The Dome House

Agia Marina [neighbourhood]

Megalochori [village]

Santorini, Greece

Dear Guest

Thank you for choosing our place for your holiday.

You do not need a guide to enjoying the calm inducing views – the attached is a guide is about

more mundane matters. It is important that you and your holiday companions enjoy this place in

the right frame of mind:

Please remember that this is a functioning home built as such and not at all a hotel. We rent it

out for only 90 days a year.

NB: The maximum capacity of the house is 12 persons and guest numbers in excess of this

invalidates our agreement with you.

We will have prepared the house for you to the best of our ability and we want it to give you as

much pleasure as it gives us when we can manage to get down there. If you find that something

doesn’t work – for example a light fitting , it’s probably because the last time it was checked it was

working but has only just given up. Same with if you are cooking on the gas ring and run out of gas.

If you see rust in places – its because the island is battered by humidity.

For all such gremlins [except rust!] – call Bledi Sema [our house caretaker] – 00 30 697 9811 880 or

00 30 695 9417750 please text him or call him and he will come and fix the problem. Also feel free

to sms/text us on 00 44 7970 227530.

Sometimes you might find that the power has gone – this is because there are occasional power

cuts – the local electricity is made by burning petroleum! Our back up solar programme keeps the

lights on and the fridge working.

The house is partially off the grid – water in excess of that harvested in the rainy seasons has to be

trucked in -and circulates around the property through use of pumps. We ensure that there is

enough water for all present. Please note that the water is salty and should not be used for boiling

the kettle or use in coffee or tea. Local water is great for exfoliating though!

Below is a detailed guide to not only making the best of this property but also our tips about the

island. Its in 2 parts:

Part A is about the house and how to get there including maps and GPS co-ordinates.

Part B is a guide/information about the rest of the Island and our recommendations.

We hope the Dome House helps you to have a great vacation and the location will for sure bring

you some rest and repose.

You will be well rewarded by reading these 16 or so pages. Please pass on this guide to all in

your group so they too get an idea of the place/its facilities such as wi-fi codes -all in advance of

getting here. You will thus find that your group is less dependent on you when you yourself are

also on holiday!

Best regards

Nathalie & Avtar

PART A:

1 Getting there/transport:

The co-ordinates of the Dome House are https://goo.gl/maps/ctDt5BmpS8J2

From the Airport The distance is 7 kilometres. The journey by car takes about 15-25 minutes.

Please use the link below If without GPS please see Map Directions at the end of this Guide

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/JTR,+Thera,+Greece/36.381903,25.429275/@36.3933554,25.

4185158,13z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m5!1m1!1s0x1499d201e82e0f69:0x505e5432e832e7ca!

2m2!1d25.4776476!2d36.4003185!1m0!3e0?hl=en-GB

From the Sea port The distance is just 4 kilometres. The journey by car takes 10-15 minutes.

Please use the link below If without GPS please see Map Directions at the end of this Guide

https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Santorini+Port+Super+Shuttle,+Ormos+Athinios,+Greece/36.3

81903,25.429275/@36.3857249,25.4277147,16z/am=t/data=!4m9!4m8!1m5!1m1!1s0x1499ce5e

ea9cf43f:0x2471a7c935daff80!2m2!1d25.4302821!2d36.3863326!1m0!3e0?hl=en-GB

Transport/Getting about the island

Whilst there are bus services and most journeys are about 10-20 minutes – given that they are

always packed - with barely any standing room left, and given the intense heat – we strongly

recommend having your own transport either in the form of car rental or getting your group

transported from point to point as per your decided itinerary which need not be developed well

in advance but where appropriate to the circumstances, decided on a day to day basis depending

on how you feel.

There is a large range of car hire available on the internet – and often long haul airlines offer much

better deals than that sourced locally. Do shop around before deciding as prices vary.

We for ourselves use this company http://www.suntime.gr/ email: suntime@otenet.gr,

telephone: +30 22860 25135 –If booking them - do mention that you are staying at Avtar &

Nathalie’s house and they may treat you differently…. We find they are very responsive and their

drivers know where the house is located. They can also lay on point to point transfers. Another

transport option is “Edmond” who can be contacted on +30 6984 519898 email:

mondisantorini@hotmail.com. If you are not hiring cars then you could use Edmond to pick you up

at the airport and also for other pick up / drop offs. They charge on a per person basis. There are

also taxis at the Airport -if using them then show the driver the map [see below]. Please do let us

have feedback on how you rated your transport so that we can bear your information in mind for

future guests.

2 Parking at the property

You can safely drive 1-2 small cars or 1 large car close to the house at the bottom of the drive. If

your party has multiple cars then there is a 2-3 car parking space half way down the drive to the

left from where you can descend to the house via some stone steps leading to the pond and

courtyard garden. Other vehicles can be parked at the upper level of the garden area.

