Chios, where the famous mastiha is produced, is an ideal destination for relaxing holidays with the family.
Samos
Samos is an island governed by legend and beauty. It is the island of the father of mathematics, Pythagoras, the astronomer Aristarchus and the philosopher Epicurus. It is the home of Hera and the land that hosted Herodotus and Aesop. An important trade center in the Aegean and an important naval force in antiquity, it came into contact with important Mediterranean cultures.
It is no accident that the great historian Herodotus considered Samos the first of all Greek and barbarian cities. Center of the Ionian civilization, the island saw times of indescribable splendor, which still remains. Even today, its proximity to the coast of Asia Minor makes the island a «bridge» between the two cultures, a difference that did not prevent the coexistence, cooperation and friendship of the two peoples who live on the other side of the water.
The mythical place of birth of Hera, Samos is the home of the largest temple in Greece (according to Herodotus) in the coastal settlement of Heraion, dedicated exclusively to the goddess of marriage and woman. Of its 155 gigantic columns, only one remains and is indicative of the scale of this place of religious worship that includes ruins of at least three previous temples.
Tasting the Samos Muscat
Samos wine has a unique history. The Vatican originally had its own winery on the island, and the Catholic Church has granted the island the right to produce church wine for Holy Communion. Samos Muscat has received several international awards and its rich, fruity aroma continues to win new fans. Muscat can only be fooled with local ouzo or souma, both of which are made from the same grape variety as the famous wine. No one should leave Samos without bringing a bottle of virgin olive oil and a bowl of thyme honey.
The wine festival organized during the first ten days of August in Vathy is the ideal opportunity to experience all kinds of Samos Muscat, where you simply buy a glass and fill it as many times as you want or can.
Observing nature
The landscape of Samos presents a challenge for those who prefer to go mountain biking. Every summer, a growing number of cyclists ride the island's paths, well equipped for their excursions. Local cyclists congregate at the uniquely architectural Church of Agios Ioannis in Potami on the pebble beach of Potamos, and travel to Karlovassi, Konstantinos and Kokkari.
Bird watchers congregated around Alyki's habitat on Glyfada Lake to shoot herons, Dalmatian pelicans and pink flamingos as they rested before continuing their trek. When the flamingos soar into the sky at sunset, their color blends with the crimson of the sunset, producing a beautiful spectacle that tourists will never forget!
A trip to history
Don't leave Samos without seeing Pythagoreion, built on the ruins of the old city of Samos and home to what many consider to be the eighth wonder of antiquity, and engineers agree. By mandate of the tyrant Polícrates in 550 a. C., the architect Eupalinos was commissioned to dig a 1,036 m tunnel to connect the two sides of the mountain and bring water to the ancient city of Samos. This ingenious aqueduct had to be undetectable to adversaries and undamaged in the event of an invasion of the island. In reality, Eupalinos made a promise to the slave workers that he kept: once the work was completed, he would free the slaves.
According to tradition, the goddess Hera was born and raised here. As a result, the temple of her at Heraion is the largest in antiquity. The island's most notable archaeological site contains the enormous Temple of Hera (generally known as Kolona = "column", because the only surviving column still stands), the Great Altar, and the Sacred Way (the route from Pythagoras to to the temple) . UNESCO listed Pythagoreion and Heraion as World Heritage Sites in 1992. Among the antiquities in the Archaeological Museum are artifacts from Heraion and the enormous Kouros of Lefkias (5 m high).
Mytilinioi, 14 kilometers southwest of the city, is one of the largest and busiest cities on Samos. It used to have several major tobacco plantations, but Mytilinioi is best known for its important paleontological discoveries.
Samos is known for its historical monuments and legends, as well as its mountains and hiking trails. Above all, Samos is a modern island with excellently managed beaches such as Tsamados and Lemonakia, Votsalakia near Marathocampos, Chryssi Ammos (= “golden sand”), which lives up to its name, and Psili Ammos (= “fine sand”).
You can enjoy the cosmopolitan side of Samos in Vathy, Kokkari or Pythagoreion. For more remote locations, you can choose Marathocampos, Kerveli or Mykali.
Samos has a heavily forested landscape. Color and light permeate the surrounding virgin terrain. Every step you take reveals something new. The environment of Samos is reminiscent of inland Greece in microcosm, whether in the majestic mountains, such as Mount Kerkis and Mount Ambelos, with alpine winter temperatures and endless rain, or in caves and canyons.
Take a walk up the mountain. Kerkis, from Votsalakia in Marathocampos to its 1,400 meter high peak, Mount Vigla. During his journey, he will witness more than 1,400 unique plant species, many of which are native to the island, as well as dozens of raptor species. Also, you can visit the Sarakini Tower, a beautiful 16th century building that was a true fort of its time, walking through the alleys of the town. Visit the convents of Zoodochos Pigi Aliotissa, Agia Zoni, which has a magnificent library, and Timios Stavros, where the throne stands out.
Climb the steps of the Panagia Sarandaskaliotissa Church, which was erected at the entrance to the Pythagoras cave, where the ancient Greek mathematician sought refuge while being persecuted by the tyrant Polycrates.
Our Trips
to Samos
No posts found!
Destinations
in the North Aegean islands
Ikaria
The island synonymous with tranquility and relaxed living, Ikaria, is a perfect destination for alternative holidays in its traditional festivals.
Lesvos
The third largest island in Greece, Lesvos, is famous for two products, ouzo and olive oil and, of course, for its charm and its mild climate.
Limnos
Limnos (also Lemnos) is a destination for a quiet holiday in direct contact with nature.
Samos
Samos is an island ruled by legend and beauty. It is the island of the father of mathematics, Pythagoras, the astronomer Aristarchus and the philosopher Epicurus.