Samos is the island that keeps surprising people. It is lush and mountainous where the Cyclades are bare and rocky. It produces wine of genuine quality in a country not always associated with serious viticulture. It was the birthplace of Pythagoras and Epicurus. It has a UNESCO World Heritage ancient harbour that is one of the great engineering achievements of the ancient world. And it has beaches — particularly on its south coast — that rival anything in the Aegean. Samos rewards those who look beyond the package holiday resorts of its north coast.

The Island

Samos sits in the eastern Aegean, just 1.5 kilometres from the Turkish coast at its closest point — close enough to see the mountains of Anatolia from the beach. It is large and varied, with a spine of mountains reaching over 1,400 metres, lush valleys, vineyards and a coastline of extraordinary variety. The island has three main towns: Vathy (the capital), Karlovasi (the second town, with a beautiful old quarter) and Pythagoreio (the ancient harbour town on the south coast).

Sights and Attractions

Pythagoreio is the island's great ancient site — a UNESCO World Heritage town built on the ruins of the ancient city of Samos, with a remarkable ancient harbour, city walls and the Eupalinos Tunnel: a 1,036-metre aqueduct tunnel built in the 6th century BC, one of the greatest engineering achievements of the ancient world and still largely intact. The Heraion — the sanctuary of the goddess Hera, 8 kilometres west of Pythagoreio — is one of the largest temples ever built in Greece.

The Archaeological Museum in Vathy has an outstanding collection, including the famous Kouros of Samos — a colossal 6th-century BC statue, one of the finest in Greece.

Wine

Samos produces some of the most distinctive wine in Greece. The island's Muscat of Samos — a sweet, amber dessert wine made from the Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains grape — has been produced here since antiquity and has a protected designation of origin. The Samos Wine Cooperative, founded in 1934, is one of the largest wine producers in Greece. Visiting the cooperative and tasting the wines is one of the pleasures of the island.

Beaches

Samos has beaches of exceptional quality, particularly on the south and west coasts. Psili Ammos in the south-east is one of the finest in the Aegean — a wide sandy bay with clear water. Votsalakia on the south coast is long and well-organised. Lemonakia and Tsamadou on the north coast are beautiful pebble coves backed by pine forest. Potami in the west has a river, a waterfall and a beach — an unusual combination.

Mountain Villages

The interior of Samos is one of its great rewards. The mountain villages — Manolates, Vourliotes, Marathokampos — are beautiful, cool and largely untouched by tourism. The walking trails through the forests and terraced hillsides are excellent.

Eating and Drinking

Samos has a strong food culture. Fresh fish in Pythagoreio and Karlovasi is excellent. Local specialities include revithokeftedes (chickpea fritters), loukoumades and the island's outstanding honey. The Muscat wine is essential.

Weather

Hot and dry in summer (July–August at 30–34°C), with the lush interior providing shade and cool. The sea is swimmable from May through October. Spring is exceptional — the island is intensely green and the wildflowers are extraordinary.

How to Get There

Samos has an international airport with direct flights from several UK airports in summer, and connections via Athens year-round. Ferries run from Piraeus (Athens) and there are connections to the surrounding North Aegean islands and to Turkey (Kuşadası).

Best For

Samos suits history lovers, wine enthusiasts, walkers who want lush mountain scenery, families who want excellent beaches and good facilities, and anyone who wants the Aegean beyond the Cyclades. It is one of the most complete and rewarding islands in Greece.

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Thinking about Samos? Talk to us — we can combine it with Ikaria, Fourni, Patmos or a day trip to Ephesus in Turkey for a perfect eastern Aegean itinerary.