3 Obtaining keys/access to the Dome House

Our caretaker Mr Bledi Sema will be awaiting you at the Dome house for a pre-agreed timed

window slot. You will be provided with the following 1 key ring with

• a remote control device that controls the main electric gate at the top of the drive

• a key with the marking “INTER” that fits the lock on the pedestrian gate adjacent to the

electric gate

• a key with the marking “ABUS” that opens the front door of the Main [larger] of the two

properties

If you are also using the guest wing you will be given

• 2 keys that provide access to the guest wing [brown front door and rear white door

• a remote control device that controls the main electric gate at the top of the drive

• a key with the marking “INTER” that fits the lock on the pedestrian gate

4 The House:

Internally, the Dome House consists of two connected wings and has a total of 6 bedrooms, 6

bathrooms, 4 living rooms, washing machine/storage room and a squash court.

A Main House 4 bedrooms [sleeping 8]

Garden bedroom: this is located on the upper level that overlooks the courtyard garden, pond and

faces sunrise and receives early morning birdsong. This can be accessed from the main front door

[enter the Domed living room then turn right and right again] The bed in this room is extra-long

and is suitable for a very tall person/s.

The other 3 bedrooms of the main house are located downstairs:

2 Adjacent bedrooms accessible via the main front door and turn left down the stairs are at the

end of the walkway: 2nd on the right is a large en-suite bedroom with a very wide bed and 2nd on

the left is another double room with adjoining bathroom. These 2 adjacent rooms are suitable for

parents and their very young children in a small sub group.

The Main bedroom: this is accessed from the downstairs living/dining room area. It is set at the

heart of the house and has French windows giving onto the volcano view garden terrace. This

room should ideally be used by your group ‘leader/co-ordinator’.

B Adjoining Guest Wing 2 bedrooms [sleeping 4]

Dome roofed bedroom, en-suite with volcano view balcony: this can be accessed from its own

front door on the upper level. It also has its own internal steps leading to/from the lower floor.

Due to its private location [up a dedicated staircase] in relation to the rest of the house -it has no

internal door.

Lower en-suite bedroom: this has a double bed and a long single bed sleeping space and connects

to the guest wing’s own living room. If you have heavy luggage then it is best accessed via the

external steps down the side of the guest wing and entering from its living room’s sliding doors or

white door on the sea side of the house.

5 Wi-Fi

The domain is: The Dome House

The pass word code is avtar.san.12

6 Detailed Overview of the property

A. Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Each bedroom has:

• a double bed and 4 pillows: made up for guests

• bed side table/s – containing a remote control unit/batteries for air conditioning though the

thick walls of the construction keeps the house cool anyway.

• cupboard space – containing a blanket and hairdryer [ though standing on the Caldera edge

with the up current of the wind acts as a natural hair dryer – try it!]

• an adjoining or en-suite bathroom with a bath and beach towel per person booked to stay

• the bathrooms are stocked with Korres shower gels. Korres is a great Greek success story that

builds on Greece having the most diverse flora in Europe. Spare toilet rolls can be found in the

cabinet by the main mirror. Further supplies are in the washing machine room.

B. Living Rooms

There are 4 in total: 3 in the main house and 1 in the guest wing

(i)

The main living room for day to day purposes is the Main house downstairs living room which

adjoins the main kitchen and which in turn gives way to an outdoor dining area. There is a dining

table in this room if [unusually] the weather outside is not amenable.

There is air conditioning which can be activated from the entrance to the space from the adjacent

bedrooms. There is seating space for your entire group. The light fittings are industrial vintage

[throughout the house] but there is also a foot activated standing lamp.

By the fireplace you will find a Bose blue tooth music dock with its charging unit -feel free to take

it out into the garden but do remember to bring it back indoors at night for a re-charge and to

keep it free of the heavy overnight dew.

(ii)

The Domed living room is upstairs and contains a TV monitor with DVD player. There is no TV

channel connection but you can self-stream your programmes from your portable devices. This

room also has direct access to the upper terrace overlooking the volcano and the sea and islands

beyond.

(iii)

The Office/ living room adjoins the Domed living room and is useful for those either wanting to

work [there is a desk] or enjoy reading/solitude. This room also has direct access to a pergola on

the upper terrace overlooking the volcano and the sea in front and a vineyard to the right.

