Souda Blue

Perched above Souda Bay on Crete's northern coast, this single-storey villa is designed around the view – all three bedrooms open directly onto the terrace, and the pool sits right at the edge of that long blue horizon. Evenings here are the thing: the light fades slowly over the Akrotiri peninsula, and the built-in barbecue and generous terrace mean dinner outside is rarely in question. A steam room brings a hotel-like ease, while Plaka village is a fifteen-minute walk for tavernas and local life, and Almyrida's sandy beach and watersports are close by.

Home truths:
* Air conditioning is only available in the bedrooms and living room.
* If you're travelling with little ones, your host can provide a cot and high chair for free – just request them in advance and bring your own linen.
* The use of the barbecue may be restricted or prohibited during the summer season to comply with local regulations.
* The walk into Plaka village is downhill – straightforward in the daytime, but the route back isn't lit and lacks pavements, so you'll want to drive or take a taxi after dark.
* You'll need a car to make the most of the area. Chania is around a forty-minute drive, and even Almyrida – the nearest beach – is a seven-minute drive away. Open car parking is available at the villa.