Sirena Residence & Spa

Boasting the longest beach in southwest Samos, and the scenic mountain backdrop of majestic Mount Kerkis, the resort of Votsalakia strikes just the right balance between offering a good range of facilities and retaining a pleasantly laid-back atmosphere. The beach is a mixture of sand and shingle and stretches for about a mile, and either side of the road that runs alongside it, visitors will find around two dozen tavernas and cafés, as well as the necessary small shops for your day-today holiday needs.

Sirena Residence enjoys a peaceful location at the foot of Mount Kerkis, set back approximately 250 metres from the beach. This family-run hotel comprises 27 studios and apartments set in several small buildings that have been attractively designed and painted in different colours to resemble a small Samian village. Wooden trellises and balustrades, colourful flower beds, mosaic tiles, large amphorae and even a stone fountain enhance the visual appeal of the buildings and the grounds, and the interiors are just as welcoming with their quality furnishings, tasteful decor and a few well-chosen ornaments.

Whilst varying slightly in layout, decor and outlook, all the studios and apartments offer spacious and comfortable accommodation and each has its own furnished balcony or terrace area with views towards the sea, mountain or gardens. The open-plan studios have twin beds arranged side-by-side and a double sofa-bed in the living area, which also incorporates a modern fitted kitchen with a two-ring ceramic hob, a microwave oven, a full-size fridge-freezer, a kettle and a coffeemaker. The attractively tiled bathrooms have a bathtub with an overhead shower attachment, and other facilities include air-conditioning, satellite TV (limited English-language channels), safety-deposit boxes, hairdryers, telephones and free WiFi. The apartments offer the same facilities but are larger in size, with a separate bedroom and two double sofa beds in the living room, so they can potentially accommodate families of up to six people although they would be a little cosy at maximum occupancy. In the apartments, the air-conditioning units are positioned in the bedrooms.

At the heart of Sirena Residence is the enticing swimming pool which is surrounded by a terrace with comfortable sun-loungers. There is also a paddling pool for children, as well as a small playground and a ping-pong table. For adults, the hotel's spa area - a rather unusual bonus on Samos - consists of a small indoor hydrotherapy pool, a two-person Jacuzzi, a steam room and a rain shower. A local charge applies for the use of the spa facilities, and for the various beauty and massage treatments that are also offered. For those who like to keep up their exercise routine whilst on holiday, the hotel also has a well-equipped gym.

Although the rooms at Sirena Residence are equipped for self-catering, an extensive buffet breakfast is included in your stay there, and during the day guests can obtain light snacks and refreshing drinks from the pool bar. In the evenings, you are free to try out the various tavernas and restaurants of Votsalakia; the nearest one is just 100 metres or so from the hotel, with a much wider choice a few minutes' walk away along the beach road. Although the hotel itself is set back from the sea and therefore feels quiet and secluded, it also has its own beach bar, Tortuga, where guests can enjoy the free use of sun-loungers and parasols based on a minimum consumption of €5 from the bar and snacks menu.

Whilst Sirena Residence will undoubtedly to appeal guests planning to relax by the pool, in the spa or on the beach, it also makes a good base for those who enjoy walking. For serious hikers, the ascent to the 1445-metre summit of Mount Kerkis is a natural highlight, whilst less challenging targets include Pythagoras's cave at an altitude of approximately 350 metres and the island's oldest church at the Evagelistria monastery at around 700 metres above sea level.