Anthis Apartments Reviews

I am a well-seasoned Greek Traveller having visited a variety of the islands and therefore accustomed to the basics associated with such self-catering facilities, however the Anthis failed to meet even this level of basic acceptance.
The brochure describes the rooms as being ";split level"; and situated on a ";main road";, what the brochure failed to say is that not all rooms are split level and that the main road should include the word ";busy"; and that if you hire a car that no suitable parking facilities are available other than parking on the busy main road.

This aside what was noticeably our first impression was the darkness and gloom of room 11 where it was necessary to have electric lights on during the day! - due to the porch style overhang and overgrown fruit trees that invaded our balcony area.
I made immediate representation to Kosta who said he would see what could be done in terms of changing rooms the next day, we delayed unpacking everything on this premise but nothing came of this, probably as we learnt after others had made similar demands and must have shouted louder!.

So we unpacked in our electric lighting and resigned ourselves to making best use of what we had.

The second point was the general cleanliness; whilst we British put up with most things what we do like is a reasonable standard of hygiene and cleanliness and the Anthis failed miserably in this. The bathroom toilet was disgusting the porcelain being brown and stinking of urine as well as having a ";present"; floating from the previous occupier in the filthy water, thankfully a supermarket was close by where we purchased various cleaning materials. The floor under the beds had a ½ inch dust, the sink was dirty, the fridge was marked with spillages inside and overall the room and balcony was not inviting in any way. The general waste bin comprised of a typical office waste paper basket with no lid and bins were emptied only every 2 / 3 days, including the bathroom bin, there were literally hundreds of flies due to open bins and rotting Apricots that were dropping off the offending fruit trees, so to minimise this I used to parcel up the rubbish daily and take it to the nearest road side bin.
The kitchen equipment was old with bent forks, plastic dishes and plates and only one knife, we did advise them of this but there was still only 1 knife when we left, although the toilet etc was by far cleaner than when we arrived.

The frustating part is I booked back in July 2006 to stay at Angela Studios, only to be changed like many others 5 weeks before departure!
The island and people itself are lovely and not too Commercialised with more of a traditional Greek feel and if eating down in Pythagorion make sure you stop off at ELIA restaurant - superb!, Beaches, Psili Ammos is traditional sand and very shallow waters, but if you want it quiet but stony try Balos beach, all details can be found on Greeka.com.

Would we go back to Samos, yes, would we choose Anthis, the answer has to be no!

Just arrived back from a wonderful holiday in Samos and am sorry we didn't book for two weeks.

WEATHER: Very hot but an almost constant north-westerly breeze which kept it a little cooler.

FLIGHT: We were prepared for the landing as I had read previous reviews on this site. It wasn't too bad at all, just made you grateful for seatbelts!

ACCOMMODATION: The Anthis apartments are situated 5 minutes away from the airport but don't be put off by this. The latest we saw a plane land/take-off was 7pm and the airport closes overnight. We watched the planes from our balcony but never managed to catch one landing as we could only hear them when they actually hit the tarmac!

Anthis apartments are run by Kostas and his family and they do a wonderful job. Kostas arrives at the apartments at about 6.45am (although I think the rest of the family live in the premises) and was still there around midnight serving drinks from the bar. An English couple (Sue (? I think!) and Malcom) who live in Samos help out making snacks and serving during the day and are very knowledgeable about places to visit, things to see etc.

The apartment we were in was number 21 and overlooked the pool/airport. It was very spacious with a kitchen area, two bedrooms (one with a single bed and bed settee and doors opening onto the balcony; the other with a double bed) and bathroom. Although it was situated on the main road into Pythagorian we didn't really find that a problem - the double glazed windows could be shut and the traffic couldn't be heard. However, we left the windows open at night (we didn't both with the aircon as it aggravates my allergies)and there wasn't a great deal of traffic through the night. I can't vouch for the other apartments - some reviews have stated they were dark and dismal but I think this was probably because the ceilings are dark wood panelled and the furniture is dark wood (or at least it was in ours), but at the end of the day we only use the apartments to sleep in so it doesn't really matter.

