Samos: The Island with the Rare Natural Wealth

Samos is the largest island in the Eastern Aegean and the closest to the coast of Asia Minor. It was an important cultural and commercial centre in antiquity and the birthplace of great philosophers such as Pythagoras, Aristarchus and Epicurus. The island’s timeless cultural splendour can be seen in its wealth of archaeological sites, which have been declared World Heritage Centres by UNESCO.

Samos is famous for its natural grandeur. The island of the goddess Hera is an impressively verdant paradise of dense pine trees, vineyards, and olive groves, as well as springs, gorges and wonderful beaches. The celebrated sweet Samian wine, an ambassador for Greek viticulture around the world, has been produced here since ancient times.

The beautiful villages of the countryside and the strong gastronomic tradition are two more reasons to discover the charms of an island that is perfect for a quiet vacation and encourages you to relax in the embrace of nature and culture.

1. A tour of Tarsanas, the last of the island’s old shipyards, in the village of Drakei, where you can admire the famous wooden boats made of Samian pine.
2. If you choose one of the itineraries to Samos, don’t miss the opportunity to go on a boat trip around the island, setting out from Pythagorion. Make a stop at the islet of Samiopoula for a swim on its exotic beaches.
3. Learning the secrets of traditional pottery, an ancient art that continues to this day on the island. You can buy unique handmade clay pots from the workshops in the villages of Mavratzei and Koumaradei.
4. Enjoying a gorgeous sunset in the village of Kallithea, with views of the neighbouring islands of Ikaria and Fourni.
5. A visit to the Tannery Museum in Karlovassi, where the history of local leatherworking is presented through tools, machines, processed hides, and other items.

The allure of Samos’s seas is unparalleled. The main characteristic of its coastline is the lush green landscapes and deep blue-green seas with high waves.

• Discover the emerald waters and pine trees of the endless Golden Sand, in the area of ​​Marathokampos, one of the island’s best beaches for families with young children.
• Take a refreshing dip in the cool azure waters of Potami Beach, at the start of the path for the waterfalls.
• Relax beneath an umbrella on the famous Tsamadou Beach, with its exotic blue waters and pine trees hanging over the sea.
• Admire the enchanting landscapes and rugged beauty of the twin beaches of Mikro (Small) and Megalo (Big) Seitani, a natural marine park inhabited by the Mediterranean monk seal.  
• Enjoy the peace and quiet of the lovely Kerveli Bay, a destination favoured by diving enthusiasts and families.
• Ride the waves at the busy Kokkari, among the top 5 Greek beaches for windsurfing.

You can enjoy them by choosing one of the ferry tickets to Samos.

Pythagorion
Built on the ancient city of Samos (the remains of which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List), the idyllic and cosmopolitan Pythagorion is distinguished by its superb architecture, picturesque cobbled streets, and attractive squares with traditional cafes. The port is dominated by an imposing statue of Pythagoras, while attractions such as the old boatyard, Logothetis’ Tower, and the Archaeological Museum make it a place of international renown.

Samos Archaeological Museum
The museum houses a major collection of archaic sculpture. Its most prominent exhibit is a colossal 5.5-metre-high Kouros (a statue of a young man), the largest surviving in Greece.

The Heraion
The most important and commanding temple of its time, according to Herodotus, was dedicated to the goddess Hera and consisted of 115 giant Ionic columns. Today, only one remains, rising to half its original height. At the archaeological site, you will see parts of the magnificent Sacred Way, which ran along the south coast between the Heraion and the ancient capital of Samos at Pythagorion.

The Tunnel of Eupalinos
This extraordinary 6^th-century-BC aqueduct was built by the architect Eupalinos. It measures 1036 metres in length and bores through Mount Kastro 189 metres below the summit, testifying to the extensive knowledge of Greek engineers of that time. The aqueduct was in use until the Roman era.

Pythagoras’ Cave
According to legend, the great mathematician took refuge in this cave at the foot of Mount Kerkis to escape persecution by the tyrant Polycrates. The location is near Kampos Marathokampou and requires a climb of 300 steps. A lovely little chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary stands at its entrance.

United Winemaking Agricultural Cooperative of Samos - The Museum of Samos Wine
Housed in an old private winery in Malagari, this excellent museum takes visitors on a unique journey into the history of Samian wine. A rich collection of exhibits brings to life every detail of the time-honoured art of winemaking. Don’t miss the fascinating display of how vines are cultivated on terraces.

Ano Vathy
Built on a green hill above the port, the fairy-tale quarter of Ano Vathy is the jewel in the crown of Samos Town. The charming settlement takes the breath away with its narrow streets, beautiful homes with tiled roofs, carved wooden doors, and pretty churches with delightful frescoes. It is worth seeing the historic twin-domed church of Ai Yannakis (Saint John), which dates from 1799.

The Mountain Villages of Samos
Scattered on hillsides with luxuriant vegetation and views of the Aegean, the island’s mountain villages are cultural treasures of the Samian countryside. In particular, it is worth discovering stone-built Manolates with its many arts and crafts workshops and views of the Asia Minor coast; medieval Vourliotes, which has the oldest monastery on the island, the historic Our Lady Vrontiani (1566); Ambelos, a gem surrounded by vineyards; and scenic Marathokampos, with its narrow cobbled streets, stone houses and squares with ornate fountains.

The Karlovassi Waterfalls
Among the most impressive sights in the mountains of Samos is the Karlovassi Waterfalls, which flow through a landscape of towering centuries-old trees.

Pythagorion Archaeological Museum
This outstanding museum, which opened in 2009, tells the absorbing story of Samos from prehistoric to Byzantine times, vividly conveying all its past grandeur.

The local cuisine, with influences from Asia Minor, stands out for its strong flavours and intense aromas. Well-known specialties of the island include kambounia (onion sprouts) with eggs, yiaprakia (vine-leaf dolmades), boxadakia (small rolls of fried eggplant stuffed with beef), and langoustines youvetsi (baked with orzo).

Samos has been renowned since antiquity for its sweet wine (from the Moschato variety), which is exported all over the world, while the excellent ouzo and souma (raki) made on the island go perfectly with mezes. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t forget to try Samian katimeria (fried strips of dough) and traditional pancakes with cheese or petimezi (grape syrup).