Navis.gr - Cruise Atlas - Samos, Greece

SAMOS, GREECE

Samos is simply beautiful. Charming, unspoilt, refreshingly and wonderfully relaxing. Hills rise and fall like a blanket unfurling over a fresh bed, their slopes alive with pastel-hued grasses and flowers. The reflections of brightly coloured fishing boats dance on the water's surface which barely ripples in a gentle sea breeze and beaches gleam in the sunlight, washed by a blue and infinite sea. Enjoy a lunch of freshly cooked seafood and afterwards strike out along meandering paths, through flower-dusted woods to discover your own secret cove. As the sun sets, you can almost feel the spirits of old heroes amidst shadowy ruins alive with legend. Terracotta roofs glow, quaysides and elegant squares come alive with voices and laughter, the air rich with the heady smells of sizzling herbs and thick, fruity wines.

Swimmers & Sunners Swimmable beaches are almost everywhere on Samos. Kokkari is set on a spectacular broad pebble beach, and pretty shingle coves dot the north coast from Samos Town right up to the crescent of sand at PsiliAmmos on the east coast. Pebbly stretches reach to either side of Pythagorion. The southwest coast around Kambos is an almost continuous strip of sand and shingle bays, perhaps the best on the island.

Sportspeople Pythagorion, Mylaki and Kambos have a range of watersports available from mid-June to mid-October. Kokkari's smooth pebble beach is the best place for experienced windsurfers to head.

Out & Abouters Birthplace of the goddess Hera, Samos is steeped in history. Her ruined temple, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is near to Pythagorion. The Efpalinion aqueduct, built in the 6th-century BC to channel water the half-mile to Pythagorion, is something to make apoint seeing. Dotted with monasteries, Samos is a delight to explore. Further afield, a day trip to the legendary ruined city of Ephesus in Turkey is really worth while.

Winers & Diners Legend has it that the God Bacchus taught the Samians to make wine and don't be too sceptical because the wines here are as good as they are varied. Restaurants are good and varied, best with fresh seafood at a harbourside taverna. Samos town is informal. Millionaires' haunt. Pythagorion can be pricey. Kokkari bustles, Kambos is quieter.

Night Owls Samos is not really the place for people who like to party until the early hours, although there are some discos in Samos Town, Pythagorion and Kokkari.