Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Leonidio Holiday Home Awaits!
Escape to Paradise? More Like a Leonidio Love Affair - My Honest Review! 🏝️💖
Okay, so I just got back from Escape to Paradise in Leonidio, and honestly? I'm still buzzing. It wasn't perfect, but it was a seriously good time. Forget those perfectly curated Instagram posts – this is the real deal, warts and all. Let's break it down, shall we? (And yes, I’m calling on all my SEO and meta-data skills, but this is about feeling the vibes, not just keyword stuffing!)
Accessibility: Right off the bat, I have to give them props. They've clearly thought about who they're welcoming. Wheelchair accessible doesn't always mean "actually accessible," but here? Real consideration. The ramps were smooth, access to the pool area was no problem, and the overall layout was… well, it was good. Not flawless, mind you. Getting around was a breeze compared to some places.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Okay, here's where it got interesting. The main restaurant was definitely accessible, but the vibe? A bit…formal? Like you’re walking into a wedding reception. They need to loosen up! But that said, the people were genuinely kind and accommodating. They were ready to adapt.
Internet Access: (Dear God, the Internet!) Okay, this is where I need a whole section. Because… Wi-Fi. I have to put in my own personal experience here: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Fantastic, right? Nope. It was patchy in my room, bordering on nonexistent at times. I'm talking dial-up speeds while trying to stream, which caused some serious emotional distress. Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services: I tried everything. The LAN cable vanished into the ether. My work emails piled up like a tsunami. Finally, I gave up and embraced the slow life. And you know what? It was KIND OF AMAZING. Detoxing from the digital world was forced upon me but by the second day I was really enjoying it. So, while the tech side needs some serious love, the forced digital detox actually enhanced my vacation. We can call it a “feature," right?
Things to do, ways to relax… OH, THE PAMPERING!
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: Didn't try them. I'm more of a "sit by the pool with a book and a cocktail" kind of gal.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Saw it. Looked shiny and… unused. Maybe it's the Leonidio effect. Everyone’s too busy climbing mountains!
- Massage: YES. Book one. Seriously. I had a deep tissue massage that melted away a year's worth of stress. The masseuse was an absolute sorceress.
- Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool. The view. Picture it: azure water, the towering red cliffs of Leonidio, and the sun setting. Pure, unadulterated bliss. The sauna and steam room? Didn't venture in (see: cocktail above).
Cleanliness and Safety: These guys are on it. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, Rooms sanitized between stays: They make you feel safe right away. The precautions didn’t feel like an imposition. It was great.
Dining, drinking, and snacking:
- Restaurants, Room service [24-hour]: The restaurant was okay, it needs to be better but food was always served with a smile.
- A la carte in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: The breakfast buffet… oh dear. It was good. A little repetitive if you stay as long as I did but overall, good.
Services and Conveniences:
- Air conditioning in public area, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out: Smooth. Efficient.
- Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Luggage storage: All excellent. Nothing to complain about.
- Safe dining setup: Felt safe, which is always a good feeling.
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: I didn't bring any kidlings with me, so I can only say…it seemed child-friendly.
Available in all rooms, Details:
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: The room was well-appointed. I loved the bathrobes, the comfy bed made it hard to get up!
The Quirks and Imperfections:
Okay, so there were a few… moments. The elevator, for example, seemed to have a mind of its own. And the music in the lobby? Think elevator muzak with a very insistent Greek folk beat. It was… unique. (And yes, I did find it a little annoying after a while, but you get used to it).
My Emotional Verdict:
Would I go back? Absolutely! This place isn't about flawless perfection; it's about the soul. It’s the genuine warmth of the staff, the staggering beauty of Leonidio, and the feeling that you can truly escape. It’s a place where you can disconnect, recharge, and maybe, just maybe, fall a little bit in love with life all over again. And that, my friends, is worth more than perfect Wi-Fi any day. Go. Just go. And tell them Sarah sent you… maybe they'll upgrade your room! 😉 9/10!
