Best Places to Stay in Farmakonisi
Choose Kampos and Karfas for traditional stays close to Chios Town, aka Chora or opt for the north of the island for spectacular treks and medieval villages. Also consider staying in the remote inland villages of Mesta and Volissos.
Rhodes’ UNESCO-listed Old Town, with cobblestone streets and archaic palaces, appeals to history buffs. But the island’s lush olive groves, pure seas and rugged mountains are for nature lovers too.
Kampos
The beautiful village of Kampos on the island of Leipsoi is one of the most magical places in Greece. Its azure waters, quaint alleyways and delicious food will make your vacation on this hidden gem of the Aegean Sea unforgettable. You can take a ferry from the main port of Larissa to reach this picturesque island in just 1 – 2 hours. You can also go island-hopping and visit other famous pristine islands such as Samos, Kalymnos and Rhodes.
This enchanting island is full of stunning beaches and historical monuments. During your stay here, you should definitely try out the local cuisine in one of the traditional waterfront taverns. Its dishes are incredibly tasty and made from fresh ingredients. You can also visit the Archaeological Museum of Kampos, which features a collection of Neolithic tools, pottery vessels, clay statuettes and coins.
If you want to get the most out of your vacation, you should definitely attend a local festival or celebration. The Wine Festival is a fun and exciting event where you can dance, listen to music and enjoy the amazing wines of the region. Another popular festival is the Carnival, which takes place in February or March and involves a series of parades and parties. You can also go to the ruins of the ancient settlement of Kastro for a more cultural experience.
The history of Kampos is interesting, as it was once home to the most wealthy families on Chios. However, in the winter of 1850, the city suffered a devastating freeze that destroyed all the citrus trees. Fortunately, Yiannis Choremis was able to revive the city with his innovative idea: he introduced the tangerine to the region, which is known for its ability to endure low temperatures.
Karfas
In terms of places to stay in Farmakonisi, you have plenty of options. From hostels to luxury hotels, there are a variety of accommodations to choose from. Whether you are looking for a place to relax and recharge or want to explore the island’s rich history, there is sure to be a perfect place to suit your needs.
Located about seven kilometers south of Chios Town, Karfas is one of the most popular destinations on the island, attracting high amounts of tourism due to its cosmopolitan beaches, studios, apartments, and clubs. The area also has many restaurants, bars, and taverns. In addition, there are mini-markets and car rental agencies, so you can easily find something to do on your trip.
The beach in Karfas is one of the few organized beaches on the island, and it attracts many tourists during the summer. It has thin golden sand and warm waters, which makes it ideal for swimming. It is also a good spot for water sports and has deck chairs and umbrellas, which make it easy to enjoy the sun.
It is a great place to relax and rest after a long flight, especially if you’re coming from a country with a hot climate. It’s the perfect spot for a vacation, as it offers a wide range of activities, from scuba diving to hiking. There are also numerous museums and cultural sites to visit, as well as a range of shops and restaurants.
In this episode of our new podcast series “Border Policies and Rights Violations”, we focus, through interviews and archival material, on the deadly shipwreck at Farmakonisi that occurred in January 2014. The survivors sought justice in the European Court of Human Rights, which, in a landmark ruling, condemned Greece for the disaster.
Mesta
A quiet, pristine community that is surprisingly welcoming to visitors. This village is a great place to relax and recharge with its serene atmosphere and peaceful sea views. You can sit in a cafe with an iced coffee, read a book or take long walks. There are also several restaurants and shops in the area. Guests can visit the church, and explore the old town.
Matala is a sleepy seaside resort with a perhaps disproportionate share of day-trippers, but it’s a very relaxing spot. Guests can wander the harbor front and backstreets, enjoy a few tavernas and cafés, and go swimming in the sea or on one of the town’s small pebble beaches. The harbor and Koules fortress provide an attractive backdrop, and there’s a good range of hotels and apartments. Unlike most other Crete towns, it has not attracted any mega hotel chains and prices remain reasonable.
Located in Pyrgi, Marianna’s Traditional House offers accommodations with free Wi-Fi. This vacation home is 21 miles from Archaeological Museum Of Chios and 22 miles from Port of Chios. It is surrounded by mountains and features a terrace.
Heraklio can’t compete with Chania for beauty, but it’s the best choice for visitors wanting a jam-packed holiday. Its hotels have the widest range of accommodation on the island and offer easy access to a swath of gorgeous beaches. The town has a lively cultural and culinary scene, and it’s close to the archaeological museum, Koules fortress, and the island’s wine region. Heraklio is also the best choice for those visiting Spinalonga, Psychro Cave, and the Lasithi Plateau.
Volissos
Located in the north of the island, Volissos is a picturesque village, built on the slopes of a hill, where a castle is perched. The walls and towers of the medieval castle give the village a picturesque atmosphere. The village has a church and several traditional taverns. It also has a small hotel with sea views.
The village has a post office, pharmacy, doctor’s clinic, and police station. Its inhabitants are hospitable and speak good English. It also has three mini-markets, four taverns, a bakery, and several traditional cafeterias. The village is also home to two gas stations. The town’s population is about 1,000 people, but its economy is mainly agricultural.
Volissos has a large school that serves the children of both the village and its surrounding villages. However, enrolment has been declining in recent years as the younger generation seeks academic and career opportunities on the mainland. The village is a great place to visit if you enjoy nature and hiking.
The best time to visit Volissos is in the spring and summer, when you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and many activities. However, you should be prepared for bad weather, especially if it rains. Be sure to bring a waterproof jacket and wear non-slip shoes.
The island’s beaches are sandy and offer beautiful views of the Aegean Sea. You can also go on a boat trip and explore the coast. A number of festivals are held in the village, including the cherry festival, which is celebrated in June. In addition, the area is a popular destination for hikers and mountain bikers. It is also known for its vineyards and olive groves. In addition, it is a perfect place for families to spend their holidays.
Kardamila
If you want a place to stay in Farmakonisi with views of the sunset and a quieter area away from the hustle and bustle, then Kardamila is the place to go. It’s a mountain village, so you can expect some hiking and a more rustic feel to your holiday here. It’s also one of the greenest villages in the Dodecanese, so it’s perfect for nature lovers.
It’s a popular place for hikers, and you can enjoy some spectacular views from the top of the mountain. There are also a few beaches here, as well as some great taverns and restaurants. However, it’s not the best choice if you want a lively nightlife or lots of shopping and dining options.
Located just 28 km north-west of Chios Town, Kardamila is a mountainous village divided into two settlements, Kato and Pano kardamili (Low and Upper Village). The older part of the village spreads at the feet of a steep hill, characterized by its traditional architecture with narrow streets and stone arcades.
The newer part of the village is built at a lower altitude and consists of houses with modern architecture, surrounded by plane trees. Nevertheless, its traditional charm is maintained, and it’s not unusual to see people dressed in traditional dress.
In January 2014, a boat carrying 27 refugees, including eight children and three women, capsized near Farmakonisi. 11 of them died in the disaster. The surviving people have filed a case against Greece at the European Court of Human Rights for violations of their fundamental rights and freedoms. In this podcast, we talk to lawyer Eleni Spathana and migrant rights activist Eirini Gaitanou about the case.