Kokkari lies on the northern coast of Samos, ten kilometres north-west of Samos Town, with a transfer time from the airport of forty minutes. It is one of the largest and most popular resorts on the island with a choice of beaches, good provision of water sports, and a wide choice of restaurants and tavernas. It is ideally placed to benefit from the many shops in nearby Samos Town. A Kokkari holiday offers a guarantee of summer sunshine, fun-filled days followed by lively evenings, good food and wine, as well as the warm hospitality of the local people.
Kokkari lies in an area of great natural beauty being surrounded by low hills covered in pine trees and olive groves. There is a wide beach offering water sports and two smaller, sheltered beaches for those wishing to relax in the sun. There are restaurants providing for every taste and shops for holiday essentials.
A Kokkari holiday appeals to a wide range of ages. It is popular with families as well as couples. The exposed northern bay offers ideal conditions for wind surfers while ramblers enjoy the trails through the hills, as well as the coastal walks.
The season lasts from April to October with the hot dry summer months being the most popular time to visit Kokkari. Samos is good walking country and ramblers find the temperatures of early and late season offer ideal conditions.
Nestling around a wide bay on the northern coast of Samos, Kokkari is a picturesque resort offering accommodation ranging from first class hotels to apartments and studios. It is a popular resort with much to offer holidaymakers. The long beach is exposed to northern winds resulting in good conditions for the many wind surfers who flock to the area. The beach is shingle and is lined with restaurants and tavernas providing day long refreshments. To the east of the long beach are two, more sheltered coves. These are shingle beaches that are much quieter than the long beach. There is a taverna, on the hill behind the beach, offering refreshments. A little further afield is Lemonakia beach, famous for its white sands.
Kokkari has a large number of restaurants and tavernas serving everything from fast foods to international cuisine. There are some excellent fish restaurants along the waterfront.
The many shops in Kokkari supply holiday essential provisions as well as the usual array of souvenirs and gifts.
A Kokkari holiday offers many recreational activities both on land and sea. Venture inland to the small picturesque villages where life seems far removed from the modern world, or visit the capital with its fine architecture, its museums and churches, and its charming old town.
Although generally speaking the evening entertainment on Samos is low-key, Kokkari nightlife is fairly lively with music bars and discos. Those seeking more sedate evenings will find many small restaurants and tavernas on the waterfronts, where peace and tranquillity can be enjoyed while listening to the waves breaking gently on the shore.
Although there are plenty of shops in Kokkari, shopping is limited to holiday essentials, gifts and souvenirs. This matters little, as those who enjoy holiday shopping can take a short bus ride to Samos Town where they will find the narrow streets filled with retailers. Popular souvenirs include brightly painted pottery, embroidered cloths, leather goods and jewellery.
There are many tavernas and restaurants in Kokkari serving a wide variety of food and catering for all tastes. Fish is obviously an important part of an island’s gastronomy and tavernas provide a wide variety of fish as well as meat dishes. There are a number of excellent family restaurants along the beach front. A good way to experience traditional food is to order Mezedes, the Greek equivalent of the Spanish tapas, which includes a variety of bite-sized fish, meat and vegetables.
Local wines are pleasant and inexpensive.
Children are always made very welcome in restaurants and their tastes and portion sizes are usually accommodated.
