Greece Trip Report - Family Adventure Holidays Worldwide
Annabel Heap - Ionian Beach Club Trip Jun 2008
When I was asked, during yet another British Summer downpour, if I would like to visit our beach club in Greece with my 3 children, my response was a resounding "Yes please!" A week in the sun with all my meals prepared, the children kept occupied and no house chores? No brainer!
I travelled with my 3 girls (ages 10, 9 and 3) to the Ionian Beach Club, a small, local club based in the northwest Peleponnese. Flight time was 3 hours and transfer time to the beach club 2.5 hours through a very scenic landscape with comfort stops on the way.
The club itself has eighty low rise bungalows set in gardens and is adjacent to a long beach. With the mountains as a backdrop it makes for a stunning setting. On site there is a freshwater swimming pool, 2 bars, a beachside restaurant, tennis courts and of course sailing facilities- Toppers, Picos, Darts, Catamarans, Windsurfers, Kayaks and also a 32' yacht.
The Itinerary
- Day 1 - Fly to Athens; transfer to Araxos beach, near Kato Achaia.
- Day 2-7 - From our club base you can relax on the beach as much as you want or make use of the included sailing and wind-surfing facilities. You can also hire a car or mountain bike to explore. Or play tennis, play mini-golf, swim...
- Day 8 - Transfer to Athens. Fly to London.
You can also extend your stay with a few extra days in Athens.
The Accommodation
All bungalows have air conditioning, en-suite facilities and a large terrace. They sleep 2/3 people and family. Adjoining bungalows are also available. Our bungalow - overlooking the pool - had a double bed and bunk beds and so accommodated the four of us.
A Typical Day
Our days started at 9ish when we had a buffet breakfast in the restaurant overlooking the beach - a stunning way to start the day. The girls then went off for some sailing tuition, fun and frolics with the lovely Giles (a sailing instructor who the girls took a particular shine to!) while Daisy and I pottered around on the beach. Lunch was a sandwich at the beach bar on a large reclining chair! The afternoons consisted of beach time and swimming (do children ever tire of the water??!) and then a move to the pool area where a large chessboard with giant pieces provided a daily challenge. The evening meal was taken in the restaurant overlooking the beach and we got to see some lovely sunsets.
Excursions
On day 5 we hired a car and went to ancient Olympia - the birthplace of the Olympic Games. Less than 1.5 hours from the beach club it makes a good day - excursion and the area plus museum is compact enough to keep the children's interest. Other possible excursions would be to visit the Oracle at Delphi and Kalavriti where you can experience one of the great train journeys of the world.
Great for Kids
The great thing about the beach club was that it felt small and safe enough to allow the girls some independence. They could go off for a swim in the pool while I kept an unobtrusive eye from the bungalow or chat to the staff at the beach bar while I lay on a sun bed (bliss!). My 3 year old became very attached to Emily, the English representative out there who also runs the kids' club in summer. Emily spent time with Daisy every day doing craft activities while I got to lie on the beach, join the girls on the water or read a book - Hallelujah!!
Summary
Overall, I would say the Ionian beach club is a very friendly place with a local authentic feel in a wonderful setting. And kids just love it!