Samos Island. The heart of Ionian culture

18.02.2024

Samos is ready to welcome tourists who are ready for surprises. The island's lands are a unique combination of everything that travelers love: sea waters, majestic mountains, unbridled nightlife and the tranquility of a harmonious holiday.

Samos ranks eighth among the islands of Greece in terms of area, it is 474 square kilometers. Nature gave him majestic mountains, picturesque bays, incredibly beautiful bays, harbors, and cozy beaches. Samos provides travelers with comfortable beaches equipped with everything necessary, wild corners by the sea, suitable for lovers of a secluded holiday away from the tourist noise. The popularity of the island arose not so long ago; tourists for a long time preferred more popular resorts to it. However, the striking beauty of Samos with its incredible landscape of mountains and sea, as well as the numerous monuments of Greek history seen by individual travelers, began to spread, attracting streams of visitors from all over the world. The fertility of the land provides opportunities for the development of agricultural activities; livestock farming and fishing are actively practiced here. The island includes 4 municipalities: Vatheos, Karlovasos, Marathokambos, Pythagorios.

Holidays in Samos are a great solution for any time of year. The large area of the island is a treasure trove of natural beauty. Landscapes spanning mountains and sea, as well as various beach options suitable for both privacy and a comfortable pastime - here the tourist will find everything he wants. It is important that local cultural monuments reveal Greek history, and the villages scattered in the mountains and along the coasts are colorful settlements that introduce everyone to the traditions of the inhabitants.

Pythagorion is the first resort here. It is named after the great mathematician Pythagoras, born on Samos. Until 1955, the town was called Tigani, which translates from Greek as “frying pan.” The summer period will make everyone understand the reason for this name. Under Polycrates, who ruled here in the 6th century BC, the city was the capital. Excavations are being carried out here and now, which is why Polycrates is gradually growing throughout the mountains.

The central part of the city is occupied by ancient mansions located around a small harbor. Excursion boats operate here, as well as luxury cocktail bars, so lovers of such a holiday will find a lot of pleasant things to do at the ancient pier.

The 19th century Pyrgos fortress is located on Samos. It was built by Lykourgos Logothetis, who won several battles with the Turks. The final battle took place on the day of the Transfiguration, which is why the church inside the fortress was consecrated in honor of this event.

An interesting place is the Efpalinho tunnel. It was created at the behest of the tyrant Polycrates. The road appeared solely for the purpose of freeing the lower tunnel for water from rocks. Interestingly, the slaves who built the tunnel advanced from two sides. When meeting in the middle, it turned out that the deviations were minimal, and the vertical was not shifted at all.

Samos cuisine

Arriving in Samos, immediately go try the local wine. Hippocrates and Galen wrote about it, so missing the opportunity to meet “Wafi” (the most famous brand of the drink) would be unforgivable. Locally produced Muscat wines have been exported around the world for a long time. Also famous are olive oil and olives, honey, ceramics and wood products, as well as citrus fruits.

Try Samosa dairy products too. Their quality will make you remember the taste of local cheeses and yoghurts for a long time.

The island's cuisine is varied. Particularly popular is moussaka, a traditional Greek dish, stuffed peppers, tomatoes, and the famous Greek salad. The proximity of the sea allows you to prepare various dishes with seafood and fish. Most often on the menu are dorado, red mullet, squid, octopus, and shrimp. Moreover, they are caught directly on site, which makes their taste unique.

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Attractions

Hereion Temple

From time immemorial, the inhabitants of Samos revered the Goddess Hera, the patroness of marriage, the wife of Zeus. In honor of her, in the 8th century BC, a sanctuary with an altar was erected, called Hereion. The sanctuary was located near Pythagorion. Two centuries later, the building was rebuilt using modern, expensive materials. The main material is golden limestone, and marble is used in the manufacture of 20-meter columns. The expansion of the sanctuary made it the largest temple in Greece. Unfortunately, an earthquake destroyed the sanctuary in the ancient period. Now it is possible to assess the luxury and scale of the structure only from the remains. The temple has been partially preserved, but still amazes with its incredible sculptures. You can get from Samos Airport to the attraction by bus.