There was a large supermarket about 5 minutes from the Anthis which sold everything and the ouzo was 1 euro cheaper than in the town! However, don't ask them if they sell playing cards - we did one evening and they were a little sharp with us - I think some of the other guests from the Anthis had also been for some cards!

EATING OUT: We tried various tavernas whilst we were there but in our opinion the best was Four Seasons on the harbour front - prices were very reasonable and we always got a complimentary drink after the meal (either coffee, wine or ouzo).

PLACES TO SEE: We hired a car for three days from Evelin car hire (organised by Kostas), the car was delivered to us and we left the keys with Kostas when we had finished and they came to collect it. A trip to Manolates is recommended - a little hairraising going round the hairpin bends but such a pretty village when you get there. We had been told to find Lukas tavern at the highest point of the village. We found it and the view from there was fantastic.

We didn't visit many of the beaches around Kokkari although we were told there were some lovely sandy beaches there, but did go to Psili Ammos beach (in between Pythagorian and Samos Town)which was a lovely sandy beach with the sea gently shelving out. Two sunbeds, umbrella and shower for 5 euros, and toilets on the beach in which you could change.

Well worth the walk (or drive) is a visit to the monastery on the hill overlooking Pythagorian where you can visit the little chapel in the cave. Close by is the Efpalinio tunnel which is over a kilometre long and used to transport water. The tunnel had only just reopened when we visited, following earth tremors last year which forced the authorities to close it. It is a bit frightening when you first go into it (especially if you are claustrophobic) as the first 10-15 metres are barely wide/high enough to walk through but it does open out after that. We walked up to the monastery on the roads but discovered when we came out of the tunnel that if we followed the rocks with the red paint on them it brought us out near to our apartments.

Overall, a lovely holiday and I would certainly visit Samos again in the future

Our sixth visit to Greece but first to Samos, we chose the island because although August is very hot, there is an almost constant northerly breeze to keep you cool. Humidity is also low on Samos, and mosquitos were not a problem.

As others will tell you, the landing at Samos is spectacular (try it for yourself if you've got Flight Suimulator 2004 on your pc..)but we only saw one airliner do a 'go-around' in our fortnight. The airport is very close to Pythagorion but traffic is light and didn't bother us at all. If you go to Potokaki beach you can get very close to departing aircraft indeed.

We stayed at the Anthis apartments, in two rooms (granny came too). The best ones are top floor pool side, we had one and there were two good size bedrooms, a kitchen/dining area and balcony, plus usual Greek basic bathroom with sit-down bath. Gran was on the ground floor in a much smaller room with our boys. They had their beds upstairs on a wooden landing, she had a bed-settee in the kitchenette. Not so nice as the top floor rooms but OK. Air conditioning could be used for an extra 5 Euros a day - we didn't bother for the first week but during the second the evening breeze dropped off and the nights got very warm and sticky so we gave in. Worth every cent for a full night's sleep - meant we could close the windows/doors which was helpful because the road outside the Anthis always has some traffic on it, and some of the local motorcycles have little in the way of silencers.

Kostas and family who own and run the Anthis cannot be praised enough - they were hospitable, cheerful and ever-helpful, calling taxis for us and arranging veggie food for my wife at the Sunday bbq (mentioned by another guest on this review site too). We actually felt rather sorry for Kostas - he works from morning until the last person leaves the poolside bar in the evening; serving and cooking snacks, washing the dishes, answering questions. Yet he always remained friendly and I guess showed that if it's your own business you tend to have a positive atttitude to long hours.

The Anthis is situated about 25 minutes brisk walk from Pythagorion. A taxi from the Anthis would cost us 4.5 euros - Kostas will call one or you can phone the taxi rank where they speak good English on 2273061440. A taxi from the rank in Pythagorion back to the Anthis costs 3 euros. They are not supposed to take more than 4 passengers. Most evenings we walked into Pythagorion - all but the first 100 metres or so of the road has a footpath, though the surface is uneven in places. There is a large supermarket with cashpoint within 5 minutes walk, this has everything you could need if you take the self-catering seriously, though we found that we often used the Anthis pool-side bar for light lunches.