(iv)

Guest wing living room is on the ground floor

C. Kitchen

The operational kitchen is in the main house and contains

• 4 ring electric induction cooker: operated by pressing the main function tab. To make best use

of this we suggest you please make sure you use the correct pans specially designed for

induction devices – see the bottom of any pot/pan

• A single large gas ring –operated by press and turn

• A grill next to the gas ring

• An extractor hood

• An oven at the top

• A 2nd oven situated at the bottom that also acts as a microwave

• A large fridge/freezer

• A wine fridge: help yourself to whatever is there

• Twin black marble sink with a wooden dryer above

• A large dishwasher: the dishwasher tablets are under the sink

• Next to the fridge/freezer is a tall pull out cabinet containing teas/coffees/herbs/honey/ other

essentials – please feel free to use whatever you like

• Next to the oven is another tall wooden cupboard: the upper section has spirits – please avail

yourselves if you are lucky to find anything! The lower sections have wine and whiskey glasses.

The bottom section contains all the dining plates.

• Above the ovens you will find a cupboard space with chopping boards and large baking trays

• Saucepans and frying pans are located under the cookers

• Serving plates and bowls can be found under the food preparation area

• Bin liners and other cleaning stuff are under the kitchen sink

• Sometimes cats congregate outside the kitchen door. If you want to feed them then their

plates are located under the gas hob

D. Resting place for house and car keys and remote control devices

With a large group it is always best to have all these in a central location for ready access/usage: a

brown wooden bowl on top of the brown sideboard in the living room is central and where we

leave these. In this little bowl you will also see a white plastic circular gadget – this is for use in the

rare event that the electricity fails and the main electric gate up on the driveway needs to be

manually opened. Insert it in the square box on the ground on the left hand side next to the gate.

7 Water

Please Note that Tap water is only good for showering and washing dishes. DO NOT DRINK TAP

WATER OR USE IT IN ELECTRIC KETTLE FOR TEA/COFFEE. It is very salty as it comes from local

aquifers sometimes inundated with sea water. For that reason the ice maker in the fridge is not

connected but you will find ice in the freezer and can make more ice the old fashioned way in

trays in the freezer using bottled water.

You should find a supply of bottled water in the fridge and also in and around the brown sideboard

in the living room. We will supply you with sufficient quantities of bottled water but you are

strongly advised to ensure that you keep yourself supplied from local supermarkets if provision is

running low.

8 Pool & the Pool terrace

The pool is maintained by our caretaker and cleaned every second day.

Upon arrival you will find that the pool terrace is ready for you:

• 3 purpose made mattresses on the pool ledge by the Caldera wall- these can take 3-4 people.

These are secured to the stone base and should not be used as floating rests on the water as

they will sink and get damaged. These have strips across them so that you can place your

beach towels under there to ensure they don’t fly away down the cliff whilst you are

swimming. Ensure books/tablets are secured against being carried away by gusts of wind -

welcome to cliff top living!

• 4 additional blue loungers will also be laid out for you: if you do move these around the

terrace, then in the evening please push them back to their original position to stop them

being pushed around by winds at night [we once awoke to find one in the pool one morning]

• There is a further shaded relaxing area with outdoor mattresses that can take about 5 people

• It is your responsibility to supervise those in need of supervision not only around the pool

but also the pond and perimeter wall of the property -especially on the cliff edge.

• The pool is lit from 20.00 until 23.00 pm but you can ask Bledi Sema to extend the lighting

period though this will interfere with your star gazing and the house gives a fair bit of light

onto the terrace in any event.

• The shallow end is the one nearest to the large boulder and is less than 3 feet [1 meter]. The

deep end is about 2 meters only. So please avoid using it as a diving pool.

Making the most of outdoor terracing

• An outdoor dining table arrangement is provided and can seat up to 12 -placed outside the

kitchen and has the shelter of a pergola. If you find dust on the surface – its because the

regular winds leave deposits.

• Please ensure that the tablecloths are safely secured onto the tables with the table clips

provided as you never know when sudden strong winds can pick up. There is another shaded

area on the right hand side of the house as you look to the sea. This area will also be prepared

for your use.

• The best place to see the sunsets/spend evenings is in the semi-circular terrace. There are two

light switches on the left hand side for the external lights. Folding chairs and outdoor tables

can be taken there but when retiring for the evening – please place these by the curved wall

itself – this will stop them being carried off over the edge by the winds.

• There are some white outdoor lanterns and large candles /candle holders by the brown

sideboard in the main house living room. Please feel free to take these out onto the terraces.

There is a lighter in the basket on the top of the brown sideboard.

• A clothes drying line is available on the left hand side of the main house for your beach towels

/laundry - we strongly recommend you use the pegs to secure them against unpredictable

winds. We have already had towels and clothes flying off the lines and into oblivion … Pegs can

be found in the Washing machine room on the shelves.

9 Squash Court & Viewing balcony

This is accessed from the walkway connecting the guest wing and main house. Rackets and ball are

to be found outside the court.