Samos city

In addition to historical attractions, the capital is famous for its large number of shops and souvenir shops. You can feel the flavor of the city at the local market, the largest on the island. Here the tourist gets acquainted with the culture and traditions, the culinary taste of the residents. The market is full of amazing handicrafts. Selected works are collected in an art exhibition open to every visitor. You can buy souvenirs in the village of Kumaradei, located in the south. Tourists love to walk around this fabulously cozy place. Kumaradei is nicknamed the village of craftsmen due to its numerous handicraft and pottery workshops. The Archaeological Museum of Samos houses priceless artifacts from excavations on the island. The most famous is the tall Greek statue of Kouros, modeled after an ancient Hellenic man. It weighs almost 5 tons and is made of marble. Based on the found debris, the archaeologist was able to restore the original appearance of the figure. A lover of untouched nature will love the village of Karlovasi, famous for its mountain waterfalls and lakes.

Pythagorio village

The famous Pythagoras was born on Samos. Many attractions here are associated with his name. The village of Pythagorio is named after the ancient Greek mathematician and philosopher. The former capital of the island is imbued with amazing stories of antiquity. In the past, the largest powerful center of Mediterranean trade today looks like a small colorful village. The city has a majestic statue dedicated to the philosopher who was born here. The village has a rich cultural heritage. For example, the ancient port is considered the very first in the Mediterranean. Herodotus mentioned it in his book “History”. Samos is the first island on which, by order of Polycrates, an underwater aqueduct was built. Also, by his order, the majestic temple of the Acropolis of Astypalaia was erected. The ruins of these ingenious creations can be found near the village of Pythagorio. The village itself is full of a variety of cafes, restaurants, bars, and hotels. You can get to it from the capital by bus or taxi.

Cave of Pythagoras

Greece has a lot of interesting history. Here you can find legendary places at every step, for example, the Cave of Pythagoras. According to legend, the mathematician was forced to hide from the oppression of the despot Polycrates. Expelled from the island, Pythagoras hid in a cave at the foot of an extinct volcano. It is assumed that the cave was used not only as a shelter, but even for training with followers of Pythagoreanism. Religious and philosophical teaching studied mathematics and mysticism. After some time, the ancient Greek mathematician left the monastery and went to Italy. There is an opinion that Pythagoras did not hide in a cave, but deliberately secluded himself, reflecting on theories and teachings. The mathematician's refuge is located in the southwest, near the village of Marafokampou. The cave is open to tourists; 300 steps lead to its foot. Here you can look at the old home of Pythagoras, nearby caves, and a small chapel. The mountain offers incredible views of the Aegean coast.

mountain tunnel

2 km from the village of Pythagorio there is an extraordinary landmark, which in ancient times was called the wonder of the world. The kilometer-long tunnel, dug by order of the tyrant Polycrates, is an underground water supply system that supplied the village with fresh water for many years. The tunnel has several names: Samos Aqueduct, Amphistomo Tunnel, Eupaline Tunnel. The latter is given in honor of the engineer Eupalinus, who built this incredible structure. The aqueduct was dug in the 6th century BC. in a high mountain. His main goal was to secretly supply water from a distant source to the city. This was a necessary measure. In ancient times, Samos suffered enough from pirate raids. The tunnel was built almost flawlessly. Elementary principles of geometry were used in the design. Without modern technologies and computer programs, Evpalin built a high-quality water supply system. Researchers suggest that the abandoned water supply system has been in use for a thousand years. At the end of the 19th century it was discovered and made of historical value. Today this extraordinary place is visited by hundreds of tourists. You can get there by bus. Walking also won't take much time.

Monasteries

Samos boasts ancient monasteries and churches that have survived to this day. Not far from the village of Pythagorio is the Spilianis Monastery. It is located in the mountains, offering an incredible panorama of the surrounding area. The monastery is famous for its unique underground Church of Our Lady. The mountain village of Kumaradi attracts pilgrims from all over the world. The temples of Megali and Timiou Stavrou are located here. They contain ancient artifacts. Both sanctuaries are surrounded by beautiful and spiritual nature. You can enjoy magnificent views from the site of the Zoodohas Pigi monastery. It is located 12 km from the capital. On the way to it you come across the active church of Agya Zoni. The Monastery of the Virgin Mary Vrontiani is the oldest monastery on the island. It was founded in the 16th century near the settlement of Vourliotes. The oldest shrine of Samos, the Church of the Transfiguration, is permeated with history. A walk through the extraordinary waterfalls will lead the tourist to the holy place. The sanctuary amazes with iridescent marble columns. Over the centuries, the building has suffered a fair amount of damage, but continues to stand firmly in its place.

