Phaedra - Four Bedroom Villa, Sleeps 8

A spacious and welcoming villa with large infinity pool, wide-open sea views and terraces galore.

Close to all that's best about northern Paros, from beaches to picturesque towns and villages, Phaedra has an easy-going soul and a warmth of spirit. Its generously proportioned, versatile interiors spill outside at every opportunity, tempting guests to make the very most of the 15m-long infinity pool and the well-equipped, well-designed al fresco spaces. Life at Phaedra is simple, practical and carefree.

Inside: accommodation at Phaedra is spread over three floors of a main house and an externally accessed guest suite.

The front door of the main house opens to reveal a splendidly well-proportioned open-plan communal area on two levels. Down a couple of steps to the left is the living area, with two comfy sofas flanking a fireplace, while to the right is the well-equipped kitchen with central island and the panoramic dining area. White-washed stone walls, lofty wood-beamed ceilings and multiple windows create a bright, airy atmosphere, while a series of glass doors allow the space to flow outside seamlessly. Here and there, particularly where the light fixtures are concerned, the décor hints at the owners travels in North Africa but homage is also made to classic Cycladic design.

A few steps to one side of the kitchen lead up onto a corridor, off which the rest of the house is accessed. To one side is a shower room serving a luminous, triple-aspect double bedroom with terrace access, while to the other a staircase leads up and down to the first and lower floors.

The first floor is home to the main bedroom, a double with walk-through open en-suite shower room, fabulous sea views and access to a panoramic terrace.

The lower floor, meanwhile, hosts an extremely large double-twin bedroom with en-suite shower room.

The guesthouse suite is accessed from a lower terrace and comprises a sea-view living area with L-shaped sofa, a kitchen corner, a double bedroom and an separate shower room. A feature of this space are the wood and cane beamed ceilings.

Outside: the ground floor of Phaedra flows out onto a wonderful sweep of sea-view terrace. The focal point is the 15m-long L-shaped infinity pool, which offers swimmers great views out to sea and across to Naxos. Echoing the dimensions of, and flanking the pool is a large covered section of terrace, which comes with well-cushioned built-in seating, easy chairs, a dining table, and a kitchen-bar with island work space, a fridge, a sink, a barbecue and a wood-burning oven. This is the perfect spot for those who love to cook al fresco while looking out to sea.

Steps at the end of the pool lead down to another swathe of terrace, part of which, outside the guest suite, is covered and furnished with comfy outdoor furniture.

Last, but not least (for those lucky enough to occupy the main bedroom) is the large terrace on the first floor, from where vast vistas pan out over the north of Paros and across the sea to Naxos.

Phaedra features a fantastic infinity pool, offering swimmers stunning views while in the pool. There is a drop off the infinity side so we recommend children are supervised at all times. Please refer to our general safety page if you would like more information about infinity pools.

You may also wish to know that the pool has a minimum depth of 30cm.

Due to the nature of the property including terraces low walls and several drops around the grounds, children must be supervised at all times.

The number of steps that must be negotiated to get into and/or around this property might make it unsuitable for people with mobility problems.

Please note that the private driveway up to Phaedra, while paved, is quite steep.
Phaedra rises in a panoramic position above the northeast coast of Paros, just a short drive from the beach and tavernas of Ampelas. Other beaches nearby include those of Damuli, Skalakia and Tsoulakia, all between 5 and 10 minutes away.

For many people, Paros is the most authentic of the Cyclades. One of the larger islands, it has something for everyone, young or old, party-goers or culture-seekers, bourgeois or bohemian. Amongst its many attractions are buzzing little towns, myriad beaches, world-famous windsurfing conditions, gourmet restaurants, sleepy traditional villages with waterfront fish tavernas, religious, cultural and historical sites, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Thanks to the relatively limited distances involved - the island measures less than 25km from north to south - it is easy to explore in full in a week or two, no matter where you're staying. Its mountainous hinterland, with peaks rising up to around 700m, is dotted with the occasional monastery and crisscrossed by old mule tracks. Down on the coast, meanwhile, there is an array of beautiful sandy beaches and idyllic coves, and a day or two spent on a boat exploring these is heartily recommended.

In terms of towns and villages, picturesque Naousa, sleepy Marpissa, and buzzing Parikia (the capital and main port) are just a 10-, 15- and 20-minute drive away respectively. The former boasts a little harbour, a web of narrow streets flanked by shops and tavernas, and the remains of a Venetian castle. The second is a white-washed beauty that appears unchanged for centuries. It’s a pleasure to amble round its narrow streets, while a walk up to the monastery of St Anthony on the hill above offers spectacular views of the island. The third, meanwhile, is a vibrant little town gathered around a semi-enclosed bay that woos visitors with its sandy beaches, its many bars and tavernas, its archaeological museum, and its impressive Byzantine Church.

Just across the bay from Naousa is idyllic Kolimpithres beach, renowned for its transparent waters and fascinating rock formations, while for those with an interest in history, a visit to the Mycenaean Acropolis is called for. Sitting atop a rocky scarp high above Kolimpithres, it was built way back in the 13th century BCE and offers not only insights into Paros's long history but also stunning views. It’s quite a walk to get up there, so you may wish to tackle it in the early morning or late afternoon when it’s not so hot.

Paros's most northerly tip, the Monastiri peninsula is also within easy striking distance. A protected park covering some 80 hectares of rocky, element-sculpted hills, hidden sandy beaches, walking trails, and undisturbed flora and fauna, it’s a great day out for nature lovers and hikers with the added bonus of an end-of-excursion swim in the sea.

Cultural tours are readily available on Paros, so not matter whether you wish to learn about Parikia's old town centre, the ancient marble quarries, or the unique island of Despotiko, you'll be able to delve into the island's history with ease. Children are well catered for too, and a trip to the butterfly nature reserve just north of the airport is good fun.

If all that wasn't enough, Paros's little sister, Antiparos, is just a 10-minute ferry ride across the water from nearby Pounta, making a little island hopping eminently possible.

Arrival details will be confirmed by The Thinking Traveller after your villa is confirmed.

The Thinking Traveller can organise transfers and car hire and an agent will be in touch with you once your villa is confirmed.