My favourite Greek island villa: a clifftop fortress with an infinity pool and unbeatable sunset views

Where in the world graces the top of passionate sunset seekers’ bucket lists more than Santorini? There are few places on the planet where time stops as our star makes its descent into the distant azure, voices hush as brows furrow and cameras silently capture the moment. The jiving and jostling atop the homes, hotels and restaurants of Fira, Santorini’s capital, ahead of this performance have become as iconic as the show itself. It’s a ritual I’ve longed to be involved in for years, and booking a villa escape to the island felt like the right way to do it.

As it turned out, the villa itself was perhaps more spectacular than the skies. Beyond Santorini’s northernmost town, past the telegenic tumble of pristine white properties crowned in royal blue that climb up Oia’s cliffside, a Bond-esque lair awaited me and a group of friends. This is where we’d call home for the next few nights and it’s fair to say we were wowed.

On entering the property, faced with the well-equipped kitchen and a table adorned with sparkling wine and savoury and sweet welcome treats, we felt at home but after a full inspection, we realised only jetsetters who primarily reside in a clifftop fortress could use the term so freely.

But we do feel at home. After our first afternoon arriving in intervals, we’re soon curled up in our preferred shaded or sun-drenched corners like the heat-exhausted felines that roam the harbours beyond, clutching glasses of fizz or orange sodas.

From this moment on, just as much of our stay is spent sprawled across the villa’s outdoor spaces as its sleek interiors, if not more. Each of the villa’s four king-size bedrooms has direct access to the shared terrace spaces and the interior living areas. Days begin with bouncy exits onto the terrace, iced coffees in hand (coffee pods are among the complimentary cupboard fillers).