Fortresses

In the village of Pythagorio it is impossible to ignore the fortress of Lycurgus. It was built in 1824. The fortress was named the Castle of Lycurgus Logothetes, a Greek military leader. The fortification was created to defend the island. The fortress is one of the most modern buildings in the entire village. The Byzantine fortress of Genovese is located in the village of Karlovasi near the Temple of the Transfiguration. Unfortunately, only ruins remain of the former defensive wall. The fortress deserves the attention of tourists, because it is surrounded by picturesque mountains, waterfalls and a historical temple.

Samos cuisine

Try Samosa dairy products too. Their quality will make you remember the taste of local cheeses and yoghurts for a long time.

More details

Attractions

Hereion Temple

Samos city

Pythagorio village

Cave of Pythagoras

mountain tunnel

Monasteries

Fortresses

Samos located in the eastern part of the Aegean Sea. The island is one of the largest of the Greek islands and is divided into southern and northern parts by a mountain range that stretches from east to west. The largest peaks of the island Ambelos(1440 meters) and Kerkida(1445 meters).

History of the island

The ancient Greeks identified Samos with the place where the earth goddess Hera was born. In antiquity, there was a large temple dedicated to this goddess on the island.

It is obvious that the island was already inhabited in the Minoan and Mycenaean eras. Samos reached its peak of power in the sixth century BC, thanks to the tyrant Polycrates. Polycrates was one of the most famous rulers of Ancient Greece, ranked by Greek tradition as one of the “seven wise men.”

Polycrates contributed to the development of culture on the island and carried out large public works. Under him, it was built on Samos first water supply in Europe.

Samos is also famous in the history of science. The island is home to Pythagoras, a scientist who became the founder of the “Pythagorean movement” - a philosophical movement whose representatives studied natural sciences.

At the end of the 5th century BC. Samos took part in the revolt of the Ionian cities against Persia. The Persians managed to suppress the uprising and subsequently forced Samos to take part in the campaign against Sparta and on their side. However, already at the Battle of Mykal, the Samos fleet fought against the Persians on the side of the allied Greek army. After the wars with the Persians, the island became part of the Attic Maritime League, but in 440 BC. attempted to secede from Athens. It took Pericles, the strategist of Athens, to besiege the island for 9 months to force Samos to return to the maritime alliance with Athens.

During Peloponnesian War Samos fought on the side of Athens. In 404 BC. The island was captured by the Spartan commander Lysander, who replaced democracy with an oligarchic regime. In 394 BC. Samos was recaptured from the Spartans by the Persian commander Conon. the island did not become part of the Second Attic Maritime Union. For this, the Athenians, having taken the island, evicted all the inhabitants. The Samians returned from exile after the death of Alexander the Great, thanks to the Macedonian governor of Greece, Perdika.

The island was part of various powers. At first the island was owned by the Egyptian Ptolemies, then it came under the rule of Pergamum, and in 129 BC. got it along with Pergamum.

Samos in the Middle Ages

After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Samos suffered greatly from constant pirate raids and robberies. Byzantium cared little about protecting the island and this led to the fact that Samos was practically depopulated. In the 17th century, the island was repopulated by Greeks and Turks from the shores of Asia Minor. In 1772-1774, the Russian military squadron of Count Orlov-Chesmensky was on the island. During the Greek war for independence, it was the main supplier of ships and sailors for the young Greek navy. The Samian merchants converted their merchant ships into warships and successfully fought at sea. However, after peace was concluded, Greece exchanged the island for Euboea. In the exchange, Samos received privileges. The island returned to the Ottoman Empire with a large degree of autonomy.

In 1912, the island came under the control of the Italo-Ottoman War. And after the First World War it was finally reunited with Greece.

