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Live your myth in Greece on the Greek island of Samos. Hotels, rooms to rent, pension and hotel. Airlines and airport.This large, Aegean island is a gorgeous, verdant place, which at one point is no more than 2 km. far from the coast of Asia Minor.  It is covered with pure white sand beaches, picturesque villages, fishing harbours and it is famous for the production and the quality of its wine.The essential beauty of the nature, the historical sites that are spread all over the island and the charming mountainous landscape of Samos create a unique atmosphere which enchants the visitors and carry them in another era. In an era of myths, heroes and philosophers. Samos, Imrrassos, Chesios and Astypalaia show a connection with Asia Minor and the languages of the Leleges and Carias.Samos which constituted the bridge between Greece and East, managed  for many years, because of its power, to remain independent, while at the same time flourishing, despite the battles that were waged to conquer it.  That was perhaps one of the reasons that caused Samos to produce so many men of genius as well as great artists such as the astronomer and mathematician. Samos is regarded as one of the most beautiful Hellenic islands.  An island which live its traditions, and this can be felt in every step one takes there and in every meeting with the courteous and hard - working people of the island who they still follow the steps of their great ancestors.
One of the most powerful ancient Greek goddesses, Hera, was born, raised and worshiped here. Great philosophers were also born on the island: Aristarchus was the first to postulate that the Earth moves, Pythagoras-try to think of a problem in Geometry or Trigonometry that doesn’t involve his famous theorem, Epicuros set a school of philosophy, bearing his name, which more or less stipulates that man is meant to have a good time.The tradition and folklore through the revival of the various traditions and customs gushes out at every traditional village of the island. It is not accidental that the admiration of the visitors is plentiful when coming across the art of woodcarving that emerge from within the exquisite iconostasis present at the churches, the impressive workmanship of the icon paintings and the ecclesiastical architecture. The architecture and the immeasurable good-natured hospitality of the inhabitants convert the island in a summer refuge of pleasure and leisure.
With an area of 476 sq. klms, a coastline of 159 klms, and a population of approx 42.000 inhabitants this island is situated very near the coastline of Asia Minor, from which it is separated by multileveled strait of approx.1300 meters in width. The highest mountains of the Aegean are found in Samos, some of which are, the mountain range of Kerkis, with an altitude of 1434 meters, which due to the many ravines and concealed slopes is inaccessible. Mount Karbounis at the center of the island, with an altitude of 1160 meters and followed by the offshoots of Chondros, Kaprovouni, Bournias and Thio. The mainland plains are consisted of many significant plains, Mesokambos, the plain of Blamaris near to Bathi and the plain of Karlovasio at the Northeastern side of the island. The most important capes are the ones of Praso, Kotsikas, Schinos, Gourlotes, Pefkos, Arapis, Asprokambos and Fonias. Surrounding the island you can find the small islands of Daskalio, Prasonisi, Diapori, Makronisi, Strogilo, and Petrokaravo.
The capital of the island is situated at the harbor and stretches out to a picturesque cove and an ever green bay from which it got its name, due to the existence of an old village known as Vathi. The city is amphitheatrically built with neoclassic buildings, old mansions, graphic back streets and traditional houses that state the wealth, nobility and superiority of the island. In the city, the square of Pythagoras, stands out with its marble lion. Also you can see the old mansion of the parliament, which up to this day houses the town hall with the municipal art gallery. Leaving the city behind we would recommend that you take a glimpse the regiment of the sculptor Genelo, copy of which exists in its original position at Iraio, the wooden sculptures in the archaic temple of the Goddess Ira, the cooper sculpture of the head of a bull from the 7th century , the clay figures from Cyprus and the heads of the vultures, are unique samples of Samos copper art.
Samos. An island with unique natural beauties. It is situated in East Aegean Sea, right across the shores of Minor Asia. An channel of 1200m (7 stadia in the ancient Greek measure of length) separates the two of them. North of Samos is the peninsula of Erythrea, northwest of it "myrovolos" Chios, while west and southwest of the island we meet Ikaria and the island complex of Fourni. South of Samos are located Dodecanese islands, Agathonisi, Arki and Patmos are the closest to it.
During ancient times, Samos was an important cultural center. As it seems from the findings, in the island flourished an important civilization during the tyranny of Polykrates, around 550 BC. It was the time when Samos was the first naval Aegean force and the center of Ionic civilization. It was then that the famous temple of Hera and Efpalinio Orygma, the ancient aqueduct, were built.
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Built on the ruins of the ancient city of Samos during the time of Polycrates, it condenses more than twenty - six centuries of Greek history. It is the main tourist resort on the island. Many yachts and sailing boats moor here in the large, picturesque harbour. From here it is also possible to travel by boat to several Aegean islands. The town used to be known as Tigani, because of its shape, but later was named after the mathematician Pythagoras. The harbour, with its tavernas, coffee-shops, tourist shops and tables set out under the trees on one side, and its fishermen, caiques and yachts of all sizes on the other, could be described as the quintessential scene of a Greek island. Licourgo Castle is in the village and slightly further out, is the airport. There are several archeological sites worth visiting in the area.
The agricultural employment constitutes the sovereign employment of the island's residents. The wine is undeniably considered one of the basic productsof Samos. Due to its unique quality it represents Samos worldwide. Even countries with organized wine production like France and Germany supply wine from Samos.


INFORMATION

Samos forms part of the North-Eastern Aegean archipelago and is located in the southern part of the islands, off the Turkish coast from which it is separated by the 3km wide Mykale Strait .

