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Essence

Agios Nikolaos, Zakynthos

The house of water

12 Guests

6 Bedrooms

6 Bathrooms

An impeccably finished contemporary home, Essence has been featured by Condé Nast Traveller as one of "The most beautiful villas in Greece". Wow-inducing vistas pan out over the northeast coast of Zakynthos, the bay of Agios Nikolaos and the sea, rivalled only by the two extraordinary infinity pools that make this property unique. Immaculate interiors flow outside at every opportunity allowing guests to truly embrace al fresco living with the minimum of fuss, and a hydromassage pool, gym and games room complete what is an irresistible proposition.

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Our team has visited each of our villas, so they can share the finer details and help explore flexible date options

Winner of Condé Nast Traveller’s 2025 Best Villa Rental Company in the World

 Winner of Condé Nast Traveller’s 2025 Best Villa Rental Company in the World

Keyholder highlights

  • IncludedA pair of extraordinary infinity pools
  • IncludedAwe-inspiring sea views
  • IncludedContemporary style and comfort
  • IncludedHydromassage pool, gym and cinema room
  • IncludedBewitching sunrises
  • IncludedEasy access to beaches, shops, tavernas and a harbour

Gallery

Good morning from Essence, where the sunrise is not to be missed.

Ready for the first swim of the day.

A serene atmosphere as dusk falls.

Sleek contemporary lines and walls of fully extendable windows opening out onto the terraces.

Choose your spot by the main pool for some well-deserved relaxation.

Includes

  • IncludedSole use of the villa and the grounds
  • IncludedThe support of our Villa Specialists to help you select your perfect villa
  • IncludedThe expertise of a dedicated local team to help you fine-tune the logistics of your trip and to plan a range of experiences, many of which are exclusive to The Thinking Traveller
  • IncludedA Local Specialist to assist you during your stay and 24/7 emergency support
  • IncludedA comprehensive guide to your villa and its surrounding area, including our restaurant recommendations, cultural highlights and other activities
  • IncludedAn easy-to-use online holiday planner to keep all your booked experiences and services in one place, ensuring that nothing gets missed during your stay
  • IncludedThe ability to coordinate and share the details of your trip with your group via Your Account
  • IncludedAll sales taxes, electricity, gas, Wi-Fi, linen, bath towels, pool and/or beach towels
  • IncludedA daily cleaning service and a mid-week linen change

Excludes

  • Not IncludedFlights
  • Not IncludedCar hire
  • Not IncludedTransfers
  • Not IncludedMeals
  • Not IncludedThe Greek government’s Climate Resilience Levy - €15 per villa per night

View Essence on Map

The Area

Rising in an uber-panoramic, cliff-top position on the northeast coast of Zakynthos, Essence is well-placed for those who love the sea, beaches, and exploring picturesque villages and towns. At just over 30km long and 20km wide, Zakynthos, also known as Zante, is easy to get around and many of the island's best spots are close to Essence.

A 20-minute walk from Essence is the little harbour village of Agios Nikolaos. It may be small, but it offers most of what you will need on a day-to-day basis, including a beach, crystal clear waters, a minimarket, boat rental and a few tavernas and bars.

A few minutes' boat ride up the coast from Agios Nikolaos are the Blue Caves, a series of sea grottoes that are particularly well worth exploring in the morning when the eastern sun illuminates them with the sapphire colours of the sea. It's also a great spot for scuba diving and snorkelling.

Numerous lovely sandy beaches line the east coast, including those at Makris Gialos and Xigia (10-15mins) and Alykes (just over 25mins).

Heading west across the island, meanwhile, you will soon come to Zakynthos's most popular, most spectacular and most photographed beach: Navagio. Taking its name from the shipwreck that has lain on its sand since the early 1980s, the sandy bay is surrounded on three sides by spectacular tree-topped white cliffs and is only accessible by boat. This sublime setting and the bay's transparent, electric blue waters attract the crowds in high summer, but it's most certainly a sight to behold, both from above and below.

In terms of villages and towns in the area, the unspoilt twin villages of Volimes (upper and lower) have some interesting buildings, including traditional stone-built houses, a windmill, a couple of churches and a 400-year-old monastery. There are also a few eateries, should you get peckish while exploring.

Slightly further afield, though still just a 45-minute drive down the coast, is the capital of Zakynthos, Chora (or Zakynthos Town). A few fascinating Venetian buildings survive, and its museums and galleries, vibrant summery atmosphere, and host of bars, cafés and tavernas make it an attractive proposition for a day out.

Getting to and around

Zakynthos International Airport:

35km-22miles-50mins

Agios Nikolaos (beach, tavernas, a minimarket and boat hire):

1.5km-1mile-2mins (or a 20-minute walk)

Makris Gialos beach:

6.7km-4.3miles-12mins

Xigia beach:

8.7km-5.4miles-15mins

Alykes beach:

16.2km-10miles-27mins

Navagio beach:

13km-8miles-25mins

Volimes village:

9.5km-6miles-17mins

Zakynthos town:

31km-19miles-40mins

The Blue Caves:

1.5km-2.4miles-7mins