Holidays on the island of Samos

Holidays in Samos somewhat similar to a holiday in . After all, in Sochi, like on the island of Samos, there is a clear sea, forests and mountains, architectural and natural attractions. In addition, both Samos and Sochi have a well-developed tourism infrastructure with excellent hotels that can accommodate a large number of tourists

Capital of the island

The modern capital of the island is Samos city. It is located directly opposite the Turkish coast. The city was originally called Stephanoupolis in honor of the first Greek ruler of the island, Stefanos Bogaridos. The architecture of the city is formed by neoclassical mansions of the 19th and 20th centuries. The city also has Archaeological Museum, one of the best in the Greek islands.

Attractions of Samos

On the southern coast of the island is town of Pythagorio named after the great Pythagoras. The city stands on the site of the ancient capital of Samos.

Right next to the town is Eupalina tunnel, built in 524 BC. under the tyrant Polycrates. Through this tunnel the city was supplied with water and also served as an underground passage if necessary. In Pythagoria you can also see the ruins of the ancient walls and towers of the island.

IN Colona village, at a distance of 8 kilometers from Pythagoria there are fragments Temple of Hera. Herodotus, mentioning this temple, wrote that it was the greatest of all the temples that he had ever seen.

Samos on the map

Basic moments

The island of Samos is popular among tourists due to its contrasts: here the gentle sea is harmoniously combined with picturesque mountains, and the vibrant nightlife is combined with a serene beach holiday. By visiting here, you can better learn the history of Greece and get acquainted with the life of coastal villages. In Samos, it is good to admire the beautiful landscapes, take educational excursions to ancient monuments, as well as interesting walks through mountain valleys where vineyards, pine forests and citrus orchards grow.

The island of Samos has been known since ancient times and is described in the works of Herodotus. The famous ancient Greek philosophers Pythagoras, Epicurus and Melissus, as well as the astronomers Aristillus and Aristarchus, were born here. The island was considered the richest Hellenic colony in the Aegean Sea, and around 500 BC. - the strongest Greek polis. Samos began to lose its influence during the Byzantine era, when it became one of the autonomous regions of the empire.

It is curious, but in the history of the island there was a period of more than half a century when not a single person lived here: Samos stood uninhabited from the end of the 14th to the 60s of the 15th century. For such a long period of time, the islanders left their native lands and moved to the mainland, unable to withstand the endless attacks of sea pirates.

Modern Samos is divided into four municipalities. The islanders live on fertile lands and are successfully engaged in crop production and raising livestock, they fish in the coastal waters, and of course, they serve the numerous tourists who come to Samos to relax all year round. The best local resorts are Karlovasi, Pythagorio and Kokkari. Many young people, families with children, as well as active recreation enthusiasts - divers, windsurfers and fans of hiking in the mountains come here.

Interestingly, the island culture has preserved some ancient original traditions. Most of the names of rural settlements come from the surnames of the clans that once ruled here. In other respects - in songs, dances, music, architecture and cuisine - Samos copies mainland Greece.

Climate

The island of Samos is located in the Mediterranean climate zone. There is always a lot of sun here - about 300 days a year. During the beach season, the air temperature is around +33º...+35ºС, and the water temperature is +28ºС. However, the heat on this island is easily tolerated, as refreshing sea breezes blow here almost 24 hours a day. Winter in Samos is short and mild. At this time of year the thermometer rarely drops below +15ºС, but it is quite rainy on the island.

What to see in the northern part of the island

At the northern tip of the island, just 5 km from its capital, Samos, is Kokarion (or Kokkari). Once surrounded by green mountains, Kokarion was a fishing port, but today it has become a popular tourist destination, welcoming many tourists. First of all, fans come here to compete with the waves - windsurfers. The reason for this is the constant winds characteristic of the northern coast of Samos.

If you walk from Kokkari about half an hour in a westerly direction, you can reach shores protected from the wind. In the north of Samos island there is a small settlement of Ai Nikolaos with a nice pebble beach called Plaka. Near it, the mountains recede from the coast.

From Ai Nikolaos the road leads south to the village of Kondakeika, where one of the oldest and most beautiful temples of Samos has been preserved - the Byzantine church of Kimisis Teotokou, built in the 12th-13th centuries. These places are very picturesque. The village is surrounded by low mountains covered with evergreen pines and cypresses. If you wish, you can continue your journey to the south, where the colorful mountain villages of Manolates and Stavrinides are located. From here many tourists climb to the top of Karvuni (1153).

