival offers locals and visitors a colorful blend of cultural events that peaks with the annual re-enactment of the historic naval battle.

Relive a heroic moment in time

The War of Independence of 1821 is a momentous period in Greek history. A large part of that war transpired at sea. The small island of Spetses was home to many brave men and women who left their mark on the victorious campaign.

In September 1822, the Greeks besieged the city of Nafplio by land and sea. The naval forces sent by the Ottomans to relieve Nafplio met resistance from a Greek fleet based in Spetses. As history goes, the decisive moment was when local captain Kosmas Barbatsis charged his fireship at the enemy Flagship. The Ottomans fled and eventually lost the battle in the clash that followed.

Thankful for their victory, the people of Spetses believed it came with divine help from Virgin Mary. Their tribute was to build a chapel in the old port and name it Panagia Armata after her.

Share the Spetsiotes’ pride

The Armata is a week-long festival, annually held in glorious memory of the victorious Naval Battle of Spetses. As a unique tourist attraction, it offers visitors an opportunity to dive into the island’s rich cultural heritage and salute world-famous historical figures, like the fearless naval commander Laskarina Bouboulina.

Every second week of September, local authorities organize a string of diverse cultural events, like traditional dances, popular plays, live concerts, art exhibitions, etc. On September 8th, the day Virgin Mary was born, a special mass is held at the Panagia Armata chapel and the town’s main church.

Eventually, it all builds up to the festival’s most anticipated attraction for locals and visitors alike: the live re-enactment of the battle. That night, makeshift fireships sail back and forth while a narrator recounts the historical events amidst repeated cannonades. In the grand finale, the Spetses sky lights up by the ritual burning of the Ottoman Flagship and the spectacular fireworks show that follows.

Enjoy a wholesome experience

Greek summertime is often prolonged to mid-fall due to good weather conditions and a steady flow of foreign visitors. In most islands, the tourist season lasts until the end of October, albeit without the bustling beaches and lush nightlife of mid-summer.

Such loud contrast is unknown to Spetses, a place with timeless qualities, an enchanting cosmopolitan aura, and a noble but low-key character that stays the same all year long.

In autumn, when hot days become warm, it’s the perfect time to savor what the island has to offer. Without the summer heat, you can enjoy strolling around the car-free town’s picturesque cobblestone alleys. Far from the high season, you can experience the serenity and calming vibes of the island’s beautiful beaches. And free from summertime idleness, you can appreciate the cultural wealth of Spetses through its museums, sites, and one-of-a-kind events like the Armata festival.

As for the sportive types, in October the island becomes the ultimate hot spot for running aficionados. The Spetses mini marathon is a three-day sporting event with long-distance races for both runners and swimmers that welcomes more than five thousand visitors every year.

Accommodation

Villa Arte 

Villa Arte won the Gold Award in Tourism Awards 2022 as the Family Villa of the Year!
It’s the ideal accommodation for families who seek luxury and privacy in the island of Spetses. The stone built Villa is a magnificent residence with a soothing, welcoming atmosphere, creating a tranquil environment.

Villa Aloni

Villa Aloni is a brand-new construction (2020). Following the unique architecture of the aristocratic Spetsian Mansions, the property is located in the heart of a 22-acres plot of Mediterranean lush plantation. This iconic property offers for isome memorable relaxing holiday experience. At the same time, the vivid center of Spetses remains a mere 10 minutes walking distance.

Villa Filotimi

This bohemian island oasis offers a minimalistic design concept inspired by the Wabi-Sabi philosophy. Focused on accepting the imperfect nature of life and things. ‘Wabi’ refers to a sense of understated rustic elegance or natural simplicity. Meanwhile ‘Sabi’ is an ode to imperfection, or seeing beauty in the flaws that come with time.

Villa Lilium

Enjoy the panoramic views from Villa Lilium’s balconies, as the sea meets the sky on the horizon. The modern design of the villa offers an amazing escape opportunity for visitors who are seeking seclusion and relaxation moments.

Villa Pegasus

Neoclassical and Mediterranean influences give form to Pegasus. Large, spacious rooms await to host your holidays with comfort. Outside, patios with pergolas invite you to spend your days under the sun, between the green gardens of jasmine and vines. The swimming pool is a suitable alternative for those preferring a refreshing morning dip within the privacy of the property.

Villa Marelia

Peacefully located on the cosmopolitan island of Spetses, the lavish Villa Marelia invites its guests for endless moments of tranquility. The Villa offers majestic sea views of the Argosaronic Gulf. It is the perfect getaway for a wonderful and private experience. The two-level property offers spacious indoor and outdoor areas creating a relaxing atmosphere and is the ideal getaway for families or large groups of friends.

So, are you ready for a unique, unforgettable autumn vacation?

We are beyond happy to announce that Olive Villa Rentals was featured in the Times Travel section of The Times Online, which was published on May 25, 2022.

The Times’ Travel Checklist features a selection of 10 top-quality products and services regarding hospitality, tourism and holidays, forming an essential guide to those seeking inspiration or recommendations for their next voyage.

This time, the article named “Ten great reasons to plan the trip of a lifetime this summer” featured a proposal list of the top 10 travel companies and destinations from all over the world that can provide you with the most fascinating summer holiday experience. Olive Villa Rentals was included, bringing Greece to a list amongst other high-end destinations.

Olive Villa Rentals was endorsed for its deep expertise and attentive approach in greek hospitality, its wide range portfolio, as well as its exceptional concierge services.

Your holiday experience is more than just a task to us. We make it our mission to provide you with the best luxury accommodations along with top-tier services for a complete high-end vacation experience. We are Olive Villa Rentals.

