That just sounds like heaven.

We certainly understand your love for this island. We have been twice, and although the second time started as a disaster, it turned out ok after a juggle, and was not the fault of the island, more a mis-sold holiday. Our preferred village is Ireon. The first time we went it was still quite busy with British, German and Americans, The weather, even at the beginning of May, was amazing and the owner of the studios were very friendly, bringing us eggs from the chickens, fruit and flowers. We go engaged on the balcony listening to frogs and owls in the night (sigh) We made friends with a hotel/taverna owner and visited his family farm and ate mezze in his mountain village with his friends (didn't understand much, but who cares?) He bought us a Pythagorian mug when we left.

The second time we went, we booked a studio near Pythagorion, but arrived to find it surrounded by half built buildings and closed down amenities, and the studio was damp and full of ants. The "balcony" was actually a walk past our patio doors for everyone else...who peered in as they passed! We were unable to contact the 24 hour hotline (TC) and took a taxi to Ireon, where we booked in to our old friend's hotel for B&B while we tried to contact TC....for four days! We had to use the money we had saved for a car, so were limited to the school bus and shanks' pony....and our old friend taking us places. We had a wonderful holiday despite everything, and our friend's mother used me as a guineapig to try out Greek vegetarian dishes they were thinking of adding to the menu....veggie foodie's heaven. Unfortunately, as we wandered around the village, it was unbelievably quiet, very few tourists, and the only Brits were independant travellers, all sad at the way things were. The studios we had stayed at before were falling into disrepair, empty and for sale, as were many buildings. Also buildings in progress four years before were just as they were then, deserted.

It was all so sad we said we would not go again, but I must admit I would love to, as long as we can have a car and really explore the island properly, and I don't often feel the need to return.

We had no joy from Thomas Cook when we eventually got through to their 24 hour hotline after four days, they just kept telling us we should not have moved without speaking to them first as we had broken our contract with them. Two other couples also moved out!

Samos is a place I have wanted to visit for years but think it might be a bit too quiet for our son! He will be 17 next year so maybe in a couple of years I will get there. Have to say, from your post tosca, it reminds me of when we visited Spetse about 18 years ago. Do any Brits still go to Spetse?

Gail,
we were there a couple of years ago visiting from the mainland and most of the Brits were day-trippers. The only UK operator I am aware of is Hidden Greece which I believe is connected with Sunvil

I've been to Samos two month again, it was great, thanks for your report - daydreaming..