About this property
Corfu’s Empress Sissi is a luxury seven-bedroom villa that certainly impresses. The extensive villa is in an idyllic and quiet spot between the sleepy fishing villages of Perama and Benitses, and is only a short 9km drive from Corfu’s culture-packed old town. Perfect for families or groups of friends, this villa – although one building – is divided between three different areas, offering that bit of extra privacy while also ensuring everyone can be together at the same time. It’s set in beautifully landscaped grounds – with century-old cypress trees, olive trees, fruit trees and flower gardens – and features a sun-lounger-dotted infinity pool that overlooks the glistening Ionian Sea below.
If that wasn’t enough, there’s also a yoga and fitness area, as well as a table tennis table, football nets, darts, beach rackets and volleyball. There’s also a variety of board games – ideal for those family entertainment evenings in. When you’d like to go exploring, Benitses village is a short 1km walk away where you can find a sandy beach with a variety of watersports on offer like parasailing, snorkelling and scuba diving. Around this coastal village, there are also shops, restaurants and local cafes. You could rent a small boat and explore the more secluded parts of the rugged coastline.
When you get back to the villa from an action-packed day, you can enjoy cooling air conditioning. Built in traditional Corfu style, with a modern twist, Empress Sissi can sleep up to 14 people and has five bathrooms with walk-in showers, three relaxing living rooms with dining areas and three fully-equipped kitchens, too. There’s also terraces and balconies, where you can sit and relax and enjoy those Ionian Sea views, and plenty of spots for alfresco dining. For a stress-free experience, the villa’s also equipped with washing machines, bed and bath linen and free toiletries.
Empress Sissi is near the charming Greek village of Benitses on the island of Corfu. It’s about 14km south of Corfu Town. The village is quiet and laidback, with a few local tavernas, bars and cafes, and there are a couple of Blue Flag Beaches that are ideal for swimming, snorkelling or simply relaxing. You can wander the village’s cobbled streets or sip cold coffee while looking out over the sea here. The villa is only 2 minutes from Achilleon Palace, where the legendary Empress spent her time in this paradisiacal island.
The centre of Corfu is about a 20-minute drive from Benitses. In Corfu Old Town, you can explore the Venetian-style neoclassical architecture. Walk along the cobbled streets between the pastel-coloured and bougainvillea-draped houses, browse for one-of-a-kind souvenirs in the boutique shops or visit the hidden gardens. To the west, there’s also a fortress with fantastic views over the harbour. Corfu is also known for its friendly tavernas serving everything from Moussaka to Souvlaki. Sample imported beer, get your fill of pastries and delicious fresh pies at one of the charming bakeries or head to one of the sun-soaked beaches – there are plenty to choose from.
Venturing further afield, you could drive one hour north to Sidari. This charming Greek village is bursting with classic charm. There are more powder-soft sand beaches here, as well as welcoming tavernas and a nearby water park. The coastline is studded with secluded coves that are made for exploring, and there’s also a lively nightlife scene with bars, pubs and clubs. For a fun day trip, you can hop on a boat and traverse the coastline. Most trips stop for swimming and snorkelling.
Accommodation
The Villa
Empress Sissi is a truly impressive property, with amazing sea views and lots of space. With seven bedrooms, even though it is only one building, it is divided into three self-contained apartments, the villa accommodates up to 14 guests.
