The little island of Astypalea is something of an undiscovered gem in the Aegean Sea. This villa is just outside Astypalea Town (or Chora) with a beautiful view of the white houses layered up the hillside and crowned with an ancient castle (200 metres away). The sea is a short walk, with the island’s most famous beach, Livadi, 500 metres away.

It may be a self-catered villa, but there are plenty of luxury touches that make a stay here as easy as a hotel. The welcome hamper and fresh fruit on arrival, daily housekeeping and breakfast served every morning, for example. There’s room to sit out on the private terrace and take in the view of ancient Astypalea Town rising before you, and a Jacuzzi provides the perfect end to a day of sightseeing.

Inside, it feels like old-world Greece with candle-lit alcoves in the sleek stone walls and a cast-iron fireplace on display in the living area. We love the faded mosaic motif paired with a vintage-style oven in the kitchen. Sheer white curtains frame the four-poster in the main bedroom and there’s a raised platform in the living room with a bed for additional guests which can just be used as a spot to recline like a Sultan during the day.

Home truths:
*This is a one-bedroom home so, at capacity, two guests will be on a bed in the open mezzanine level and two will be on a sofa bed in the living room
*A stay here includes free transfers from the airport or port, daily housekeeping and turndown, a welcome basket and a farewell drink at the Yacht Bar in town
*Having a car is not necessary, but there is private parking with this villa if you want to hire a car
*Though there isn't a dedicated desk here, the dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly workspace
*You'll have your own private entrance here