Santorini is a very small and relaxed island. We stayed there for two weeks last year and will return 4 weeks today, staying in Kamari. The closest you will find to a "normal" village is Pyrgos, unless you take a boat to the island of Thirassia (they run frequently). The view of the Caldera is exceptional and magnificent, and erverybody we met was most friendly. If you are staying in or visiting Kamari, try the No Name steak house for tremendous value and friendly staff. Fira can be quite busy at peek times as many boats park in the Caldera and discharge many tourist during the day. Be sure to make time to see the sunset over the Caldera. Have a great time.

We found a lovely little village, quite unlike most traditional greek villages but unique in its own funny way { EMPORIA in the southern part on the main road into perrissa } unlike most places it seemed to have been ignored but had a magical feel, at first glance it was nothing special in fact not very nice but venture a little further and "WELL", just visit and tell me what you thought. MAKE SURE you try every little path and the little bar, its probably best on a evening. We found it while traveling on the moped, everybody just drove straight past because it was on the main road, have a good hol .....dave

thanks both.

Really looking forward to our holiday in August. We love spending lots of time by the pool and on the beach but we also like to break up the fortnight by doing a little exploring outside the tourist area. We're staying in Kamari so We'll make a point of visiting the No Name restaurant. Thanks for the recommendations