The stay at Maria's house was amazing. We stay during the down season so it seemed as if we had the entire island to ourselves during parts of our stay. However, Maria's home is exactly what it looks like in the photos. It's walking distance from one small market and a local restaurant. Anything else you'll need you'll need to take a cab or bus ride into Thira. Maria was a great host, we didn't get to meet her but we were greeted with fresh towels and made beds upon arrival from our daily trips around the island everyday.