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Chios, Samos and Fourni | A three week island-hopping break
Overview
Introduction
Sunvil, in keeping with many other environmentally aware specialist tour operators, is encouraging clients to stay longer and take one trip a year rather than a series of shorter trips which create more carbon emissions. In keeping with Sunvil’s philosophy, accommodation is in small, family run hotels on a bed and breakfast basis. This enables our clients to eat in the many tavernas and cafes that are the lifeblood of tourism to Greece and so help safeguard local economies that are so often destroyed by the trend towards large, all-inclusive hotels.
We have always promoted the ‘Real Greece’ and this itinerary is the epitome of what we stand for. In our 21 night itinerary combining Chios, Samos and Fourni you will find a well-paced itinerary of lesser-known islands and authentic Greece at its best.
Please note that the flight and ferry connections between these islands is not as regular as those in the more popular tourist islands - and certainly not daily - and so the number of nights on each island may vary according to the start date. This itinerary was based on a Wednesday departure. For other days we would adapt the nights on each island accordingly. As with all our itineraries, alternative hotels can be used if preferred.
Itinerary includes:
- Outbound flight to Athens Airport
- Internal flight to Chios Airport
- Internal flight to Samos Airport
- Return flight from Ikaria Airport
- Transfers
- Ferry transfers
- 7 Nights at Kyma Hotel, Chios Town (Bed & Breakfast)
- 7 Nights at Polyxeni Hotel, Pythagorion, Samos (Bed & Breakfast)
- 7 Nights at Archipelagos Hotel, Fourni (Bed & Breakfast)
Agenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival
On arrival on Chios, you will be transferred (10 mins) to the Kyma Hotel in Chios Town for a 7 night stay on bed and breakfast. This is a 35 bedroom hotel of great charm and comfort, fronted by a 1917 neoclassical mansion. The end of the harbour is a minute’s walk and the town beach five minutes. The hotel is owned and run by Theodore Spordilis and Guher his Turkish wife. You could not meet more, gracious, informative and helpful hosts. Theodore also acts as our agent and representative on Chios.
Overnight at the Kyma Hotel in Chios Town on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Mesta village, Chios, Greece
Day 2-7 - Time on Chios
One week on Chios is the minimum time you need to explore the 5th largest island in Greece, which is just over twice the size of the Isle of Wight. This is not a touristy island but one with a strong identity, rich and often bloody history and a varied mountainous landscape, with the highest peak in the north of the island at 1,297m. The local bus, a few minutes walk from the hotel, has a quick, frequent service to Karfas, 7 km south, which has an excellent sandy beach. The south is where the 20 mastichohoria (mastic villages) are located - medieval stone fortified enclaves, the three most impressive being Mesta, Olymbi and Pyrgi. The base of the island’s wealth used to come from the resin produced by the mastic trees. Nowadays you will find this unique flavouring in many foods from pastries to ice cream and chewing gum.
The best beaches are in the south around Emporios. The north, in the vicinity of Kardamyla, is mountainous and in the north west, 40 km from Chios town, is Limnos, a quieter area with a string of coves and beaches.
The island is best explored by car which can be pre-booked or arranged locally. The Kardamyla Hotel on the north coast is the sister hotel to the Kyma and, should you wish to stay there for a few days at no extra charge, the Kyma can arrange this locally (early June to late September). If you have a car you can simply drive there. Otherwise the only extra would be the transfer at approx €40 each way. Overnights at the Kyma Hotel in Chios Town on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Volissos village, Chios, Greece
Day 8 - Transfer to Samos
Transfer to Samos by flight (35 minutes).
On arrival in Samos you will be transferred to the Polyxeni Hotel in Pythagorion. This small hotel is directly on the pretty harbour. Run by charming owners, it has 23 rooms and is spotlessly clean. Its popular waterfront cafe to the front is a great place to sit and while away the time simply enjoying the harbour comings and goings with a drink, snack or ice cream.
