First time visitors might be forgiven for thinking that they have been given directions to the wrong villa when they pull up at the rear of a new single storey cottage built out of stone, with a warm pantiled roof in the traditional Paxiot style. An attractive building undoubtedly but a three bedroomed, spacious villa, surely not! Until that is they open the door.

They will find themselves in a superbly appointed and spacious living room dominated by two wide, full height picture windows revealing a panorama that is, quite simply, breathtaking. Welcome to the Villa Stefanos!

This open plan living area occupies the whole of the upper floor, and wherever you are in the room, whether relaxing in a comfortable armchair, cold beer to hand or preparing a meal in the modern labour-saving kitchen, sea, sky, and distant mountains are always in view. Remaining indoors is certainly no hardship, but if that’s not enough then step out onto the full-length balcony (don’t forget the binoculars!) overlooking the terrace enclosed by limestone walls and olive trees and the elegant swimming pool.

A staircase leads down to three luxurious bedrooms, two with en suite bathrooms and a third, separate shower room. The first floor balcony shades the large French doors that give direct access to the terrace and swimming pool from each bedroom. Wait for the sun to rise above the coastal hills of Epiros, when just a few steps will take you from bed to pool, or later in the day choose sun or shade - always in complete privacy.

The villa is ideally located for exploring the island. The small, picturesque fishing village of Loggos is a twenty minute strol down through the olives and cypress trees. Paxos has many more paths and ancient mule tracks than roads, and there are waymarked trails along together with an excellent walking guide to many of the island’s best viewpoints, natural features and old churches. Beaches abound – many accessible on foot and by car, whilst for a taste of the cosmopolitan in a delightful setting, the main port of Gaios with its many tavernas, narrow streets and the constant comings and goings of boats of all shapes and sizes is a short drive away.

Or you might just choose to tour days and nights enjoying that view, and who could blame you!