Balos, Samos

This is a painting of the Taverna Akrogiali, or Mimi's, in the centre of the the little town of Balos. We have had four wonderfully relaxing holidays at Balos staying at the Princess Tia's apartments, which I have also painted, shown on my home page, and below. I have put some holiday photos showing scenes around Balos further down. Having returned in May 2007 we have found one or two changes to Balos, which I will describe shortly, so check back for more details and up-to-date photos soon!

"Princess Tia's Apartments" Watercolour 7" x 5" painted for Tia and Yianni for being such lovely people and making our holidays at Balos so memorable. (Tia commissioned me to paint this scene as a postcard, which I have had professionally printed, and Tia is now offering these unique postcards for sale.)

On the road between Tia's apartments and the rest of the village of Balos.

The beach outside Tia's. In the distance as the coastline curves round you can see where the village of Pefkos can be reached by a pleasant walk taking a track leading off to the right from the main road up the hill out of Balos. After about 40 minutes of easy walking on some made roads but mainly on tracks through fields of herbs and olive groves, with no traffic to disturb you, you reach Pefkos and can take a break at the taverna Bella Vista high above, almost jutting out over the sea, enjoying the views from where you have just come.

Walking around Balos, looking towards the tiny fishing village of Ormos, with Mount Kerkis in the background. This was on a previous occasion, when I was able to walk and enjoy the scenery! (2007 - fully recovered and walking-fit, we calculate the walk to Ormos from Balos is 7.5k along the road. If you take the short-cut down a steep track it is a more pleasant walk away from any traffic. More details and photos to follow)

Sometimes it gets a bit busy at Balos ......!

A bit of a do at Tia's one evening .....! (2005)

Esperos taverna, another great place to eat, at the far end of Balos nearest the caves, very quiet and romantic. Take your Metaxa onto the beach after your meal and listen to the sea.

Themos' taverna,2005. I did a little bit of painting here this year in the mornings in the shade, as I wasn't up to doing any walking, sadly. 2007, a couple of little changes since we were here last, check back for details!

Painting on the balcony at Tia's. The trouble is the sun dries out the watercolout too quickly! This miniature "Tunnel End, Marsden" is now completed and can be seen in the Gallery under "more miniatures".

The view over Limniosas bay from the walk up to Mona Evangelistra, high up on Mount Kerkis. Stunning views at every point but some tough climbing! Again, not this year while recovering from the accident.

In March we enjoyed beautiful sunshine in Barcelona on a long weekend break, staying at the Husa Oriente Hotel in the middle of Las Ramblas. This is me at the Playa Catalunya. (more to follow)

A wonderfully convenient place to stay, and very comfortable for the three nights we were there.