We came to Samos for the first time fifteen years ago. Quite by accident, we discovered Valeondades while we were out walking. At that time there were no more than 4 restored houses in Valeondades. A Greek from Athens, Yiannis Pamoukis, had restored them with great care. Yiannis decided to save the almost 400 year old village from destruction. It used to be a very prosporous village, with about 100 houses and roughly the same number of families. Up untill the fifties of the last century people still lived in the village, but soon after World War II many inhabitants went to live in Athens or emigrated to Canada, the United States and Australia. After this the village fell in decay. We have taken over from Yiannis now that he has retired and no longer takes part in the village activities. We have restored old paths and renovated the inside of the houses (there is airconditioning in the top floor-apartments). We have also restored one of the ruins ourselves and are planning to restore another. Five houses which, in all containing nine apartments are now available for rent giving others the possibility to enjoy this lovely village.

An authentic abandoned village is hidden on the green north side of Samos. A number of its houses have been renovated into holiday accommodation. Valeondades is set against a hill, overlooking the Nightingale Valley and the Ambelos Mountains. Each cottage is surrounded by pure nature: cypresses, olive and fruit trees, cacti and many flowers. You stay in a green oasis with the rustling of the stream in the background! During the day you can hear the birds and insects, in the evening the owls. The cottages each have their own small terrace and offer sufficient privacy. The decor is simple, what you need is present and each cottage has a typical Greek style. You can park your rental car for free at the bottom of the village. You walk the last 200 meters on a rising road and stairs. In the supermarket by the sea at 1 km away you can get your daily shopping. There are also various restaurants there. This residence is ideally suited for walkers and peace seekers. If you like simplicity and nature is the greatest luxury for you, then you will find this place amazing!

Numerous marked paths (monopathia and kalderimi) lead from Valeondades into the paradisiacal hinterland. The picturesque mountain-villages Manolates and Vourliotes are as attractive as the age-old paths that lead to them. For the real climbers the Lazarus (1037 m) and the Profitis Ilias (1153 m) form a real challenge. For a refreshing dive after a strenuous walk or for a day on the beach there is more than enough choice from a number of larger and smaller bays between Agios Konstandinos and Kokkari. Valeondades lies approximately 1 km (10 minutes walk) from Agios Konstandinos, a narrow elongate village, at one side bordered by a road and at the other by the sea. The village has mainly kept its authentic character in spite of certain tourist conveniences. Opposite the seashore you 'll find some old houses, small quaint grocers and cosy taverns. There is a good bus connection to Samos-town (25 km) and Karlovassi (15 km)