Island Hopping in Greece – from Samos to Kos (a Six-Islands-Itinerary):
1st stop: SAMOS
Our finds in Samos:
- Taverna Nireas (restaurant): we are not sure what’s better about this place towering high up on the edge of Kokkari (in the north of Samos) – the view or the food (go for the daily special)
- Potami Beach & Hippy’s Beach Bar (location / beach bar): a phenomenally chilled-out place, if you don’t feel like hitting the beach, walk to the nearby waterfalls
2nd stop: MARATHI
Our finds in Marathi:
- Pantelis Resort Marathi (hotel and restaurant): well, the tiny island of Marathi (a short boat ride from Arki, which is tiny, too) is already a find; however, this place (with nice but unspectacular rooms) is heaven – the food makes you want to stay forever and the bay with very little tourists make you forget that you actually wanted to travel on to other islands;
3rd stop: PATMOS
Our finds in Patmos:
- Patmos Aktis Suites (hotel): Ok, we’ll be honest, we didn’t stay here. But we wish we did! We stayed instead in the incredible expensive Petra Hotel (with somewhat dark room, a tiny pool, a totally overrated breakfast and not very pleasant management). So back to Aktis Suites. We used their beach (for a small fee), we wandered their facilities, we talked to their guests – and the place seemed really blissful. And the bay is simply wonderful (and calm). Next time, we will stay here, that’s a fact.
4th stop: LEROS
Our finds in Leros:
- O Sotos (ouzeri and restaurant): the best seafood we had in 3 weeks and on all of the six islands; the octopus filled with feta & tomato is going to be remembered for years to come
- Maison des Couleurs (hotel): a spectacularly renovated villa (some rooms have a great view at the castle), makes you feel like travelling a century ago, run by Stella (an amazing lady), breakfast in an equally amazing garden
5th stop: KALYMNOS
Our finds in Kalymnos:
- Harry’s Paradise (restaurant): yes, this is paradise; great Greek food (with a twist) in a wonderful garden; the tiny village (Emporios) in the north of the island is a gem and the ride there (on a scooter) offers spectacular views; need we say more?
6th stop: KOS
Our finds in Kos:
- Aqua Blu Boutique Hotel (hotel): we love this place; the location is ok but not great, the beach is nice but a bit windy… and still this relatively small hotel is amazing (and we don’t say that because we have been upgraded to a suite with a private plunge pool ;)); the rooms are very chic and the pool area is simply perfect; actually everything in and around this hotel is quite perfect; plus it is not far into Kos city (and it’s Aqua Blu’s fault that we didn’t see much more of the island)
Sissi and Franzl 