Samos, the island of Pythagoras

Samos is a Greek island in the eastern Aegean sea and belongs to the homonymous prefecture of Samos. The island is nowadays known for the Nectar sweet muscat wine, the lush vegetation and its tourist attractions, but also for the outstanding personalities of the ancient Greek history, such as Pythagoras, the philosopher Epicurus, the astronomer Aristarchus who allegedly designed the first heliocentric map and others. Also there were produced the first bronze statues and the vases of Samos were famous in 550 BC. Heraion has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The capital of Samos, Samos or Vathi, is located at the depth of a larger bay that was first inhabited in the middle of the 18th century. It consists of four municipalities, Vathi, Karlovasi, Pythagorio and Marathokampos. The island is mountainous with two mountains, Kerkis and Ambelos.

Vathi is one of the oldest and most traditional settlements in Samos. It was probably named so because it was built at the depth of the great bay.There began the Greek Revolution in 1821 and the flag of nationality was raised for the first time at Pigadaki by Captain Konstantinos Lahana. It is also the birthplace of important personalities of Samos, such as Christodoulos Matakides known for his contribution in the Revolution of 1821 and Themistocles Sofoulis, the pioneer of the union of Samos with Greece and one of Greece's Prime Ministers.

The volcanic landscape alternates with dense vegetation with endless olive groves spreading to the beaches. The combination of sun and sea, the harmony of the mild climate with the pleasant island environment create the most suitable conditions for escape from the daily routine and offer spiritual rest and peace of mind.

Beaches

Mare Deus Beach: Mare Deus Beach is located in southern Samos, between Potokaki and Heraion.There are areas with sand and pebble and it is very well organized, with a beach bar restaurant and a beach volley court.

River: This is a large and touristically organized pebbly beach located 2 km west of Karlovasi, at the mouth of the river. The visit to the beach is usually combined with hiking in the green valley of the river with the waterfalls.

Livadaki: This exotic beach has fine sand and clear blue waters.

It is located at the northeast tip of Samos. It has shallow water and is very well organized. Access to the beach is by dirt bike.

Glicorisa: Located 2 km outside Pythagorio,it is one of the most organized beaches of the island, while in recent years it has been repeatedly honored  with the Blue Flag. It is a small bay, in the area of which there are hotels, cafe bars and restaurants. The beach consists of sand and small pebbles, while sand dominates inside the sea.The beach is suitable for diving,too.

Megalo Seitani: Megalo Seitani is in the northwest and one of the quietest beaches on the island. Access to it is only on foot or by sea. It is characterized by excellent natural beauty and is integrated into the Natura 2000 protection network, so there are no organized tourist facilities. The beach consists of white sand and small pebbles, while the seabed is sandy.

Small Seitani: This is a beach of sand and small pebbles located between Megalo Seitani, a 45-minute walk away, and Potami Beach of Karlovassi. Access to this is only  along a trail.

Svala: It is located in the north of Samos, in the area of Vourliotes plain and a few hundred meters to the west of the popular beach of Tsambos. It is quiet, with crystal clear waters and large pebbles.

Tsambou: It is located in the north of Samos, below the village of Vourliotes and very close to the village of Avlakia. It has large pebbles and deep blue waters, and is often wavy. It is an organized beach.

Winery

The history of Samian wine dates back to early antiquity. It is said that the god Dionysus himself taught the Samians the cultivation of the vine and the way of winemaking, in return for their helping him to defeat the Amazons.According to another myth the first who taught the cultivation of the vine to the inhabitants of the island was the hero of the Argonauts Campaign. Historical references during antiquity about the wines of Samos are found in Hippocrates, Galenos and Theophrastos, while the Sarmaes dialects are proven to carry Samos amphorae of wine from Samos to various ports of the world at that time.
The Wine Museum of EOS Samos is housed in a 19th-century building that operated as a cooperative.

Sights

You can admire the Monument of Heraion and Pythagorion, the ruins of ancient Samos, the Square with the Town Hall, the castle of Lykourgos, the Monastery of Metamorphosis, the Eupaline tunnel, the ancient theater, the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani, the Thermae and Lake Glyfada.

Today, Pythagorio is an important tourist resort with thousands of visitors throughout the year. Daily excursions are organized daily to the majestic beaches of Samoumpoulas, Tsopella, Kako Rema, Kyriakou, Aspros Kavos. You can also visit the coast of Asia Minor.

Karlovasi covers the northwestern part of Samos with many alternations in the natural landscape. A characteristic of the area is its valley, created at the foot of the two large mountains of Samos, which make the climate of Karlovassi cool and healthy. There are many springs and rivers in the area,to some of which probably it owes its name. Its economy is mainly based on trade. From the square of Karlovasi began the Samian Revolution on 8 May 1821.

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