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.
positioned on the hillsides of vasilikos near kaminia beach, indigo is conceived as a low horizontal structure that follows the natural contours of the landscape, opening fully toward uninterrupted views across the ionian sea. the architecture is restrained and deliberate, with long linear forms, pale stone surfaces and expansive glazing designed to reduce the boundary between interior and exterior spaces.
the villa extends across 332 sqm (3,573 sq.ft.) on a 4,090 sqm (44,024 sq.ft.) plot, with the principal living spaces arranged around a broad sea-facing terrace and infinity pool. rather than dominating the hillside, the structure appears partially embedded within it, allowing the surrounding olive groves and native vegetation to remain visually present from almost every room.
inside, the house is organised around an open-plan living and dining area where floor-to-ceiling glazing frames the coastline continuously throughout the day. the material palette remains quiet and consistent: natural stone, soft timber tones, textured plaster and muted finishes that respond to the light rather than compete with it. double-height sections introduce volume without excess, while carefully positioned openings allow natural airflow to move through the interiors during the warmer months.
the kitchen sits as part of the central living space, connected directly to the outdoor dining terrace and pool area. broad covered sections create shade across the exterior spaces, allowing the terraces to function comfortably throughout the season. from the water’s edge, the view extends outward across the ionian coastline with no interruption from neighbouring structures.
the villa includes four bedrooms and four bathrooms, each continuing the same restrained architectural language found throughout the house. bedrooms are positioned to maximise privacy and orientation toward the sea, while large openings maintain a constant visual connection to the landscape. the primary suite combines warm timber detailing with softer natural textures, creating a quieter atmosphere within the more minimal architectural setting.
beyond the outdoor infinity pool, the property also incorporates an indoor pool and sauna positioned within a more sheltered section of the residence, opening onto a private internal courtyard that introduces filtered light and a greater sense of enclosure. the transition between indoor and outdoor spaces remains seamless throughout the house, reinforced by continuous flooring materials and uninterrupted sightlines.
scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, indigo presents a contemporary interpretation of coastal living in zakynthos, combining architectural clarity, privacy and immediate proximity to the island’s southwestern beaches. in the evening, the final light settles across the stone terraces while the sea remains visible from almost every part of the house.
