Anise & Ouzo

Nestled into the Dunes of Naxos

Whitewashed and licorice-striped by dark wood accents befitting their names, these side-by-side beach houses share a pool and private garden, and are only steps from the sea-grass-tufted dunes of southern Naxos. Intensely private, the newly-built pair stands off the beaten path, nestled against the Alyko nature preserve, offering compact, convenient, private interiors and abundant shared living spaces outdoors, created to be a single destination serving parties of family or friends.

Nestled amid the high reeds and dunes only a few steps from Glyfada Beach, this villa for rent in Greece consists of two structures with a shared pool and garden. It offers a rare, off-the-beaten path retreat next to Naxos’ protected natural park, Alyko. Named for Greece’s notable, licorice-flavored spice and spirit, the pair feature rich dark-wood accents against vivid white walls. A little bit boho and a lot barefoot, the pair of compact dwellings was the creation of three friends, one Dutch, one German-Greek, one Italian-Greek, who’ve shared a love of Naxos for years, and know from experience that the best of island living happens outdoors.

The homes feature wrap-around outdoor counter spaces and wide, vine- and reed-covered lounging pergolas, plus secret-garden styled alfresco dining rooms, and cushioned outdoor sofas and bench seating built into angles and corners, all with gorgeous views. Adding to outdoor living luxuries, there’s the chaise-lined pool terrace, wide-open upper-level balconies, and plump bean bag patio loungers steps from the sand. 

Interiors are spare and no-fuss—designer beach digs with airy white linens, clean-lined modern wood furnishings, and a chocolate and whipped cream color palette, the vision of the property’s Dutch interior designer owner. The breezy, open-air homes abutt the dunes of Glyfada Beach, and the home’s surf school operator owner will set guests up with hours of water sport fun.

AROUND

The largest of the Cyclades, Naxos is a lively, family-friendly Aegean island known for its mountainous interior, green gorges, whitewashed village clusters, and long sandy beaches. The owners of this villa for rent in Greece have called the island home for decades, and they characterize it as a land of bleached shorelines and pristine freedom. They offer boat trips and watersport equipment rental and guiding by reservation, in addition to yoga sessions and mountain bike rentals. 

Strong wind cycles make Naxos a favorite destination of wind and kite surfing, and the island’s beaches include the nearby Glyfada, an off-the-beaten-path stretch of sand with glinting turquoise waters that feels like the home’s own private waterfront. The south end of Glyfada Bay, opposite the Alyko peninsula is regarded as one of the top spots on Naxos for windsurfing or wing foiling, due to its prevailing north wind and crystal clear waters. 

The owners also offer boat trips to the neighboring islands of Paros, Antiparos, Milos or Koufonisia in collaboration with SeaSecret. If you do choose to wander further afield, head for Agios Prokopios Beach, located near the island’s central village, Chora. It is best known for its active waterfront, a beach promenade filled with taverns, shops and cafes that’s also a favorite destination for sunset seekers who settle in to benefit from its Western orientation. Chora’s old town, Kástro, is zigzagged by steep, photogenic alleys and flowering lanes, and ruins dating from medieval times when the area was the Cycladic capital.

LOCATION

Glyfada Beach, Naxos, Greece. Nearest airport: Naxos

BEST TIME TO VISIT: April to November