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: [email protected],
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:
[email protected]. 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 [email protected]
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: [email protected]
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:
[email protected], 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.