Small Villages

Leaving Konteika we can head to Agioi Theodori village through a unique route. The dense pine vegetation is a real household treasure and a refuge for this small village, which is invisible from almost every angle. It was once called Kavaseika. Agioi Theodori church is imposing itself in the center. At the glens of the village there are two watermills, one of which is in relatively good condition.

Tsourlaei (or Agios Panteleimon) which is almost 1kilometer away from Lekka village is a heavenly dorp that lies inside the course of a glen, amongst platan trees and running waters, and has kept its old “color” and character. From Tsourlaei, a dirt road leads to Potami beach, a descending trail among pines, with a wonderful sea view.

In the crude, barren landscape of the Samian south, we go past to Psili Ammos and Limionas beaches, to get to Agia Kyriaki. A small village with a few people leaving here, seems almost as abandoned. The ascetic and monastic past is evident in the area, as is the existence of buildings from the byzantine era (such as part of the temple of Agios Georgios).

Moving on amongst olive groves, under the watchful eye of the imposing Mt Kerkes, we head to most western part of the island. Palaeohori is on our left, on a small hill, and it is a strong temptation to any visitor, remaining unaltered through the course of time. Picturesque and solitary, it takes us to the past. The view to south Aegean and the marvelous sea will probably lure you to the nearby beaches. From here we can get to Agios Ioannis Eleimon, a small monastery by the sea, on the verdant bed of a small glen that will certainly fascinate you. Admire the wonderful church, the gardens and the quiet water basin. On the celebration of St John, locals gather with all sorts of delicacies and spend the night here, just as they have been doing for many decades.

Neohori ( or Nihori), which used to be called Zoureika, it is one of the smallest villages of the island, but it keeps its traditional character almost intact. Don’t forget to visit the Taxiarhes temple.

Mavrantzei village is on the way from Hora to Pyrgos. A small village with great tradition in pottery, since ancient times. It was burnt in 2000 from a big fire that destroyed a great percentage of Samos’ green, yet it is inhabited by few people that give again life to this nice village.