Well away from the devastating fires in the Peloponnese and off the west coast of the Greek mainland is the small Ionian island of Lefkada, popular for its fishing villages and marinas and relaxed way of life. Travelux Greece has a villa on the island for four that is often booked a year in advance but has availability this year from September 23 and into October.

Villa Nerina boasts an enviable position at Dolphin Point, with uninterrupted views of the sea, surrounding islands, mainland Greece and occasional glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles in the waters below.

You might even be lucky enough to swim with them because a path leads directly from the villa to the sea and a private sunbathing platform amid the rocks with a ladder into the water and a freshwater shower.

Furnished patios on varying levels each offer a different view and the landscaped gardens feature a large swimming pool with Jacuzzi, a barbecue area and a gazebo where guests can relax and watch sailing boats coming into Syvota harbour. The fishing village is five minutes away by car and has a good choice of tavernas and a few bars and cafés.

Inside the villa, a hallway leads to a comfortable and stylish twin/double bedroom, with en-suite bathroom, and with patio doors leading to the pool area. On the same level is a second bedroom and bathroom, with its own small terrace. A few steps lead down to the living area, with satellite TV and DVD, fully-equipped kitchen and doors on to another terrace.

Autumn is the perfect time to visit the island, with the days slightly cooler, fewer people on the beaches and quaint fishing villages returning to their peaceful state. For the week starting September 23, the price per person based on four sharing the villa is £884, but for the two following weeks, from September 30 and October 7, Travelux offers a 25 per cent discount, cutting the cost to £663.

That includes flights from Gatwick or Manchester, car hire with full insurance, maid service, a welcome hamper and a complimentary walking guide of the island with maps. The company can also arrange boat hire for a week.

www.traveluxgreece.co.uk , 01580 765000