Ino Village Hotel

Principality without a palace

by Yank_o

A walk at Vathy is one of the most enjoyable things one can do while on Samos.

Samos used to be an autonomous principality under the Ottoman empire in the late 19th century. Unfortunately the palace of the local ruler does not exist anymore - a hotel (now derelict) was built in its place. But the capital town, known as Samos (official) or Vathy (as locals call it), became quite important during those times.

Until about 1800 Vathy was inhabited only on the hillside, at the quarter now known as Ano Vathy ("Upper Vathy"). Settlers gradually inhabited the seaside grounds and the wonderful natural harbour gradually got developed into a more organized seaport. The town has maintained much of its traditional colour, with the tile-roofed homes.

I find Vathy and its surroundings as one of the most enjoyable places for a walk, especially on a summer afternoon and evening. One can start from Ano Vathy's narrow winding streets, continue through the Prosfygika ("Refugee Settlement"), past the old prince's garden (now a small park), along the commercial or the seaside street (try both), then to the northwest for a few kilometres into the rural area of Kalami. In my teen years I used to spend most of the summer on Samos, at my uncle's home at Vathy. It was kind of a ritual for me every evening to get in town around 9 pm and just start walking along the main seaside street, from the customs house to the main square. No activity and no rendezvous were planned beforehand but after two or three rounds back and forth from customs to square I got to meet most of my friends and an activity (movie, eating, drink, clubbing, party or just plain chat) was agreed on the spot. Everything was within reach on foot; life was simple and nice.

Ano Vathy - Aï-Yannaki Church

by vtveen

This is a very nice located church in the old part of Vathy - Ano Vathy - not easily accessible, but it is worth to try to find the Ayai Aï-Yannakki. This church with its four domes has a post-Byzantine architecture and was built in the year of 1585.

The key of the church hangs on a nail, next to the entrance door. Once we entered the interior we were completely surprised by the beauty and serenity of this two chapel church. Frescoes and icons are suffering of the ravages of time, which make them even more authentic. Both chapels do have impressive iconostasis, but is obvious that this little church does need a thorough restoration.

Climb the stairs outside the church and your reward is a breathtaking view of Vathy and its harbour.

Samos

by Emchen

"Samos"

My favourite Island!
A beautiful and quite small island near the Turkish border. Pythagorion have many bars and a few restaurants along the waterfront. In the bay of Pythagorion you can meet the philosopher, mathematician and musician Pythagoras. It's a fine mix of tourists and greeks meeting in the evenings at the local bars and restaurants. The water is clear and has a lot of fine pebbles that is worth picking and bring home. It's easy to travel around the island by bus or by own car.