2011-10-03T15:28:00.001-07:00

In September 2011, I bought a traditional house in the village of Ano-Vathy, on Samos. It's small and cosy, but big enough to host 4 people (2 couples or a family with 2 children).
Inside, there's a hallway, living room / bedroom, another bedroom, a kitchen and a bathroom. Outside, there are no less than 2 shady courtyards (the vine provides part of the shade!) and a great terrace from which you have a magnificent sunset view over the village of Ano Vathy and the bay of Samos town.

In the winter of 2011/2012, some renovations are planned. Though the house is very charming and in good condition, the bathroom and kitchen need to be renewed. And as you can see on the photos below, the place needs to be cleaned out properly. But we will do that with respect for the traditional island furniture and other items (olive oil cans, wooden chests and other such treasures!).

There is also a basement which may be turned into an extra bedroom.

New photos will follow this winter.

From 1 April to 1 September 2012 , the house will be for rent. As it's the first time I rent it out, the prices are very favourable. They include cleaning charges, electricity, water, use of the washing machine and internet.

April - June 2012: 300€ per week
July - August 2012: 400€ per week

My caretaker on Leros or I will be there to welcome you, to show you the house and to address any question you may have during your stay.

For more information please write me at ruardw@hotmail.com

Do have a look at my other Greek houses as well. This one is right next door. Both houses can be combined perfectly, they're spacious enough for groups up to 8 persons.

Flying is cheaper now...

Good news in these times of crisis: Ryanair started to fly to Kos and Rhodos from various European destinations. More recently, the Cretan company Sky Express started flying to Samos from Kos, Rodos and other Greek islands. Friendlier prices ahead...

The house and its surroundings

A piece of Ano-Vathy, a few hundred metres away from my house

To reach the house from the airport or anywhere else on the island, it is best to have some kind of motorized transport, as the house is quite high up on the hill! On foot, the old village of Ano-Vathy is great to explore if you do not mind some steep alleys here and there. Also, it is an easy walk downhill to reach Samos Town. But think twice before you walk back up again; especially when it's hot! A taxi will bring you back to Ano-Vathy for around 3-4 euros.

To reach the famous archaeological sites of Samos, around Pythagorio, or to reach the island's best beaches and most beautiful mountain areas, you will need to rent a motorbike or a car. Be aware that it is no longer possible in Greece to rent a motorbike or a scooter just by showing your driving license. You will need a motorbike license or, of course, a motorcycle license.

Samos is big and beautiful enough to keep you driving for days. My contact person on Samos, who lives near by, can help you arranging for a car. Of course you can also rent a car online, for instance through Yes Samos, usually for good prices. And you can pick up the air upon arrival at the airport.

Samos - around the house

In some parts, Samos is a touristic island, but in most places it is still a quiet green oasis. There is a great mix of archaeological sites, pebble beaches and above all a very lush mountainous landscape. Samos is one of the greenest Greek islands, big enough to keep exploring, small enough to reach every destination in max. 2 hours.

Some impressions of nearby beaches...

View towards Kerveli, East Samos, about 8km from the house

Kerveli bay, including the beach. Good snorkling and a fine tavern!

Psili Ammos beach. Fine sand, child-friendly. At about 12km from the house

Mykali, a white pebble beach of about 8km long. Turquoise waters, some taverns, peace and quiet. About 8km from the house

Possidonio, 12km from Ano-Vathy. Small beach, some taverns and a great view to the Turkish mountains

What makes the surroundings of my house particularly interesting is the variety: the main town of the island lies at your feet, with all its charms and modern (in)conveniences. Then again, the hillside village of Ano-Vathy, in which my house is situated, has the atmosphere of a traditional mountain village. Not far from the house you will find a bunch of small grocery shops, a bakery and a handful of colourful cafés where you can get a drink or a basic meal for incredibly low prices still (2010: 2,50€ for a big glass of wine plus a small plate of food!).
A small amphitheatre is located practically next to my house. Throughout the summer, Greek dance performances are held here. A summer tavern opens in June, from where you have the most amazing views over Vathy bay.
And last but not least, at 100 meter from the house you enter the Samos hillside landscape, with its pine trees, cypress trees and its many many flowers. A great starting point for long hikes or nearby picknicks.

A couple of good Samos links:
***A very complete Samos site, a must see***
***This site is less good, but gives good tourist information.***
***Loads of Samos info on every possible subject - partly in Dutch.***

How to reach Samos

It is best to look for charter planes from where you live - they leave from most European countries directly to Samos from May until October. Another way to get to Samos is via Athens. Both Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines maintain daily flights between Athens and Samos all year round.

A taxi from the airport to the house is currently about 25 euro.

Nightboats from Athens to Samos (port of Vathy) generally take at least 8 hours, except for some faster ones in Summer. The boats are an interesting option if you have time, if you like a bit of adventure and if you haven't found a cheap flight to Athens. But the days when the boats were dead cheap are over: a one-way economy class ticket from Athens to Samos is about 40€ - and that's the slow boat.

A traditional island house on Samos