As you round the headland to the east of Sami and catch your first glimpse of Antisamos bay it is difficult not to gasp in awe, no matter how many times you've seen it before. The majestic sweep of the bay with tree clad slopes rising steeply out of the sea, and the fantastic colours of the water create a vista from which it is easy to imagine Poseidon rising out of the waves with trident in hand. Not for nothing were the key locations for 'Captain Corelli' both down on the beach itself and on the Sami headland.

Sadly, though, an indirect legacy of the film has been the construction of a bar in the clearing where the Italian troops were encamped, and though a bar in itself is not a disaster, the loud thumping music in such a tranquil place is considered by many an abomination.

Pluses

Truly spectacular views. Good swimming.

Minuses

Pebbly beach. Noisy music from the bar.

Many people will find the pebbly beach a disadvantage (although a pair of 'Jellys' makes light work of it), and you will have to keep an eye out for the Patras ferry when it steams between you and Ithaca — some minutes later a veritable tidal wave will engulf at least the first row of the sunbeds!