Petalida

Hydra is the most southerly of the Saronic Islands after Spetses, and is located off the eastern tip of the Peloponnese. Measuring just 20km (west to east) by 5km (north to south), it is easy to discover in a week, as long as you rent a boat or travel by sea taxi - cars are not allowed on Hydra and there are very few roads.

Apart from Plakes beach below the villa, there are several other idyllic bays to enjoy, including those of Vlichos, Palamidas and Molos (between around 900m and 2.3km away on the north coast), Mandraki in the northeast, and Limnioniza on the southeast coast (both most easily accessed by boat).

In terms of tavernas, there are several within walking distance, including that of the Four Seasons hotel just along the beach.

The island's mountainous hinterland is scattered with monasteries and crisscrossed by ancient mule tracks, making hiking an interesting proposition in the spring and autumn. Peaks rise up to over 500m before plummeting precipitously into the sea, especially on the south coast, and creating a spectacular coastline.

The island's capital, Hydra Port, is a pretty, unspoilt town and well worth spending some time in. Its harbourfront tavernas and bars rub shoulders with grand mansions built by 19th-century shipping magnates, and there are plenty of independent little shops and a few museums and galleries to explore. Just 5 minutes away by sea taxi, or a 3.2km-walk along a scenic coastal path, it's tantalisingly close.