Vacation Packages to Samos

General Information about Samos

Do you want to visit Samos? Here we tell you everything about this wonderful destination.

Samos is a Greek island located in the eastern Aegean Sea, near the coast of Turkey. It is the eighth

largest island in Greece, with an area of approximately 476 square kilometers and a population of

around 33,000 people. The island is mountainous, with its highest peak, Mount Kerkis, reaching 1,434 meters in height.

Samos has a rich history dating back to ancient times and was a significant center of trade and culture in the Aegean. 

The island was home to the famous mathematician Pythagoras and the philosopher Epicurus, among others. In the 6th century BC, Samos was ruled by the tyrant Polycrates, who made it one of the most powerful city-states in Greece.

Today, Samos is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning natural scenery. 

The island is also renowned for its traditional villages, picturesque harbors, and delicious local cuisine. Additionally, Samos is famous for its sweet wine, which has been produced on the island for over 2,500 years.

Points of Interest in Samos

Samos is a beautiful and historically rich island, with many sites of interest to explore. Here are some of the most notable:

1. Heraion: Located on the southeast coast of Samos, Heraion was a major religious center dedicated to the goddess Hera. The site includes a large temple complex and a sacred spring, and it was one of the largest and most important sanctuaries in ancient Greece.
2. Pythagoreion: This ancient town on the southern coast of Samos was named after the famous mathematician Pythagoras, who was born on the island. It includes impressive ruins of a harbor, walls, and buildings from the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
3. Tunnel of Eupalinos: This incredible engineering feat is a 1,036-meter-long underground tunnel that was constructed in the 6th century BC to supply water to the ancient city of Samos. It is considered one of the greatest engineering achievements of the ancient world.
4. Monastery of Panagia Spiliani: This beautiful monastery, built on a hill overlooking the town of Pythagoreion, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It includes a small church, a museum, and a cave chapel where Saint John the Theologian is said to have lived and prayed.
5. Vathy: The charming port town of Vathy is the capital of Samos and offers a great blend of modern and traditional Greek life. The town has a beautiful harbor, a lively market, and several museums, including the Archaeological Museum of Samos.
6. Kokkari: This picturesque fishing village on the northern coast of Samos is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and excellent seafood restaurants.
7. Mount Kerkis: The highest mountain on Samos, Mount Kerkis offers spectacular views of the island and the Aegean Sea. Hiking and mountain biking are popular activities in the area.

What to Eat in Samos?

Samos, like much of Greece, has a rich culinary tradition, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. 

The island’s cuisine is characterized by its simplicity, using herbs, olive oil, and citrus to enhance the natural flavors of the food. Meat, fish, and vegetables are all staples of Samian cuisine, and meals are often accompanied by traditional Greek bread and local wine. 

Some popular dishes on the island include grilled octopus, stuffed vine leaves, and moussaka, a classic Greek dish made with layers of eggplant, potatoes, and ground meat, topped with a creamy bechamel sauce. 

Salads are also a frequent part of meals in Samos, with fresh greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers often topped with feta cheese and olives. 

For dessert, Samos is famous for its sweet pastries, such as baklava and galaktoboureko, a custard-filled phyllo pastry. Overall, the food in Samos is a delicious reflection of the island’s rich history and natural bounty.

Festivals of Samos

Samos has a rich cultural heritage, and its festivals offer visitors a chance to experience the island’s traditions and customs. Some of the most notable festivals on Samos include:

1. Pythagorean Festival: Held every summer in honor of the island’s most famous son, the Pythagorean Festival celebrates the life and teachings of the philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras. The festival includes lectures, music performances, and other cultural events.
2. Heraia Festival: This festival, held in honor of the goddess Hera, takes place at the Heraion, a major religious site on the island. The festival includes traditional dances and music performances, as well as religious ceremonies.
3. Samos Wine Festival: Samos is famous for its sweet wine, and the Samos Wine Festival is a celebration of the island’s viticultural heritage. The festival takes place in August and includes wine tastings, live music, and traditional food.
4. Feast of the Transfiguration: Celebrated on August 6th, the Feast of the Transfiguration is a major religious holiday on Samos. The day is marked by church services, processions, and feasting with family and friends.
5. Samos International Music Festival: This annual festival brings together musicians from around the world for a series of concerts and performances. The festival takes place in various locations across the island and includes both classical and contemporary music.

Overall, the festivals of Samos are a vibrant reflection of the island’s rich cultural heritage, offering visitors a chance to experience the island’s traditions and customs firsthand.

How Is the Culture in Samos?

The culture in Samos is a rich blend of ancient and modern influences, shaped by the island’s long and varied history. 

The island’s cultural heritage is evident in its many archaeological sites, including the Heraion and the Tunnel of Eupalinos, which are a testament to the island’s importance in the ancient world.

Samos has also been home to many notable figures throughout history, including the philosopher Epicurus and the mathematician Pythagoras, who both lived on the island. These cultural luminaries have helped to shape Samos intellectual and artistic traditions, which continue to thrive today.

Samos is particularly known for its music and dance traditions, with many traditional Greek dances still practiced on the island. In addition, the island’s many museums and galleries offer visitors a chance to explore its rich artistic heritage.

The culture of Samos is also closely tied to the island’s natural environment, with a focus on sustainability and a deep respect for the land and sea. This is reflected in the island’s cuisine, which emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and in the many outdoor activities available on the island, including hiking, swimming, and sailing.

Overall, the culture of Samos is a fascinating blend of ancient and modern influences, shaped by the island’s long and complex history and its beautiful natural surroundings.

Destinations near Samos

Due to its proximity to Istanbul and Ankara, many travelers combine their visit to Samos with these destinations, so you will find these sites in several of our offers.

Are you looking to marvel at the most incredible history? Do you want to know a fascinating culture? Do you want to taste exquisite cuisine?

If your answer is "yes", at Greca we have several proposals for tourist packages to Samos, which you can modify and adapt according to your needs and times.

There are travel packages for all tastes. Choose your own adventure according to your needs!