The viewing balcony is a ‘thoroughfare’ between the two wings of the house. This area also

contains a solar battery cupboard that is locked for your safety. If its too hot outside then this is

where any massage service can be had [see further below]

10 Extra sheets/towels/Washing Machine room/spares Store Room

Extra sheets and towels can be found in the left blue cupboard in the main house on the way to

the squash court. The washing machine and spares room [for toilet rolls] is next door to the

cupboard containing the spare sheets and towels. There is an iron and special water for ironing as

well as an ironing board in the washing machine room. External laundry services complete with

ironing are also available and our caretaker will be happy to arrange this for you at cost plus his

time.

11 Machine Room

This contains the internet router and should only be accessed momentarily if your internet device

is otherwise not connecting. This is accessed from the walkway connecting the guest wing and

main house, There should be no need for you to enter this room and in any event please keep

children out. This room is usually locked.

12 Energy/Hot water controls

Just outside the machine room you will find a display panel that controls the energy functions of

the house from cooling to hot water and external lighting. There should be no need for you to

have to grapple with this as we will have pre-programmed for all your needs remotely.

The house has Eco features such as electricity made from photo voltaic panels and solar heated

water as well as rain water harvesting. Grey water harvesting is being installed.

13 Continental [European] window/door opening mechanisms etc

This paragraph is for those unfamiliar with continental European [German] window operations:

The handle at 3.00 O’ clock/right angle allows you to PULL open the whole door/window

The handle at 12.00 O’ clock allows you to PULL AJAR THE TOP SECTION only [for ventilation]

The handle at 6.00 O’clock allows you to LOCK the window/door

Where you have a double window then there is a red pull latch. You pull this towards you and the

2nd window will open.

Nearly all windows have pull down mosquito nets.

Bledi Sema will show you how to operate all these including the triple part sliding doors of the

guest wing.

14 External Lighting – [to ensure you have light when you return after dark!]

The lights of the property’s private drive way automatically come on and off. There is a light

sensor at the main gate.

The lights in the court yard garden are controlled from 1 switch in the side of each of the two large

flower beds outside the main front doors. Switch these on if you are going to come back after dark

[don’t worry about energy as these run on power produced by the sun]

Each of the main house and guest wing also have two large external lights that are switched on

from the inside. Again, leave these on when going out in the evening -but do remember to switch

them off when safely back home.

15 Night time lock up before going to bed

Please ensure that all outdoor furniture in the semi-circular walled terrace on the Caldera side of

the property is positioned flat/moved close to the wall and not by the cliff edge wall. This is to

stop it flying into the Caldera as unpredictable winds are a feature 250 meters up the cliff where

the house is located.

Please ensure that all the external doors are closed/locked –especially the kitchen in the main

house and the folding glass triple doors of the guest wing. You can leave the shutters open.

16 Securing/Insuring your valuable possessions

We do not provide a safe and did not advertise as such on your booking portal. Greece is a very

low crime country but you are advised to take out your own insurance as part of your travel

package and we take no responsibility for loss or damage. We regret to inform you that last July a

‘honey mooning couple’ and their 5 other couple friends decided it would be great to remove all

keys to all bedroom doors – they must have been what are known as ‘swingers’ - we are trying to

secure a new batch. Please bear with us.

17 Cleaning and rubbish collection/disposal

If you are staying a week then there is a mid week house clean included as part of your rental.

When the metal garbage bin in the kitchen is full then please take it out, tie it up and deposit it at

the top of the garden by left of the gate where a stone enclosure for bins is located and our

caretaker will dispose of it. Spare rubbish bags are to be found under the kitchen sink.

There is a cordless mini cleaner outside the washing machine room that can be quickly deployed

by you for the odd spillage/dust accumulation.

Sometimes it is windy and dust flies but in any event you will notice that you may need to give the

outdoor table a wet wipe to clear away any dust/soil blown in from the Volcano. Please use a wet

sponge you can find by the side of the kitchen sink and there are also disposable rags under the

kitchen sink.

18 Our neighbours

Our lovely neighbours [Katerina and Anastasia] run the Aegagros hotel next door. None of their

hotel guests have ever disturbed our enjoyment of our property. We ask that you refrain from

high volume boisterous music playing. A good test is to put some music on and then see how far

up the plot you can hear it.

They have recently started a limited meal service in their garden pergola -so you may be able to

enjoy a meal literally next door.

19 Irini – the local village lady who can cook a Greek meal for you at the house

Irini is a local housewife from the village. She does not speak English but you can speak to her

using Siri on your i-phone. Her services have proved very popular with our guests.

The Greeks don’t historically divide the meal into three distinct courses but have a lot more

fluidity – and there is a type of meal known as meze/mezedes – which basically entails eating a lot

of small dishes. But you can also plan a two course meal with Irini [desert is always best as fruit or

ice cream from the local bakery]

Santorini food specialities include

• deep fried tomato fritters

• zucchini balls or zucchini flowers with spearmint, and also

• a dish called “fava” which is actually pureed lentils – fantastic when cooked well.