Even further west, 30 km from the island capital, lie the quiet and sleepy streets of the city of Karlovasi. It appeared on the site of two seaports built by the Greeks in ancient times and was the island capital for a long time. Today Karlovasi is the second most populous city on the island. It unites the settlements of Karlovasi, Limani, Neo, Ormos and Meseo. There are several family factories here that produce good textiles, ceramics and leather goods. And in the city itself there is a very interesting wine museum.

Adjacent to Karlovasi from the south is the old village of Paleo, located in a picturesque gorge. Local attractions include two churches with bell towers, built at the beginning of the 20th century, and several good taverns.

Behind the town, on the northwestern tip of the island, is the village of Potami. Locals like to come here on weekends, and the village's nice sand and pebble beach can be packed to capacity. Near this village stands the old temple of Metamorphosis, built in the 11th century. And behind the temple there is a Byzantine fortress and a very beautiful gorge with a picturesque waterfall.

This is where the western coast of Samos begins. It does not suffer from an influx of tourists, and the nature here is almost untouched. In several places in the west of the island, buildings of old monasteries and temples have been preserved. But there are not many roads here, and most of the coves can only be reached by sea.

What to see in the southern part of the island

In the south of the island is the best resort of Samos and its historical center - Pythagorio. The city received its name in 1955 in honor of the ancient Greek scientist Pythagoras. And before that, the settlement was called Fonyas - after the cape on which it was built. Among the architectural attractions in Pythagario are the ruins of the Temple of the goddess Hera and the ancient palace of Antonio and Cleopatra, a castle built in the 19th century and named after the hero of the liberation war against the Turks, Lycurgus Logothesis, as well as the ancient monastery of Spilianis with the temple of the Virgin Mary, built in a natural cave.

The ancient sanctuary of Geryon or the Temple of the goddess Hera is located 5 km from the city and was once connected to it by the Sacred Road. The remains of this ancient stone path can still be seen today. In ancient times, the Greeks believed that it was here that Hera was born, and meetings of this goddess with Zeus took place. The sanctuary had a special status among other places of veneration of Hera built in Greece.

Today, all that remains of the magnificent temple are picturesque ruins, one tall column and several copies of ancient Greek statues. From June to September, this archaeological complex is open every day and receives tourists from 8.30 to 19.30. And during the low tourist season, Geryon is open from 8.30 to 15.00. The entrance ticket here costs 3 euros.

In Pythagorio it is also interesting to examine the preserved ruins of the ancient capital of the island - Tigani, discovered as a result of archaeological excavations: an underground aqueduct for supplying fresh water to the ancient city, an ancient port dam, defensive structures and baths. All these unique monuments are under special protection of UNESCO.

The underground “Eupalin Tunnel” was dug to provide the city with water under Polycrates - in the 5th century BC. It is 1046 km long and was named after the Greek engineer who built it. Only part of this ancient aqueduct is open to tourists. You can visit here on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 8.30 to 15.00.

You should get acquainted with the centuries-old history of Pythagorio in the city archaeological museum, which is located in the basement of the city hall. From May to October, the museum collections are open daily from 8.30 to 20.00.

Those who want to see places associated with the life of the ancient Greek mathematician Pythagoras can visit the monument to the thinker, erected on the seashore - on the central embankment of the city, as well as the famous cave named after him. It is located at the foot of Mount Kersis (or Kerkitis), the highest peak of Samos (1433 m). According to some sources, the ancient Greek scientist lived in this cave for about 10 years, hiding from the persecution of the tyrant Polycrates. Other legends claim that Pythagoras came here when he needed solitude for reflection.

The walk to the cave is not very easy. To reach it, you will have to climb the mountain, gaining significant height. At first, the ascent follows the road, past the olive groves of the Evangelist convent, and the last meters follow a path carved into steep rocks. A small church was built in the cave itself.

South of Pythagorio is the modern tourist resort center of Ireon. There is a good pebble beach here, which is popular among vacationers. And to the north begins a series of colorful villages where pottery has long been developed: Kumaradei, Pagondos and Mili. In the south of the island there is also the port of Marathokambos, from which tourists like to take short boat trips.

