Another down wind sail for 27 miles using just the genoa to the small managed marina at Ormos Marathokampou on the south side of Samos. Perhaps slightly expensive at €22 per night, but it did have lazy lines, offer free water (not for boat washing though, extra €10), a washing machine at €4 a load, and very clean and free showers and toilets.
Despite the small town having 4 or so very good tavernas and coffee bars, we again decided to hire a car for a couple of days and see a bit more or the island.
So on Friday we went along the south of the island to the popular town of Pythagoreio, the home town of Pythagoras and visited the impressive nearby 1km long underground Eupalinus Aqueduct, built in about 6th century BC, through a mountain. Doubly impressive as the tunnel was excavated simultaneously from both ends, and actually met up in the middle. The aquaduct carried water for several centuries to Pythagoreio before eventually silting up.
The following day we drove along the north coast to the beautiful village of Kokkari where we stumbled across a local pottery and bought a new mug and some little dishes, the potter giving us a couple of seconds in the same style. Returning via the mountain side village of Manolates which had its own jewellery makers, potter and weaver – Ann couldn’t resist buying a bracelet. We then enjoyed lunch at the top of the village in Lukas Taverna with far reaching views across to Turkiye, stopping off at the Vakakis Winery to sample and appreciate their wines.
We were particularly taken with Sami, as compared with most other Greek islands, it’s very green with lots of trees and vineyards.
With the north wind abating on Monday, it was time to move on.
Despite the small town having 4 or so very good tavernas and coffee bars, we again decided to hire a car for a couple of days and see a bit more or the island.
So on Friday we went along the south of the island to the popular town of Pythagoreio, the home town of Pythagoras and visited the impressive nearby 1km long underground Eupalinus Aqueduct, built in about 6th century BC, through a mountain. Doubly impressive as the tunnel was excavated simultaneously from both ends, and actually met up in the middle. The aquaduct carried water for several centuries to Pythagoreio before eventually silting up.
The following day we drove along the north coast to the beautiful village of Kokkari where we stumbled across a local pottery and bought a new mug and some little dishes, the potter giving us a couple of seconds in the same style. Returning via the mountain side village of Manolates which had its own jewellery makers, potter and weaver – Ann couldn’t resist buying a bracelet. We then enjoyed lunch at the top of the village in Lukas Taverna with far reaching views across to Turkiye, stopping off at the Vakakis Winery to sample and appreciate their wines.
We were particularly taken with Sami, as compared with most other Greek islands, it’s very green with lots of trees and vineyards.
With the north wind abating on Monday, it was time to move on.
