Sunday 18 May

I sent a message via Facebook to Julie for her 60th birthday and later had a message saying thank you for the nightingale painting, the RSC voucher and all the cards from the family.

The church at Megalakori

After an early breakfast, we got the minibus with our guide, Christina, to visit the south of the island. We met several tour groups, many from China. We went to Megalakori, a traditional village with pistachio trees and caper bushes, and saw the rebuilding after an earthquake in 1956. Angelina Jolie once owned a house there.

Then we drove to Emporio with its castle and maze of streets, and houses which influenced the Austrian artist Hundertwasser. We walked through the very narrow streets and looked in an art studio. We didn't stop in Akrotiri where excavations have taken place; they are waiting for a new museum to open.

The small streets and steps in Emporio

We drove down to the yacht harbour at Vlikada and had a glass of wine by the black sandy beach.

Finally we visited a lighthouse at the most southerly point of Faros. Then we had lunch in the Panorama Taverna - meatballs, cheese and salad.

Richard at the southerly point of Santorini

We returned to our hotel and read. Later we took a taxi into Fira with another couple, disappointed with their honeymoon hotel next door. We had dinner at Kapari, recommended by Tanya. There was very good service and we had stuffed olives and tomato croquettes followed by Ancient Greek chicken with fennel and dill. We enjoyed a bottle of Nykteri 2013, aged in the barrel for six months - quick production!