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. It is the home of Hera and the land that hosted Herodotus and Aesop.
Your Samos travel guide
An important center of trade in the Aegean and a major naval force in antiquity, Samos came into contact with important Mediterranean cultures.
The island saw times of indescribable splendor, evident until now. Even today, its proximity to the coast of Asia Minor makes the island a “bridge” between two cultures.
Samos is a place of lush vegetation, ideal for hiking and cycling. Walk along Kerkis Mountain, from Votsalakia in Marathocampos, to its peak, Vigla Mountain. While hiking, you will come across with over 1,400 species of rare plants, many of which are endemic to the island, as well as dozens of species of birds of prey. Explore your Samos travel guide and discover the highlights, secrets and tips of the beautiful island.
Access
Samos is connected by boat to the port of Piraeus, Rafina, Alexandroupolis, Ikaria and Kavala. It’s also connected by air with Athens and Thessaloniki.
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The mythical birthplace of Hera, Samos is home to the largest temple in Greece (according to Herodotus) at the seaside settlement of Heraion, dedicated exclusively to the goddess of marriage and women. Of its 155 gigantic columns, only one is still standing.
Built on the ruins of the ancient city of Samos, Pythagoreion is home to what many call the eighth wonder of antiquity. In 550 BC, the architect Efpalinos undertook the task of constructing a 1,036m tunnel, at the order of tyrant Polycrates, to connect the two sides of the mountain and supply water to the ancient capital of Samos. This innovative aqueduct had to be invisible to enemies, so as not to be destroyed in case of attack to the island. Efpalinos was such a great engineer that, through mathematical calculations alone, he began digging this two-way tunnel on both sides of the mountain simultaneously. A decade later, the two crews met in the middle of the mountain with no deuboeation whatsoever! In fact, to give the slave workers an incentive, Efpalinos made a promise, which he kept: upon completion of the work, he set the slaves free. This is indeed the work of a true engineering genius.
Both Pythagoreion and Heraion were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1992.
Samos is famous for the homonymous wine. Samos Muscat holds a special place in the French wine market, one of the most demanding in the world, and has won numerous international accolades, with its rich, fruity aroma. The best opportunity to taste all varieties of Samos Muscat is the wine festival organized during the first ten days of August at Vathy, where you only buy one glass and refill it as many times as you like – or can handle. Honey, ouzo, dairy products, olive oil, olives and oranges are also some the exceptional local products this island has to offer.
The island’s sea is crystal clear and quite invigorating! The trees stretch all the way to the beaches, making the water acquiring an emerald color. With big or smaller pebbles, sandy or rocky, organized or not, all Samos’ beaches attract even the most demanding visitors and all have something distinctive to show. Do not miss Kokkari, Pythagoreio, Marathokampos, Potami and Kampos Marathokampou!
Authentic creative cuisine in the heart of the town of Rhodes. Tamam is voted as best restaurant on the island by tripadvisor’s members.
1 Leontos str., Rhodes
T: +30 2241 073522
