Samos

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Samos Travel Essentials

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Best Time: March to May and September to November Read More

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"Birthplace of Pythagoras"

Samos Tourism

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. 

Must Know Before You Travel to Samos

  • Samos is divided into East Samos and West Samos. East Samos boasts the important towns of Pythagoreio and Samos or Vathy, which is also the capital of the island of Samos. West Samos consists of Karlovasi and Marathokampos. All four of these are important tourist destinations in addition to Kokkari village, located in the northwest of Vathy.
  • Vathy has become less popular among tourists in the present day because of the increased number of misdemeanours in the area.
  • The most popular choices for stay among tourists, on the northern side, include Vathy, Karlovassi, Kokkari.
    On the Southern side, popular places to stay are Pythagorion and Heraion.
  • Getting around by Public buses is cheap but they are unreliable and less frequent and are non-operational on weekends. The best way is to hire a car or a bike. Even taking a taxi is an option.
  • Shops open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 5:30 PM to 9:00 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. On other days except Sundays, shops open from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM.
  • Restaurants and Cafes operate roughly between 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
  • Summer jackets should be carried while travelling in windy months of May and September.
  • It is wise to carry cash as most of the small shops and cafes do not accept cards.
  • Samos offers an exquisite selection of Greek food and its local wine, Muscat and Samian wines, are a must try.
  • There are regular ferries that run to Kusadasi, Turkey.

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Shopping in Samos

Most of the main shops are limited to three big towns in Samos which are also the largest on the island- Vathy, Karlovassi and Pythagorian. However, tourist and souvenir shops around the main attractions and tourist areas in some of the villages in Samos are also functional. The most popular souvenirs to take home from Samos include Olive oil, local natural cosmetics, ceramics, sea shells, corals, and sponges. Local natural cosmetics in Samos are made up of natural ingredients added with different perfume additives. Shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, and creams are some great natural cosmetics. Embroidered tablecloths and napkins from local women make a perfect souvenir to take home apart from ceramics hand painted by local artists. Other universal souvenirs to buy from Samos include magnets, t-shirts, sweets and alcoholic drinks like retsina, Greek Cognac, grape raki and ouzo.

Nightlife in Samos

Nightlife in Samos is diverse ranging from relaxed confines of a tavern or lounge bar to crazy parties of a Disco or bar. Most of the lively bars and discos are limited to Vathy, Kalovassi and Pythagorian. There are a plethora of options available to choose from which include cafes, modern bars, bouzoukia (clubs having Greek live music), taverns, lounges, large and small clubs, and restaurants. The discos in Pythagorian stay open till late at night and offer a variety of music ranging from international to modern live music. Every summer Ireon hosts a rock festival with local groups every weekend. Most of the popular beaches in Samos offer a quieter option to enjoy the night in the form of beach bars and lounges. There are several ouzeries as well where one can enjoy the famous Samain and Muscat wines.

History of Samos

Samos is believed to have been inhabited since Neolithic times. The first inhabitants of the island are believed to be the Pelasgians, the Leleges, the Phoenicians, the Carians, and the Mycenaeans. During the 6th century, Polycrates, who ruled Samos at the time, turned the island into a huge naval power and the island flourished culturally, in arts and science. The famous Eupalinus Tunnel and the Heraion were built during this time. Samos is a blessed island where famous people like Aristarchus, Aesop, Aesop, and Pythagorus were born. After taking part in the battle of Plataea in 479 BC, Samos allied with AThens to return to democracy. In alliance with the Greek navy, Samos also defeated Persian fleets during the battle of Mykale. After the Peloponnesian wars, Samos came under the rule of the Spartans, the Romans, The Venetians, the Genoese and the Turks. After playing a huge role in the Greek revolution, Samos was declared semi autonomous, and ruled by a christian prince but still under Turks in 1820. The Island reunited with Greece in 1912.

Suggested Itinerary for Samos

Day 1: Start by exploring the waterfront shops and cafes of Vathi and head to Lemonakia and Tsamadou beaches. You can also visit the cute little village of Kokkari from here.

Day 2: Drive to Pythagorio, to visit Epalinus tunnel and have an afternoon swim at Potokaki beach and go on exploring the lovely village of Herion, before heading back to Vathi.

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Samos Photos

Samos
The harbour of Pythagoreio
The altar of the cave church, Panagia Spiliani Monastery
The dark interiors of the Tunnel of Eupalinos

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