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Holiday Home w/ Private Jetty near Hoorn & Medemblik!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, slightly chaotic, and hopefully sun-drenched heart of a holiday at a Cosy Holiday Home with Garden in Leonidio, with a Nafplio day trip thrown in for good measure. This isn't just an itinerary; it's a promise… a promise of chaos and questionable choices, all wrapped up in a Grecian bow.
Day 1: Leonidio – Land of Rock, Red Peppers, and (Potentially) Lost Luggage
- Arrival & Garden Giddiness (and maybe a minor panic attack): Okay, so the flight was… well, let's just say the air conditioning on that budget airline was a crime against humanity. But we made it! We’re finally HERE! Getting the keys to the 'Cosy Holiday Home' was an epic win – the place, honestly, looks even better than the photos. The garden? Gorgeous. I swear, I almost tripped over the bougainvillea in my rush to get inside and start unpacking. (Note to self: remember to actually unpack this time, not just live out of a suitcase for a week like I always do.) After unpacking a bit, I noticed the washing machine and nearly cried tears of joy.
- Grocery Haul & Red Pepper Revelation: The first order of business? Food! We hit the local supermarket in Leonidio. Now, I've never navigated a Greek supermarket before, and let me tell you, it's an adventure. I spent, like, a solid twenty minutes staring blankly at the olive oil selection, feeling utterly overwhelmed. Then, I had an epiphany: "When in Rome…" or, in this case, "When in Leonidio…" – I grabbed a bottle of the stuff that looked the prettiest. Oh, and the red peppers! Leonidio is famous for them, right? I bought a mountain. We're talking mountains of red peppers. Suddenly, I saw a vision of myself, baking red peppers, stuffing them with something delicious, and drinking a glass of wine.
- Sunset Stroll & Initial Panic About Being Out of Contact: A walk through the sleepy town, breathing in the air and feeling the sun set over the mountains. Leonidio is charming. I can't help feeling a little isolated, which I always do at first. I'm used to cities and busy lifestyles. I'm trying to have the right attitude. Phone signal is sketchy in the house. (Double note to self: download some offline maps before we leave the house.)
Day 2: Climbing, Cave Hiding, and Culinary Compromises
- Rock Climbing (or, My Attempt to Pretend I’m Adventurous): Okay, reality check: I’m not a rock climber. More like a "mildly terrified of heights" person. But hey, when in Leonidio! We hired a local instructor. The views were breathtaking, but let's be honest, most of my time was spent clinging to the rock face, muttering encouraging things to myself like, "You can do this! You might die, but you can do this!" (I didn’t die btw)
- Cave Exploration (and Sudden Claustrophobia): After conquering the rock (or, let's be real, attempting to conquer a rock), we stumbled across a cave. Sounds cool, right? Wrong. It was dark, damp, and I immediately started imagining all sorts of horrible things lurking in the shadows. I might have bolted after about five minutes. My partner was, as always, much more sensible and stayed to check it out.
- Cooking Debacle & the Redemption of Fried Eggs: Remember those mountains of red peppers? Yeah, about that… I aimed for a roasted pepper and feta salad, ended up charring a few of them. The salad was salvageable, but let's just say I'll stick to frying eggs. They were perfect with fresh bread, though. The simple things, right?
Day 3: Nafplio - Ancient Walls and Modern Meltdowns
- The Drive to Nafplio (and a Near-Death Experience Involving a Scooter): Road trip! Nafplio, here we come! The drive was beautiful, winding along the coast. BUT – about halfway there, we thought we had a brilliant idea: rent a scooter in Nafplio! I now have a new respect for the elderly Greeks who zoom around on those things. We nearly lost it with the scooter. We finally got to the hotel in Nafplio and were exhausted from the drive and the scooter fiasco. That was the moment I knew, I wanted to go straight back to Leonidio.
- Exploring the Old Town (Avoiding the Tourist Traps, Mostly): Nafplio is gorgeous. Truly. Cobbled streets, Venetian architecture, the Palamidi Fortress looming above… I got a little overwhelmed by the choices. We spent hours just wandering around getting lost, stumbling upon hidden courtyards and cute little tavernas. I bought a handmade ceramic bowl, which I will treasure. But mostly, I was preoccupied.
