Lose yourself on Crete, Europe’s southernmost frontier and an island of stark contrasts. From the snow-capped mountains of the interior, looming imposingly over tiny, crumbling villages, to the elegant seafront resorts that fringe the changeable waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Crete is sure to enrapture your soul. The island’s rugged landscape hosts a particularly bountiful crop of herbs, and the heady scents of rosemary, thyme, oregano, chamomile and fennel perfume the air throughout the year. Cretan diet is renown to the world for its longevity effect: It is made of earth’s simplest ingredients such as olive oil, fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and light fish as well as red wine and poultry yet rich for their healthy benefits and quality of living.
The largest of the Greek islands, measuring 160 miles in length, Crete is a kaleidoscope of towns and villages all with their own unique aura. From Heraklion, the capital and fourth largest city in Greece, to tiny Loutro and its quiet pebble beach, there’s something for everyone on this eclectic island. Every summer, the international jet-set descend on the chic village of Elounda, overlooking the sparkling waters of the Mirabello Bay and a favourite of international personalities. Dinner at the Calypso Elounda Peninsula is a unique experience and particular favourite with yacht-owners moored nearby, whilst the more laid-back Lotus Eaters serves fresh, local fare in a luxuriously peaceful location.
The island’s long coastline also offers a range of conditions suited to different water sports, from jet skiing and parasailing to kitesurfing and sailing. iKiTe provides premium, professional kiteboarding in Heraklion, whilst the best surfing is found during the winter at Phalasarna Beach in the Chania region.
positioned directly above the shoreline on a private stretch of coast, solmare is designed around the constant presence of the sea. low stone volumes, wide terraces, and floor-to-ceiling glazing allow the house to open completely toward the horizon, while the elevated setting gives uninterrupted views across the water from sunrise through to the last light of evening.
the approach to the villa is discreet, with landscaped grounds and native planting softening the contemporary architecture. inside, the main living area unfolds as a single open space where the kitchen, dining area, and sitting room all face the sea. large sliding doors retract into the walls, allowing the terraces and interiors to function as one continuous space during the summer months. sunlight reflects across the pale stone floors throughout the day, while the suspended fireplace anchors the room in the evenings.
the kitchen is integrated into the central living space with clean-lined cabinetry and long preparation surfaces designed for relaxed coastal living rather than formal display. nearby, a shaded outdoor dining terrace sits beneath a geometric pergola, positioned almost directly above the water. even from the dining table, the view remains entirely open to the coastline and sea beyond.
six bedrooms are arranged across two levels, with four principal suites positioned on the main floor to maximise direct sea views and immediate access to the terraces. the lower level contains two further bedrooms and additional guest accommodation, creating separation and privacy for extended family or visitors. the interiors remain intentionally restrained throughout, using white surfaces, dark timber accents, and carefully framed windows to keep attention focused on the landscape outside.
the outdoor spaces are designed for long days beside the water. an infinity pool stretches toward the sea at the edge of the terrace, surrounded by generous lounging areas, planted gardens, and broad lawns that soften the transition between architecture and coastline. a private pathway leads directly from the property down to the beach, allowing immediate access to the sea at any hour of the day. in the evening, the terraces take on a quieter atmosphere as the light fades across the water and the sound of the shoreline becomes more pronounced.
although the setting feels secluded, the villa incorporates advanced infrastructure discreetly throughout, including integrated lighting, climate control, security systems, and smart home technology designed to support effortless year-round use without intruding on the simplicity of the architecture.
solmare combines direct beachfront living with contemporary comfort in one of the island’s most private coastal settings, where nearly every room remains connected to the sea.