Once you get to Pythagorion you are spoiled for choice with excellent cocktail bars and tavernas. We particularly liked Gregory's, Dolphin and Anthemis for cocktails. There was good live Greek music on Wednesdays at Notos. Favourite tavernas were Faros, Symposium, Neptune, and the rather different Anna's - more of a Bistro than a taverna. Friendly pussycats are a feature of just about everywhere with food, stray dogs were not a problem.

Three evenings we chose to walk the opposite direction out of the Anthis to the village of Chora, only 15 minutes walk, mostly on good pavement. Not many tavernas and no cocktail bars but we had terrific meals at 'The Company' taverna opposite the army base, and had the best wine of the holiday there. Cheaper than Pythagorion and lovely owners. There's a pizza place just up the road from 'The Company' that also serves usual Greek food and also offered good value and service.

We didn't hire a car but did take a bus-trip around the island using the local bus company. This cost 20 euros per head rather than the 30 plus asked for by the reps for their own tour. You can book by phone from the number shown at the bus station. Also took a day trip to the Holy oisland of Patmos using the Flying Dolphin hydrofoil. Note that the local bus up to the monastery only costs 1 euro, no need for the expensive tour hawked by the reps. In fairness the Kosmar reps were not pushy, they were genuinely helpful and left you alone to enjoy the holiday.

Other highlights of the holiday included meeting the lovely old man who sells fresh herbs from the back of his pick-up next to the Kouros Bay hotel on Potokaki beach; swimming in the lovely warm clear sea - and getting nibbled by the small fish who await your arrival, and of course watching the amazing Capt Iannis sailing into the harbour in his unique, not exactly subdued style. A really excellent holiday destination, but not intended for the club 18-30 fan - long may it stay so!

Just come back from 2 weeks in what had to be the hottest place on earth...not 1 cloud for the whole 2 weeks...although the airport is very close this did not bother us at all....if you want loads of night life then go to faliraki...but a 20-25 min walk down the road to pythagorion and theres plenty of bars and shops , and plenty of places to eat.kosta who runs the place could not do enough for us... the rooms where cleaned every day and the bedding changed every 2 days, they are basic but you get what you pay for, your not staying in the hilton......

all in all a very relaxing holiday and we had some very good evenings round the pool talking to kosta and his family .......we are going back there next year but in september due to the heat.......P.S if you dont like heights dont go to the waterfall..

We booked this holiday via Kosmar as we got a good family deal, and were looking to spend a few weeks in the 'real' Greece and that is exactly what we got. The Anthis is a great base to use to get round Samos. The accomodation was basic but very clean (no cochroaches) with the towels and linen changed every 2/3 days. We had a two bedroomed apartment which had a fantastic balcony overlooking the pool and the airport, although some rooms had almost no balcony at all. The bedrooms were quite big but there is very little storage space so we were literally living out of suitcases some of the time. The kitchen was only really suitable for making a cup of tea or coffee, although the fridge was a good size. The bathroom was large, but the water pressure is something to be desired, it was clean but could be very smelly if you ran the tap in the kitchen (sewerage!).

The hotel is on the main road to Pythagoria and this road is extremely busy, day and night, we didnt get one full nights sleep the whole 2 weeks we were there! There is also airport noise but only in the daytime. There is a pool at the hotel which is quite small and attracts alot of insects, there is a net to get these off the top of the water, but many float to the bottom and sempt to linger for days. There is a pool bar that is very cheap and we had some good food there, although in the evening it would be hit and miss whether the bar would be open or not.

The hotel is run by Kostos and his lovely family, wife, mum, dad (and his little boy Addonis who became pals with my son) and regular appearances from cousins aunts etc. Kostas does the bulk of things and nothing was too much trouble, he even made vegetarian food especially for us on his Greek night; as well as a vegetarian curry once or twice all the food was excellent. There are also about 20 cats and a couple of dogs so be prepared to share your dinner and sun lounger with a furry friend!

