The Island
| Kokkari |
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| Kokkari is definitely one of the nicest villages on Samos. Situated on a spacious bay, submontane the Ambelos mountains (1150 mtr.) it provides an attraction for everybody. Nature lovers can walk through the afforested back-country, layabouts have only a few minutes to one of beaches and surfers can find ideal conditions to go in for their favourite sports. Althougt the infrastructure of the village is very good (for example, shopping, car and bike rentals, restaurants, bars, bus connection to Samos town ca. 10 km) Kokkari kept hold of his charakter as a idyllic fishing village. Narrow alleys, small tavernas and kafenions and of course there are still fishermen, going out by boat at night and selling the fresh fish in the morning. A lot of vacationists comming to Kokkari are stalwart regulars, maybe you'll become also one of them. | ||
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| Pythagorion |
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| The village of Pythagorio has been built on the ruins of the old residence of Polycrates. There is relatively large historical village center. The harbour front of Pythagorio is said to be the oldest man made pavement road in the whole mediterranean. The Castle of Logothetis and the old fortification wall are worth a visit, too, as well as the tunnel of Eupalinos. Visitors who'd rather like to relax on the beach will find a variety of very nice spots here in the south of the island. In Mykali, Potami and Pythagorio there are mainly wide pebble beaches while further to the west there are also hidden bays. In the back land there are mainly olive and orange plants as well as greenhouses for vegetables and flowers (f.e. orchids). Who walks down the main road towards the harbour will surely find a gift for those at home in one of the numerous souvenir- and craft shops. On the waterfront restaurants and bars are lined up where you can enjoy the mild summer nights.In the evenings this part of Pythagorio is free of car traffic. Although Pythagorio is one of the most famous touristical spots on Samos there are no huge hotel complexes. The character of the village remains rural. This makes relaxing easy from the first day on. | ||
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| Vathi |
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 Being the capital of the island Vathi is situated in a large bay carving deep into the surrounding mountains, making the port one of Greece's most beautiful natural harbours. Especially in the evenings the view from a higher point towards the lights of the town is breathtaking.
A stroll across the harbour promenade is worthwhile, too, there are still many old mansions illuminated at night.
During daytime the archaeological museum and the museum of byzantine art are worth a visit. Or - take a walk through the old part of the town, Ano Vathi, is very interesting. Here, only a few meters away from the center, the town has a more rural character, with narrow streets, old houses with little arches, wells, numerous steps, churches and chapels.
Because there are hardly any beaches close there are also not many tourists in Samos town. Many come from the touristic areas for a day excursion or stop over for a trip to Turkey. If you don't want to hang out at the beach every day but explore the island by bus, however, Samos town is an ideal starting point.. |