It was that glorious hour in the afternoon again – our toddler was inside for a nap, the sun was shining and the infinity pool, looking out across the endless blue sea, was deserted.
At Villa Trapezaki Blue on the south coast of Kefalonia, silence is interrupted only by rustling olive trees and waves lapping on the shore below.
The views are spectacular, from the sun-drenched mountains behind the villa to the sheer white cliffs of Zakynthos on the horizon. No cars, no mobile phones and – just for the moment at least – total peace for us parents.
Relaxation: Villa Trapezaki Blue on the south coast of Kefalonia is perfect for families, group trips or couples wanting a romantic break
To infinity and beyond: The stand-out feature of the property is this stunning infinity pool overlooking the sea
The views are spectacular, from the sun-drenched mountains behind the villa to the sheer white cliffs of Zakynthos on the horizon
This magnificent three-bed property – from James Villas’ Luxury collection – overlooks the sea in the village of Trapezaki and is the ideal place for a family to enjoy everything the island has to offer.
Just a 20-minute drive from the island’s airport, the villa is also only a short walk from a beach and excellent waterfront taverna with the usual mouthwatering selection of grilled fish and Greek salads.
Stocked up for the perfect holiday, the villa itself has an airy, open-plan interior, fitted out with modern and comfortable furnishings.
The owner had also left a large box of toys for our little one to play with and she also supplied cots and high chairs.
Outside, the grounds, including an immaculate lawn and orchard with pomegranate and olive trees, are filled with the scent of rosemary.
Stocked up for the perfect holiday, the villa itself has an airy, open-plan interior, fitted out with modern and comfortable furnishings
Room with a view: The comfortable upstairs bedrooms feature incredible views of the Ionian, looking out towards Zakynthos
Much of Julian’s week was spent simply lounging by the truly incredible pool (complete with hot tub feature), gazing out to sea and, in the evenings, barbecuing fresh local produce
One of the prettiest villages in Kefalonia is Assos, pictured, which is truly dreamy from very angle
Julian found that the long sandy beach at Katelios, pictured, with its shallow millpond bay, was the perfect spot for his little one to splash around in
Julian enjoyed shopping for fresh fish and vegetables at the markets of Argostoli, pictured
Much of our week was spent simply lounging by the truly incredible pool (complete with hot tub), gazing out to sea and, in the evenings, barbecuing fresh local produce.
But while the villa has everything you need for a lazy poolside break, it is also in a great location for exploring the island’s stunning south coast.
We spent early mornings at the markets of nearby Argostoli shopping for fresh fish and vegetables – and sublime cakes in the many bakeries.
Our two-year-old was thrilled by the sight of turtles that swim slowly around the port waiting for scraps from the fishing boats.
Wonderful beaches with calm, crystal clear water – perfect for swimming and snorkeling – can be found just a short drive away. Travel in-field and wind up narrow roads for stunning mountain views.
Breathtaking: One of the most beautiful beaches in Greece is at Myrtos Bay, pictured
Julian’s villa has everything you need for a lazy poolside break, it is also in a great location for exploring the island’s stunning south coast
The views at Villa Trapezaki Blue mean it’s hard to leave, says Julian. But stunning beaches and mountain walks are only a short drive away
Endless blue: As well as spectacular views, the property has large grounds including an immaculate lawn and orchard with pomegranate and olive trees
Melissani Cave is one of Kefalonia’s most intriguing and eye-catching sights
Travel facts
Villa Trapezaki Blue, on Kefalonia’s south coast, is available through James Villas from £1,379 a week.
Rating: 
Further afield, to the east, we found the long sandy beach at Katelios, with its shallow millpond bay, was the perfect spot for our little one to splash around with her little friend.
Back at the villa, the hardest task was trying to convince the kids to tear themselves away from the pool.
Our faces warmed by the sun, our bellies full of Greek delights, we had already seen enough of this emerald in the Ionian to know we would be back.