By Debbie Papadakis

It’s hot! It’s August, and we experienced the ‘blue moon’ at the end of July while I was lying on the beach at Artemides near Athens. The waves whispered destinations that I had yet to experienced in order to feel the chemistry of Summer.

Our destination is the ‘Evergreen’ isle in the East Aegean – Samos! Experience the prominent mountain range with hidden villages with secrets of gastronomy. Experience being embraced by the Maple, Cyprus and Samian pine trees. Experience the crystal-clear waters of the pebble beaches, the golden sand and the waved shores were ouzo flows and wine speaks… a wondrous land!

10 destinations on Samos to escape to in August:

1) Vathi, with its neoclassical buildings preserving history and telling a story of its rich merchant life, embraced by the east and west. Possessing a character unique on the island.

2) Mycali and Kerveli where Kyaking and water sports are a way of life.

Alternative holidays with Kayaking are fun.

The secluded bays of Kerveli make kyaking fun for the family.

3) Kokkari is a small fishing village surrounded by bays and beaches. The fish taverns and local cuisine are mind blowing as is the view. Don’t miss the view of the moonlight at Kokkari while enjoying a meal or sipping cocktails.

This is the hidden bay of Kokkari…Will you find it?

This is the main bay of Kokkari with a glorious view of the sea….This location is excellent for sunset settings for romantic dinners. As for the moon light at night while sipping cocktails are dreamy.

As you continue n your trek from Kokkari, you encounter a small narrow road to your left that takes you to a secluded village cradled at 490m above sea level in the mountains with a view of the sea. A rugged  unique beauty that is full of life, can only describe this village. Ceramic workshops, weaving looms making bags, rugs and clothes, handmade jewellery and local food from the gardens of Manolates and cooked by the producers at their taverns. Hospitable cafes that can refresh you after having climbed the 45-minute road on foot or a quick drive from Agios Konstandinos the fishing village at the foot of the mountain.Taste the local wine from the grape vines of this region and you would think it was blessed by the gods.

4) Manolates. As you continue on your trek from Kokkari, you encounter a small narrow road to your left that takes you to a secluded village cradled at 490m above sea level in the mountains with a view of the sea. Extraordinary beauty and full of life can only describe this village. Ceramic workshops, weaving looms making bags, rugs and clothes, handmade jewelry and local food from the gardens of Manolates and cooked by the producers at their taverns. Taste the local wine from the grape vines of this region and you would think it was blessed by the gods.

Manolates is a small village 490 meters above sea level. It is 19 km from Vathi and just 5km from Kokkari. the narrow winding road through the maple trees is breath taking. The vegatation is far different to any other place of Samos.

5) Potami is the next place to visit, leaving Manolates behind and heading towards Karlovasssi, with rugged beauty and natural surrounding that are mind blowing.

6) As you continue your trek around the island, follow the route towards Marathonkambos just after Karlovassi taking you to the western tip of Samos. Your destination is Votsalakia then Lemnionas as the beaches of Golden Sand.

7) Secluded Ireon, is a beautiful fishing village where, if you seek you will find Papas beach. This location is ideal to view the falling stars of August on the 1-18th known as the Persides.

8) Potokaki beach in the South is far different.

9) Pythagorio in Samos to the south east after having left Potokaki and the airport is a destination to unwind; watching the sunset and viewing the yachts entering and leaving this small bay. It is full of life and you can find taverns, cafés, cocktail bars and a cosmopolitan life unfolding before you at your feet.

10) The last destinations would be Kerveli and Posidonion to the far East of Samos. Having done this tour only then you will have discovered the value of escaping in August…

The small village of Posidonio by the sea.

The beach at Kerveli.It is a secluded little beach surrounded with trees. The fishing taverns serve traditional Greek meals typical of Samos. Try the revitho keftedes, with sea food and a a glass of local wine.

Relax and soak in that sun.