The Hotel itself is well outside Pythagoria, and I would not recommend the 25 minute walk into town at night to anyone - the road is too busy and a taxi was between 3-4 euros and Kostas will order this for you. We hired a car for 7 days and this was well worth the money as we got to see alot of the island and archeological stuff. We also visited many of the beaches which are mainly stoney so take some flipflops or you will not be able to walk about, there is a good sandy beach at Psilli Amos but dont sit near the trees or you get plagued by flies. We ate in Ireon most evenings as it is alot cheaper than Pythagoria and more quaint. We felt we saw all we needed to see in Samos and will probably not go back again for a few years, although many people in our hotel confirmed that they went back to the Anthis year after year.

The weather on the island can be changeable, we had 12 hot sunny days and 2 overcast/rainy days. In summary, Samos, the Anthis, Kostas and his family gave us a holiday to remember and we feel we did see the 'real' uncommercialised Greece.

This is the second time we had stayed at Anthis and it was at the tail end of the season. Pythagorion had not changed one bit. Excellent value friendly people (Gregory's bar is superb) and a great atmosphere, we cannot reccomend it highly enough.

Anthis on the other had had slid down the ladder somewhat. The room we had overlooked the pool and was poorly maintained and as a matter of fact was pretty filthy. The bar shut early most nights and seemed to cater for a few who should have gone to Falaraki.

Perhaps it was because it was the end of season that standards had dropped. Anthis does need to pull its socks up especially when Villa Anna down the road is superior accomodation and the same price with Kosmar

returned yeterday from two weeks in sunny samos. Stayed with Costas and his family at the Anthis apartments in Pythagorian.

We were disappointed with our accommodation as the apartment was VERY small, and we were tripping over each other the whole time. Apart from that, the family are truly lovely and we had a wonderful time. Pythagorian is very pretty with a beautiful harbour, and a welcome breeze. Don't be put off eating in the harbour front tavernas as they are no more expensive than the ones in the back streets. For fantastic food and enormous portions try The Best taverna, we loved it and ate there for the last 5 nights of our holiday. Their menu has some different dishes - try the chickpea balls - absolutely gorgeous.

The highlight of our holiday was a boat trip to Posidinio and Kerveli with Captain Andonis and his father on their lovely boat. We had a day we will remember forever, absolute perfection, helped by the fact that Andonis looks like Johnny Depp!!!!!. If you do one trip. make sure it's with Andonis. He has the last boat on the right hand side of the harbour. Lovely boat with plenty of shade or places to sunbathe, he also has a bird called Captain Cook. We loved it so much we went again in our second week.

We have just come back from a wonderful trip to Samos.

We would recommend the island to people for it's beauty and relaxed atmosphere. To see it at it's best car hire is recommended. We hired one for three days and saw Samos town and it's archelogical museum and a lovely lunch in the Garden Taverna, Kokkari (a pretty sea side resort) - worth a relaxing stop at a bar by the sea, Manolates and Viroulates - two traditional villages in the mountains with stunning view. In Manolates do make your way to the back of the village for lunch at the Loukas Taverna, good, cheap food and stunning views. If the weather is not too hot the sunflower books are worthwile for long or short walks through the countryside.

We stayed at the Anthis Apartments in Pythagorion. The apartment was basic, but clean and had a lovely balcony to sit and have breakfast on. Don't be put off by the fact it is only 5 mins away from the airport, as only several planes use it during the day and do not fly directly over the Anthis apartments. We were not disturbed by them. We would recommend paying 5 euros a day to have use of the air conditioning in the apartment, particularly when the nights occaisionally get muggy!

Pythagorion was a 25 min walk away, mainly on pavemnts but not entirely, although the local traffic is aware of this and gives room.

The habour area is pretty and we can recommend the Sympossium restaurant and Pythagorion restaurant opposite the town hall (we think this is the name). Both offer good food at reasonable prices in pretty locations behind the habour.

Pythagorion makes a very good holiday base in Samos.

This was the first time we travelled with Kosmar and would use them again. The reps, John and Angie were friendly, offered lots of good useful information and did not makes us feel pressurised in to purchasing a trip.