North Aegean · The birthplace of myth and science
Samos
Samos, a stone's throw from the Turkish coast, was the birthplace of Hera in myth and of Pythagoras, Epicurus and Aristarchus in fact. We design private Samos itineraries that combine its mountains, waterfalls and beaches with its famous sweet Muscat wine.
Relax on the beach, snorkel the pellucid waters or tour them by boat, hike one of the island’s two mountains, visit a waterfall, wander Pythagorion or linger at a cafe in Vathy. Samos gives you the full menu of Greek island pleasures.
The birthplace of myth and science
According to legend, the goddess Hera was born on Samos, and the island holds the ruins of her great temple, the Heraion, about seven kilometres southwest of Pythagorion. Hera was both wife and sister of Zeus, said to be even more beautiful than Aphrodite herself, and Samos, the story goes, is where she and Zeus honeymooned for three hundred years. The evocative ruins mark the spot where it all supposedly happened.
Explore Samos
A mere 1.6 kilometres off the coast of Turkey at its narrowest strait, Samos was the birthplace of some very big names of antiquity: the philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, the astronomer Aristarchus, the first person known to propose that the Earth revolves around the sun, and the philosopher Epicurus, a thinker particularly close to our hearts here at Epicure Greece. It is an island of truly breathtaking scenery, from towering mountains to dense woodland, and whatever your flavour, Samos has something for you.
Kokkari
A small village on the north coast, away from the busy crowds and the big hotels. In the earlier hours of the day it is quiet enough to walk empty streets with hardly another soul around, before the waterfront tavernas come to life.
Aegean views from Drakei
The village of Drakei sits in the island’s northwest, surrounded by rocky slopes and lush vegetation. It offers stunning views over the Aegean, and they only get better as the sun goes down.
Pythagorion
One of the most beautiful villages on Samos, built around its ancient harbour and named for the island’s most famous son. It stands out for traditional architecture and a lovely waterfront, and becomes a graceful resort town in summer.
Pairing Samos
Samos closes the North Aegean arc that begins with Lesvos and Chios, and its ferry links open the way south toward Patmos and the Dodecanese.
Known first-hand
Our best picks on Samos
- Best Beach Tsamadou Beach
A bay of sparkling blue water stretching almost two kilometres near Kokkari, reached by a steep path crowded with pines and olive trees. Order from below and your drinks arrive via a small lift that works like a miniature cable car. Only on Samos.
- Best Dining Stella
Real, honest, fresh, organic food with no menu, because the kitchen cooks something different every day. Our favourites so far: slow-roasted goat, stuffed zucchini flowers, cuttlefish in wine sauce and out-of-this-world lobster, mopped up with homemade bread.
- Best Hidden Spot Waterfalls of Potami
Three kilometres from Karlovasi, a magical woodland walk past old trees and ancient roots ends with a wade through a waist-deep channel to the first waterfall. Two more wait to be discovered beyond it.
- Best Local Specialty Olives, honey and figs
Found in abundance across the island, alongside armogalo, a white, mildly acidic, spreadable goat's milk cheese from the island's only dairy.
- Best Sight Monastery of Panagia Spiliani
Above Pythagorion, with incredible views to the Turkish coast and a small cave church holding the icon of the Virgin of the Caves, which legend says was stolen, broken into five pieces at sea, and carried back to Samos by the waves.
- Best Wine Samos Muscat
The island's celebrated sweet wine, grown on high mountain terraces since ancient times, when it made Samos particularly rich. Taste it at the Wine Museum of Samos, and of course at the tavernas.
Samos has an international airport (SMI) with seasonal European flights, plus ferry links to Piraeus, the eastern Aegean islands and the Turkish coast.
Design
Design your experience
Tell us the occasion, the season and who is coming. One of our Epicureans will come back with a first sketch of Samos, and will tell you if another island suits your dates better.