• “horta” these are wild – slightly bitter greens that are boiled/blanched and served warm or

cold with a meal. Irini can make all of these as well as

• an aubergine dip

• taramosalata

• stuffed vine leaves and

• large stuffed peppers [stuffing is rice-mincemeat-cranberries-pine kernels].

• Chicken in a tomato sauce

• rabbit stew [another local speciality] as well as

• octopus

• pasticcio [mince beef in a pasta bake]

• briam: [aubergines, potatoes, onions all baked]

• saganaki [baked cheese]

• feta salads

Irini comes to the house by appointment -YOU MUST BE IN THE HOUSE WHEN SHE COMES. If you

make an appointment with her to come and cook then please ensure you leave the pedestrian

gate open as otherwise she cannot get in. She needs to be here 3-4 hrs before your meal is due.

You will have pre-agreed in advance with us or Bledi as to what you want for your meal and she

may have pre purchased the groceries and done some preparatory work beforehand. Cooking in

the house can take 3-4 hours and you should in effect end up with cooked food to last you about

two meals – either a lunch and dinner or dinner and a lunch the following day or two lunches or

two dinners -depending on your routine.

On top of paying her for the groceries – Irini charges 100 euros and that is to include her shopping

time as well as preparation and cooking time. Sometimes she can undertake some of the

preparation at her house. Basically for 100 [plus a 20 euros tip] not including cost of groceries - a

group of 10-12 can end up with about two full meals.

Using Irini is a good idea if you or some of your group are likely to be around the house for the

duration that she is cooking for you. If your time on the island is limited and you are taking in as

many sites as possible before heading back home then buying ready but freshly cooked take

away food from the local bakery maybe a better alternative for a decent meal eaten at home.

If you want to book Irini then please let us know what dates/times you have in mind and we will

contact her for you if language is an issue. You can also contact her direct +30 697 290 1812. The

arrangement with Irini is purely between yourselves and her but we are happy to help you help

local villagers.

20 Groceries / shops/ pharmacy

If you would like our caretaker to undertake a pre arrival shop for you then please let us know. He

will charge 30 Euros for the service plus whatever the cost of the things you need. We provide you

with basics such as tea/ coffee as well as most herbs /salt – pepper etc. No matter what time you

arrive the nearby bakery/deli is usually open from 0700 am till about 1100 pm. There is also a mini

market and a kebab shop about 200 meters down the road from the bakery.

There are two supermarkets within a 5 minutes drive: (i) either left on the main road [Vidalis] or

(ii) right out of the main road [Danexa].

Just before Vidalis supermarket - on the left hand side is a very large vegetable and food shop

“Nikos O Kritikos” –worth a visit especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays when fresh deliveries arrive.

There is a pharmacy at the southern end of the village [we are at the northern end] – turn right on

the main road and drive for about 3 minutes you will see it on the left hand side in a parade of

shops featuring a bakery and pottery studios just before the right turn to Akrotiri.

21 Wellness Massage: Daphne Danezi is an English speaking Greek-Austrian Santorinian who graduated from a massage school in Vienna as a professional medicine and healing massage therapist and briefly practiced there before finding the lure of her home island irresistible. Daphne also undertook massage courses in Athens on Swedish massage and massage for pregnant ladies. Her massage treatments are: Relaxing massage, Medicine- Healing massage; Manual lymphatic drainage; Foot reflexology; Swedish massage; Pregnancy massage. Daphne normally suggests a mix of healing and relaxing massage. Her time charges per person are as follows:

30 minutes: 30 Euros 45 minutes: 45 Euros 60 minutes [whole body]: 60 Euros 25 minutes [foot reflexology]: 40 Euros

Daphne can be contacted either on +30 6975 832 300 or by email daphnedanezi@gmail.com

Its always best to book well in advance as Daphne will be fitting you in around her normal daily

routines with pre-existing commitments. Daphne's rates include her travel to the house with her

professional massage table, oils and towels. If there are a number of you wanting a massage

service at the same time then Daphne is also able to organise and bring additional therapists with

her at the same rates.

Yoga & Massage: Mickey Baliakos has lived on the island since the early 1990s and with Charlotte

offers a mobile massage service as well as Yoga. Originally from England she is also professionally

trained.

For massage Mickey & Charlotte undertake Holistic whole-body massage, Aromatherapy [both 60

minutes], Thai Yoga Massage [70 minutes], Head, Back, Shoulders [40 minutes], Feet [30 minutes].

Her massage time charges are as follows:

70 minutes: 70 Euros

60 minutes: 60 Euros

40 minutes 50 Euros

30 minutes 40 Euros

These rates include travel to the house with professional massage table, oils and towels. If there

are a number of you wanting a massage service at the same time then Mickey is also able to

organise and bring additional therapists with her at the same rates.

