Aronis Studios & Apartments

If the little beach resort of Kapsali were a stage, Aronis would be one of the private boxes next to the dress circle, offering a privileged vantage point from which to observe the comings and goings of the small local fishing fleet early in the morning, the daytime activities on the beach, and the twinkling lights of the seafront tavernas reflected on the bay in the evening. This attractive block of studios and apartments stands in an elevated position just off the country road that leads from Kapsalis up to the picturesque hilltop village of Chora, Kythira's administrative capital. The western end of the beach is just 250 metres away downhill, and the atmospheric bars and tavernas that line the seafront near the headland between Kapsali's two bays can be reached on foot in around 10 minutes, although those with walking difficulties should note that the return is uphill.

In addition to its splendid location, Aronis offers comfortable self-catering accommodation with a good standard of fixtures and furnishings, and a warm welcome from the friendly hosts, Evi and Nikos, who look after their guests with the same dedication with which they care for their property.

On the ground and first floors of the building are eight studios with either twin beds or a double bed. Each has an attractively tiled shower room and a modern open plan kitchenette unit with a fridge, two-ring ceramic hob, kettle and sandwich toaster. All are equipped with air-conditioning, TV, hairdryers and free WiFi, and each has a spacious covered balcony or terrace with patio furniture, mostly affording lovely views towards Kapsali and the sea. Two of the ground-floor studios have garden views only but are a little larger inside and have a sofa-bed for a third person.

The second floor is taken up by the two apartments, each of which has a bedroom with a double bed and a sitting room with two divan beds. The open-plan kitchens in the apartments are a little larger and have a microwave with grill as well as a table with four chairs, but perhaps the main draw of the apartments is that each has two sitting-out areas: a large terrace at the front with panoramic views over Kapsali and the sea, and a smaller balcony at the back with views up towards Chora and the Venetian castle.

Those not deterred by the uphill walk can reach the old village of Chora on foot in around 30 minutes to visit the castle, the archaeological museum and the quaint alleyways. As well as being so close to the main sandy beach at Kapsali, Aronis is also just a short walk from the secluded pebble beach of Sparagario, although this does involve a steep climb down some rocks to enter the cove. For those who are planning to hire a car for at least part of their stay in order to explore the island in depth there is ample free parking at Aronis.