The Island of Samos
Samos sits at the southern end of the Aegean ocean to the east of the Greek mainland and, at its
shortest distance, just 2kms from Turkey. It is a long mountainous island rich in scenic beauty and history. Its dramatic coastline is attractively dented by long sand beaches, small shingle coves, picturesque hamlets and fishing harbours and, inland, its mountainous ridges are surrounded by gentle rolling hills where you can find sweet smelling natural springs, lush green forests and acres of vineyards essential for the continuing production of the award winning sweet Samian wine.
Images of Samos
Samos in more detail
Samos’ history dates back at least as far as 3000 BC but its more significant past began in the 6th
century BC when it became the centre of the Ionian Civilisation and some spectacular sights were born including a 7km marble paved road lined with 2,000 statues and the Ireon temple (sanctuary of
Hera), magnificent enough to rival the Parthenon. Today some of this vast history can be discovered
in the archaeological remains of Ireon) and the tunnel of Eupalinion, a 1 km long aqueduct built in
the 6th century, and considered today a masterpiece of ancient engineering.
Although there is a lot to see on the island itself Samos’ closeness to Turkey gives the opportunity to
‘day trip’ there and visit Ephesus, one of the grandest and best preserved ruins of the ancient world, as well as do a little shopping! Day trips are also offered to the picturesque island of Patmos, famous for its beautiful Monastery that dominates this scenic island, and for the cave of the Apocalypse where St. John the apostle is reputed to have written the Book of Revelations.
We have chosen carefully our range of accommodation on Samos searching out picturesque locations that offer the timeless simplicity of a past Greece. We settled on the wonderfully picturesque Platanaki, the tranquil fishing villages of Posidonio, Ormos and Agios Konstandinos, the little more lively harbour resort of Pythagoria, specifically for those who want to have the convenience of everything on their doorstep, and the sophisticated island capital of Samos Town for those who want to have a base from which to discover both the island and its neighbouringattractions.
