Villa Maria-Emmanuella

From the coast at Istron, a small road climbs up into the mountains, past pine forests and olive groves, to the hamlet of Prina. And on the edge of the village is the lovely Villa Maria-Emmanuella. Villa Maria-Emmanuella is a handsome property wrapped in sand-hued stone walls and timber-striped ceilings, and rounded off with a stylish pool.

A rectangular pool is set into an orchard of grapevines, olive and pomegranate trees. From here, you can peer up at the tiny hilltop church of Agios Timios Stavros on the other side of the valley. Steps lead from the pool up to an extensive stone-flagged terrace. The two spacious bedrooms also have direct access to the pool terrace.

An old pair of cast iron gates divides the open-plan kitchen and dining area from the lounge. All the mod cons are present and correct, as well as a traditional wood-burning oven. The nearest taverna is around a 5-minute walk away. It’s a typically Cretan affair, so expect local produce and seafood caught at the coast.