Hotel Amore Beach Reviews

Just like to echo what has already been said about Amore Beach - excellent, Costas and Debbie put a lot of effort into the place and it really shows. A few guests we met were on their second and third visit - always a good sign. It is positioned well back from the road in a quiet location on the western edge of the town, opposite the windsurfing centre. A short 10 mins walk and you are in the town centre.

Kokkari itself is a charming old fishing town that still retains much of its character. Thanks to a bypass road, there is very little traffic through the town (not that much traffic on Samos anyway!) and it is very pleasant to walk around. It's also a great place to go if you are into mountain biking or windsurfing. There are plenty of trails to explore up in the mountains behind Kokkari, ranging from fast dirt roads to twisty, technical, rocky tracks. Get a good map (and GPS/compass) as finding your way back could get tricky! The area is quite lush with vegetation and thankfully there are wooded areas to escape the midday sun. There is a strong and constant cross-shore breeze at Kokkari making it excellent for windsurfing in the afternoon. For sun bathers, the beach at Lemonakia (just a 10 min walk west of the town) is sheltered - just enough breeze to keep you cool - perfect.

The food is very good here, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from and we did not have a bad meal at any we tried. Our favourites were:

Manolis - in the town square. The kebabs (Souvlaki) are the best we tasted. More of a kebab shop with tables outside than a restaurant, but don't let that put you off. Judging by the number of locals that were getting take outs, it must be the most popular place in town. They grow their own potatoes to make chips, what more could you ask for!

Marina - opposite the windsurfing centre on the far west edge of town - A particularly nice beef casserole (Stifado Kelfiko) was enjoyed here. Also a bit cheaper than the restaurants around the harbour.
Girasol Italian - on the beach - Okay, I know it's not Greek, but if you fancy a change from the Greek menu - the pizza here was very good. Also popular with the windsurfing centre staff.
Meltimi - on the beach - had a good lunch here one day.

Nightlife is relaxed here and revolves around going out for a meal and sitting in a quiet bar afterwards enjoying a drink - mainly couples and a few families, no big groups of lads or lasses. Prices are around 3.50 euro for a large beer 5 euro for a cocktail, local wine is cheaper. Draught beer tends to be Heineken, Amstel or Erdinger - although one bar on the harbour managed to produce a can of Boddingtons. Our favourite bar was 'Cafe del Mar', situated right on the beach.

Some links:

Windsurfing and MTB Centre:
http://www fun-system com

Some of our photos (1 MB):
http://www shorrock net/kokkari/index htm

We have just returned from this superb little hotel, which is a small jewel in Samos. We have travelled most Greek islands over this last 30 years and this has got to be the best yet, Costas and Debby are a great team and make you very welcome.The hotel is spotlessly clean with lots of hot water,each room having its own balcony or patio.We liked the breakfast arrangement of collecting a tray from reception and then being able to have breakfast on your own patio or in the garden adjacent to the hotel ,or in bed if you wished! The Amore beach is in an excellent location just 700yds from the town.

Kokkari is without doubt one of the nicest resorts we have ever stayed at in Greece.It is three seperate bays one with bars and tavernas backing onto a pebbly beach,an old harbour where fisherman still mend their nets and a larger harbour full of tavernas and a tiny village square.All the tavernas we ate at were first class.

All in all a wonderful holiday on a beautiful island.