Lesvos & Samos
Third largest island in Greece. North of Chios and south of
Limnos. The island is very "greek" and not overrun. The tourism is concentrated
to some spots on the island like Eressos or Agois
Isidoros.
The north and the east of Lesvos are green and covered with olive trees. The
west has a rocky and barren landscape showing dramatic Mars-like views. Streets
are in good shape but hundreds of bends and long winding climbs slow you down.
Along the eastern coast one hidden bay follows the
other. Passers-by should visit "Moni Ag. Raffail"which is a famous religious
institution.
The colourful city of MANDAMADOS offers valuable and
beautiful ceramic works. Seek the more hidden workshops off the main road.
The villages surrounding Mt. Leptymnos are authentic and worth avisit.
SKALA SYKAMINIAS, a small port with some tavernas,
is associated with the Greek writer Stratis Myrivilis. -"The Mermaid Madonna".
On the way to PETRA you pass MOLYVOS, a picturesque little town crowned by a
castle. Driving on to SIGRI pay a visit to the MONI YPSILOU windswept located on
top of a vulcano with breathraking views over Western Lesvos and Turkey. Nearby
you find the "Petrified Forest". Down the coast is SIGRI a remote fishing port.
There you find one of the most modern museums in Greece, describing the
petrified forest.
Southern Lesvos offers steep slopes, pine forests and laid back beach
settlements. Agios Isidoros the main resort only offers a narrow overcrowded
beach. On the road to PLOMARI visit the "Barbayanni-Ouzo Distillery" producing
one of the best greek ouzos.
MYTILINI the capital and main port of Lesvos has a
lively harbour and nice streets for shopping. Enjoy seeking little Ouzerias or a
traditional Kafenia. In the north of Ermou are streets with old fashioned shops
and restaurants.
There you also can ferry over to Turkey.
Samos is the most westerly island in the Aegean and
the closest to Turkey. It is famous for excellent wine, beaches, a beautiful
hinterland, mountains for hiking and walking, archeological sites and..........
.
On the other hand, Samos is well visited by package tourists but despite of that
a place worth to visit.
Samos has three ports ; Pythagorio on the south coast, Karlovasi on the north
coast and Vathy, which is Samos Town .
Samos Town is also the capital of the island. The
town is situated like an amphitheatre round the natural habour. Most tourists
are on the waterfront but try to visit the old parts of the city located in the
upper town. On the waterfront , Platia Pythagorou is the central square. In the
middle is a statue of a lion. Don't miss the archeological museum with the
impressive Kourus statue found in
Ireon.
Driving on to the north coast of Samos a lot of beaches and
holiday resorts follow. All these beaches are exposed to the Meltemi in summer,
so expect waves on the north coast in the high season.
Kokkari and the beaches nearby are very touristic. The famous Lemonaki
and Tsamadou Beach are only accessible by feet. They are beautiful but
overcrowded in summer. Further on the road leads along the coast with a
breathtaking scenery. There are two beautiful mountain villages on this costal
road. First turn off is Vourliotes and second Manolates. Near
Vourliotes is the oldest monastery of the island -
Moni Panagias Vrondianis. It burned down in summer 2000 but will be restored in
the next years . Only one monk lives as a guard up there.
Manolates is high up in the mountains with a stunning view over the North
Aegean Sea. The road continues to Karlovasi about 33 km west of Samos. From
there it crosses the island to the south side .
The south west coast is not so developed but in the last years some resorts were
founded. From Marathokampos you can turn west and follow the road through an
impressive costal scenery. The road continues round Mt Kerkis and finishes in
the village of Drakkei .
Posidonio is situated south east of Samos Town. A
nice small and quiet village only three km opposite the Turkish coast. In summer
the sea is always calm , a perfect place for swimming.
A cluster of archeological sites is round Pythagorio. The pretty habour town
stands on the ancient city of Samos.
It is a good starting point to visit the sanctuary of Hera
(Ireon) , the Evpalinos Tunnel and the city walls. From Ireon follow the
road to Spatharei and have fantastic views on the South Aegean and on the island
of Samiopoula.
The hinterland offers unspoilt villages like Koumaradei,
which is famous for hand made pottery.