Greece has over 6,000 islands dotted with traditional Cycladic homes and contemporary villas.
This edit of architect-designed Greek island holiday homes brings together some of the best, from fresh takes on micro-living to a culinary retreat and clifftop pools with dramatic views.
Monocabin, Rhodes
Sleeps 2; from €119 per night
Measuring just 26 sqm, this tiny holiday home is an experiment in micro-living. Its creators, Mandalaki Design Studio, have made the most of its compact floorplan, crafting ultra-minimal interiors that are a soothing retreat from the summer heat. And while it might be compact, the Monocabin is well-located, with the beach just 200m away.
Monocabin is now also available to buy starting from €39,365, so if you want to recreate your vacation home on a permanent basis, you can.
Mèlisses, Andros
Sleeps up to 12; from €250 per night
A steep climb leads to this duo of villas, which sit at the end of a secluded dirt track in Andros. The complex’ green roof help bed it into the surrounding cliffs, while inside is a mish-mash of influences from across Europe including vintage furniture and curiosities. Guests can enjoy the 30-minute drive to the main town of Chora, or take part in one of owner and food stylist Allegra Pomilio’s cookery workshops.
Clifftop home, Syros
Sleeps 8; from €8,650 per week
Tourists after dramatic views need look no further than this Mediterranean-style villa. Its infinity pool looks straight across the Aegean Sea, which is also framed by the home’s boxy windows. Inside is all polished concrete floors and crisp white walls, but there are a few enjoyable rough edges courtesy of hemp rope lamps and storm lanterns created by local craftsmen. A shaded terrace runs the entire front of the villa, for days when the sun is particularly strong.
The Architect’s Villa, Mani
Sleeps 8; from £266 per night
Designed as a contemporary take on Mani’s ancient stone towers, the three volumes of this Greek island holiday home rise from the centre of a private olive grove. There are views to the Aegean Sea and nearby Mount Taygetos, and plenty of sun terraces to enjoy them from. An open plan kitchen and dining space dominate an entire section of the home, and there’s room for eight guests to stay in the other two parts of the villa. See more.
Villa San Matteo, Crete
Sleeps 8; from €470 per night
Putting a contemporary spin on traditional Cretian architecture, Villa San Matteo by Poly Architects is built with local stone and wood sits at the top of Cape Koutoula along the island’s rugged western coast. Sea views are captured from its main floor living spaces, which open up the elements in their entirety, including an indoor/outdoor atrium with a woodburning fireplace. Bedroom suites each have a private entrance to the pool terrace, which peeks across the Aegean Sea.
