Villa Skalopati

Viewed from hills above, Panormos Bay, with its crescent of white pebbles separating green forest and the translucent blues of the sea, is one of the most beautiful coves in the Sporades.

What better place then to enjoy the superb view than Villa Skalopati, set in the hillside above the cluster of houses and shops behind the beach that is Panormos village. The villa enjoys total privacy with no other buildings overlooking it on either side. Trees behind, the Aegean in front, dotted with islands stretching as far as Evia in the distance, and all within a few hundred metres of the village. Seclusion doesn’t often come with this much convenience.

A lot of thought has gone into the design of the interior. The open plan ground floor has a well equipped kitchen and dining/living room, cool yet welcoming, with wooden floors and corner fireplace. The tiled shower and toilet lead off this room. A large picture window beside the glass patio doors ensures that the incredible view can be enjoyed from inside the house. A handcrafted stairway leads to the two bedrooms upstairs - a double and a twin, with exposed beams and wooden ceilings and a separate toilet with wash basin. The large landing could accommodate another bed if necessary. The patio doors open out onto a shaded verandah and dining area with the swimming pool just a few steps further on, set into the tiled terrace with sun loungers.

Panormos Beach gradually becomes more crowded as the day progresses and tour boats and caiques arrive from other islands. The village has a choice of bars and tavernas and naturally that ubiquitous Greek institution, the mini-market stocking the required supplies. Quieter beaches can be found a short drive along the coast in either direction. Villa Skalopati is perfectly placed for exploring the fertile and unspoilt interior of the island.