zakynthos (zante) is one of the ionian islands. it is reachable by air (the flight duration is 50 minutes from the athens international airport) and by sea (ferryboats from kyllini, peloponnese – period of travel less than 2 hours). kyllini is located 80 kilometres south of the port of patra, which links the peloponnese to italy.
due to its diverse underwater environment, zakynthos and, especially, the region “keri” are considered paradises for those who love scuba diving, as they offer the chance to explore caverns and tunnels. furthermore, lovers of marine life are attracted to the island to see the beach of laganas gulf, where sea turtles lay their eggs on the beach. laganas beach is 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 serenade love songs 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 island’s history interweaves with earthquakes, so the building regulations are stringent.
the island’s patron saint, saint dionysios, is considered a remarkable example of forgiveness as, according to tradition, he saved the murder of his beloved brother. his body remains intact and rests in the church of saint dionysios in the capital of the island.
set within the landscape of vasilikos on the southern coast of zakynthos, oria occupies a 6,600 sqm plot positioned above the ionian sea. surrounded by established vegetation and shaped by the natural contours of the land, the residence has been designed to sit comfortably within its setting while maintaining open views towards the coastline and horizon beyond.
the architecture is composed as a series of interconnected volumes arranged across the site rather than as a single dominant structure. natural stone, pale finishes and extensive glazing create a restrained architectural language that responds directly to the surrounding landscape. the relationship between built form and terrain is carefully considered throughout, allowing the house to feel integrated into the site while maintaining a strong sense of openness towards the sea.
the residence is organised across two principal wings that separate the private accommodation from the main living areas. one wing contains the bedrooms, while the other is dedicated to the kitchen, dining and living spaces, all oriented towards uninterrupted ionian views. at the centre of the composition, an internal courtyard introduces natural light into the heart of the house and strengthens the connection between the interior spaces and the landscape that surrounds them.
the main living areas extend naturally towards the exterior through wide sliding openings, creating a continuous relationship between the house and its terraces. positioned to follow the slope of the land, the outdoor spaces take advantage of the site′s elevation and orientation, allowing the architecture to engage directly with the views while remaining sheltered and private.
a lower level accommodates an additional guest suite together with supplementary living space, providing flexibility without alter ing the balance of the principal residence above. throughout the property, the material palette remains consistent, combining contemporary detailing with natural textures that reflect the character and tones of the surrounding landscape.
currently under construction and scheduled for completion at the end of 2026, oria is defined by its clarity of design, its thoughtful relationship with the land and its position within one of zakynthos′ most established coastal settings. as the light softens across the ionian in the evening, the house remains closely connected to its surroundings, with the landscape and sea forming an integral part of the experience of the property.
eligible for the greek golden visa and non-dom programme.
