Samos Island
Samos, one of the most beautiful Greek islands, is located in the eastern Aegean Sea, near to the border with Turkey. It perfectly combines tourism and natural beauty. With a surface area of 480 sq. km and a local population of approximately 40,000, Samos has developed into an increasingly popular destination, both nationally and internationally. It is endowed with green forests, pine clad mountains, freshwater streams and fertile valleys. Samos has daily sea and air links with Athens and there are daily direct charter flights from various European countries such as the UK, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland and all Scandinavian countries.
Samos is the homeland of the great ancient mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras and the astronomer Aristarchus, and their doings are still present on the island. Many archeological sites, such as the temple of Hera and the Eupalinos tunnel, are scattered around the island. The natural beauty of the island and its long coastline (159 km) guaranty unforgettable holidays on the beautiful beaches of Samos: Psili Ammos and Limnionas at Kampos Marathokampou in the south western side of the island, Poseidonion and Potokaki on the eastern side of the island.
From Samos, you can easily visit several of the neighbouring islands (Ikaria, Fourni/Bakery islands, Leipsi, Patmos, etc), as well as Ephesus and Kusadasi in nearby Turkey (day trips are available from Vathi).
Southwestern Samos - Kampos Marathokampou
In south-western Samos at the foot of Mount Kerkis, the highest mountain in the Aegean (1,445m) and literally in the sea, lays Kampos Marathokampou. The area is famous for the picturesque sandy beaches (Psili ammos, Votsalakia, Aspres, Limionas, Ag. Ioannis Eleimonas, Varsamo etc) and crystal clean seawaters. In addition, the protection offered by the mountain from the northern summer winds makes the beaches an ideal place for swimming, leisure and relaxation. The natural beauty and the mild weather turn Kampos Marathokampou into an attractive touristic destination. Furthermore, Kampos Marathokampou offers many reasonably priced traditional taverns, café, and bars.
In the nearby bay, there is a small port called Ormos Marathokampou, which is home to local fishing boats, yachts and sailing boats, along with its tavernas offering traditionally cooked food. Day trips to nearby less accessible beaches are available from Ormos.
Not very far from Kampos on the slope of Kerkis mountain can be found Pythagoras’ cave (altitude 350 m) where, according to the myth, Pythagoras hid during the time when he was wanted by the local tyrant Polykratis for having supposedly corrupted his young pupils. In the same area is located the chapel of the Virgin Mary “Sarantaskaliotisa”: in order to get there, the visitors will have to ascend 40 steps carved in steep rock. A bit higher still (altitude 700 m) is the monastery of “Moni Evagelistria”, the oldest church in Samos, from where one can enjoy panoramic views of the Aegean and surrounding islands.
Finally, for the walkers and hikers, the area offers countless routes and marked paths through the countryside, around the coastline, in the forest hills, including caves and rock formations. The region is classified as Natura 2000 European protection area (GR4120003), with remarkable vegetation and wildlife.
