One of only three villas to enjoy private access to sandy Polis Beach, this home is a treat indeed. From the hillside vantage point, you’ve got uninterrupted views of the horseshoe bay below, where crystal shallows lap at bone-white sand and boat charters await at the stone harbour. A leisurely twenty-five-minute walk into the hills (or a five-minute drive) sees you in the town of Stavros, where you’ll find a handful of tavernas, cafés and supermarkets. Or, make the ten-minute drive along the coast to Frikes for a bigger selection of places to dine.

While away the days on the terrace, which juts out of the hillside, overlooking the bay. There’s a dining table out here for candle-lit dinners as the sun sets, and a row of loungers to soak up the rays during the day. Inside, we like the old-world touches like the apothecary coffee table and stone-built sofa in true Greek island style. The duck-egg blue kitchen is reminiscent of farmhouse pantries and both bedrooms have double French doors opening up onto the terrace.

Home truths:
*In a remote location, having a car is recommended here – there is free parking on-site
*The driveway here is shared with two other villas, and all three villas can be booked together for a big group gathering – please ask your host for more information
*Though there isn't a dedicated desk here, the dining table doubles up as a laptop-friendly workspace
*Your host may be able to provide a cot for infants on request – you'll need to bring your own cot linen
*You'll have your own private entrance here
*It's less than a five-minute walk to the beach and a five-minute drive to Stavros