Set in its own large, private garden Barba Yanni is a lovely example of a modern villa built in the traditional Paxiot style, using local limestone for the floors and walls. However, old houses had small windows and doors for the very good reason that island life was not quite so peaceful in earlier centuries and wide balcony doors to bring the wonderful views inside would have been too much of an open invitation to cutlass wielding pirates and other uninvited guests, but they would have appreciated the comfortable beds and the open plan interior.

Happily these are more peaceful times on Paxos, so the bright and light interior, opening onto a large paved terrace and swimming pool, is designed for enjoyment and relaxation. The superb view includes Gaios with its pretty natural harbour, Antipaxos, the mountains of the Greek mainland and, on a clear day the islands of Lefkada and Kefalonia, with not a privateer in sight.

Barba in Greek is an affectionate, informal but respectful term for an older relative or friend but this villa will equally appeal to young couples, a small family or even those looking for the most romantic location for that second honeymoon.

Moonlight of a warm Ionian evening on the terrace, with the lights of Gaios twinkling below and a gentle breeze wafting away the heat of the summer sun is the perfect antidote to daily life and work in the big city.

However there is far more to this small island than romantic idylls. It is a microcosm of all the natural beauty and unique ambience that is Greece. Ancient pathways through the famous olive groves, dramatic sunsets on the spectacular west coast, lazy days on pebble beaches hidden in tree-lined coves, all this and more is on your doorstep or within a short drive on quiet roads.

Even mighty Poseidon, who created Paxos for his private, romantic interludes despite being the most bad tempered of the gods would have approved of Villa Barba Yiannis