Ground floor (own entrance)
- Open-plan living and dining space with outdoor access to a furnished veranda and garden
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Double bedroom
- Bathroom
First floor
Residence I (own entrance)
- Open-plan living and dining space with outdoor access to a furnished veranda
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Master bedroom with en-suite shower room and outdoor access with stairs to pool
- Double bedroom
- Twin bedroom with balcony
- Family shower room
Residence II (own entrance)
- Open-plan living and dining space with outdoor access to a furnished veranda
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Master bedroom with en-suite shower room and outdoor access with stairs to pool
- Double bedroom
- Twin bedroom with balcony access
- Family shower room
Exterior Grounds
- Swimming pool (9x5.5m; 1.55m depth) with Starlit Fiber Optic
- Sun loungers and parasols
- Bar with fridge and coffee machine
- Gas barbecue
- Alfresco dining area on first floor veranda
- Alfresco dining area on pool deck
- Seating areas
- Garden and lawn
- Playground with numerous sports activities: football, volleyball, basketball, beach rackets, badminton, table tennis
Additional Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth connectivity to villa speaker system
- Flat screen television
- Netflix
- CD Player
- Dishwasher
- Iron
- Hairdryer
- Garage
- Air-conditioning
- Books
- Fridge with ice maker
- Nespresso machine
- Ceiling fans in bedrooms
- Washing machine
- Iron and board
- Board games
- Safe deposit box
- Water cooler
- Security/Alarm System
- Complimentary toiletries
- Pool towels
- Playstation 4 in Residence II
- Mosquito nets
- Parking
Reviews (3)
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JE
The Empress Sissi is perfect for large family groups as divided into 3 separate apartments / suites, each having their own kitchen and sitting room. This means it's perfect for three families as you aren't always on top of each other. The beds were comfortable with nice bedding and the hosts had really thought of everything. The highlight was the pool area which was a fabulous design with little lights that sparkle at night. It's at the back of the house, up a staircase. There was everything you needed including a bar. The benefit of this is for those with children as it's not just on the patio and you can keep them out of it if you want. Benitses itself is a cute little town with a marina and some nice traditional restaurants. You still see the locals sat in the street. The beach is easily accessible from the house, but it's across a main road. The owner's hospitality was beyond expectations, he's around if you need him but not intrusive. The welcome hamper was generous. Would definitely recommend Empress Sissi
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AG
This was one of the best luxury villas we have stayed in, with 3 inter-connected units that provided our extended family with the perfect balance of togetherness and privacy. It also had an amazing pool, great not just to cool off during the day but also for hanging out at night, with endlessly fascinating lights that danced in the water like stars. The place was sparkling clean and super well stocked with everything we could possibly need and more, even including some frozen meals cooked by the landlord Petros’ mother! Petros speaks English fluently and was very friendly and helpful, taking us from and to the airport even as our flights kept changing, giving us great suggestions for sightseeing and restaurants and helping to arrange a really enjoyable trip on a private sailboat. The villa is centrally located minutes from the main town of Kerkira, and a reasonable drive to all the best beaches, villages and other places worth visiting across Corfu, so we were able to see and do a lot while still getting a lot of rest and recreation. We would happily return to this villa the next time we are in Corfu.
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JM
As we were the first family to stay in the newly revamped villa I feel an obligation to do a slightly longer review than normal. Location: The villa is 15 minutes south of the airport (10 mins no traffic, 20 mins at rush hour) so perfect for pick-ups if your group is arriving on different flights. It sits on the east coast overlooking the sea and just outside Benitses which just happens to be one of the nicest villages we visited, with a small beach, lots of life and plenty of shops and great tavernas. The best beaches are on the west side but our favourite was only a 26 min drive along an easy road door to sand. The villa: It has seven bedrooms but is actually divided into three self contained apartments each with their own kitchen and living space. Two apartments are mirror images and contain three beds and two bathrooms. The third is a one bed apartment. You can open it up to be one huge villa or separate into three if different members of your group want privacy so wonderfully flexible. The pool: This is a highlight. We were the first to use it but the whole pool area is simply stunning. The pool is just the right size for a decent swim and equally perfect for playing or relaxing. It is set in a stone terrace with open shower, really comfortable sunbeds, plenty of shades and a separate sundeck. There is also a dining table on the terrace if you want to eat there. The terrace itself is elevated at the rear of the villa with commanding views over the sea towards the Greek mainland. Simple heaven. Amenities: There are lots. Parking for I would say four cars. A outdoor but shaded balcony with two more dining tables, BBQ, fully equipped kitchens, TVs, air conditioning, games console, electric piano. Bedrooms and bathrooms are all lovely with classy toiletries and towels provided. Internet: Fast enough to stream a HD movie but the great thing about it is the mesh wifi which means you can wander around the whole property and even out to the pool area and your device will keep connecting to the nearest wifi point. Security: The property is gated which is probably all you need to know - but each apartment also has high security locks and there are safes in each too. The owner: Saved the best until last. Petros has invested significantly in the property and clearly takes a pride in his service and really wants you to have a good time. He is really trying to make sure guests have the perfect holiday and you can tell each visitor experience will be better than the one before as he continues to make improvements. He is not at all intrusive but when he advertises 24/7 concierge service that is what he means. I communicated with him via Facebook Messenger and he usually responded within a few minutes, with help and advice or offers to book restaurants etc etc. No problem was too small. Our welcome included a well stocked fridge and samples of local delicacies. He even did our first shop for us as we settled. Can't recommend him highly enough. Conclusion: Having never booked a villa before I don't have anything to compare this experience with but it was perfect for our family of eight