Yoga: Mickey also teaches Dru yoga [www.druyoga.com] which lays emphasis on posture,

breathing, as well as flowing dynamic sequences. See

https://www.instagram.com/mickeysdruyoga/?hl=en

Rates: 55 Euros for 1 person and then extra people at 10 Euros each. Each session is 60 minutes.

Mickey can be contacted on +30 6942 822697 or by email: mikisantorini@outlook.com

Mobile Hairdressing:

Eva Damigoy is a mobile hairdresser, her telephone number is 6970015542. She charges from 30

euros per person. Eva does not speak English but you can ask our caretaker Bledi to contact her

[see his number below] or you can send her a txt message using google translate.

NB

If using any of the above services- please ensure you leave the main gate to the property open

so they can drive through.

22 Key phone numbers:

Bledi Sema [our caretaker] 00 30 697 9811 880 please text him or call him – he is learning English

and speaks German, Greek and Albanian! He lives 15 minutes away from the property.

Nathalie/Avtar 00 44 7970 227 530 – please text or call anytime -but text is best.

European Emergency Number (Police/Medical/Fire) 112

Police-Immediate Response: 100

EKAB Ambulance Service 166

Fire Emergencies 199

Marine Police Immediate intervention: 108

23 Checkout/Returning keys and Departing the house at the end of your stay

Our caretaker will be in attendance to take the keys back and to help you with anything he can.

Checkout is at 12 noon but can be extended by prior agreement with us in case there are no

guests due within 24 hours. We suggest you leave for the sea port 1.5 hours prior to the departure

time of the ferry and 2.00 hours before departure from the airport as they get quite busy.

24 Cats

From time to time, we find that one or more cats turn up in the garden or by the kitchen. Its up to

you if you want to feed them- cat stuff is to the left of the dishwasher.

Part B Our ‘take’ on the Island

25 The village of Megalochori [literally translated as “Big Village”]

The village is accessible on foot [5-7minutes] or by car [1-2 minutes]. If you are driving there then

turn right out of the main gate and take the next left which takes you to the main road. Turn right

and travel for about 200 meters and take the first left [at just before the village bakery] and find a

parking space. You are at the very northern edge of the village. Then walk down into the village

square which is set in a depression and protects it from high winds in the winter.

26 Important Tips for safe driving around nearby blind spot

Your safety is very important to you and your group. Whenever you are leaving the property by

car – when you get to the main road – ALWAYS TURN RIGHT. This is so even if you really want to

turn left. This is because there is a wall facing you and you cannot see oncoming traffic from your

right. You can reverse course by the public bins on the right after some 40 meters and you will

have a clear vision both ways.

27 Eating in and Eating out options

A Eating in [without cooking yourself]

• See paragraph 19 above about Irini the local lady in the village

• The nearby village bakery [5-7 minutes walk on the main road at the entrance to the

village] sells various fresh pies and sandwiches and besides bread and pastries and fresh ice

cream it also makes a range of freshly cooked hot Greek dishes each day which are boxed

up to take home as lunch or dinner freeing up a lot of your time to enjoy your holiday.

Tip: We find that the best way to set up a day is to have the early risers amongst us walk to the

bakery and bring back not just fresh bread/pastries but sometimes also the lunch or dinner.

B Restaurants

Restaurants here open and close at a bewildering rate – below is a small sample. Remember if

all of you want to have a merry time and not drive then you can book transfers [see page 2]

Besides Lamb and Pork, the beef on most small islands is nothing to write home about.

Fish: be aware that high prices can be charged for freshly caught wild fish as opposed to

farmed/frozen fish.

In Megalochori: The nearby village of Megalochori boasts quite a few restaurants:

• There are 3 in the main village square:

(i) Marmita: it’s best to avoid this place as the quality is poor – don’t fall for the hustling

waiter trying to wave you in

(ii) Raki: a lot better and there is nothing like soaking in the atmosphere in a village square

(iii) X: this is a third taverna and name changes all the time – changes owners each year- a

bit hit and miss.

• 50 meters away from the main square - Behind the main church in the village square is a 5 star

hotel resort: Vedema. It has two supposed high-end restaurants but we have not sampled for

over 12 years.

• If you go through the square you will pass 1 restaurant on the right and the end where you

turn right you will find 2 more restaurants: one on top of the other: Feggera – great location

on the upstairs level and the nearest thing to a late bar

For others/comments/reviews – see https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurants-g1191887-

Megalochori_Santorini_Cyclades_South_Aegean.html

In nearby village of Pyrgos: There are several restaurants in the nearby village of Pyrgos a short

drive away: Selene [high end + 30 2286022249] and Kallisti and Mythos – more traditional Greek

fare -both traditional.