Read the full article here

For the second consecutive year, we are incredibly honoured to announce that the Olive Villa rentals team has won not one, not two, but three Villa Awards in the 2022 Tourism Awards ceremony! With 1 Gold and 2 Silver Awards, we could not be more proud.

Being part of the Tourism Awards, the Villa Awards is a lavish award ceremony where all the luxury rental enthusiasts come together, in order to reward the best villas and villa agents. A judging committee of experts in the area of hospitality and tourism evaluate and reward a variety of Greek luxury villas.
The love for villas, luxury and tourism is not a love that only we share, here at Olive Villa Rentals. It’s a passion that we share with many others. And it all comes together at the Villa Awards!

 

 

 

Villa Arte: Gold Award, category “Family Villa of the Year”

The ideal accommodation for families who seek luxury and privacy in the island of Spetses. Stone-built with high ceilings and spacious rooms, the Villa is a magnificent residence with a soothing, welcoming atmosphere, creating a tranquil environment.

 

Villa Primavera: Silver Award, category “Luxury Villa of the Year”

The utmost luxury and breathtaking views, just a breath away from the center of Athens. An accommodation that exceeds all expectations by providing spacious and chic interiors, a fully equipped private gym and an extraordinary infinity pool with amazing views of the Athenian Riviera.

 

Aphrodite’s Mansion: Silver Award, category “Traditional Villa of the Year”

A perfect rustic getaway in the magical landscape of Mount Pelion originally built in 1892 and later renovated by internationally acclaimed architects. Antique decorations, a picturesque open garden and a large swimming pool captivate even the most demanding guests.

Who we are:

Olive Villa Rentals is run by native Greeks with multinational backgrounds and experience. We are passionate travellers and helping you find the villa that best suits your needs while complementing the experience with concierge services is our way of sharing that passion. Our goal: To make your holidays in Greece an unforgettable experience.

We are very proud to announce that Olive Villa Rentals was featured in The Guardian’s Travel Guide in association with the National Geographic Traveler, that was published on September 25, 2021, in the UK.

The publication featured relevant editorial throughout, presenting luxury escapes, city breaks and staycations, while highlighting the best hotels and villas in the world.

Olive Villa Rentals was featured in the “Luxury Travel” section and endorsed for its wide range of portfolio and exceptional services. Three of our exclusively managed villas were featured (Villa Pegasus in Spetses, Villa Primavera in Athens and Villa Delos Mare in Mykonos) as the editor’s top picks for an unforgettable holiday in Greece.

Our favorite quote from the publication: “When it comes to booking a holiday villa in Greece, it’s important to choose the right people to guide you through what may prove to be an unforgettable experience. Olive Villa Rentals will assist you in finding the villa that best matches your unique needs and take you every step of the way to your dream holiday”

The Travel Guide was distributed in 415,000 copies and was able to bring to life the magic of Olive Villa Rentals to the UK population. As the Guardian mentioned: “Greece is a country full of surprises, and you’ll want them to be good ones only — Olive Villa Rentals will make sure of it.”

About Olive Villa Rentals:

Olive Villa Rentals is run by native Greeks with multinational background and experience. Passionate travellers ourselves, we will help you find the villa that best suits your needs and complement it with exceptional concierge services. Our goal: Make your holiday in Greece an unforgettable experience.

Read the full advertorial here.

Olive Villa Rentals is proud to announce that it has received 2 awards at the Tourism AWARDS 2021. Olive Villa Rentals was recognised as one the leading Villa Management companies in Greece, in an event that took place on Thursday June 3rd 2021 at the Zappeion Hall, one of the most iconic venues in Athens Greece.

In the official announcement of the winners, Olive Villa Rentals received awards in the following categories:

• Category “VIP and Luxury Travel”, Silver
• Category “Branding and Corporate Identity”, Silver 

The award in the category “VIP and Luxury Travel” was received for the depth of high-end villas in the portfolio, and the 5* services provided to VIP guests all over the world.

The award in the Category “Corporate Identity and Branding” was received for the complete corporate re-branding and strong digital campaign that brought amazing business results during the 2020 season.

Olive Villa Rental’s Partner and Head of Marketing, Nikos Anastasopoulos said: “It is a great honour to be recognised by the most prestigious Tourism Awards in the country. This is the result of hard work from the entire Olive Villa Rentals team and a recognition of their effort. The best is yet to come!”

About Olive Villa Rentals:

Olive Villa Rentals is run by native Greeks with multinational background and experience. Passionate travellers ourselves, we will help you find the villa that suits your needs and compliment it with exceptional concierge services. Our goal: To make your holiday in Greece an unforgettable experience.

Oliverentals.com is constantly improving its brand awareness by performing targeted marketing actions in global scale.

We, the members of oliverentals.com, are proud to be present in the Inflight magazine of the 3rd largest European and 11th worldwide (based on 2014 full year data) airline, that is Easyjet.

Easyjet serves over 6.000.000 passengers on a more than 90% load factor on a monthly basis. On a rolling 12-month basis, as per April 2015 traffic data announced by Easyjet, the overall number of flown passengers exceeds 66.000.000.

Being able to deliver our message to the passengers of a world renowned airline is crucial, as it enhances our corporate profile while it proves our steady pace towards an extrovert approach through top-class partnerships.

Our marketing team focused on delivering to our prospective customers a clear and precise message: Oliverentals.com offers a selection of the finest villas in four geographic regions (Cyclades, Ionian Sea, Mainland and Athens) in the all-inclusive oliverentals.com concept (luxury, privacy, experience and services).

To further support our message, unlike a typical villa promotion advertisement, we took out all images and ‘flooded’ the specific marketing action with a rich, olive- alike, deep green color.