Villa Votsalo sits in Vourvoulos, a village of whitewashed houses and blue-domed churches about 3.7 km northeast of Fira. The shaded terrace, built from volcanic stone, is where mornings and evenings tend to unfold, with a pool view adding to the appeal of staying outdoors a little longer.

Inside, the living room combines a built-in sofa bed with a dining area, and the double bedroom carries the same architectural language, right down to the sculpted shower cabin that nods to traditional island building. Air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with movie and sport channels, and a writing desk complete the interior.

Down in the lower part of the village, tavernas and small markets cover daily needs, while Vourvoulos Beach and the black volcanic sands of Pori Beach are both within easy reach. Wine lovers can head to the nearby Vassaltis Winery for a tasting, and Fira itself, four kilometres away, offers additional restaurants and nightlife.