A boat trip to tiny Samiopoula

As its name suggests, Samiopoula (little Samos) does things in miniature. Prepare yourself for a couple of tiny beaches and churches, a smattering of goats… and a giant-sized feeling of escape.
 
Less than a nautical mile off the south coast of Samos, Samiopoula can be easily reached on a traditional wooden kaiki. It’s a short crossing but long enough to be regaled by the captain’s stories. If you’re lucky, he might even cook up a quick snack. 

The main beach, Psalida, is a sheltered bay of 50m of fine white sand and tranquil sea, with a small number of umbrellas and virtually nothing else. 

From here you can climb a small hill and explore an island of just 2.15km by 700m, mostly covered in shrubs. You’ll find a few buildings, among them the chapels of Agia Pelagia and the Ascension of Christ, and another, even smaller beach in the small, protected bay of Katsakas, where sailing boats often anchor. 

There’s also a wonderful view of Samos from where the boat drops you off. Mostly, though, a day trip here is about shutting your eyes and enjoying the rare feeling of escape.