zakynthos (zante) is one of the ionian islands. it is reachable by air (duration of the flight is 50 minutes from the athens international airport) as well as by sea (ferryboats from kyllini, peloponnese – duration of travel less than 2 hours). kyllini is located 80 kilometres south of the port of patra that links peloponnese to italy.
due to its diverse underwater environment, zakynthos and especially the region “keri” is considered a paradise for those who love scuba diving, as it offers the chance to explore caverns and tunnels. furthermore, lovers of marine life are attracted to the island in order to see the beach of laganas gulf, where sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach. laganas beach is considered a protected area and belongs to the national marine park of zakynthos.
zakynthos is the birthplace of many intellectuals, among them dionysios solomos, the greek poet who wrote the “hymn to liberty” that became the national anthem. also, the island has a long musical tradition of serenades, love songs that were sung by men, expressing their feelings under the moonlight.
in ancient times zakynthos was part of odysseus’s kingdom, while during contemporary history the island incurred many years of venetian, french and british domination, until 1864 when it was united with greece. the history of the island interweaves with earthquakes and this is why the building regulation is very strict.
the patron saint of the island, saint dionysios is considered a remarkable example of forgiveness as according to tradition he saved the murdered of his beloved brother. his body remains intact and rests in the church of saint dionysios in the capital of the island.
positioned directly above the ionian shoreline on the western coast of zakynthos, evander occupies a rare waterfront setting where the land falls gently toward the sea and uninterrupted views extend across the water toward kefalonia. built in natural local stone and framed by dry-stone terraces, the villa draws from traditional zakynthian architecture while remaining closely connected to the landscape that surrounds it.
the approach winds through approximately 8,000 sqm of grounds planted with mediterranean herbs, olive trees and native vegetation, gradually revealing the house against the coastline. terracotta roofs, timber pergolas and thick stone walls give the property a sense of permanence within its hillside setting, while the elevated position allows open views across the ionian sea from nearly every part of the estate.
the main residence unfolds across approximately 250 sqm, with interiors defined by exposed stonework, timber ceilings and soft natural light entering through wide sea-facing openings. the principal living room centres around a traditional fireplace beneath pitched wooden ceilings, creating a warm contrast to the brightness of the surrounding coastline. throughout the house, materials remain tactile and grounded — natural stone, aged timber and terracotta floors reflecting the island’s architectural character rather than a decorative interpretation of it.
three en-suite bedrooms are arranged within the main house, each positioned to maintain privacy while opening toward the sea or surrounding terraces. large windows frame the changing colours of the water throughout the day, while the elevated orientation allows soft evening light to move gradually across the interiors at sunset.
a separate guest suite sits independently from the main residence, with floor-to-ceiling glazing facing directly toward the coastline and distant kefalonia. this additional accommodation creates flexibility for guests while preserving a sense of separation from the principal living spaces.
outdoor life centres around the expansive stone terraces that step gradually toward the sea. an infinity pool and adjoining jacuzzi sit prominently at the edge of the property, visually merging with the horizon beyond, while shaded verandas provide protected outdoor dining and seating areas overlooking the water. a long covered terrace runs across the front of the villa, creating a continuous connection between the interiors and the coastline below.
the gardens remain intentionally informal, planted with rosemary, lavender and local herbs that release fragrance in the warmth of the afternoon sun. a narrow private footpath descends directly from the grounds toward the beach and the clear ionian waters below, allowing immediate access to the shoreline without interrupting the privacy of the estate.
additional outdoor features include a fully equipped built-in bbq area, multiple dining spaces and paved parking for several vehicles. despite its secluded setting, the property remains highly functional for seasonal living or extended stays, combining privacy with direct access to the sea.
as evening settles across the western horizon, the terraces and pool area become entirely oriented toward the sunset, with the final light reflecting against the stone walls and calm water below.
