Samos
Samos (Sisam), situated opposite Kuşadası at the point where the strait between them narrows to just 1.9 kilometres, is an island that blends nature with history through its pine forests, vineyards and ancient heritage. Home to Pythagoras and Epicurus, Samos is also known for its tranquil coves and its famous Muscat wine.
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Beaches
The northern coast of Samos is home to some of the island’s most popular beaches. Tsamadou, near the fishing village of Kokkari, is one of the island’s most sought-after beaches, with its crystal-clear waters and the green hills behind it; Lemonakia, just to the west, offers a similar pebbly cove atmosphere.
Psili Ammos, in the south, is notable for its fine sand. Most of the beaches are easily accessible by car; as the island is mountainous, the coastal roads offer scenic views.
History and Culture
Samos was one of the most powerful city-states of antiquity and is the island where two great thinkers — the mathematician Pythagoras and the philosopher Epicurus — were born. The town of Pythagoreio on the southern coast takes its name from Pythagoras and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the ancient harbour breakwater, dating from the 6th century BC, is still in use today.
The nearby Temple of Hera (Heraion) was one of the largest sacred sites in the ancient Greek world; of the once-mighty temple with its 155 columns, only a single column remains standing today. Together with Pythagoreio, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Eupalinos Tunnel, which forms part of the same UNESCO site, is an ancient aqueduct built in the 6th century BC by tunnelling through Mount Kastro for over a kilometre, and is regarded as one of the most impressive engineering feats of its time.
What to Do
Samos’s mountain villages are well worth exploring: villages such as Vourliotes and Ampelos are known for their views overlooking the Turkish coast and their centuries-old wine cellars. You can sample the island’s famous Muscat wine right there.
Kokkari, the neoclassical capital Vathi and the green forest roads in the interior offer pleasant routes for exploring by car. For those who enjoy nature walks, the island has plenty of footpaths.
Lovers of ancient heritage can visit the Pythagoreio, the Heraion and the Eupalinos Tunnel in a single day — all are on the southern coast and close to one another.
Best Time to Visit & Getting There
The ferry service to Samos and the tourist season generally reach their peak between June and September. Although it can be hot in summer, the island’s greenery and wooded areas provide a welcome coolness. The crossing from Kuşadası takes approximately 30–90 minutes, depending on the type of ferry and the port of arrival.
The island is mountainous and has scattered settlements; hiring a car is the most practical way to get around given the distances between beaches, villages and ancient sites. You can book both the ferry and the car together via TravelBeez.
