Gaia

Gaia sits midway down the spine of the island of Kastos. Measuring just 8km from north to south, and less than 1km from west to east, Kastos is a little gem of a place, inhabited by around 50 permanent residents only. This diminutive size, allied to its great unspoilt beauty, makes it the ideal destination for anyone looking for a holiday away from it all.

The sea that laps Kastos's shores is wonderfully limpid and clean, an irresistible lure for swimmers, snorkellers, scuba divers and sailors. While the west is largely characterised by a rocky, element-sculpted coastline, the east is home to a series of small sandy-pebbly beaches and paradisiacal bays with limpid, electric blue waters. Some are accessible via the island's (mainly dirt track) roads, others are only reachable by boat, and we thoroughly recommend you rent some waterborn transport during your stay.

In the high summer months, Kastos is a popular stop-off point for sailors navigating the Ionian Sea. This brings a bit of life to the tavernas and bars in Kastos village, whose very gentle summer buzz is a 25-minute walk or a quick drive from Gaia. On Kastos there are four tavernas, a few bars and, from the end of April to October, a mini-market-delicatessen. This latter sells bread, cheeses, cured meats, quality wines, traditional produce from the Lefkada area, and all the everyday essentials. If you would like to have a food hamper delivery for your arrival, please contact your Experience Specialist at least two weeks before your arrival. Further shopping orders can then be made once you're at the villa. Most of the tavernas and bars accept credit/debit cards but we recommend you take some cash just in case. There are no other amenities on the island (ie no banks, no ATMs, no chemists, etc).

Mitikas is a 50-minute foot passenger ferry ride (approx.) from Kastos, and in the summer months there is generally one crossing a day, six days a week. If you would prefer to arrange a private boat transfer on arrival/departure, please let us know well in advance. There is no car ferry to Kastos so you will not be able to take a car across. Fortunately, Gaia comes with a compact 4x4, making it easy to get around and explore the island in its entirety.