We old folks (68 & 70) are flying in and out of Istanbul this fall. After a 13 day tour that
ends in Kusadaci we have another 10 days before returning for 4 days in Istanbul.

Having a difficult time deciding how/where to spend these days. We have been to
(and loved) Santorini, Naxos, Paros and Amorgos - is Samos as enjoyable as these
other islands? First time in Turkey so would self-driving ourselves down the Coast
and staying in a few towns be a good idea?

After our recent stock market debacle, we are trying to keep our expenses down
to a 'reasonable' amount so that means a more low key holiday. Sigh.

If we choose Samos which towns are suitable for non-disco, sleep-requiring, outdoor
fogies? I've read somewhere that Smart cars are rentable - might be more fun than
scooters, right?

I know these are highly individual choices, but I'm a tad befuddled right now and
I'd love to have some input from fellow Fodorites - so thanks for your insights.

We were in Samos for three nights in May, 2007, as part of a trip to see other Greek Islands, and we absolutely loved it. It was so quiet compared to some of the other islands. We passed only 1 tour bus on the roads in the 3 days we were there. We stayed at a wonderful place on Kervali Bay called the Kervali Village Hotel. For 80 Euros a night, we had a suite with a bay view, overlooking Turkey in the distance. From the hotel you can walk down to a couple of tavernas right on the water. Driving was easy on the island and the countryside was beautiful. The Drive along the North coast was particularly pretty with its beaches and lots of forests. One day we drove up the mountain on a very winding forested road to the traditional mountain village of Manalotes. We have fond memories of Samos.

I have stayed in a hotel twice that is handy to the Vathy (samos Town) town dock... it is about 200 yards uphill to the left, balconies right on the water, a tiny beachjust beyond. Hotel Pythagoras, a real bargain, a family hotel, 20 rooms, we paid about 25-28€ in May, he'll pick up at the pier. Vathy has the best small museum in the N. Aegean ... and walks above the town (Ano Vathy) overlooking the bay are Gorgeous; the terracotta roofs and cypress trees the teal-blue water... like Lake Como! The west part of the ilsand is heavenly. Here's a darling litle place right next to a sandy beach there http://www.studiosioanna.com/
ALSO -- since you are not RUSHEd, and can deal with a ferry schedule that isn't daily, why not visit CHIOS? You'll never have a better chance, and it's UNIQUE!... rent a car in Chios Town and drive to the MASTIC Villages ..wow! unchanged since the middle ages, Mesta and ?Pirgos?... and a stunning deserted monastery in nestled in a hill that has a major (and tragic) role in Greek history. We took 2 nights, SO glad we did. The ferries from/to Samos are at odd hours but take it in stride (we arrived at 11:45 one night, spent next day exploring, left on a 5 am ferry the following day).

I have not been to Samos but I have heard it is very nice and I hope to get there. We went in and out of Istanbul as well. We took a bus up the coast froom Antalya, taking a day trip to Rhodes and then continuing to Ismir and by bus to Cesme and then a ferry over to Chios. Chios had allot to see. We rented a car and travelled inland to a couple of the villages. There was also a staglimite cave worth seeing. The beaches were sandy and nice. We could see the Turkish coast from Chios. We had planned on going to Samos but ran out of time. We chose Chios because it is less touristy. We took the bus from Cesme to the sea across from Istanbul and then a ferry over to Istanbul.

I worked with a travel agent once, who has been all over the Greek Isles but keeps going back to Samos - its very much on my list.

.........thanks to all of you for the great replies! Samos
is the chosen isle - I'll check out all the suggestions and
make a reservation for a week.

Anyone able to help out with the Turkish Coast portion?
Actually, we have a week to spend wandering if we want
but I wouldn't mind settling in a small town for that
time.

Chania - yes, I'd love to see Chios and I'll check out the
ferries for sure.

Thanks again, everyone!

Traveler Jan - any place that reminds one of Lake Como is
just perfect for me! The studiosanna looks terrific.