Overnight at the Polyxeni Hotel in Pythagorion on a Bed & Breakfast basis (other Samos hotels are available, please enquire).
Pythagorion, Samos, Greece
Day 9-14 - Time on Samos
Pythagorion is the largest town on the south coast and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has a picturesque, semi-circular harbour and a wide promenade lined with many cafes and restaurants. Behind the harbour are a myriad of narrow lanes and cobbled streets. The original harbour walls, dating from the 6th century, are still in evidence. Roman and Greek remains are close at hand and the remnants of the largest Ionic temple in Greece, another UNESCO World Heritage site, at which only one out of the 155 original gigantic columns remains. There are boat trips from here to local beaches, to Kusadasi and ancient Ephesus in Turkey and to the island of Patmos. There is a small sandy beach just past the harbour and, to the west, a long sand/pebble beach with sunbeds and umbrellas and seasonal water sports.
Samos has 160 km of coastline, some the most spectacular coastal drives in Greece and a rugged, mountainous interior hiding inland villages. There are small fishing hamlets, established seaside resorts and fine beaches. The resorts of Kokkari, Kerveli, Ormos and Votsalakia have long featured in our programme to the island. The island has a good bus service but again, it is worth considering hiring a car for a few days which can either be pre-booked by us or arranged locally through our agent.
Overnights at the Polyxeni Hotel in Pythagorion on a Bed & Breakfast basis (other Samos hotels are available, please enquire).
Potami beach, Samos, Greece
Day 15 - Transfer to Fourni
Today you will be transferred to the harbour for a one hour ferry (catamaran) trip to the tiny island of Fourni.
On arrival on Fourni you will be transferred to the Archipelagos Hotel. In our opinion, with its 12 rooms, convenient location and views to the harbour and offshore islands beyond, it is the best hotel on this tiny island. Tavernas, cafes, shops and the beach are all within a few minutes walk.
Overnight at the Archipelagos Hotel on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Archipelagos Hotel, Fourni, Greece
Day 16-20 - Time on Fourni
Fourni has an area of 11.8 square miles and is actually part of an archipelago of a dozen or so small Greek islands that lie between Ikaria, Samos and Patmos. It is the largest of the islands with the island of Thymania being 4 square miles and Aghios Minas island with an area of 1 square mile. Only these three islands are inhabited (just about) and the total population of all three islands is 1,500 persons.
The islands are populated by fishermen and if there is anywhere where you can find fresh fish then this is the place. A combination of a remote location and the shelter/hiding places provided by the many bays and coves to be found within the archipelago meant that the islands were the lair of pirates in past centuries. Perhaps it is no coincidence that the seas around Fourni can be treacherous, and more shipwrecks (58 to date, dating from 4BC) have been found here than anywhere else in the Med - a treasure trove for marine archaeologists. A craggy island with a remote feel - like the Greek islands were 40 years ago and destined to be a sure hit with our clients.
Overnights at the Archipelagos Hotel in Fourni on a Bed & Breakfast basis.
Fourni harbour, Fourni, Greece
Day 21 - Day of departure
Transfer to Ikaria by ferry (30 minutes) and then onwards to Ikaria Airport for your return flight home (via Athens).
Plane
Accommodation
Kyma Hotel - Night 1 to 7
The Kyma's original building overlooks the sea just to the south of the harbour. It is a neoclassical mansion dating from 1917, as evidenced by the high decorated ceiling in the breakfast room and its impressive marble staircase. Today it is a characterful, comfortable hotel run with great warmth and dedication by the Spordilis family.
The Kyma's original building overlooks the sea just to the south of the harbour. It is a neoclassical mansion dating from 1917, as evidenced by the high decorated ceiling in the breakfast room and its impressive marble staircase. Today it is a characterful, comfortable hotel run with great warmth and dedication by the Spordilis family.
