Samos

Located in eastern Aegean sea just off the coast of mainland Asia Minor or Asian Turkey, is the Greek island of Samos. Often known as the “queen of the Eastern Aegean”, Samos is home to lush greenery, traditional villages, and picturesque beaches, along with rich history. The island is believed to be the birthplace of the Greek goddess Hera, and it was here that the great philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras was born.

Samos is verdant with a mountainous landscape that offers great hidden natural vistas. Considered the spiritual centre of the Mediterranean world, Samos is home to two UNESCO monuments, the ancient fortified city of Pythagoreion and the ancient temple of Hera. The island is a perfect destination for a relaxed holiday under the sun, however, it has something for all kinds of tourists. Due to its close proximity to Turkey and direct ferries from Athens and important ports, Samos is a popular day trip among tourists.

Although Samos is a family holiday destination, popular activities to do on the island include hiking, windsurfing, diving and yachting. Samos countryside is perfect for hiking as the old paths lead to old monasteries, vineyards, waterfalls, caves, and mountainous villages. The island's northern coast is perfect for windsurfing and has a few windsurfing centres. There are also a handful of diving centres in Samos, and they organise diving trips to some nearby reefs, shipwrecks, and uninhabited islands. The island also hosts some festivals during summer, which are either specific to religion, art or local food.