About Samos
Separated from the Turkish mainland (visible form many parts of the island) by the narrow Strait of Mycale, Samos enjoys an ideal location in the Aegean on the route between Athens and Izmir, and is often used as a stopping off point for travelers between the two countries. It is also one of the greenest islands in the area and boasts a huge number of idyllic little beaches found all along the coast.
Samos is rightfully thought of as a an ancient centre for scholarship and learning, as it was the home of philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras (the caves where he lived and taught can be visited on Mt. Kerkis), and it is also fabled to be the birthplace of the goddess Hera, and the remains of an ancient temple built in her honor can still be found near the city of Pythagoreio. Other main urban areas include Vathy (Samos Town) and Kokkari, both on the north coast, where much of the island's best dining and nightlife can be found lining the harbour areas of each city. Traditional dishes are complemented with local vintages and an unmistakable Greek hospitality.
Activities
Tunnel of Eupalinos
Perhaps the greatest testament to the scientific genius of Samos' golden-age citizens, the 1,034-metre-long Tunnel of Eupalinos was an aqueduct and service tunnel built beginning in 524 BC. This incredible feat of ancient engineering claimed the lives of many workers, but brought vital drinking water to the inhabitants of Pythagoreio, then a metropolis of 80,000.
The Heraion
Though today only some ruins remain, this temple dedicated to the goddess Hera (and built in the 6th century BC on the site where according to she was born) was once four times the size of the Parthenon in Athens. The road leading to the site from Pythagoreio was once lined with impressive statues that led the way to the temple.
Verghina Beach Bar and Restaurant
Just north of Vathy, perfectly situates on an idyllic beach, lies Verghina, a bar and restaurant where you can easily spend a whole day alternating back and forth between the waves, the sand, the sunbeds and the bar.
Tips
Good to know
Public Transport
The cities of Samos themselves are easy to explore by foot. Transportation between the main urban areas (Vathy, Pythagoreion, Kokkari, Karlovasi, etc.) is best done by bus, as the island boasts a good and effective bus network. Most destinations can be reached very inexpensively within about an hour.
Ferries are also available to several hard-to-reach beaches, as well as to other Aegean islands and to Kusadasi, in Turkey.
Electricity
Voltage: 230 V
Frequency: 50 Hz
Power sockets: type F
Connexions de la ville
