Samos Island
Samos
(population 42,000), the
Island
of Pythagoras, is one of the largest Greek islands in the Eastern
Aegean, not far from the Turkish coast (1,200m).
The
total area of Samos including the islets, is 475 square kilometres. Its
maximum length – from North to South is 20kms and the total perimeter is
78 miles.
There
are no real rivers, but abundant water is provided by seasonal streams
as well as mountain springs.
The
mountains slope gently towards the sea, forming small bays and coves,
some of which are only accessible by foot or 4-wheel drive. The beaches
themselves range from pebbled in the north to sandy in the south.
The
picturesque island villages are built on the mountains slopes –
constructed in this manner due to the agricultural lifestyle of the
original settlers. The terraces that developed have been successfully
cultivated and are now home to the grapes, from which the world famous
sweet Samos wine is produced.
For
those looking for a little culture, Samos has plenty to offer. From the
‘Temple of Hera’, to the Tunnel of Eupalinos and the Archaeological
Museum.
The
landscape is mountainous, and it is characteristic that Samos has the
highest mountains in the Aegean. Mount Kerkis (1,434 m) and Ambelos
(1,150 m), which separate the island and as a result protects the south
from the northern winds and simultaneously increases the rainfalls,
which explains the varied and abundant vegetation.
A very
fertile island with a wide variety of flora and fauna combined with the
lush green vegetation of olive, pine and cypress tress etc.
The
climate fluctuates between Mediterranean and tropical.
‹‹ The map of Samos
36 seconds over
56.6
66 seconds over 28.8
14 seconds over ISDN