- Dinner Disaster (and a Lesson in Not Being Hangry): We found a taverna, looked at the menu and ordered way too much. Then it arrived and it was mediocre. I was hungry and tired. My mood, unfortunately, took a nosedive. I snarled at my partner. I snapped at the waiter. Then I realised: I needed to eat something quickly… otherwise a full-blown meltdown was imminent. We retreated to our hotel and watched Netflix. Lesson learned: always pack snacks. Always. And don't get hangry.
Day 4: Beach Dreams and Post-Nap Bliss
- Beach Day! (And My Obsession with Finding the Perfect Beach Towel): We needed some serious relaxation after Nafplio. So, beach day! The water was crystal clear. We swam, we sunbathed, we read books. I became slightly obsessed with finding the perfect beach towel. It needs to be big enough to stretch out on, absorb water efficiently, and ideally, not lose its colour in the wash. I’m still on the hunt.
- The Nap of Legends: Back at the holiday home, after lunch and a quick shower, I had a nap. Seriously, the most glorious nap of my life. Woke up feeling like a new person. Reborn!
- Sunset Drinks and Garden Gossip: We sat in the garden this evening, drank some wine, and shared some of the gossip with each other.
Day 5: Leonidio's Market Day and Missing the Market Day
- Market Dreams and Failures: Today was market day in Leonidio. Except we slept in! I had been looking forward to it all week, hoping to find some local produce and maybe a quirky souvenir. It was a total fail. We're still in the garden, recovering from the disappointment. I should have set an alarm!
- The Day of Rest (and Excessive Lounging): We spent the rest of the day recovering from the market day disappointment, reading, and napping. We had a simple dinner of pasta and looked at photos.
Day 6: Farewell Feast (and Maybe a Little Shedding of Tears)
- The Last Meal (and the Sudden Realisation of Leaving): One final epic meal. Grilled everything! I’m going to miss this garden. I’m going to miss the peace and quiet. I might even miss the occasional red pepper charring incident.
- Farewell: This is it. We have to pack. I think I might cry a little. Not in front of anyone, of course.
- Packing! (with an Unresolved Mystery concerning a pair of shoes): I can't find my favourite shoes. Did I pack them? I have no idea. This is going to drive me crazy.
Day 7: Leaving and Never Coming Back
- Leaving and Never Coming Back (or, the Utterly Depressing Airport Debrief): The airport! Ugh. The flight home. Back to reality. Back to work. Back to… well, the normal. I'm already planning the next trip. Back to Leonidio. Definitely. My shoes are still missing. Maybe I'll find them next time. Maybe not.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Leonidio Holiday Home... Maybe? (...Let's be honest) FAQs
Okay, so Leonidio... What's the *actual* vibe? Is it all postcard-perfect or...?
Alright, buckle up, 'cause I'm about to give you the *real* deal. Yeah, Leonidio’s stunning. Red rock cliffs, the sea... Instagram's practically begging you to visit. BUT, and this is a big but, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. You need to be prepared for a bit of "Greek time." Think slower service, maybe a power outage or two (happened to us, mid-ouzo-induced dance party, classic!), and definitely a few "lost in translation" moments. One time, we tried to order "fresh fish" at a taverna, and after like, 15 minutes of passionate arm-waving and Google Translate, we ended up with... well, let's just say it wasn't *exactly* what we were expecting. Still, hilarious in retrospect. It's charmingly chaotic, if you're into that kind of thing. And the red peppers? Worth all the minor inconveniences. Seriously, those peppers are a religious experience.
Tell me about the house! Is it *really* as dreamy as the photos? (Be honest!)
The photos... they lie! (Kidding... mostly.) Okay, so the house is lovely. It has a balcony! It's bright! It's... well, it's good. It's close to everything, that's the BIG selling point. You can stumble from the taverna to your bed, and that's a win in anyone's book. BUT (there's always a but, isn't there?) it’s not like a five-star hotel. Expect character. *A lot* of character. And maybe a wonky showerhead or two. The air conditioning is, let's say, "optimistic" at times. Look, it’s a holiday home, not a palace. But the soul? The *soul* of the place is fantastic. You can absolutely feel the good vibes. And honestly, a wonky shower just adds to the story, right? (Right?)
