I LOVED my stay at Clare's place. It's always a pleasure to stay in someone's real home - second home in this case. Instead of some bland Ikea experience, you get to spend time in a property that's been decorated with love and character, filled with possessions that reflect the idiosyncracies of the owners
The Fourno bake house has been fabulously restored. First thing to note: the owners like to cook, for the kitchen is stocked with absolutely everything you need - a good selection of knives, strainers, cutlery, pans, plates, glasses etc etc. It's nice to arrive somewhere where the cupboards aren't absolutely bare and you have to buy everything - right down to salt and pepper. I found a wide selection of spices and basics in the drawers, as well as some pastas, sauces and other condiments.
All that said about the kitchen, I have to say I spent every evening ensconced at the Taverna Eirini - a two minute walk away. There I would put myself in the hands of Sylvia, the maitre d, and she'd tell me the specials that night of which I'd choose one. Super friendly, good value, very Greek food.
Staying in Malona was itself a treat. It's a real place. With real people. A mixture of new and old, dilapidated and restored. There are a few Brits and tourists, but really not many - it's just the local population. You can go to more beautiful places, like Lindos - but the only locals you'll find there are the ones selling you stuff. In Malona, you'll find the real population. I didn't see anyone dressed in black as I did maybe 25 years ago. Times move on. You'll be greeted in the morning with genuine warmth from the people you pass in the street or see in the shops.
So definitely very highly recommended - you do need to know what you're booking. It's not always super easy - for example, you may struggle to find the property on arrival or to park your car immediately by it. While the property itself is beautiful, not _everything_ that surrounds it is quite so pretty BUT a lot is! I wish I'd walked out into the groves and fields; shall have to return and explored locally just a little bit more. Nearest beach is a 5 min drive. It's a great base from which to explore the island. I found I needed the air-conditioning at night and was happy to pay the surcharge for it.
Thanks Clare and Co for the stay.