Samos - Greece

Before I'd been to Samos I wouldn't have been able to point to it on a map, in fact I don't think I'd even heard of it. Maybe that goes for you too. If so, allow me to tell you about this lovely little Greek Island. My girlfriend and I were looking for a relaxing fortnight somewhere nice and warm. Ideally we wanted quiet relaxation by day, nice restaurants and bars by night. No lager louts, no club 18-30, no McDonalds, no English bars serving all day breakfast, no ticket touts or timeshare sellers, and no bloody techno or drum & bass thumping out at all hours. Somewhere busy enough to keep us ... more

We went to Samos for the second time this year (2008). The first time was in 1994, when we stayed in Samos Town, but this time we preferred a much quieter resort, so we chose Kambos (formerly Votsalakia). This is a small village which has a devoted following. We have never met so many people who go back year after year, sometimes twice a year. The taverna and bar owners know everyone. Each night we saw people coming in to eat or drink, being recognized and welcomed with open arms. Even us, who were on our first visit, were waved at as we passed by. The place has a delightfully ramshackle air ... more