You've decided on Greece. You've chosen Skiathos. You understand why a private villa beats a hotel room. Now comes the final decision: which villa?
With dozens of options across the island—from beachfront apartments to hillside estates—finding the right match can feel overwhelming. Some promise luxury but deliver disappointment. Others photograph well but lack the soul that makes a vacation memorable.
After welcoming over 500 guests to Damari Luxury Retreat since 2019, we've learned exactly what transforms a nice villa stay into an unforgettable Greek island experience. Let us share our story and help you decide if we're the right fit for your Skiathos adventure.
What to Look for in a Skiathos Villa
Before we tell you about Damari, let's establish what actually matters:
Location Quality
Not just "near the beach" or "close to town," but the specific character of the area. Is it peaceful or busy? Touristy or authentic? What are the views? How's the road access?
Property Standards
Modern construction matters in Greece. Air conditioning that actually works, plumbing that handles European summers, kitchens equipped for real cooking—these basics make or break a stay.
Host Quality
The difference between a property management company and a dedicated owner-host is enormous. Who meets you? Who answers questions at 10 PM? Who shares the real insider knowledge?
Outdoor Spaces
In Greece, you'll live outside. The pool, terraces, outdoor dining areas, and views matter as much as—maybe more than—the interior.
Authentic Experience
Can you feel the place has soul? Is there a story here, or just standardized vacation rental furniture?
Keep these criteria in mind as we share what Damari offers.
The Damari Story
Damari Luxury Retreat began with a piece of land that captured our hearts—a hillside in Skiathos's Kechria area, covered with ancient pine forest, olive groves, and stunning Aegean views.
We could have built quickly and started renting immediately. Instead, we spent years creating something meaningful. We planted over 500 trees and native plants, watching them grow alongside our dream. We designed spaces that honor the landscape rather than dominate it. We filled the villas with original oil paintings that capture Skiathos's essence—each brushstroke telling the island's story.
Every sunset over the Aegean, every whisper of the pine trees, every corner of Damari tells a story of love and dedication to creating something truly special.
This isn't a vacation rental business. It's a dream we're privileged to share with guests who appreciate what we've built.
Two Villas, Two Personalities
Damari comprises two independent luxury villas, each with its own character while sharing the same exceptional standards.
Moondancer: The Sunset Sanctuary
Perched at the highest point of our estate, Moondancer earns its name every evening when the sky transforms into a spectacular display of colors.
The Setting: Elevated position with uninterrupted 180-degree views of the Aegean Sea. Watch boats glide across the water below. See neighboring islands emerge from morning mist. Experience sunsets that stop conversation mid-sentence.
The Villa:
- 3 en-suite bedrooms (120 square meters)
- Private infinity pool that seems to merge with the sea
- Panoramic terraces for outdoor living
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Open-plan living and dining areas
Best For: Couples seeking romance, photographers chasing light, anyone who believes a view can change your perspective on life.
Whispering Pines: The Forest Retreat
Nestled within our pine forest, Whispering Pines offers a different kind of magic—complete immersion in Mediterranean nature.
The Setting: Surrounded by fragrant pines, ancient olive trees, and native vegetation. The scent of herbs drifts through open windows. Birds provide the soundtrack. Privacy feels absolute.
The Villa:
- 3 en-suite bedrooms (120 square meters)
- Private swimming pool in a natural garden setting
- Spacious terraces overlooking the forest and sea
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Comfortable living spaces designed for relaxation
Best For: Nature lovers, families seeking peace, those who find their center among trees, anyone escaping urban intensity.
What Both Villas Share
Regardless of which villa you choose:
Space and Privacy:
- 120 square meters of interior living space
- Multiple outdoor terraces and living areas
- Private pool (no sharing, ever)
- Complete separation from other guests
Modern Comfort:
- Air conditioning throughout
- High-speed WiFi
- Smart TVs with Netflix and streaming
- Fully equipped kitchens (dishwasher, oven, coffee machine)
- Washing machine and dryer
- Quality linens and towels
- Pool towels provided
Premium Touches:
- Welcome amenities on arrival
- Original oil paintings throughout
- Outdoor BBQ grill
- Sun loungers and umbrellas
- Private parking
The Kechria Advantage
Our location in Skiathos's Kechria area isn't accidental—it's the heart of what makes Damari special.
Peaceful Hillside Setting
Kechria is where Greeks have built homes for generations, seeking the cooler hillside breezes that provide natural relief from summer heat. You're not in a tourist zone but a real residential area where authenticity comes standard.
Strategic Position
10 minutes to Skiathos Town: Easy access to restaurants, shops, and nightlife, but far enough to escape the noise.
10 minutes to the airport: No stressful transfers or wasted vacation time.
5 minutes to Parissis Winery: Skiathos's only winery offers tastings, tours, and stunning hilltop views.
Near secret beaches: Kechria Beach (pristine, uncrowded), and easy access to Kastro, Lalaria, and the north coast gems most tourists miss.
The Magic Forest
Directly accessible from our villas, hiking trails wind through aromatic pine groves—what locals call the "Magic Forest." Morning walks, sunset hikes, or simply breathing air infused with pine and wild herbs.
Cooler Breezes
Our elevated position—historically favored by Mediterranean monasteries—catches cooling winds that make summer afternoons comfortable without cranking the AC.
The Services That Matter
Luxury isn't just about thread counts and marble bathrooms. It's about how your needs are anticipated and met.
