Samos: A paradise to discover
Samos, the island of wonders is a destination that cannot be missed from your travel list. In the Dodecanese Archipelago, it is the part of Greece closest to Asia Minor and Turkey. This splendid Greek island is famous for its mix of natural beauty, ancient history, dream beaches and a gastronomic tradition that delights palates from all over the world. Unfortunately, in recent years it has also been remembered only for the invasion of migrants, but if you manage not to be influenced by this aspect, know that you can explore an island that lacks nothing and of extraordinary natural beauty as well as important history and archaeological sites considered among the most important in the world, including the underground aqueduct and the sanctuary of Hera.

An island for everyone
Samos is the perfect destination that will surprise you and for every type of traveler. Families can enjoy the quiet beaches, ideal for children to play safely, while couples will fall in love with the spectacular sunsets and romantic dinners in the typical villages. For the young and adventurous spirits, the island offers excursions, water sports and a lively nightlife. Samos is an island that welcomes everyone, with proposals suitable for every budget and every need.

Nature and breathtaking views
With its 476 km², Samos is a natural paradise waiting to be explored. It is located just one kilometer and two hundred meters from the Turkish coast separated by the Strait of Mykali. The island is characterized by a territory made of high mountains, a dormant volcano with a peak that reaches 1440 meters to be reached with fantastic walks, green valleys cultivated with olive trees and vineyards where the famous Muscat of Samos is produced, thick forests of eucalyptus and oaks, bays with sandy beaches and incredible inlets that close in coastlines with an exotic flavor and waterfalls here is what to expect from Samos. Added to all this is the fact that it enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate that gives over three thousand hours of sunshine a year.

Between myth and history
Samos is not only natural beauty: the island is deeply linked to mythology and ancient history. Samos is the birthplace of the great mathematician Pythagoras and played a central role in the history of Greece. The island is linked to the cult of Hera, wife and sister of Zeus, symbol of marriage and births, daughter of Cronus and Rhea, and according to Greek mythology, it is here that the bellicose Goddess was born, bellicose because she was known to be very vindictive but let’s add perhaps also for a just cause given the repeated infidelity of her husband who did something to her every day. Lose yourself among the ancient ruins of the Temple of Hera, one of the most important archaeological sites in all of Greece, and discover how history and myth intertwine in this corner of paradise.

It was already inhabited in the prehistoric period by a population from Anatolia (Turkey) and in 1000 BC it was occupied by the Ionians. A land of maritime traders, it was the first to overcome the Pillars of Hercules in 640 but its greatest prosperity was in 540 BC when artists, scientists and poets arrived who contributed to its economic, social and cultural development.

During the Hellenistic period it managed to maintain its independence and in 129 BC it entered as a Roman province of Asia. Like Rhodes, it did not participate in the Peloponnesian War and at the beginning of the 18th century it was invaded by Albanian refugees fleeing from the Ottomans where they found refuge and colonized the central part of the island. During the Turkish domination it managed to obtain a certain autonomy as the Principality of Samos until 1912 when it was annexed to the Greek State.

What to see in Samos
With over 1000 churches and monasteries with blue domes and white walls, Samos is a mix of Venetian, Byzantine and neoclassical buildings. Must see Vathy the capital a meeting between the old and the new. Its port in the center of the town is very lively and there is the main street full of shops. Go to the historic church of Agios Spyridon or the building that once housed the Parliament and the Town Hall, to the Byzantine Museum in the upper part of the city also called Ano Vathi where many finds are exhibited as evidence of the many civilizations that have passed through here. To finish the tour, five kilometers away is the Monastery of Zoodohos Pigi dating back to 1756 on a promontory that offers a view of the Aegean and Asia to immortalize in a photograph.

Pythagorion the most historic and fascinating tourist resort of Samos. Here is the legendary Hereon the temple dedicated to Hera. Overlooking the Gulf of Tigani, its port, the first artificial one built in the Mediterranean, is the crossroads of traffic to the other islands and from where you can also reach Ephesus in Turkey on a daily basis. A labyrinth of charming streets including the main Odos Lygourgou Logothi where most of the shops, cafes, bars and restaurants are located to get to the statue of Pythagoras and push on to the archaeological site of the ancient city dating back to 522 BC. For lovers of ancient history, a visit to the Eupalinos aqueduct, the Temple of Aphrodite and the Ligkougos Castle is a must. Like all seaside resorts, it has its own beach equipped with all the comforts, perfect for a day of complete idleness.

The second largest town in Samos is Karlovasi in the north west, one of the most fertile areas of Samos. Very close to Turkey, on particularly clear days you can clearly see Sigacik bay. It is divided into three parts, the old city, the center and the new part. Rich in neoclassical buildings and palaces, it hosts the University of the Aegean which represents a unique structure that combines campuses in six islands of the Aegean Sea (Mytilene, Chios, Rhodes, Syros, Lemnos) where different faculties operate in each one. Worth seeing are the Church of the Holy Trinity which dominates the entire area and the Nikoloas Church with its pinnacles and white and blue domes. With a walk through the woods you can reach the Potami waterfalls as well as its beach where the sea is fantastic and always calm. In August there is a beautiful wine festival, don’t miss it!

If you also want a bit of nightlife then move to Kokkari in the southeast. Between two promontories that protect it from the wind, it is full of places to stay late and the people are extremely friendly and hospitable. If you like being in contact with nature then Agios Konstantinos is for you. In a lush valley full of spring waters the only noise will be the chirping of nightingales. Vourlioties instead on the side of Mount Kavounis which can be reached by a road with an inexplicable panorama so beautiful it is leads to the source of Pnaka a beautiful area with tropical vegetation where clean and fresh water flows.

Dream beaches
The beaches of Samos are a real daydream. Among the most famous is Potokaki, with its golden sand and waters ideal for snorkeling. Lemonakia beach is perfect for those looking for a quiet and uncontaminated bay, while Tsamadou Beach is ideal for water sports enthusiasts. There is no shortage of hidden beaches, reachable only by sea, where you can experience moments of total relaxation and privacy. Finally, two beaches very difficult to reach but which will greatly reward the effort are the Mikro Seitani and Megalo Seitani beaches two masterpieces of Mother Nature!

A culinary experience
Samos cuisine is a riot of authentic flavors. Among the dishes that you absolutely must try are the typical sweets such as “baklava”. A trip to Samos cannot be considered complete without tasting the famous sweet wine of the island, Samian, known and appreciated throughout the world.

Why choose Samos?
Choosing Samos for your next vacation means living a complete experience. To stay off the usual tourist circuits, either because there are not many direct flights from Italy or Europe, thus forcing visitors to undertake a journey in stages, for a varied and still uncontaminated nature, for idyllic and solitary beaches, for a very deep rooted culture, for a perfect climate for most seasons, for a good food and wine proposal and for a vacation dedicated to discovery and relaxation. Are these enough reasons for you?

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