A Samian Summer – Samos Island, Greece

 

There’s something magical about travelling by ferry between Greek Islands.  All discontented thoughts about cold floors and  sleepless nights disperse as you pass islands and sail by white beachs, towering cliffs and quaint blue and white villages.    At each stop, as the jetty nears, passengers look down at the expectant faces of people on the dock waiting to catch sight of  loved ones freshly pressed from Athens.  Smiles break out, waves are exchanged and children jump up and down in excitement as families and friends catch sight of each other. 

Samos Island is unusual in that it is a working island and therefore does not rely totally on tourists for its income.  It has a branch of Athens university based in Karvalossi, a thriving wine industry and exports olive oil and honey and still has a fishing industry .  It is one of the greenest Greek Islands and has not as yet been discovered by the partying hoards of Europe.  Seasoned hikers tend to be the main visitors and can enjoy challenging treks across the island in reasonable solitude.

For me, the best time to visit the island is in Spring or Autumn when the temperatures are bearable, fire risks lower, tourists few and far between  and the light amazing for photography.  This is a place that has it all, mountains, disused monestaries, sweeping views, lively village squares, limpid azure water.  The only thing that it’s short on is ancient ruins and sandy beaches (mainly pebble).  But it’s only a short hop on  a ferry to Turkey if there is a burning need to take in some historical sights.

Here are some photos of some of Samos Island

that's turkey in the background

Stunning sunsets from the hills

quiet bays a short walk from the main beaches

one of the harbour fronts around the island

The village we stayed in

the valley at the bottom of the village -

coast line walk

alluring swimming water

village in the interior – take a car ride to the open air cinema

Paleo Karvalossi

 

Potami Beach

I’m always sad to leave this place.