Sights of the island capital

The island's capital, like the island itself, has officially been called Samos since 1830, but locals more often call this city Vathi, named after the bay on the shores of which it is built. The central part of the city is quite cozy and clean, but nothing special. And in the suburb of Ano Vafi you can see several mansions built in the neoclassical style, as well as colorful residential buildings of the 19th century.

Arriving in Samos, it is worth visiting the local archaeological museum, which has a rich collection of artifacts found on the island. The museum welcomes visitors from Thursday to Sunday and is open from 8.30 to 15.00. The entrance ticket costs 3 euros. Finding the museum is not difficult. It is located near a small park in the city center. The museum collection occupies the old Paskhallion mansion, which stands next to the town hall, built in the 19th century.

The monastery of the Life-Giving Spring (Zoodochas Pigi) and the Triple Chapel, built in the 17th century, are also considered tourist attractions of the island capital. In addition, it is interesting to visit the ruins of an ancient castle, which are located in the mountain village of Paleokastro - 3 km from the city.

Beaches

Many travelers specifically come to Samos for the delights of a leisurely beach holiday. The beach season here is long - from mid-April to the end of October. The water in the coastal lagoons has a surprisingly beautiful turquoise hue, and light winds from the sea fill the air with humidity and make it easier to endure the daytime heat.

Most of the island's beaches are located in small and very cozy coves. Some of them are equipped for a beach holiday, while some remain “wild”, and lovers of secluded recreation enjoy spending time there.

The city of Samos does not have its own beaches. But at some distance from the island capital there are several equipped places for a beach holiday. True, you have to get to most of them on your own.

The equipped beach "Gagu" is located just 2 km west of the city of Samos - a 15-minute walk from the seaport. There are good cafes and restaurants, sun loungers and sun umbrellas.

On the eastern side, 9 km from the city of Samos, near the village of Paleokastro, there is the Kervelis beach. The role of beach umbrellas is played by the spreading crowns of trees, which perfectly protect tourists from the scorching rays of the sun. The sea near this beach is always calm, large waves are extremely rare here, and the entrance to the water is very gentle. You can also sample delicious Greek cuisine in nearby taverns.

The popular Psili Ammos beach is located nearby. Its name is translated from Greek as “fine sand.” This beach is famous for its shallow waters and is very popular for families with children. It is interesting that Psili Ammos is separated by the shortest distance from Asia Minor - only about 2 km. During the Ice Age, the island of Samos was part of Asia Minor, but later the sea strait of Darbogaz was formed between the island and the mainland.

In the east of the island, 12 km from the city of Samos, lies Mourtias Beach. It is preferred by lovers of a quiet, uncrowded holiday and local fishermen. On the opposite side of Samos, 9 km from the island capital, is Nisi Beach. This place is also very loved by fishermen, and in local taverns they masterfully prepare fish and seafood dishes.

Klima beach near the town of Poseidonio is famous for its bars and cafes, as well as an original tavern with good Greek cuisine. It is considered an excellent place on the island to relax and meet friends.

In the south-eastern part of Samos you can have a good time at Mikalis Beach. Once upon a time, a victorious naval battle took place in these places, and in honor of it the beach is sometimes called “Kavos Fonias”. This beach is fully equipped for a beach holiday. True, you need to be careful on the Mikalis, since the sea current is quite strong near the shore.

Those who like cooler water for swimming will appreciate the beach on the southwestern tip of the island, which is located near the village of Votsalakia on the way to Pythagoras' Cave. It’s nice to spend the whole day here, alternating swimming and sunbathing with visits to small restaurants built along the beach.

Local kitchen

It is interesting that Galen and Hippocrates wrote about the quality of island cuisine in their works. The strong Muscat wine “Vafi”, which is produced on the island of Samos, is known far beyond the borders of Greece. It has been the main export product of Samos since ancient times. In addition, the islanders grow excellent olives and citrus fruits, and make delicious dairy products. Yogurts and pickled cheeses on Samos are a must try!

Local taverns and cafes pass on culinary secrets from generation to generation, so the quality and variety of dishes they offer to tourists appeal to all lovers of Mediterranean cuisine.

