SAMOS

General Information

The island of Samos, the homeland of Pythagoras and Aristarchos and the favored land of the godess Hera, covers an extent of 476 sq.km and is almost adjacent to the coastline of Asia Minor. It seems that the wife of almighty Zeus looked after her devoted worshippers, as the island is endowed with a landscape rich in natural beauty and resources, as if blessed by divine intervention. A setting composed of extensive sandy beaches, crystal blue waters, imposing mountain peaks, traditional hamlets, historical monuments, and numerous delicacies and specialties promise the warmest of memories.

History - Culture

Civilization on the island is first noted in the 4th millennia BC, with advanced settlements established in the locations known in later ages as Hereon and Pythagoreon. The systematic worship of the goddess Hera must have began sometime in the 2nd millennia BC. Samos prospered immensely in the 7th century BC, an era when it was founding colonies one after the other, especially on the nearby coasts of Asia Minor, in Sicily, and Egypt. The following century was the age of the arts for Samos, as during the 6th century BC many artistic works and monuments were erected and the island became a significant center of artistic and building activity, simultaneously reaching the peak of its prosperity. During this period of time the temple of Hera was built, as were many other significant projects. The leading political figure of this period was the great tyrant ?at this time, this word still simply meant ruler, and had not yet taken the negative aspect by which it is used today- Polykrates, while two great scientific minds emerged: Pythagoras, the renowned mathematician of antiquity, and Aristarchos, the pioneer of astrophysics.  Prosperity in Samos continued during the Hellenistic years undimmed, and it was used as a naval base by the Ptolemeans. Roman conquest sent the island into decline, a state that sadly endured through the years of Byzantine and Frankish rule. In fact, during the oppressive Frankish domination, many inhabitants relocated to the island of Chios. Led by the local hero Lykourgos Logothetis, the people of Samos played a leading part in the Greek War of Independence, which began in 1821. Though this struggle managed to wrest a status of autonomy in 1832, the islanders were determined end their slavery. A period of constant rebellion followed, which lasted until the beginning of the 20th century, when the island finally regained its freedom.  

Sights

There are many sights all across the island. There are Byzantine churches, monasteries, and castles, breathtaking caves adorned with beauteous stalactites and stalagmites, and archaeological sights of major significance. Tourists are advised to visit the Art Gallery, the small Byzantine church of Aghios Ioannis, and the monastery of the Aghia Zoni. Impressive monuments can be seen in Vourliotes, such as the impressive Lazarus castle, the remains of the Loulouda castle, and the Vrondiani Panagia monastery. The beautiful area of Karlovassi hosts the Profitis Elias monastery, the royal mansion, the Karnagios of the port, the old tanneries, and the picturesque waterfalls. The Pythagorean cave, the Kakoperatos cave, the monasteries of Evangelistria and Aghios Ioannis, and the village of Kallithea with its many churches and towers are also among the most important sights of the island. In the site of the ancient city of Pythagoreon, visitors will be impressed by the remains of the walls, the water tower, the Theatre, the baths, and the Heraion, the most important sanctuary of Samos and the centre of Ionian worship of the godess Hera. Recently, a Mycenean tomb was brought to light near Heraion, revealing that the site had been a well-developed Mycenaean center. Needless to say, Samos is an ideal place for those who wish to discover exciting places during their holidays, combining astounding natural beauty and impressive monuments of past ages of man.

Entertainment-Sport-Shopping

Being a popular destination for decades, Samos has developed an excellent tourist infrastructure, without damaging its natural environment. There are extensive entertainment and sporting facilities, as well as fully developed markets and shopping centers in the capital of Samos as well as in peripheral tows such as Karlovassi, Kokari, Marathokambos, and Pythagoreon. Facilities include hotels, rooms for rent, taverns, restaurants, coffee-shops, bars, clubs and shopping places, all suited to effortlessly accommodate the needs of the most demanding visitors. Facilities of a somewhat limited range can also be found in some of the villages, while the good condition of the road network allows comfortable tours around the island. Sporting facilities in the capital town include volleyball and basketball courts, while water sports equipment is available on most organized beaches such as in Pythagoreon, Votsalakia, Karlovassi, Potokaki, Kokari, Lemonakia, and Tsamadou. These beaches are also suitable for sailing and surfing. Some of the upper class hotels also have tennis courts and golf fields. As far as the local products are concerned, wine, ceramics and honey should attract the find their place in the luggage of the knowledgeable traveller. Traditional local feasts and festivals offer a splendid opportunity for visitors to mingle with the locals, joining them in fun and joy, and allowing them a deeper view into a culture that carries long centuries on its back.   

Access

All year round flights are carried out from Athens and Thessaloniki to Samos, while there is a ferry boat service from the ports of Piraeus and Rafina to Samos.

Connections

There is flight connection with Athens and Thessaloniki throughout the year. Ferry boats and fast ferries link Samos and many parts of Greece such as the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, Crete, Thrace, the Sporades, the rest of the Eastern Aegean Sea islands, and Thessaloniki.

Museums

The town of Vathy hosts an Ecclesiastical Museum, a Byzantine Museum, and an Archaeological Museum with significant findings. A Paleontological Museum, an Archaeological Museum with exhibits dating back to the Archaic and the Roman period in the ancient city of Pythagoreon, and a Mineral collection can be seen in the village of Mytileneous.

Alternative Tourism

Spiritual, ecclesiastical, cultural (arts festivals), archaeology, ecotourism, sporting (water sports, trekking, mountain climbing, sailing, windsurfing).

Useful Telephone Numbers:

SAMOS AREA CODE:  22730-

POLICE STATION  : 22730-87315

NATIONAL TOURISM ORG.: 22730-28582

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG.: 22730-28599

PORT POLICE: 22730-27318

MUNICIPALITY: 22730-50100

POST OFFICE: 22730-27304

TAXI STATION: 22730-28404, 30777

HOSPITAL: 22730-83100

BUS STATION: 22730-27262

AIRPORT: 22730-61219