Zeus in the Architecture

Zeus in the Architecture: Naxos and Lesser Cyclades

Enjoy the best of both worlds at this off-the-beaten-track villa just 5km from the charming whitewashed town of Naxos and fifteen minutes to the almost 4km-long white sand of Plaka Beach. For those looking for something more tangible than the evidently Instagrammable beauty of Mykonos and Santorini, Naxos stands apart with its authenticity.

Inside the home, you're treated to plenty of curves and organic shapes that lend the space a warm, hand-finished feeling. Comfy seating areas both inside and out ensure that there's always a corner you can claim as your own, while the Jacuzzi pool and outdoor shower are perfect for cooling off beneath cloudless Cycladic skies.

The nearby village of Glynados is an absolute charmer, offering a couple of restaurants, including an exceptional family-run taverna that serves fantastic food alongside breathtaking views, and an aromatic bakery within walking distance. Those who prefer slightly longer strolls than the morning run to stock up on fresh bread will find the island crisscrossed with numerous walking trails. You can hike from hilltop village to hilltop village and even scale the 1000m-high Mount Zas, where, according to mythology, is where Zeus was raised.

In addition to the almost endless perfection of Plaka Beach, there are plenty of other options to explore. Highlights include the ever-popular Agios Prokopios, the rugged red cliffs of Hawaii Beach, and Agios Georgios and Mikri Vigla for a spot of summer windsurfing. The best thing? They're all no more than a twenty-minute drive from your hillside home.


Home truths:
*Due to the remote location of the home, a car is a necessity when staying here – there's on-site parking available
*Check yourself in on arrival with the lockbox
*Access to the home is via a private entrance
*The breakfast bar doubles as a laptop-friendly workspace
*Cleaning service is included every third day of your stay
*The pool is open year-round
*At full capacity, one person will be sleeping on a sofa bed in the living room
*Child-friendly amenities such as a cot are available on request