As elsewhere in Greece, the island has excellent moussaka with baked eggplants, stuffed peppers and tomatoes. In any tavern in Samos you can order a traditional Greek salad of coarsely chopped vegetables, which is usually seasoned with olive oil and feta cheese. Samos is surrounded on all sides by the sea, so various seafood and fish dishes are very popular on the island.

Souvenirs

Many travelers who visit Samos choose beautiful leather goods, textiles and locally produced ceramics as souvenirs. Tasty souvenirs from the island include strong wine “Vafi”, excellent olive oil and honey from the village of Pyrgos, which is famous for its centuries-old traditions of beekeeping and is considered the honey capital of Samos.

Transport

There are several bus routes around the island, as well as taxis. For independent travel, you should get a Samos map, which can be purchased at any kiosk or store, or taken for free at the local airport at the information desk. The islanders warmly welcome new travelers and are always happy to explain the route and talk about the traditions of local life.

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How to get there

The city of Samos has a large seaport that receives large commercial and tourist ships. And 2 km west of the small town of Pythagorio, an international airport was built, named after the ancient Greek scientist Aristarchus, who once lived on Samos.

The most convenient way to get to the island is by air. The flight from Moscow to Athens lasts about three hours. And from the capital of Greece to Samos you can fly in an hour. In the summer (from May to October), charter flights are organized from several European cities to the Greek island.

Lovers of sea travel can get to Samos by ship. Ferries run from the Greek islands of Piraeus, Cyclades and Ikaria to the island's seaports of Samos and Karlovasi. From the Greek island of Kalymnos, a sea ferry runs to Pythagorio several times a week.

View of Turkey from the coast of Samos island

In addition, Samos can be reached from Turkey. Sea ferries from the Turkish ports of Kusantasi and Kusadasi reach the Greek island in two hours. In the summer, the authorities of Samos organize visits to the island from Turkey on a visa-free basis.

Samos Island is the closest island to Turkey that belongs to Greece. Samos is part of the Eastern Sporades archipelago, which stretches along the Turkish coast. The same archipelago is called the East Aegean Islands.
The island of Samos was inhabited already in the 3rd millennium BC. The Ionians, who lived on the island approximately 1000 BC, believed that the goddess Hera was born on the island of Samos. Therefore, a temple was built on the island in her honor.
In the 500s BC, the island was ruled by the tyrant Polycrates, and with this tyrant, the island of Samos was such a powerful power that he founded his own colonies.

It was this tyrant who drove its most famous inhabitant, the great philosopher Pythagoras, from the island. Then Samos found itself under the rule of the Persians, Athenians, Macedonians, and Romans. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Byzantines came to the island, who eventually gave it to the Genoese, their place was taken by the Turks, whose rule on Samos was always nominal. Frequent uprisings against local oligarchs and Turks were only successful in 1913, only then was Samos able to reunite with Greece. In the 20th century, the island became famous for its partisans, who were active both during World War II and during the Greek Civil War.

Sights of Samos Island

The main attraction of Samos is the UNESCO-listed ancient capital of the island, Pythagorio. Nowadays it is a small village with ancient ruins and a cave where, according to local legend, the famous Pythagoras lived.

Temple of the Goddess Hera

Also, lovers of Ancient Greece should visit the temple of the goddess Hera (according to legend, she was born on Samos) in the city of Ireon. Herodotus called this temple one of the wonders of the world.

The capital of the island, the city of Vathi, is interesting mainly for its archaeological museum and bazaar

Orthodox pilgrims in Samos should visit the ancient monasteries of prayer: Zoodohas Pigi, Megali Spilianis, Timiou Stavrou and others.
If you are interested in the life of the islanders and the peculiarities of local crafts (the main one being pottery), take a look at the village of Kumaradei craftsmen in the south of the island.
However, it is best not to waste time on ruins and monasteries, but to enjoy the warmth of the sea, the coolness of the mountains and the shade of the forests. And, of course, in Samos you simply need to pay attention to the excellent Greek cuisine. The island is famous for its delicious Muscat, which is the official wine of the Catholic Eucharist; amazing cheese, the sweetest honey and the freshest seafood.
For those who want to spoil the Greek atmosphere of peace with an active holiday in Samos, there is the Kokarion resort, ideal for windsurfing.