Amongst tourists, it is the most visited island of the North-Eastern Aegean but has managed to retain both its unique beauty. The island is renowned for its lush green mountains. In spite of the forest fires of recent years, Samos has retained the beauty of its flora and fauna. This is complemented by the white sandy beaches and pure warm waters which lap the coast of this unique jewel of the Aegean .

A holiday in Samos caters for every taste: attractive beach resorts thrive alongside unspoiled villages and magnificent mountain vistas.

Aside from its wonderful landscapes and its traditional Greek character, Samos is also known for its fine wines which is extracted from the local Muscat grapes and is exported to both the rest of Greece and beyond.

Holidays in Samos are ideal for the wonderful nature, the impressive mountainous and verdant landscape and the plethora of interesting archaeological sites. All these form a particular atmosphere and charm visitors who have the opportunity to visit this enchanted isle.


Museums in Samos

The Archaeological Museum of Samos
The Archaeological Museum of Samos is one of the most interesting museums in Greece . It is to be found near the port of Vathy , close to the Town Hall and the central park. The museum consists of two buildings: the Old Museum , built in 1912, and the New Museum , constucted in 1987.

The Archaeological Collection of Pythagorio
This collection is on display in the town hall of the village of Pythagorio . It contains sculptures, inscriptions, statues and fragments of graves dating back to the Archaic and Roman period.

For the time being, the collection is not extensive as many of the items are kept in the storerooms. However it is slowly being enriched by the excavations that still take place in the region. Various items date back to the Hellenistic, the Prehistoric, the Geometric and the Archaic period. Archaic Sculptures, pottery, bronze, wooden items, clay figurines, ivory objects and small objects from Egypt and Persia are displayed in this fascinating museum.

The Fossil Museum of Samos  
This museum is located in the delightful village of Mytilini . It was founded by Ionannis Melentism, Professor of Paleontology at the University of Thessaloniki .

It is intended to be the only paleontological museum in Greece and displays fossils and the remains of prehistoric animals such as the 'Small Horse of Samos' which has three toes and is said to be 13 million years old.

Churches and Monasteries in Samos

The Monastery of Zoodohou Pigi

The Monastery of Zoodohou Pigi, 'The Source of Life' is on the forrested slopes of Mount Rampaidoni , east of the village of Vlamari . It was established during the 19th century. The main church is built in the shape of a crucifix and its interior is intricately decorated. Four ancient columns have been incorporated into the church, brought from an ancient site in Asia Minor . Its central aisle is dedicated to the Holy Cross, the north aisle to the Well of Life and the south aisle to Saint John the Baptist. In the church, visitors will have the chance to admire an outstanding iconostasis, a fine pulpit and a superb bishop's throne. The library of the monastery houses a fine collection of religious relics such as books, manuscripts and vessels. The feast of the monastery is marked on the 14th of September and is open to the public.

The Church of Agios Spyridon
Situated in the capital of Samos, Vathy, on the Square of Agios Spyridon , is a church of a historical importance. This is because it is the place where the decision to unite Samos with the rest of Greece was taken. On the 12th of December, the church celebrates the feast of Saint Spyridon.   

The Monastery Timiou Stavrou
Located in the east-central part of Samos , its name translates as 'Holy Cross' and is among the oldest monasteries of the island. It was first constructed in 1582 and took its present form in 1838. The main church is a large three-aisled basilica with a round dome. Its middle aisle is dedicated to the Holy Cross, the north aisle to the Well of Life and the south aisle to Saint John the Baptist. Within the church, visitors will have the opportunity to admire a great iconostasis, a fine pulpit and a magnificent bishop's throne. The library of the monastery houses a collection of religious relics which includes books, manuscripts, and vessels. The feast of the monastery is celebrated on the 14th of September, and is open to the public.

The Monastery of Panagia Vrontiani
Samos 's oldest monastery, it was founded in 1476 and has been renovated on numerous occasions, firstly in 1566, then in 1702 and latterly in 1960. It is located in the west of Samos, near the village of Vourliotes , and is surrounded by a dense forest. This monastery is famous for its magnificent icons and frescoes and for its incredible iconostasis.

The Monastery of Panagia Spilianis
This splendid monastery can be found in the village of Phythagorio , in the south of the island. Its name means the 'Monastery of the Virgin of the Grotto'. 

Samos Festivals

The local customs and traditions of Samos have been influenced by a variety of Greek areas because ofthe emigrants who settled on the island came from various parts of the country.

On the 15th of August the Feast of the Virgin Mary is celebrated in both towns and villages across the island.

The islanders dance to the sounds of traditional music and local food and wines are served. 

The Anniversary of the Battle of Mikali is celebrated in Pythagorio on the 6th of August. A religious ceremony is held. The local dish “giorti” is prepared and girls adorning traditional costume perform the local dance known as “Sirtos” in circles. 

The Feast of Panagia Spiliani takes place on the 21st of November in the church of Panagia Spiliani , near Pythagorio. 

The Feast of Panagia Vrondiani takes place in the village of Vourliotes , on the 7th and 8th of September .

The people gather in taverns and on the principal square of the village and eat the traditional dish “giorti” with local wine. 

The Anniversary of Samos's union with Greece is celebrated on the 11th of November in the island's capital, Vathy with great feasts and a magnificent parade.

The Feast of Agia Paraskevi, celebrated in Hora on the 26th and the 27th of July, is marked with dances, music, food and wine. 

The Feast of the Fishermen is held in June by the fishermen and the town of Pythagorio .

Complimentary wine and fresh local fish is served and people dance into the small hours.