Relax on the beach, go snorkeling or a boat tour of the pellucid waters, hike one of the two mountains, visit a waterfall, wander the town of Pythagorion or relax at a cafe in Vathy!
According to legend, the Greek Goddess Hera was born on Samos. On the Greek island of Samos, there are the ruins of a Heraion: A Heraion is a temple dedicated to the Greek goddess named Hera. Hera was the wife as well as the sister of Zeus. Their parents were Rhea and Kronos. She was said to be even more beautiful than the goddess of love, Aphrodite. She seemed to spend most of her time trying to prevent Zeus from having affairs with mortals and other maidens. She also liked to torture the children that he had from those affairs like Hercules. She was deeply into defending marriage and monogamy, even though she married a god who definitely could be called the Casanova of gods. Samos is where Hera and Zeus had a honeymoon for three hundred years. The Heraion, where Zeus and Hera may have had their honeymoon, is now in ruins and can be found seven kilometers southwest of the city called Pythagoreion.
A mere 1.6km off the coast of Turkey, the Greek island of Samos is known to be the birthplace of some very big names in Antiquity: the Greek God Hera, Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, the philosopher Epicurus, and the astronomer Aristarchus of Samos (the first known individual that suggested the Earth revolves around the sun).
It’s an island with truly breathtaking scenery – from towering mountains to dense woodland. Whatever your flavor, Samos has something for you – Relax on the beach, go snorkeling or a boat tour of the pellucid waters, hike one of the two mountains, visit a waterfall, wander the town of Pythagorion or relax at a cafe in Vathy. The choice is yours!
Kokkari is a small village on the island of Samos away from busy crowds and popular hotels. During earlier hours of the day, Kokkari is quiet enough to walk through empty streets with minimal other people around.
Drakei village is located on the northwest of the island surrounded by rocky slopes and lush vegetation. The village hosts stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the views gets even better when the sun is setting.
One of the most beautiful villages on Samos, Pythagorion gets popular in summer as a lovely tourist resort destination. It is built around the port and distinguishes for its traditional architecture and beautiful waterfront.
Tsamadou is located at the foot of the picturesque hills in the northern part of the island near the village of Kokkari. It’s a bay that stretches almost two kilometers with sparkling blue waters. This gorgeous beach is reached by a steep walking path that leads to the beach, with pine and olive trees crowding along its side – Before going down, you can buy some drinks and snacks at the bar to take down with you. Otherwise, you can also order your drinks and they will deliver it with a small lift system that works like a mini cable car. Sun loungers here cost only 4€ per hour, compared to 30€ in Mykonos!
Stella is a must-visit while on the Greek island of Samos. It is a place for real, honest, fresh, and organic food. They do not have a menu because they cook different foods daily. Our absolute favorite dishes we’ve tried here are the slow-roasted goat, filled zucchini flowers, slow-cooked beef, Sepia in wine sauce, and the out-of-this-world lobster. All mopped up with their delicious homemade bread, Stella is a real winner!
If you fancy a break from basking in the Greek sunshine, just 3 kilometers from Karlovasi lie the Waterfalls of Potami. The walk through the woods is magical featuring old trees, the odd animal, rocks and ancient tree roots. When you get to the end of the path, you have to strip down to your swimwear and go into the water and wade through a waist-deep passage of water to get to the first waterfall. Two more await you to be discovered after the first!
Olives, honey, and figs can be found in abundance on Samos. The island’s only cheesemaking dairy produces armogalo, a white, mildly acidic, and spreadable cheese made from goat’s milk.
Check out the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani which is home to incredible views of Pythagorion and the Turkish coast. But the main attraction at Panagia Spiliani is a small cave church; where you will see the icon of the Virgin of the Caves. Legend says that the icon was once stolen and broke into five pieces when it fell into the sea. After some time, the five pieces were carried by sea and returned to Samos, where locals restored them and returned them to the monastery.
Samos is synonymous with a sweet Muscat wine made from grapes grown on high mountain terraces. Wine has been produced in Samos since ancient times. In fact, back then, Samos was particularly rich because of its wine production. Today, the island is still covered with vineyards and you can taste the local wines at the Wine Museum of Samos (as well as at the local tavernas of course!)
Would you like to find out more about this destination or speak with one of our Epicureans about the best options in Greece? Reach out to one of our experts who can tailor an unforgettable experience that will be the envy of your friends.