In the Greek language, the name Votsalo means pebble, reflecting the stunning location of this villa, where the rugged Cretan landscape meets the turquoise Aegean.

Yet as you descend from the terrace, past the infinity pool and al fresco dining area, and take the walkway across the pebbles, you step into the warm waters to discover a seafloor of fine sand.

Located overlooking Kissamos Bay and just a few metres from the water’s edge, this is the largest of our two beachfront villas with a spacious kitchen and an innovative ‘hanging island’ dining table.

Bedrooms are light and stylish with soft wooden flooring and offer uninterrupted views, with balconies shaded from the Mediterranean sun by ‘sails’.

With a 150-metre beachfront panorama, the lounge alone enjoys six metres of a window that draws in the natural light while presenting the most amazing views across the water.

Modern and minimal in style, this Youphoria property – on the shore at Korfalonas – features clean lines, high-quality furnishings, luxurious comfort, and uses natural colours and materials such as local limestone and wood.

Votsalo sleeps 12 guests plus another four in sofas and extra beds (at extra costs for adult guests). Votsalo offers a well-positioned base to explore Western Crete, whether taking a boat out to Gramvousa or Balos, dining in local fish tavernas, visiting nearby beaches such as Falasarna or exploring the island’s gorges and archaeological sites.

The area around Votsalo is rich in natural wildlife with sandpipers, herons, falcons and other birds of prey hovering close to the beach, which is perfect for snorkelling, swimming and fishing, or simply relaxing and taking in the Aegean panorama.

Cooled by a gentle sea breeze, you can be hypnotised by the lap of waves and the rocks in front of the villa, which are seductively lit at night to create a magical shoreline aura.

Privacy, of course, is paramount in our self-catering villas. The service we offer is first class, with a concierge, restaurant bookings and boat hire, all underpinned with our lifetime of local knowledge to ensure you get to know the best spots on this part of the island. And we’ll even let you into a few of the area’s hidden secrets too!

This villa can be rented along with Villa Ammos for up to 8 bedrooms. In high season, the whole estate must be rented. The estate can sleep a max of 6 extra guests in extra added beds and living room sofas. There is an extra charge for each guest above 16.

Minimum stay: 5 nights; High season - 7 nights (Saturday to Saturday)

Registration number: 1042K91002953201