Samos is totally stunning - like every
Greek island rolled into one. Pine forests, fresh water springs, mountain villages with plane trees shading ancient squares, acres of olive trees, deep gorges, rushing streams, immaculate vineyards, classical ruins, crumbling cliff top monasteries, exquisite bays, rocky coves and long sandy beaches - it’s all here. From one end of the island to the other,
Samos has some of the most breathtaking scenery in
Greece. Add to this, friendly courteous people, excellent food and some of the best wines in
Greece and you are not far short of Paradise.
Samos lies in the eastern Aegean, just off the coast of Turkey (2 km away at the nearest point), the southernmost green island. The island is large, over fifty kilometres long, and has two large towns,
Samos, the capital, otherwise known as Vathi, in the north east; and Karlovassi in the North West. There are two other ports, bustling Pythagorion, which is now the backdrop for smart yachts and gin palaces; and Ormos - a much quieter fishing village on the south coast.
All along the coastline, there are small villages and hamlets and some lovely beaches.
Samos is an island of contrasts. As well as the differing scenery, there are also different kinds of tourism here, around the corner or in the next bay you will always find the real
Greece with a small family run taverna or two, a beach without facilities and plenty of space for the few people there. Go inland and visit some of the lovely mountain villages and you could have stepped into a different age. There are many fantastic trails and tracks in the interior, linking one village with another. These take you through some of the loveliest, most unspoilt countryside with literally thousands of wild flowers in the early months and a huge range of birds and wildlife. You can visit the beautiful Potami river gorge with its waterfalls, drive to the valley of the nightingales, or explore the classical ruins of the temple of Hera. Go to Turkey for the day and visit the wonderful ruins of Ephesus. Alternatively, take a hydrofoil to the small
Greek islands of
Patmos,
Lipsi,
Ikaria or Fourni.
The list goes on - you cannot miss the amazing tunnel built by Efpalinus, in 550BC, an ancient aqueduct, over a kilometre long, constructed under a mountain. There is a fascinating archaeological museum and also a palaeontology museum. Best of all just potter and explore.
