The image remains as clear in my mind as the cobalt skies of Skiathos: we arrived at Villas Zoe, ten minutes after leaving the airport, to a delightful assault on the senses. The scent of rosemary and thyme, the gentle warm breeze on my cheek, and of course, that view of Skiathos harbour and the bay. We never tired of looking at that twinkling sea dotted with beckoning islands.
We stayed in the stone house, which had everything we needed, and more. The bathrooms are spotless and the hot water plentiful. The kitchen is fully equipped, the bed linen immaculate – and oh, that bedroom! Beautifully designed in wood and stone, with an incredible view.
On the practical side, Villas Zoe may be in a peaceful haven away from the tourist areas, but it is definitely not remote. You can walk to the town and harbour in 20 minutes, or take the buses that run regularly. Going in the other direction, there are beautiful walks to tiny bays and beaches you will have to yourself. The proximity of the airport is an attraction rather than a problem. With somewhere between 2 and 5 flights a day, we actually rushed to the balcony to watch each approach over the sea below us. My one disappointment? The tree in the garden, reputed to bear chocolate-flavoured fruit, was not in season in September!