Oh, and the WiFi? Don't expect to stream your life away. Embrace the digital detox! Trust me, the views are far more stimulating than another episode of whatever you're currently binging. Actually, speaking of views...
The Views! Are they *really* worth writing home about?
ARE THEY?! Oh, you're in for a treat. Seriously, the views are the *best* part. Waking up to those red cliffs, that shimmering sea... it's ridiculously good. My first morning, I literally just sat on the balcony, speechless, for a solid hour. I'm not even a morning person! It's *that* good. You can practically taste the sunshine. (Don't try and actually taste the sunshine, though. It tastes like... well, I don't know what sunshine tastes like.) But seriously, the views? They're worth every penny (and probably more). One evening, we were on the balcony with some local friends, sipping wine, and watching the sunset over the cliffs. It was so beautiful, I actually shed a tear. Yes, I know, I'm a sap. But it was magnificent. It's the kind of place that makes you question your life choices, in a good way. Like, "Why aren't I living here permanently?" (And then the practicality kicks in, like, "Okay, where would I work? And how would I communicate with *anyone*?")
What's the deal with the beaches? Are they crowded? Is the water crystal clear?
Beaches... okay, this is where it gets a tad... nuanced. Leonidio isn't exactly known for pristine, white-sand beaches. Think pebbles, mostly. Some are organized with sunbeds (which, be warned, they'll charge you for), others are more rugged. The water? Crystal clear, YES. Though, be prepared for a bit of a rocky entry in some places. Wear water shoes. Seriously. Your feet will thank you.
The crowds? It depends on the time of year. August? Forget about it. It's peak season, everyone and their *dog* is there. June/September? Much more manageable. That said, you will always find a little peace, hidden coves, a perfect spot to swim. Which, now that I think about it, I miss it so much...
What if I'm a terrible driver or hate driving on holiday?
Driving? In Leonidio? Okay, here's the thing: the roads are... well, they add to the adventure. Some are narrow, winding, and you might find yourself clinging to your seat while your co-pilot frantically Googles "Greek driving laws." If you're comfortable driving, you'll be fine, just take it easy, especially on those hairpin turns. But if you're easily stressed by driving, and you hate driving on holiday, then hire a taxi. Or try the bus, although it's a bit less reliable (again, Greek time!). Honestly, there's a good range of places within walking distance, and the tavernas are *definitely* walkable.
Food! Tell me about the food. Do I need to be a culinary expert?
The food? Oh, the food! You absolutely *don't* need to be a culinary expert, just get ready to eat. And eat. And... possibly gain a few pounds. The local cuisine is amazing, fresh, and incredibly flavorful. The tomatoes are bursting with flavour, the olive oil is heavenly, and the seafood... mmmm. Just to provide some context: I'm vegetarian and ate the best food I have ever eaten in Leonidio. Trust me.
You'll find traditional tavernas serving up classic dishes. Ask the locals for their recommendations! They're proud of their food, and for good reason. Try the *melitzanosalata* (eggplant dip), the *dolmades* (stuffed vine leaves), and of course, the red peppers! You can't leave without having those. Oh, and the local wine... It goes down *very* easily (maybe a little *too* easily).
Speaking of food, I still can't stop thinking about this one tiny taverna we stumbled upon. It was run by this sweet old woman who didn't speak a lick of English. We managed to communicate with enthusiastic hand gestures (and a lot of pointing at things on the menu) and ended up with a plate of grilled octopus that quite possibly changed my life. I still dream about that octopus. It was ridiculously tender, perfectly seasoned, and the view from the taverna... forget about it! It's the simple things, right? (Now I'm starving...)
What about activities? Is there more to do than just eat and stare at cliffs (tempting as that is)?
Yes! Though eating and staring at cliffs *is* a perfectly valid vacation activity. But yes, there's more! Hiking is a big one. The area is a climber's paradise if you are into that sort of thing. But there'sLow Price Hotel Blog
Cosy Holiday Home with Garden in Leonidio Nafplion Greece
Cosy Holiday Home with Garden in Leonidio Nafplion Greece
