Samos

Samos lies at the north-eastern part of the Aegean sea in a distance of 174 nautical miles from Piraeus. It is covered with pure white sand beaches, picturesque villages, fishing harbours and it is famous for the production and the quality of its wine. Greece’s wealthiest island in antiquity and the later years, Samos is a large mountainous island which has something for everyone. From the big beach resorts to the rustic hill villages, attractive coves and forests, as well as many sights, since it boasted many architectural wonders of the ancient world.

Things to see

The sweet variety of Samos wine has an international reputation Samos reached its pinnacle during the period it was governed by the tyrant Polycrates (532 - 522 BC). It was then that Samos grew into a great naval power and founded its own colonies. We should also mention Callistatus, who was responsible for founding or establishing the 24 - letter alphabet, the architects and sculptors Rhoikos and Theodoros, who built the famous temple of Hera and the painters Saurias (the first painter too use chiamoscuro in his work) and Calliphon, painter of a number of master works which were to be seen in the temple of Artemis at Ephesus. But the most exceptional of all these figures, is Pythagoras (580 - 500 BC) philosopher, mathematician and musician. He was never a man to take things for granted, he sought in the sciences, arts and travel, knowledge and experience which would allow him with certainty, to assume his place in the intellectual arena of his times. In village Pythagoreio you find his cave and also the statue of that famous mathematician

Potami Waterfalls is one of the most beautiful areas on Samos. A walk along the river through the forest leads leads to a small lake and the waterfalls of Potami (river).

The tunnel of Eupalinus was the aquaduct of the ancient city of Samos and one of the greatest technical achievements in antiquity. It is really worth visiting this sight.

Tsamadou beach is one of the best beaches on Samos. It is a pebble beach, with very clear water and beach facilities as well, such as umbrellas and Sunbeds.

The island of Samos provides an intense and varied nightlife and all kind of places to enjoy a relaxing or crazy night. A plethora of restaurants, taverns, cafes, modern bars, bouzoukia (clubs with Greek live music) and huge or smaller clubs playing all sorts of music can be found in the capital of Samos, in Karlovassi, in Kokkari and in the attractive village of Pythagorio

When to come

Summer is the best season to visit Samos as many Feasts take place. The Feast of the Virgin Mary is celebrated on the 15th of August in almost all the villages of the island. The Feast of Agia Paraskevi is celebrated in Hora, on the 26th and the 27th of July with dances, music, food and wine. The anniversary of the Battle of Mikali is celebrated on the 6th of August in Pythagorio. The Feast of Panagia Spiliani is celebrated on the 21st of November in the curch of Panagia Spiliani, near Pythagorio. The Feast of the Fisherman is organised in June by the fishermen and the municipality and Councils of Pythagoreio where free wine and fresh fish is served and people are dancing all night long. The Feast of Panagia Vrodiani is taking place in village Vourliotes, on the 7th and 8th of August. The people are reunited in taverns and on the principal square of the village and eat the traditional dish "giorti" with local wine.