Disclaimer – below, I’m fairly negative about Sami and Patras. I think that’s due to the time of year rather than anything else.
I had a day in off in Sami. I needed to dry my gear after yesterday’s drenching. I slept in late, ate and then went for a ride to Antisamos Beach. I had wanted to go to Melissani Caves but they were closed, so unless I did a big ride over the surrounding hills, I’d stay close to central Sami.
It was warmer than yesterday but still nothing like last week. Two layers required. To get to Antisamos it’s essentially up and over a big hill. Initially, I was only dawdling around and thought – why not – so up the hill it was. Without all my gear, it was pretty easy though. Oh to have someone carry my stuff all the time.
The views were superb and at the top, I was pleased I’d made the effort. On the way, I met some Dutch ladies who were walking to Antisamos. The bloody Dutch. They’re everywhere. Small villages in Thailand, railway stations in Malaysia, camping grounds in Latvia – the list goes on. And then I have to explain how I recognised their accent – it’s the most grating English accent I know – but these days, I’m sick of telling my story and often don’t bother explaining how I knew some of what they were saying.
I’m also surprised why so many people think I’m Dutch. For heaven’s sake ! Not all tall, skinny people riding bicycles are Dutch ! I’ve had people in french bakeries speak Dutch to me, and Italians and Greeks talking about Amsterdam and tulips for no reason. I have to tell them I’m not Dutch, I have a sense of humour, and hate herring 😁. Rant over.
Antisamos was almost deserted. There was one taverna that looked open, but I suspect that it was just the owners lazing around there. In fact, the whole thing was fenced off – a very good thing, because the resident Doberman was going absolutely beserk. It was even growling at the three people on the beach every time they moved. I didn’t stay long as a result, and that was quite a letdown.
Back to almost deserted Sami for a pastry. Honestly, I can’t believe how empty these places get in the off season. When the tourist tide goes out, it goes a long way for months.
For dinner, the place I went to last night, was full, so I walked 20 metres to the next one and I was the only customer. Both restaurants were equally standard in their offerings so I can’t explain the difference in custom.
Sami to Patras
I was up on time, packed, breakfasted and caffeinated, then down to the wharf for the three and a half hours ferry ride to Patras.
There was a blackout last night in Sami, so my phone had very little charge. It was an issue because tonight I’d be camping and didn’t know if I’d have any access to power. Luckily, the ferry had plenty of powerpoints, so all was again good with the world by the time I disembarked.
What to do in Patras ? I thought I’d find a cafe for lunch and rode around but didn’t like anything I saw – in terms of cafes and everything else 😁. It was now Saturday afternoon and Patras was emptying out. Onward to the campsite then.
On the way out of town, I grabbed a souvlaki and got going again.
Patras isn’t particularly nice. The suburbs drag on for no reason, and I wonder what all of the people in the endless houses and apartments actually do.
Before too long, I passed by the big bridge and started the coastal part of today’s ride. It was fairly quiet and before too long, I was at Camping Tsolis. Pretty deserted too, but I finally located the nice owners who showed me to the tent area. It’s nice here, but things like their cafe/bar, restaurant, and mini market are all closed. It’s a pity that they don’t inform the public of simple facts like this. Neither google nor their website are aware of this and that’s as much a pity as an inconvenience. (Especially when the next restaurant is a few kms down the road). Being Sunday, I hadn’t bought any food, so it was down the road a bit or don’t eat.
The closest restaurant was seafood only, and if I have the choice, I’ll avoid it. I have a shellfish allergy and simply don’t love seafood.
I went to the Station Taverna / Restaurant which was about 4kms down the road – for this :
I loved every bite. I was their only customer, and the people who run it are absolutely lovely folks. 8.50 euros for all of that. I gave them 10 and felt that it still wasn’t enough. (In Athens, the same beer at a restaurant is 6 euros, let alone all of the food).
Back to the campsite and an early night. I just love my tent and sleeping mat for a good night’s sleep.
