Porto Delfino Hotel

This friendly, family-run hotel nestles against the hillside behind the eastern bay of Kapsali, which is the slightly smaller and quieter of the two bays that make up this appealing resort. As the crow flies, the Porto Delfino is only 250 metres from the sea, but the walk down to the beach and village along the access track takes around 10 to 15 minutes, and with the exception of the little chapel of St Nikolaos there are no close neighbours, so the hotel feels wonderfully secluded.

Should this walk to the beach occasionally feel like too much of an effort, fear not, for the hotel also boasts a lovely swimming pool, a rare bonus in this area. Although not huge, the pool has been beautifully designed with an infinity edge, seemingly merging with the shimmering sea down below as you swim towards the bay and the rocky islet of Hytra. The same beguiling views can be enjoyed from the adjoining sun terrace, from the covered bar-café area and from the balconies of the 24 guestrooms, all of which are south-facing.

The rooms are divided between three small buildings set amidst trees and flowering shrubs. Simply but attractively furnished and decorated, they are equipped with air-conditioning, TV (local channels only), a small fridge and a hairdryer, and naturally each has an en-suite shower room, as well as the aforementioned balconies with their splendid views across the sheltered bay and its little harbour to the open sea.

The main building houses the reception where the owner Costas and his friendly team are usually on hand to assist with any queries, a comfortable lounge area and the breakfast room where a varied buffet is laid on each morning. During the summer season, drinks are available during the day by the pool or on the shaded terrace, and a small set menu is usually offered for lunch or dinner. Alternatively there is a good selection of tavernas down in Kapsali, or you may occasionally choose to take the half-hour uphill climb (or a taxi) to the old hilltop village of Chora for a change of scenery. If you wish to hire a car, the hotel has plenty of free parking for guests.