Self-catering villa in Andros

Villa Thimari is a restored historical farmhouse tucked away on a cliff top above Gavrio Harbour in the charming village of Agios Petros. This charming self-catering villa, with typical Cycladic, white-washed stone walls, proudly stands on the northwestern side of Andros, facing the Aegean Sea. The villa epitomises Greek family traditions of frolicking and sharing meals under large pergolas.

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The villa reminded me of a forgotten era of stately opulence. Just like its charismatic Italian owner, the villa combines the grandeur of Italy with warm Grecian hospitality.

Interestingly, the villa’s name was inspired by the fragrant wild thyme found on the nearby hillsides, which adds to its charm and creates an ambience that is both relaxing and rejuvenating.

About the host of Villa Thimari?

To appreciate Villa Thimari, I must start by sketching a description of the remarkable owner, Sandra Maria Petrillo, who almost single-handedly restored the original farmhouse into the stylish villa it is today.

Sandra is a photograph conservator, which explains how she curated each item in the house to return to its glorious past. During our many impromptu dinners, she told us about her love for art and the unique story of some of the art pieces decorating the house.

What makes Villa Thimari unique?

The villa’s setting in the very old village of Agios Petros provides a perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility, offering a peaceful environment while still being close to beachside activities.

The villa offers exceptional sea views from its large terrace, which invites you to enjoy a glass of Prosecco as the most spectacular sunset unfolds in front of your eyes. The cosy terrace, with its eight-seater dining table, invites guests to enjoy a scrumptious meal while overlooking Gavrio port below. During our stay, it was our favourite pastime to sit on the terrace with a cup of coffee and watch the ferries come to and leave the port.

The villa’s doors and windows lean perfectly to create the most memorable photos. We call these our “Mamma Mia” moments. But don’t take our word for it; you need to experience this for yourself!

How many guests can stay at Villa Thimari?

The 155 m² villa offers a serene escape for up to four guests. However, the separate one-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage offers additional accommodation for two adults. The cottage includes a small kitchen and its own terrace with a pergola.

The cottage can only be rented in addition to the villa, thus ensuring the privacy of the guests in the main villa.

The villa and guest cottage each have private entrances with parking bays nearby.

What can guests expect from the accommodations and amenities at Ville Thimari?

The glamorous yet comfortable villa boasts two beautifully appointed bedrooms and two separate bathrooms, each with a single vanity and shower. The primary bedroom features a luxurious double bed, a walk-in dressing room, and a private seating area that opens onto a terrace with 180-degree views of Andros.

The secondary bedroom, with its charming turquoise window frame, provides a romantic view of the ocean below, ensuring peaceful morning views of Andros.

The villa’s spacious and well-equipped kitchen leads to a picturesque terrace, perfect for enjoying a hearty breakfast with friends or family. The kitchen is kitted out with all the essentials, allowing you to prepare homemade meals with ease.

The isolated artist studio offers the ideal sanctuary for writers, artists, or working individuals who seek tranquillity to be creative.

Are there any outdoor Spaces at Villa Thimari?

The villa features a large garden with sweeping green lawns. There is also a cosy corner where you can enjoy your morning coffee or sundowners. In addition to the cosy seating area, there are also sun loungers available for when you want to take advantage of the warm Grecian sun.

As mentioned earlier, one of Villa Thimari’s standout features is its marvellous terrace, with an eight-seater dining table. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the sea below and surrounding islands like Kea, Gyaros, and Syros. The terrace is the perfect setting for alfresco dining, sunset gazing, and simply soaking in the serene surroundings.

Regrettably, the villa does not have a pool, but its proximity to the most beautiful beaches makes up for it.

What services and local expertise can you expect at Villa Thimari?

Sandra Maria, the charismatic host of Villa Thimari, often stays in the adjacent property during the summer months. Her presence ensures guests have access to helpful local insights and personalised tours of the island.

Sandra’s incredible knowledge of the archaeological sites and her dedication to hospitality add a personal touch. For example, every morning, Sandra was ready with advice on where to find the best beaches, food, pastries and cakes, and even the best boutiques.

Although it is a self-catering villa, Sandra is willing and eager to prepare some of her signature Italian dishes for dinner (upon arrangement) and even a delicious breakfast. We absolutely recommend that you try at least one evening of dinner prepared by your interesting host.

Activities and exploration in Andros

Villa Thimari is only 6km from Agios Petros beach, which allows guests to easily access and explore the nearby coast’s crystal-clear waters and pristine sands.

Vitali Beach is pronounced and spelt with a ‘B’; thus, it is Bitali in Greece. The beach is known for its pristine beauty and traditional Greek ambience.

Here are some details about Vitali Beach and its amenities:

Vitali Beach is approximately 10 km from your villa.
A narrow, picturesque road leads up the mountain until it becomes a gravel road for the last 3 km.
There is a lovely Greek Taverna called Campos Vitali, owned and managed by Francesco. The taverna is only open in season from mid-May to the end of September. We highly recommend enjoying a light lunch while you’re enjoying the beach. They offer a ‘grandpa’s basket’ for lunch basket for only 38 euros, including a bottle of local wine. You can rent sunbeds (a set includes two) for 12 euros. Unlike at most beaches in Santorini and Mykonos, there is no price difference between a front or back-row sunbed. To get the best spot, we suggest arriving early, particularly over weekends and high season (July and August).

To find out if Andros is worth visiting, read our related article: “Andros: The most underrated island in the Cyclades”

Hiking in Andros

Andros has some of the best hiking trails in Europe. Many of the routes are paved, and the network of hiking trails is estimated to include more than 300km.

Hikers can admire old bridges, watermills, valleys or even small waterfalls along the way.

The routes range in difficulty level to attract novice hikers and more experienced hikers.

Some of the hiking trails start right behind Villa Thimari!

For more information and photos about the 20 most popular hiking routes visit the Official Andros guide and Andros Secrets.

Ideal Visiting Times for Andros

Villa Thimari is a beautiful all-year-round destination. However, the best time to visit Andros is during the warmer months, when the weather is perfect for beach outings and outdoor activities.

Spring and early summer are particularly enchanting as the hillsides come alive with the vibrant pink flowers of wild thyme.

Conclusion

Villa Thimari in Andros, Greece, is a true gem. It’s a combination of traditional elegance, classic amenities, and stunning views. Sandra’s personalised hospitality creates an unforgettable stay and memories to last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking to unwind, get inspired, or explore the beauty of Andros, Villa Thimari is the quintessential Greek getaway. If you are anything like us, you will be super sad when saying goodbye to Villa Thimari.

Click here to book this beautiful gem.

Our Mamma Mia moments

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Until next time, Your travel buddies, Bernie and Petra xx