Thekla - Sept Chambres Villa, Couchages 14

Gazing out at the irresistible waters of the Aegean, Thekla brims with Cycladic charm and exudes a warm sense of filoxenia, that most Greek ideal of hospitality.

With its 20m-long infinity pool, its array of sun-kissed and shady terraces, and its flexible accommodation, Thekla is a fabulous option for large groups looking for space and lots of options for both convivial gatherings and more private moments. Its tantalising sea views and close proximity to idyllic sandy beaches may tempt you to explore your surroundings, but you'll always be glad to return to this magical home from home.

Inside: accommodation at Thekla is laid out over a main house on two levels, and two independent guesthouses situated just across the terraces.

The entrance to the main house opens into welcoming open-plan space with a pair of olive green-framed French windows that bring in the sea views and open out onto the surrounding terraces. To the left is a living area comfortably furnished with a large white L-shaped sofa, while to the right is a dining table. White-painted walls and ceilings and polished concrete floors in an earthy hue combine to create a luminous, airy feel that is replicated throughout the property.

A wide arch near the dining table leads through to the well-equipped country style kitchen, with white-slatted cabinetry, olive green beams (another design motif found in other rooms), a range cooker, a central island, and doors opening out onto both the front and the side terrace.

An archway to the left of the living area leads in to the sleeping wing of the main house, which is home to:

• the main bedroom, a split-level double (the bed is up a couple of steps on a raised ledge) with sea views, terrace access, and an en-suite shower room
• a triple children's room with a single bed, built-in bunks, garden views and access
• a shared shower room

Between these two bedrooms, a flight of stairs leads down to the lower ground floor level, where there is:

• a good-sized double bedroom with en-suite shower room
• a cosy TV room with a pair of comfy sofas and a large TV

The first guesthouse is situated just a few steps across a shady terrace from the main house's kitchen and comprises two double bedrooms, each with external access, and a large shower room equipped for disabled guests.

A few steps away from here is the second guesthouse, which has a small double bedroom with en-suite shower room on the ground floor and, on the first floor accessed via external steps, a double bedroom with sea-views, an en-suite shower room and a super-panoramic private shaded terrace.

Outside: terraces wrap around and between the main house and the guesthouses, creating a continuum of al fresco spaces for guests to explore. There are sun-soaked and shady areas, places for convivial gatherings and quiet spots for more solitary pursuits, such as reading or snoozing in the afternoon breeze.

Paved in soft grey stone, the main terrace is situated on the sea-facing side of the property. Transfixing views look down over Chrisi Akti (Golden Beach) and take in the twin islands of Drionisi and Makronisi, and, across the sparkling azure Aegean, the island of Naxos.

Accessed from the main house's living and dining area is a cane-shaded pergola furnished with comfily cushioned rattan armchairs.

A couple of steps down from here is a stunning 20m-long infinity pool, which also features a curvaceous beach-effect shallow end, perfect for young children or those who want to feel both the warmth of the sun and the refreshing coolness of the water.

To one end of the pool, meanwhile, is a large sheltered and shaded section of terrace given over to gastronomic pursuits - its fabulous al fresco kitchen, equipped with a wood-burning pizza oven, a super-size built-in barbecue, a sink and plenty of workspace, serves a sea-view dining table. This is a wonderful spot in which to share lazy lunches and long star-lit dinners with your loved ones.

All the ground floor bedrooms at Thekla open out on to the terraces, either to the front or the side, while the first floor bedroom in the second guesthouse has a private, super panoramic terrace all to itself.

Where the terraces end, the grounds begin, mainly planted with low-lying Mediterranean shrubs and olive trees.

The final section of the access road to Thekla is unpaved and rough, so we recommend guests hire a 4x4 or at least a car with good ground clearance.

Thekla features a fantastic infinity pool, offering swimmers stunning views while in the pool. There is a drop off the infinity side so we recommend children are supervised at all times. Please refer to our general safety page if you would like more information about infinity pools.

Due to the nature of the property including terraces low walls and several drops around the grounds, children must be supervised at all times.
Thekla looks out over the southeast coast of Paros, just a few minutes’ drive from the glorious sandy bay of Chrisi Akti (Golden Beach).

Within an easy drive are a selection of bars and tavernas, a minimarket and a well-known surf school and diving centre. Apart from the golden sands of Christi Akti, there are plenty more beaches to try within an easy drive up or down the coast, including those at Logaros, Drios, Lolantonis, Glifa and Kalogeros, which has a healing mud bath.

For many people, Paros is the most authentic of the Cyclades. One of the larger islands, it has something for everyone, young or old, party-goers or culture-seekers, bourgeois or bohemian. Amongst its many attractions are buzzing little towns, myriad beaches, world-famous windsurfing conditions, gourmet restaurants, sleepy traditional villages with waterfront fish tavernas, religious, cultural and historical sites, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Thanks to the relatively limited distances involved - the island measures less than 25km from north to south - it is easy to explore in full in a week or two, no matter where you're staying. Its mountainous hinterland, with peaks rising up to around 700m, is dotted with the occasional monastery and crisscrossed by old mule tracks. Down on the coast, meanwhile, there is an array of beautiful sandy beaches and idyllic coves, and a day or two spent on a boat exploring these is heartily recommended.

In terms of towns and villages, sleepy Marpissa, buzzing Parikia (the capital and main port), and dreamy Lefkes are just a, 20-, a 25-, and a 30-minute drive from Thekla. The first is a white-washed beauty that appears unchanged for centuries. It’s a pleasure to amble round its narrow streets, while a walk up to the monastery of St Anthony on the hill above offers spectacular views of the island. The second is a vibrant little town gathered around a semi-enclosed bay that woos visitors with its sandy beaches, its many bars and tavernas, its archaeological museum, and its impressive Byzantine Church. The third is great for walkers, thanks to a beautiful 4km-long Byzantine trail that leads over a hill to Prodromos village on the other side. Also nearby is the harbour village of Piso Livadi (popular for its fish restaurants) and, on the south coast, Aliki, which has a yachting marina and port for day cruises to Antiparos and other neighbouring islands.

In the north of the island is the picturesque village Naousa, whose little harbour, web of narrow streets flanked by shops and tavernas, and Venetian castle make it a pleasure to spend time in. Just across the bay from Naousa is idyllic Kolimpithres beach, renowned for its transparent waters and fascinating rock formations, while for those with an interest in history, a visit to the Mycenaean Acropolis is called for. Sitting atop a rocky scarp high above Kolimpithres, it was built way back in the 13th century BCE and offers not only insights into Paros's long history but also stunning views. It’s quite a walk to get up there, so you may wish to tackle it in the early morning or late afternoon when it’s not so hot.

Paros's most northerly tip, the Monastiri peninsula, is given over to a protected park covering some 80 hectares of rocky, element-sculpted hills, hidden sandy beaches, walking trails, and undisturbed flora and fauna. It’s a great day out for nature lovers and hikers with the added bonus of an end-of-excursion swim in the sea.

Cultural tours are readily available on Paros, so not matter whether you wish to learn about Parikia's old town centre, the ancient marble quarries, or the unique island of Despotiko, you'll be able to delve into the island's history with ease. Children are well catered for too, and a trip to the butterfly nature reserve just north of the airport is good fun.

If all that wasn't enough, Paros's little sister, Antiparos, is just a 10-minute ferry ride across the water from nearby Pounta, making a little island hopping eminently possible.

Arrival details will be confirmed by The Thinking Traveller after your villa is confirmed.

The Thinking Traveller can organise transfers and car hire and an agent will be in touch with you once your villa is confirmed.