A guide by Poxy
The island of Ikaria feels off the beaten track in Greece. It is a mountainous island, near Samos in the eastern Aegean with some beautiful beaches. You need your own transport as buses are almost non-existent and when you are away from the main roads you often find yourself driving on dirt roads. Ikaria is a bit of a voyage of discovery. For me, a special place is to be found near the small village of Arethusa, half way up a mountain side, with a wonderful view of the sea – here you find the Ikarian Centre, where you can stay, and if you wish, join a Greek language course. I stayed there for 2 weeks in 2008 and it felt like I was part of a small community for a couple of weeks; a world away from busy urban life and busy tourism. We learnt some Greek, and we learnt about the island, and Greece; we went hiking, had a cooking lesson, learnt some Greek dances and had plenty of time left over to swim and explore the local tavernas.
A fantastic beach, about a two hour walk from Karlovassi. The beach can only be reached by foot or boat and there are no facilities whatsoever. The walk although difficult in places offers outstanding views but make sure you take plenty of water and sun lotion especially if walking in the summer months.
From Karlovassi head towards Potami and follow the track up the hill at the end of the beach road.
www.samos-beaches.com/megalo_seitani.htm
A great restaurant and bar right on the beach at Potami just outside Karlovassi. Great music and a really chilled out atmosphere.
Potami Beach, Karlovasi 83200, Greece
30 22730 33796
www.hippys.gr/
This tiny secluded and perfect beach has clear turquoise water and beautiful multi-coloured pebbles. The climb down was steep but worth the effort and the fact it was a little out of the way meant it was almost deserted.
2 miles east of Potami on the north coast of Samos
Many Greek philosophers lived on Samos, among them Pythagoras.
But Samos has a lot to offer to the visitor beyond the historical past of the island. Nice beaches, the excellent wine of Samos and opportunities for day trips and shopping in Turkey.
A web directory dedicated to links related to Samos and particularly tourism.
Stay in Aidonokastro, part of the old village in Valeontades, which has been restored and run by Yannis, a real star and environmental campaigner. Buried in the forest, Aidonokastro lies in one of the most beautiful areas of Samos.
The sense of peace and quiet here is unbelievable - the loudest sounds are the rushing of the stream in the valley and the calling of owls and, of course, the nightingale. Many people drive through the valley, but to experience it, you need to stay there and walk - the mountain villages are beautiful and the paths between them shouldn't be missed.
Laskarina Holidays
www.laskarina.co.uk/accommodation.asp?si_id=&ig_id=2&i_id=4&loc_id=21&acc_id=159&ig_name=North%20East%20Aegean&i_name=Samos
