Chic villas in Corfu

The Big Six: from clifftop locations to freshwater pools and rustic interiors

Kipseli House, Avlaki

This luxury villa sleeps up to 10 people in five seriously smart bedrooms, with whitewashed walls, distressed furniture and subtle nautical hues. The jewel in the crown is the infinity pool, which looks out from its clifftop location with a cluster of sunbeds, scattered amid fragrant pine trees and lavender bushes. Polished bathrooms, a huge double-height lounge and a range of al-fresco dining terraces make this a dream spot in which to idle away the summer.

Kipseli House, Avlaki (Bookings via: 01963 33046; scottwilliams.co.uk). Weekly rental from £8,500, half-board. Sleeps 10.

San Stefano Estate, Benitses

This rose-tinted villa looks out across the Ionian Sea to the Greek mainland. Built in 1782 by a wealthy Venetian, it has since counted two German emperors, one Danish queen and the writer Gerald Durrell among its notable guests. Set in five acres of land, with the belltower of St Stephen's chapel rising in front, the house remains as resplendent as ever today, with sea-view rooms, antique furniture and a secluded fresh-water pool.

San Stefano Estate, Benitses (00 30 26 6107 2216; sanstefanoestate.com). Weekly rental starts at €2,750, self-catering. Sleeps 11.

Atolikos House Kassiopi

The Kassiopia Estate consists of two exclusive villas: Cassiopeia House, which sleeps 14, and the more compact (more affordable) Atolikos House, which has space for six. Each of the light-filled, beachy bedrooms at Atolikos is en-suite, with French windows that swing wide onto a breezy wrap-around terrace and a pool. Snaking pathways link the two properties, while views of the cobalt-blue sea and Albanian headland reach out in front.

Atolikos House, Kassiopi (Bookings via: 07876 195295; kassiopiaestate.com). Weekly rental starts at £3,250, self-catering. Sleeps six.

Côte Jardin Barbati

This colourful villa affords direct access to the shingle shore of Barbati Beach. Ideal for couples or a small group, it's surrounded by immaculate gardens, with bougainvillea, olive trees and a private pool, that look down towards the water's edge. There are rattan sofas outside, a dining table and barbecue for warm evenings, while inside there's one en-suite double on the ground floor and a second with a private balcony upstairs.

Côte Jardin, Barbati (Bookings via: 01954 261 431; vintagetravel.co.uk). Weekly rental starts at £950, self-catering. Sleeps four.

Bijou Studio Kaminaki

A romantic hideaway just for two: this charming apartment has a tiny terrace, sunbeds and a breakfast table, poised above Kaminaki Beach. The interior is simple, with a homely bedroom and an open-plan kitchen-dining area that covers the basic self-catering needs. Grab a beach towel and stroll down the hill for a swim, make use of the included car hire, or trot along to the town's tavernas in search of after-hours entertainment.

Bijou Studio, Kaminaki (Bookings via: 020-7401 1010; cvtravel.co.uk). Weekly rental starts at £920, self-catering. Sleeps two.

The Rou Estate Sinies

Hidden in the foothills of Mount Pantokrator, this once-abandoned hamlet now offers 14 stand-alone stone villas that sleep four to 10 people. Converted by British architect Dominic Skinner, each is distinctive in style, but they are united by artfully rustic interiors, a communal spa, gym and infinity pool. Dotted amid gorgeous gardens, there are plunge pools in some, sea-views in others and private terraces for all.

The Rou Estate, Sinies (Bookings via: 020-8392 5854; rouestate.co.uk). Weekly rental starts at £1,061, self-catering. Villas sleep four-10.