In nearby Akrotiri: there are many good places by the water’s edge: we find the best of the bunch

is “Asterias” +30 22860 85234

In Vlychada [the boating and fishing marina] a short 10-15 minutes drive:

“To Psaraki” [the little fish] We highly recommend this fish restaurant overlooking the marina. If

you are celebrating a special day – then this is the place to go. In several years of going there we

have never had a bad meal. There are meat and vegetarian dishes as well but fish and seafood is

what they are about. From their sea bass ceviche to their various treatments of tuna, even the

mixed vegetables – it’s as good as it gets. Whilst their starter list is very good – for the main course

do try their fresh fish –Greeks really know how to cook their fish. Best with local wine – Thalassitis

[a steal at 32 euros when it costs £ GBP 65+ in northern European Michelin star places]. Vlychada

is located in the calmer/sheltered southern side of the island. If the day is not windy - then when

booking, ask for a table on the outside balcony overlooking the marina. Booking essential Tel +30

2286082783.

In Exo Gonia: “Mitaximas” is very good and popular. Please book in advance +30 2286031323.

Another good restaurant is “Aroma Avlis” [+30 2286033395].

In Fira [the capital] there are many restaurants on the Caldera. We ourselves sometimes lunch in

Fira at the “Pelikan” Café/Restaurant which is not on the Caldera but set back in a peaceful garden

packed with trees and flowers and a great beer list. [+30 228 602 3433].

In Oia: Oia is wonderful but we cannot really recommend any restaurants there other than those

located in Ammoudi Bay at the foot of Oia. All of them appear to be good down there and you can

drive all the way.

In Perivolos: on the beach “Ta Dixtia” translated as “The Nets” is an old established place

+30 22860 82818

Specialty:

• Tex-Mex: on the road to Fira is Senor Zorba – an excellent place with the best tequila

collection in Europe. Eat as much ribs as you can for 18 Euros.

• Indian: Jaipur Palace in Karterados on the main road to Fira. Very basic but very authentic.

Nearby is a Chinese just opened [not sampled]

• Pizza: [a universal specialty!?]: Sirocco in Perissa -and then walk it off on the nearby beach

• Steak: If you really need steak then only one place on the island we recommend: Kokkalo in

Firostefani: 00 30 22860 25407. Firostefani presents parking problems and we suggest that as

the meal is hearty and the wine is great, you book a transport to there and back home.

28 Santorini Wine

For years – Greek wine was a joke. But that has changed both here and on the mainland. Local

wine gets better and better each year. The main local grape Assyrtiko is a star and makes excellent

white wine. Another great grape is Aidani for white wine. For red wine try the rare Mavrotragano

grape. We recommend

• Thalassitis and Wild Ferment [ both by Gaia wines] great with fish and salads

• Hatzidakis Aidani [bio dynamic and now selling in London]

• Gavalas Mavrotragano [red wine from our village]

There is a local Sparkling Wine: Santo. It’s ok but pricey for what it is. French Champagne for an

extra 15 Euros is still better value for money as is Prosecco.

Greek reds from the Agioretiko grapes from the mainland region of Nemea are very good.

“Rapsani” made from 3 indigenous varieties is a great hit in wine circles in Europe.

We suggest you try only Greek wines to get an idea of the sheer variety available and the fact that

you are passing through here when it’s a great time for winemaking.

Less than 100 meters from the house [just turn left when out of the main gate] is the Venetsanos

winery -well worth a visit. Most wineries welcome tourists.

29 Beaches: the island has many beaches -the main ones are:

Red sand beach: in Akrotiri [10-15 minutes drive] -can combine with trip to see the ruins there

Caldera beach: visible from the house – has one restaurant [10 minutes drive] –

Vlychada beach: near the marina in Vlychada [15 minutes drive] – part of this beach is ‘naturist’

The south of the island is sheltered from the winds and a long beach stretch [black sand] has two

settlements along it: Perrissa and Perivolos with lots of bars/shops/restaurants [20 minutes drive]

30 Places to visit:

Oia is a pretty settlement on the north side of the island visible from the house [30 minute drive] –

this will take up about 2/3 of a full day of your time

Fira: the capital that houses the Museum of Prehistoric Thira/ impressive Cathedral and lots of

shops: Fira [15 minutes drive] – this will take up about a half day to two thirds of a day.

Akrotiri has a ruined Minoan city [the Pompei of the Aegean] destroyed 1500 BCE [15 minutes

drive from the house] – this will take up about half day. Tavernas nearby for lunch/dinner

Ancient Thira: another ruined city, this time on top of a mountain - abandoned 400 AD [30 minute

drive] – its best to leave the house 0800 ish - early to avoid the sun’s heat - this will take up about

2/3 of a full day of your time

Pyrgos Monastery: located on the highest point of the island [15-20 minutes] -will take up about

an hour and half of your time in total including getting there and back.

