dossier

Secrets of Samos Walk

Day 1: Arrive on Samos
We meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel (10 mins) in the heart of old Pythagorio.

Day 2: Myli to Pythagorio  13km/8mi/5hrs
A short transfer brings you to the scented orange groves of Myli, where an initial climb affords panoramic views back over Tigani Bay and out towards Turkey. You descend to Ireo in time for a waterfront lunch, before exploring the ancient Temple of Hera amid wheat fields and vines. From here why not enjoy a swim as you follow the shoreline back into Pythagorio, then relax with a cold drink on the harbour front before dinner in a local taverna.

Day 3: Drakei to Karlovasi  14km/9mi/5.5hrs
A beautiful winding drive brings you to the remote west coast this morning, where bay leaf, strawberry and olive trees line a stunning coastal walk from the village of Drakei. Perfect for orchids in springtime, you can swim and picnic along the way at any of three fabulous beaches. A final short ascent takes you past a tiny shrine before Karlovasi appears below. You arrive at the hotel in time for waterfront drink before dinner.

Day 4: Karlovasi circular walk  12km/7mi/4.5hrs
After exploring the alleyways of old Karlovasi, you discover the ancient Byzantine church of Metamorfosis Sotiros, before passing waterfalls and rock pools in a narrow sun-dappled gorge. Perhaps stop for lunch under the plane trees in Dimitri’stavernain Tsourlei, from where a pine-scented panoramic coastal track returns you to Karlovasi. On your descent why not drop into the wine co-operative, where you’ll taste Samos’ finest sweet white wines – delicious.

Day 5: Aghios Konstandinos to Kokkari  15km/9mi/5hrs
After a short transfer (15 minutes), you ascend past oranges and apricots up through walnut, cherry and pomegranate trees to the gorgeous hill village of Manolates. Enjoy some home-made carrot cake in Louka’s Tavernabefore crossing acres of vineyard terraces to postcard pretty Vourliotes in the Valley of the Nightingales – perfect for lunch in the square with a chilled bottle of Samos Nectar. Your descent takes you down to our seaside hotel in Kokkari.

Day 6: Kokkari circular walk  19km/12mi/6hrs
Walking inland from Kokkari you pass tiny whitewashed churches hidden in olive groves as you climb high through orchid strewn river valleys for fabulous views over northern Samos. Perhaps picnic by the ruins of Moni Vronda, an ancient monastery, and wave to Triandafolo - the local shepherd! - before cresting a saddle and descending through pines, passing tiny homesteads on the way back to Kokkari. Time for a refreshing dip in the ocean before dinner by the harbour.

Day 7: Free day
You have choices today: perhaps explore the artisan shops of Kokkari, relax with a good book on the beach or on your balcony, enjoy a swim, or discover the narrow alleys of the harbour front. Alternatively, catch the local bus into Vathy (pay locally approx 3 euro), the main town on the island and just 20 minutes drive away. Here you can visit the town museums or watch the world go by with the locals on the main square enjoying a Greek coffee and a sweet pastry, before returning to Kokkari for a final dinner.

Day 8: Leave Samos
We take you to the airport after breakfast for your flight home.