Discover Samos, The Greek Island Close to Turkey

Samos is a Greek island closer to Turkey (70km from Izmir) than to the mainland of Greece. 476m² of land that is rather mountainous and very green, Samos is full of local treasures between its history, its great men and local productions.

"According to mythology, the island was, in ancient times, inhabited by ferocious animals. Dionysus, the god of wine, arrived on the island in pursuit of the Amazonians. He then asked for the help of the Samiotes for revenge and killed them all. To thank the inhabitants, he taught them viticulture, gave them the gift of the vine that produces the wine of Samos and taught them how to prepare it. It is also said that the goddess Hera was born on the banks of the river Imbrasos, which flows in the south of the island, and that it was there that she united with the king of the gods, Zeus, becoming the protector of the island. "

>>> Rent an exceptional villa in Samos

The island is particularly famous for its productions of red pottery (since ancient times), jewels and bronze craftsmanship, its famous Malvasia wine, the best Greek Ouro, its tobacco, its roses, its olive oil and its fruits. What better place to have some drinks, feast and get a feel for Greece on this island.

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The island is also the homeland of famous Greek philosophers and mathematicians including Pythagoras and Aristarchus, Epicurus, Herodotus and Aesop. The ancient Samaines were also famous for dominating the Aegean during the 6th century BC, when the boats of Samos were the most superior and the tunnel of Eupalinos was built, which was a technological marvel of its time and was built to bring water from the north of the island to the more barren south by joining both sides of the mountain.

In Greek mythology, Samos is known as the birthplace of Hera, the queen the goddess of women, marriage and childbirth. She was also the wife of Zeus, who is the king of Mount Olympus and all mythological Greek gods, making Hera the queen of the gods. The ancient Samians paid tribute to her by building the temple Heraion, or temple of Hera, which according to Herodotus, was once the largest temple of Greece, and is now one of Greece's UNESCO world heritage sites.

For boat enthusiasts, shipyards provide Greece with a traditional fishing boat (Kaikia or Trehantiri).

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Samos is hilly in its centre and dotted with rivers, waterfalls and forests. The most beautiful region is certainly the Valley of Nightingales (a real paradise for nature lovers). And if you have the urge to experience nature in its heart, take a dip in the Karlovassi waterfalls, a splendid view to the West of the island.

The villages in the mountains are charming and welcoming. They will be very interesting stages during your hikes or visits to the island. The "Island of Happiness" is easily accessible but it will be easier to go back and forth with the rental of a car or a scooter and especially to face the centre more uneven which offers a discovery of the more intimate island.

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There are plenty of things to do in Samos. Vathy is a beautiful city that offers a splendid view of the bay, its narrow streets and its historical heritage make it unique. An important step during your discovery of the island. After your visit, take a break on the terrace of one of its several restaurants or cafes and try delicious Greek food. Pythagorion, on the south coast of the island, will delight you between historical monuments and archaeology. Ireon is an authentic fishing village. Pyrgos and Marathokampos are worth seeing. Karlovassi is a charming little town by the sea, with a measured tourist dimension that enhances the offer of activities without undergoing an influx too intense.

Not far from the city, there are waterfalls where you can swim and a Byzantine fortress will be a highlight of your stay. For hiking enthusiasts, make sure to visit the protected area of Megalo Seitani, where you will be awarded with stunning landscapes and a refreshing swim at the beach at the end of your hike.

There are also numerous festivals that occur in Samos, most of which are music or theatrical festivals. For example, the Iraion Music Festival in August that takes place at the Iraions archaeological site, the annual Wine Festival in Vathy, which combines music and theatrical acts, as well as the Manolis Kalomoiris Festival where musical and theatrical events are staged throughout the summer in memory of the Samian Greek composer. 

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There are numerous beaches, unspoilt and beautifully maintained. They are more often pebbles than sand, however you can still find beaches of fine sand, and the choice is vast. To mention a few of our favourites: Kokkari beach, which is the best destination for surfers, with very strong wind and perfect conditions. If you want a family beach, don't choose Kokkari: instead choose Posidonia, Tsamadou, Papa Beach (near the Ireon) or Psili Amos (to the north). The port and the beach of Agios Konstantinos are also worth a visit. Here is absolute peace and quiet! The port is splendid, a feeling of being the masters of the place emerges.

 

Several sports can be practiced on the island: snorkeling, boat to visit the Turkish coast, surfing, fishing...

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The island of Samos is a unique, authentic and increasingly popular destination in Greece, both for locals and foreign tourists. Close to the Turkish coast, you can combine the two destinations in one trip, starting a visit to the Dardanelles or Izmir at a moment's notice with daily boat departures.

 

Villanovo offers waterfront villas near Karlovassi, combining tranquillity and accessibility to the island's many activities. If you are interested in this destination, please do not hesitate to contact our specialist advisers on our website.