Only a few of the rooms are housed in the front building, and are on request only. They are comfortable and homely, with wooden floors and dark wood furniture, and enjoy a magnificently large sea view terrace looking directly out to sea. Most rooms are housed in the more recent extension to the rear and have side-sea or harbour views from their balconies. Rooms are on the upper floors, most served by a lift.
A good breakfast is provided daily, which can be taken on the spacious front terrace, and free tea and coffee is on tap here throughout the day.
The hotel is very well located. The end of the harbour is a minute's walk away, the bus stop for beaches such as Karfas and the mastica villages a two minute walk, and the town beach five minutes.
Although somewhat old fashioned, the Kyma has great charm and comfort. Should you desire more modern trappings, including a swimming pool, we have access to the quayside Chandris Hotel next door.
You could not meet more gracious, informative or helpful hosts than Theodore and Guher, who cannot do enough for their guests. We would not stay anywhere else in town!
Discover Chios. Guests staying at the Kyma Hotel have a couple of flexible options to enable them to see more of the island at a reasonable cost. Either a split-stay between the Kyma and its sister hotel on te North Coast - the 2 star Kardamyla Hotel - or a fly drive staying north and south. See tabs above for details.
Polyxeni Hotel - Night 8 to 14
For lovers of Greek harbour life the Polyxeni should suit. This simple and traditional small hotel enjoys a prime harbourfront location.
For lovers of Greek harbour life the Polyxeni should suit. This simple and traditional small hotel enjoys a prime harbourfront location.
Pythagorion harbour is everything it should be - colourful fishing boats jostle with yachts and small excursion vessels for mooring spaces in front of an extensive array of tempting cafes and restaurants serving the freshest fish.
The Polyxeni has 23 rooms on its upper ground (6 steps up from reception) and first floors. Ours are to the side so insulated from any general harbour noise. The rooms are spacious with twin or double beds and all possess AC, WiFi, shower room, hairdryer, mini-fridge, safety deposit box and a balcony with garden views.
To the front the hotel operates a cafe where breakfast is served. Being family run the service is up to the usual standards of Greek friendliness. A 4-5 minute stroll around the harbour promenade, past the restaurants, and there is a small sandy beach. Pythagorion’s long main beach, which has water sports, is a 10 to 15 minute walk in the other direction. Excursion boats run from the harbour and day trips are possible to Patmos and Turkey.
Archipelagos Hotel - Night 15 to 21
Standing above the fishing harbour at the northern end of Fourni Korseon, we consider the 3 Star Archipelagos to be the best hotel on the island. It offers 12 elegantly furnished rooms, great views, a friendly service and is well run.
Standing above the fishing harbour at the northern end of Fourni Korseon, we consider the 3 Star Archipelagos to be the best hotel on the island. It offers 12 elegantly furnished rooms, great views, a friendly service and is well run.
The rooms are on the upper floors of two buildings, front and above to the rear, separated by a pretty courtyard with seating and shade. The ground floor houses reception, lounge, a low key cafe-bar (meals available) and a wide shaded terrace overlooking the harbour, where a good breakfast is offered.
All the rooms enjoy excellent views from their balcony towards the harbour and offshore islands, and benefit too from lovely sunsets. Although all rooms possess similar decor, space and facilities, they are priced according to their location in the hotel and views. Standard rooms are described as having side sea views (although in our opinion they are better than that); Deluxe rooms have front sea views; and Superior rooms benefit what the hotel calls panoramic harbour and sea views.
Please note that the hotel is not recommended for those with walking difficulties due to the number of steps to get to the rooms, and even to the elevated 'ground' floor, although there is one room at a lower level with garden views and ramp access.
Fourni is a small place and you will find all the tavernas, cafes and shops, as well as the village beach, within just a few minutes' walk.
We cannot think of a better or more comfortable base from which to make the most of all the delights of this charming little island.
Route Map
Best time to go
- JAN
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- SEP
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Time Difference
GMT + 3 hours
Currency
Euro
Language
Greek
Average flight times
3 hours
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Average temperature
Average rainfall
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