Surrounded by verdant olive groves and offering far-reaching views of Souda Bay, this stunning Akrotiri villa offers the perfect peninsular getaway for anyone looking for peace and tranquillity in the Cretan countryside.

Both the ground and first floors are equipped with a couple of bedrooms, an independent seating area and a separate kitchen, making this home perfectly set up for two families to enjoy spending time with one another while retaining some privacy.

With that said, the open-plan first floor benefits from its elevated position, offering the best views on the property courtesy of large picture windows, plus access to a west-facing balcony where you're welcome to spend your evenings with a chilled glass in hand as the sun sinks over the sea.

Spend relaxing days laid out on loungers by the pool beneath cloudless skies, only rising for refills and cooling dips in the water. A second shallow pool ensures even the youngest members of the group are able to enjoy a paddle. Elsewhere, a pergola provides welcome shade for midday meals, while the brick barbecue is capable of turning out some wonderfully fragrant food.

Nearby, the crystal-clear lagoon of Stavros beach is popular with locals and visitors alike due to its links to 'Zorba the Greek', and only a few minutes' drive. Alternatively, the sandy stretch of Marathi is 15km away.

If you fancy exploring Crete's charms, you'd best start with the beautifully preserved Venetian port town of Chania, twenty-five minutes away. Feel free to wander the winding alleyways and backstreets of the old town before emerging by the water for a drink, a bite to eat and some people-watching.

Home truths:
*Access to the villa is via a private entrance
*The dining table doubles as a laptop-friendly workspace
*We'd recommend a car to explore the island – there's ample on-site parking
*The villa is split across several floors with no elevator access, so it may not be suitable for those with limited mobility
*There is air conditioning in the communal areas only – the bedrooms are equipped with fans
*One of the bedrooms is located above the first-floor kitchen and is open to the communal space