The Lighthouse: this is located at the south western tip of the island and its light flash is visible

from the house. That side of the island is still how it was in the 1970s.

31 Boat/ Caldera Cruises

These can be taken from Vlychada on catamarans or from the port of Athinios [near to the house

and you can drive right down in 15 minutes] in more traditional boats or from Fira where you must

either take the cable car or walk or go by donkey. The cruise takes you to the 2 volcanoes where

you can walk on the larger one and swim in warm volcanic springs around the smaller older one,

then take lunch on nearby Thirasia island with the option of a drop off at Oia in the evening -or

back to the port of Fira or Athinos. The latter cruise lasts from 1100 -1730. Others last about 3-4

hours. NB: you need sturdy footwear to walk the volcano. Wear your swimming gear under your

clothing to dive off the boat to the hot springs -and also don’t forget to take your beach towel that

we will have supplied you with.

You can purchase Caldera cruise tickets about 10-30 Euros depending on length of time from the

port and also from the car hire company we recommend : http://www.suntime.gr/ email:

suntime@otenet.gr, telephone: +30 22860 25135 or any travel agent on the island.

For other more upmarket sailing specialists: http://www.santorinisailing.com/ ;

https://www.santorini-sailing.gr/catamarans.html; https://sailingsantorini.travelotopos.com/c/8

http://www.santoriniyachtingclub.com/

32 Walking/Hiking

There are many donkey trails all over the island. But due to the heat, these should only be

entertained between 0600-1000 and 1700-1930. Email us if really interested.

33 Want to buy presents for loved ones or something for yourself?

Fira and Oia are full of shops. You can also avoid their bustle and shop in tranquillity for

somethings in Megalochori itself. There are 5 potteries and our friend Galatea runs ‘Pots R Us’ on

the road to Akrotiri and makes wonderful ceramics with a Mediterranean -quirky, feel [well she is

Greek- Canadian!]. She is located 100 meters on the right on the road to Akrotiri just as you turn

left onto it from Megalochori. You will see some of her work scattered around our house.

At the same turning from Meglochori to Akrotiri is Giorgo’s shop selling all manner of frescos and

historic replicas big and small - such as you will see in the Dome House itself. Mention our name

and you may get a discount…They also ship.

34 Want to do something creative?

Galatea from Pots R Us [see above] undertakes classes in pottery. Charges are €20 per person for 1

session class and €35 per person for a 2 session class. The classes run for 1.5 to 2 hours.

Day/session 1 is for throwing and day/session 2 is painting your master pieces...She prefers no

more than 4 people per class so everyone gets a good chunk of time for throwing and also so that

the waiting time in between is not too long. If you are interested just contact her directly 697 30+

0813 221 .

For route maps from the Airport and Seaport- see below

Directions: Details of how to get to the Dome House from the Airport without GPS

Travel time by car is about 15-25 minutes

1 The map above shows you that there is only 1 exit from the airport.

2 Take a left turn where the airport exit road meets the public road

3 Keep going straight until you come to a cross roads in all 4 directions

4 Turn left [within 200 meters on the right is the Sklavenitis supermarket if you need to buy

grocery and other supplies. There is parking at the front and side]

5 Stay on this road for about 8-10 minutes – it zig zags and you keep going higher and higher

until you reach a main road and you should see in front of you a restaurant “Senor Zorba” a

Mexican restaurant with yellowy-orange walls.

6 Turn left to follow the restaurant’s yellowy-orange wall and turn immediately sharp right up a

steep hill

7 Once at the top, continue straight on and descend down the same road – [at the bottom you

will see a road joining from the left and a road further on the right going down to the sea port]

8 Carry straight on the road you are already on – [you will pass on the right hand side the

Venetsanos winery] and you will then see a white/cream walled property on the right and a

sign to St Marina’s Church

9 Turn right at the point where the wall ends –you are now on a dirt track and facing the small

Church [Agia Marina]

10 Then turn right again and carry on straight along the dirt track [past the Hotel Aegagros on

your left ] until you come to a property with a white boat parked outside – you have arrived

at the Dome House – proceed down the private garden driveway where you will be met by our

caretaker Mr Bledi Sema..

Directions: Details of how to get to the Dome House from the Sea port without GPS

Travel time by Car is 10-15 minutes

1 The only road exit from the sea port of Athinios sea port is a steep zig zag climb up the cliff.

2 Once at the top, turn right on the main road

3 You will pass on the right hand side the Venetsanos winery and you will then see a

white/cream walled property on the right

4 Turn right where the white wall ends –you are now on a dirt track and facing a small Church

[Agia Marina]

5 Then turn right again and carry on straight along the dirt track [past the Hotel Aegagros on

your left ] until you come to a property with a white boat parked outside – you have arrived

at the Dome House – proceed down the private garden driveway where you will be met by our

caretaker Mr Bledi Sema.