Samos

Samos is one of the most popular and beautiful Greek islands, located in the Aegean Sea just off the Turkish Coast. This island has a lot to offer – its numerous beaches, picturesque villages, trekking trails along with great historical value. 

Vathi

Vathi or Vathy is the main port, capital and biggest town in Samos. Its curved waterfront is bounded by cafes and restaurants which deliver the local cuisine at its best. One of the notable features of the town is its splendid architecture which is influenced by a fusion of cultures – from Macedonia, Anatolia, Turkey and the Ottoman rule. The archaeological and wine museums and the Church of Agios Spyridonas are important historical landmarks. Livadaki beach, a 10 km drive from the town, sits in its own secluded world with its natural beauty untouched by humans and demands your attention; you cannot see a single building here!

Pythagoreion

We all know Pythagoras right? I mean, how can one forget learning and using his renowned theorem throughout school. Guess what, Samos was his home! In his honour, this town here was named Pythagoreion and it houses some important archaeological sites and a beautiful yacht filled harbour.

• Temple of Hera: Samos is believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Hera, Queen of the Olympians. Today, you can see the ruins of The Temple of Hera or Heraion, which was once the largest temple dedicated to the Goddess. During its day, this UNESCO site was four times bigger than the famed Parthenon in Athens. There were more than 100 columns and pathways lined with statues, which over the years fell victim to earthquakes and plundering. All that is left today is a single column and some headless statues. Some statues from the temple are also displayed in museums around the island.

• Tunnel of Eupalinos: Tunnel of Eupalinos is an engineering marvel located north of Pythagoreion and was the brainchild of Eupalinos. This 1036 metre long tunnel that goes up the slope of Mount Castro was built in the 6th century BC and its excavation was completely planned based on mathematical calculations! It initially served as an aqueduct and was later used by locals to hide from pirates.

• Panagia Spiliani Church: This serene white monastery with a cave church is located atop Mount Castro and its views open to nearby Anatolia. It is said that Pythagoras once hid here during the rule of Polycrates, the Tyrant of Samos.

Beaches

Beaches in Samos are simply beautiful. With their azure waters and sandy shores bounded by lush greenery, they make Samos one of the best beach destinations in the Aegean. The Lemonakia, Tsabau, Tsamadou and Avlakia are the best beaches in the northern part. Potami, Kokkari, Psili Ammos, Gagos and Seitani are other great beaches. Each beach is unique in its own way; from commercial beaches to nudist and secluded ones, Samos has a beach to satisfy every taste.

Wine 

Samos is dotted with huge vineyards and its locally made sweet Muscat wine is famous throughout the island. You can go on guided tours to learn about the wine making process which also includes wine-tasting. The island also has several museums related to wine.

Activities

Samos offers plenty of activities for those who love adventure. The mountains have amazing trekking and biking trails which will often lead you to historic locations. Mount Kerkis, the tallest in the island, has the best trails that will take you through chapels, caves, forests and rivers. Here, you will also come across the famed Cave of Pythagoras, which was the one of the many hideouts of the mathematician. Trekking to the popular Potami waterfalls and birdwatching in the famous Glyfada Lake are other great options.

Why should you visit?

As you now know, Samos is a great destination for beach lovers. The natural charm of the island, its interesting history, aesthetic villages, sprawling vineyards and mountain trails deliver the perfect vacation package.