Villa Oskelos Estate

Villa Oskelos Estate is nestled into the hillside of the southwest of the Greek island of Naxos, the largest of the Cyclades islands, in the heart of the Aegean Sea. You can get to Naxos via Athens, and then a forty-five minute flight to the local airport, or take the ferry from Piraeus or Rania, which can take between three and six hours depending on if you take the high speed or Blue Star line. Island hop from Santorini, Paros, Milos, Ios, or Mykonos, as part of an Aegean Sea odyssey.

The estate is near the village of Kastraki, and the unspoilt Glyfada sandy beach, with its crystal clear waters, and kitesurfing club. Ask the concierge to arrange well almost anything for you, from private yoga lessons on the lawn to a private chef, or push the boat out and charter your own yacht to sail the Aegean seas. Naxos is famous for its water sports, most especially kite and windsurfing, with seven major clubs around the coastline, the Meltemi north wind effect makes it the most perfect conditions. Other great beaches include Agia Anna for its sea caves and tavernas, Aliko with four beaches and a backdrop of cedar forests, Mikri Vigla for excellent water sports, Agios Prokopios for its white sand, and promenade populated with restaurants, and the most popular Plaka, with four kilometres of organised sun loungers and shady parasols.

Go north to Naxos town, known locally as Chora, a lively commercial centre, with a port, whitewashed houses, and original Venetian architecture. Visit the thirteenth-century castle, the Archeological and Venetian Museums, and the landmark Portara, constructed in 530BC, as the original entrance to the unbuilt Temple of Apollo, best seen at sunset. A trip to the local villages to see traditional Naxian life is highly recommended, make your way up to the mountaintop setting to see Koronas and the Church of Panagia Agrokiliotissa. Don’t miss a chance to visit Chalki (Halki), once the capital of the island, see the past grandeur in the neoclassical Venetian homes and towers, and walk the cobbled streets as you shop for souvenirs.

Make sure you visit the Vallindra Distillery where they make Kitron, the island’s famous lemon liqueur, sample some, and take a bottle home with you. For something a bit more sporty, the island offers hiking and cycling tours, where you can discover the local flora and fauna, mountain biking and horseback riding, swimming, snorkelling, and scuba diving, and for the daredevils, Naxos is renowned for its cliff diving. For something more cultural there is the seventh-century BC Statue of Kouros sculptures, the sixth-century AD Temple of Demeter, the Crispi Tower Byzantine Museum, and the Cycladia Cultural Centre at Damala that hosts events throughout the season. Not to mention the many churches and monasteries that can be found all over the island, with their ornate interiors and original icons.

No trip to Naxos is complete without a boat trip, island hop, swim and snorkel in secret coves and hidden bays, dine aboard, and then sail into the harbour at sunset. After all that, wind down with a wine tour of one of the local vineyards, and sample their wares, before settling down for an evening under the stars at the open-air cinema.

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