About the Villa
The peaceful village of Megalochori makes a much sought after and appreciated alternative to the bustling and jostling of the busy city of Fira.
The Mansion, a rare find, is a just short stroll from the central village square with its pretty churches and picturesque Venetian bell towers.
The village, with its winding cobbled pathways, is free of traffic.
The imposing large wooden entrance gates of the Mansion conceal a secluded and pretty private courtyard, complete with the recent addition of a swimming pool.
Double doors lead directly from the courtyard into a spacious lounge and dining area with its superb high vaulted ceilings and original polished wooden floors.
The two double bedrooms, one master and one smaller second bedroom, lead off from either side of the central living room.
One bathroom, with modern amenities, services both bedrooms.
The well equipped kitchen has an original stone arch which now serves as a washing up and preparation area.
The coup-de-grace is the lovely kitchen garden, perfect for enjoying alfresco meals under blue skies whilst absorbing the village atmosphere.
The Mansion was built around the mid 19th century and inhabited by one of the feudal landlords of the island at that time.
These merchants and land barons became wealthy exporting the unique Vinsanto wine the island still produces.
Trade brought wealth and wealth brought the Mansion Houses.
Megalochori had a particularly strong link with the port of Odessa in Russia.
Many of the church bells which still toll in the village today are from Russia and have a very distinct clarity.
The Mansion now has the luxury of all modern conveniences including electricity and running water but, retaining the character and style of the house, we have made few structural changes.
This Mansion is perfect for those ready to switch of their mobiles, put their feet up, sit back and enjoy Santorini from a different perspective.
The tourist attractions, including Fira and Oia, are only a short drive away.
INCLUDED IN THE RATES ARE:
Transfers - We will meet you at the port or airport and transfer your party to the villa. On your departure date, our transfer company will collect you and transfer you to the port or airport. Kindly advice us of your arrival / departure time, flight number or name of ferry.
Car Rental - One manual car rental is provided for your use whilst on the island. The vehicle provided by our agents is usually a 5 seat hatch back, which is very well suited to the narrow roads of the island. Kindly ensure that you have a valid drivers licence for Greece. Third party insurance & unlimited kilometers are included.
Complimentary Welcome Hamper - consisting of orange juice, mineral water, milk, Greek yoghurt, tea, coffee and eggs are provided on arrival.
Housekeeper - Our housekeeper will service the villa daily. We provide fresh towels every day and linen is changed after every 3rd night.
Concierge Service - Our concierge is available during your stay to add to your enjoyment of the island with suggestions on what to do, where to eat & other hidden treasures of our lovely island.
About Santorini
The formation of Santorini is due to various geological occurences, many volcanic eruptions and earthquakes so violent as to change the shape of the island several times.
Dorians, Venetians and Turks occupied Santorini, but its most influencial early inhabitants were the Minoans.
They came from Crete some time between 2000 and 1600 BC, and the settlement of Akrotiri dates from the height of their great civilization.
The island then was circular and was called Kalisti of Stroggylis (the Round One). Around 1650 BC a chain of earthquakes and eruptions culminated in one of the largest explosions in the history of the planet.
Thirty cubic kilometers of magma spewed forth and a column of ash 36 kilometers high jetted into the atmosphere.
So much magma was ejected that the magma chambers of the volcano gave way and the centre of the island collapsed, leaving a caldera with high cliffs-one of the worlds most dramatic geological sights.
After the Big One, Santorini once again settled down for a time and was recolonised. In 236 BC volcanic activity resumed and separated Thirasia from the main land.
The last major earthquake on the island, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale savaged the island in 1956. Should you walk around the villages, you will find many abandoned mansions from this period.
Santorini enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. In July and August the mercury can soar to 40 Celsius (over 100 Fahrenheit).
July and August are also the months of the meltemi, a northerly wind that sweeps the Aegean.
The wind reduces humidity and offers welcome relief from the heat.
November is when the rains start in most areas.
local produce
Due to its volcanic nature, local goods are produced in small quantities but are of excellent quality.
Santorini produces some of the best wines from all over the world such as nichtere , brusko, malavazias and Visanto.
A special hybrid of small tasty tomatoes are grown and exported to produce the famous belte (tomato paste).
Furthermore Santorini exports pumice stone, used worldwide.
Megalochori
megalochori (9.5 km from Fira) is a rock village dug into the bed of a torrent in the interior of the island that is know to have existed since at least the middle of the 17th century.
A small place (the name means "Big Village") but with a lively community, old mansions, restored canavas and numerous churches.
A picturesque settlement definitely worth a visit!