Kokkari Village Samos

The picturesque and particular Kokkari village is located in the northwest part of Samos about ten kilometers from the capital Vathy.

Between two promontories that protect it like an embrace forming the most beautiful gulf of the whole island combining a view of both the mountains and the sea all wrapped up in luxuriant vegetation made of pines, olive trees and immense vineyards, it is in authentic Mediterranean style with elements from the Middle East and here we understand the long Ottoman domination of four hundred years so much so that, in 2017 it was voted as the best hidden gem in all of Europe.

A former fishing village, over the years it has gained third place among the most sought after tourist attractions on Samos thanks to its beautiful and changing landscape and its relaxed atmosphere despite being overrun by holidaymakers during the summer season. It will not be difficult to see the fishermen at the pier hanging out their nets to dry after returning from fishing trips and bringing fresh fish that you can taste in the local taverns. Its inhabitants during the winter are about a thousand and have a kind and jovial soul, they welcome tourists with heart and do everything to make you feel at home and in the family.

Its history is ancient, in fact the first settlement dates back to the early Christian period, to then be abandoned in the sixteenth century due to the continuous raids by pirates who forced the inhabitants to move to the Loulouda castle, an imposing fortification 600 meters above sea level on a steep rock north of the village. Steps carved into the bare stone that led to as many as 150 houses built into the mountain. The last inhabitants abandoned it in 1476 and moved to the Chios island and Asia Minor. The name of the castle seems to come from the name of a priest's daughter who died falling from the rock. Its dating dates back to the 12th century AD and the style is typically Byzantine even if some engravings on the rocks and ceramic finds suggest that it was inhabited for a long time before. Today only the ruins remain. In the 19th century the settlement was rebuilt by the residents of the Mytilene village, developing on the two hills and then expanding in the plains up to the coast.

The name of the Kokkari village has different versions regarding its origin, some attribute it to the fact that once upon a time there was a large production of small onions (in Greek kokkari), others instead that it is the name of the first settler in the area.

Nowadays, the village is well developed, offers many accommodation opportunities such as hotels and apartments, clubs where you can have a late night, restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, small minimarkets in a nutshell all the comforts for a carefree holiday in Samos.

And then there is the city Kokkari beach where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the island. Of small white pebbles mixed with sand, it is equipped with umbrellas, sunbeds, beach bars for something fresh to drink and eat, taverns and restaurants behind it for a complete lunch and a multitude of water sports such as windsurfing since the area is very subject to the wind and lends itself to all sports where Aeolus is the protagonist. Crystal clear waters and a blue sea with quite deep waters so if you are in the company of children have an extra eye.

But if that's not enough for you, in the surrounding area you can relax in other beautiful coasts with Lemonakia beach, Tsamadou beach, Avalkaia beach, Tsambou beach or Poseidon beach, the choice is yours. Those who prefer a bit of physical movement, on the other hand, can indulge in walks in the generous nature among the mountain villages which offer, among other things, splendid views.

So don't miss the Nightingales Valley, a hidden place where the bubbling of small streams and the song of nightingales will catapult you into a fantastic fairy tale. You will find this enchanted place before the Agios Konstandinos village about ten kilometers from Kokkari where you can also stop for a tasty fish meal in one of its seaside taverns.

As always, it will be difficult to exclude something among the things to do and see on Samos in this part of the island, make an itinerary and try to make the most of your time by giving up nothing.