Personal Host Welcome
When you arrive at Damari, Tolis (our host) personally meets you at the villa. Not a property manager with a key—the person who built this dream and wants to share it with you.
During your welcome, you'll receive:
- Complete villa orientation
- Insider recommendations for restaurants (the ones locals actually love)
- Beach suggestions matched to your preferences
- Tips for avoiding crowds and finding hidden gems
- Introduction to the local area
Available Throughout Your Stay
Questions at 10 PM? Need a restaurant recommendation for tomorrow? Want to arrange a boat trip? We're available—not a call center, but people who know the island and care about your experience.
Concierge Services
Available on request:
- Private chef service (someone cooking fresh Greek cuisine in your villa)
- Massage service (professional treatments without leaving your terrace)
- Grocery pre-stocking (arrive to a full fridge)
- Airport transfers
- Car rental assistance
- Daily cleaning (available for additional charge)
- Activity and excursion booking
We connect you directly with trusted local providers—not contracted tourist services.
What Our Guests Say
Numbers tell part of the story:
- 9.2 on Booking.com ("Superb" rating)
- 5.0 on Google Reviews
But reviews reveal more:
"The villa exceeded every expectation. Waking up to that view, swimming in our private pool, Tolis's restaurant recommendations—we didn't want to leave."
"We've stayed in villas across Greece. Damari is different. You feel the care that went into creating this place. The paintings, the gardens, the way everything is just right."
"Traveled with three generations of our family. The grandparents loved the peace. The kids loved the pool. We loved not worrying about disturbing hotel neighbors. Perfect family vacation."
"Tolis recommended this tiny taverna in the hills—no tourists, just amazing food and the sweetest family running it. That's what you can't find on TripAdvisor."
Featured In
Our commitment to quality has been recognized by:
- Madame Figaro
- National Geographic Traveler
- Marie Claire
These publications don't feature ordinary vacation rentals. They recognized something different at Damari.
How We Compare
Honestly assessing how Damari stacks up against other Skiathos villa options:
vs. Large Property Management Companies
They offer: Multiple properties, standardized processes, 24/7 call centers
We offer: Personal relationship with the people who built and love this place. Insider knowledge only long-term residents possess. Flexibility that corporate systems can't match.
vs. Beachfront Villas
They offer: Walk-to-beach convenience, sometimes waterfront pools
We offer: Better views (elevated beats beachfront for panoramas), cooler temperatures, more privacy, quieter nights, often lower prices. You'll drive 10 minutes to beaches anyway—wouldn't you rather have that spectacular hilltop view?
vs. Town-Center Apartments
They offer: Walking distance to restaurants and bars
We offer: Actual space, private pools, peace and quiet, real outdoor living. You can easily drive or taxi to town for dinner; can they drive to our views and tranquility?
vs. Ultra-Luxury Estates
They offer: 10+ bedrooms, private staff, astronomical prices
We offer: Genuine luxury at accessible prices. Everything you need without paying for excess. The intimacy of a real home, not a hotel masquerading as a villa.
Who Should Choose Damari?
We're the right fit for:
Couples seeking romance: Private pool, stunning views, seclusion, sunset terraces. The ingredients for rekindling or celebrating love.
Families wanting quality time: Space to spread out, private pool for endless kid entertainment, kitchens for family meals, quiet for afternoon naps. No disturbing other guests; no being disturbed.
Multi-generation groups: Grandparents, parents, children—everyone has space while sharing one roof. Make memories across generations.
Friends traveling together: One shared villa beats coordinating three hotel rooms. Cook together, lounge together, experience Greece together.
Nature lovers: Pine forest setting, hiking trails from your door, birdsong and cicadas, the scent of herbs on the breeze.
Travelers seeking authenticity: Beyond tourist zones into real Skiathos. Local recommendations from people who live here. The Greece Greeks experience.
Who Might Look Elsewhere
In fairness, we're not for everyone:
- Solo travelers (a 3-bedroom villa doesn't make economic sense)
- Those prioritizing walking-distance nightlife (we're a 10-minute drive from town)
- Guests wanting full hotel services without arranging them (we're self-catering at core)
- Budget travelers (we're comfortable luxury, not budget accommodation)
- Those seeking beachfront location (we're hillside, which we consider an advantage)
Your Next Step
If Damari sounds like your kind of place, here's how to proceed:
Check Availability
Our two villas book well in advance, especially for peak summer months (July-August) and sweet-spot periods (June, September). Earlier planning means better dates.
Ask Questions
Unsure which villa suits you better? Wondering about specific dates? Have particular needs we should know about? Reach out directly—we respond personally, usually within 24 hours.
Explore Further
View Villa Moondancer - The sunset sanctuary
View Villa Whispering Pines - The forest retreat
Browse our photo gallery - See exactly what awaits
Read our Skiathos Travel Guide - Insider tips for your trip
The Promise We Make
When you stay at Damari, you're not just renting a villa. You're becoming part of a story we've been building since we first fell in love with this hillside.
We promise:
- A welcome that makes you feel like a guest, not a transaction
- Standards that justify calling ourselves "luxury"
- Insider knowledge that transforms your Skiathos experience
- Responsiveness when you need us
- Respect for your privacy when you don't
- A place with soul, not just amenities
Over 500 guests since 2019 have experienced what we've created. Many return. Many become friends. Many tell us Damari was the highlight of their Greek island dreams.
Perhaps you'll be next.
Ready to experience Damari? Check availability, explore our villas, or get in touch with any questions. We'd love to welcome you to our corner of Skiathos.
