Samos

Of course, with attractions like these, and an international airport to boot, Samos receives its fair share of visitors. But tourism here is aimed towards the upper end of the market and, besides, being about 50 miles long the island is large enough to absorb its summer influx.

The north and west attract many walkers in early and late season. Springtime and early summer see carpets of wild flowers. Pine-forests clad the lower mountain slopes – the highest peak being Kerkis in the west at 1435m – and tracks link village to village. Gentler walking can be found through the olive groves and vineyards lower down.

Wherever you go you will find good beaches. They range from peaceful little pebble bays, with few people and one taverna, to longer stretches of sand or shingle with watersports and sunbeds for hire. Those on the north-east coast, picturesquely backed by cliff and pine, are popular and feature on all the postcards, but can be windy; those in the south are more sheltered and sandy towards the west.

Turkey is so close – less than two miles at one point – that you feel you could touch it from Samos’ eastern coast, and excursion boats ply the channel daily from Samos Town to Kusadasi, from where you are taken to famous Ephesus.

Samos has a fair amount of history of its own, as evidenced by remains in the environs of Pythagorion (which is itself named after the island’s most famous son, Pythagoras). The most impressive of these are the ancient Temple of Hera and Evpalinus Tunnel, both dating from the 6th century BC. The former was a very important sanctuary indeed – vast but never actually completed; the latter an aqueduct over 1000m long bored through the mountain rock – an amazing feat of engineering.

Finally Samos is known for its wine (the Golden Samena in particular is excellent). Perhaps that’s why the temple remains still unfinished!

 

Painting with Paul: £695 (including flights and hotel)

We are running painting weeks based at the pretty fishing village of Kokkari – a perfect location – starting 14th May and 1st October. Suitable for artists of all levels, including beginners.  Non-painting partners are welcome and just pay the standard holiday price.

 

Based on BB accommodation at the Lemos Hotel, the cost is £695 per participant including Gatwick flights and transfers (Manchester supplement £35). Single room supplement £120 for the week. Other accommodation is available at a small supplement - please enquire. Please note that there is no minimum number for this painting holiday to run and maximum numbers is restricted to 8 persons. Early Booking Offers do not apply as already been taken into account in this exceptional price.

 

Recommended Reading: Landscapes of Samos
For walkers & explorers, this pocket-sized guide contains walks of all grades, car tours and picnic suggestions, plus bus timetables and large scale walking maps. Intended to be used in addition to a standard guidebook, the cost is £14 per book (incl. p&p) from:
Sunflower Books (dept. SV), P.O. Box 115, Exeter EX2 6YU