Built from traditional stone and marble, this typically Cretian villa sits right on the sand at Almyros Beach. Pad barefoot from the terrace to the soft sand and swim in crystalline shallows. It’s just a few steps back to your villa if you forget the sunscreen. Or, simply admire the ocean from your elevated position on the rocks, where a sleek swimming pool overlooks the shore. There’s outdoor dining beneath the wooden pergola and stone pathways twist around fruit trees and verdant greenery. Stone steps lead directly to the beach. Inside, the living room is like a solarium, with a wall of windows letting in that sea view and sunshine. Trinkets made from seashells and sea-glass are a reminder of your ocean-side locale. The old fireplace can be illuminated with candles for a romantic air, and crisp white walls are livened up with vibrant local artworks. Upstairs, bedrooms open up to the terrace, so you can tumble straight from bed to lounger. Though you’re in a quiet, beach-side location, the vibrant coastal town of Agios Nikolaos is a five-minute drive away, where Venetian-style buildings line the old harbour and seafood tavernas spill out into the streets. Home truths: *One of the bedrooms is in a self-contained studio *Cleaning and linen changes take place three times a week *Your host can arrange extras such as massages, breakfast and airport transfers, just ask *There are two private parking spots with this villa