Samos Island
Town & Villages
Ambelos (Nenedes)
Here,
on the 23rd of September, the capture of St John the Baptist is
celebrated, a big party takes place with lots of dancing and singing, to
the accompaniment of local music.
Chora
The
old capital of the island dates back to the time in the Middle Ages when
re-colonisation began. The village stands at the foot of Mount Ambelos,
and at the start of the plain called after the town.
Karlovassi
The
second largest town and harbour in Samos. Most of the ships that go to
Samos first stop here. An island town, uniquely designed, it is divided
into five sections: old, New and middle Karlovassi, the bay and the
harbour. Karlovassi, formerly the commercial and industrial capital of
the island. A tour of the town will provide ample evidence of past
glories, with mansions, large and impressive churches and deserted
factories.
Kastania
At a
height of 473 m, is this densely wooded village with running crystal
clear streams. Most of the trees are chestnut-trees (from which the
village derives its name). Every year on the 30th of August, a
pilgrimage takes place to this spot in the village, where many
inhabitants where shot dead in 1943.
Kokkari
Located on the north side of Samos and one of the most popular resorts
on the Island. There are plenty of bars, pubs and tavernas, most of
which are situated close to the waters edge. Due to the fresh cool wind,
that almost always blows, the village is very popular with windsurfers.
Two of the islands best beaches - Lemonakia and Tsamadou are only 2 kms
from Kokkari.
Koumaradei
This
little village also produces good oil, from a special local variety of
olives. Oranges, apples and quinces are also grown here. A minor road
that runs out of the village leads to the Monastery of Our Lady Megali,
one of the richest on the island. Another monastery in the area is that
of the Holy Cross-, among the oldest on the island.
Manolates
This
village has many old houses built of stone with projecting balconies.
The surface of the narrow streets and idyllic little squares are
decorated with whitewashed floral designs.
Marathokampos
From
this village, the road descends into Ormos Marathokampou, with its very
wide beach. After 6km, one comes across the harbour of Ormos with its
small settlement.
Mytilini
It is
believed that here was the ancient town of Hissia, and the ravine that
cuts across its valley was the river Hissios. It is thought that in
ancient times this town was ruled by the social order of Matriarchy
(rule of the women). Here one can also find the Palaeontological Museum.
Platanakia
This
is a lovely village with plane trees and country restaurants. There is a
side road that passes through a wide ravine (known as the Valley of the
Nightingales) with plane trees, laurel-trees and running streams. During
spring and summer, if there around dawn one can hear the songs of the
nightingales.
Platanos
One of
the most beautiful villages on the island, built on the saddle between
Mount Kerkis and Mount Ambelos, at a height of 520 meters. The view is
tremendous, the vegetation thick and the water fresh. Wine and grapes
are produced here.
Pyrgos
The
village is set among green hills, birches, cherry-trees, cypresses,
apple-trees and vineyards.
Pythagorion
Built
on a small part of what was once the ancient city of Samos, destroyed as
a result of frequent raids by pirates.
Today
Pythagorion is unquestionably one of the most picturesque resorts on the
South Coast of Samos.
The
charming yacht and fishing port, the Castle of Logothetis, the
traditional houses built on slopes; the narrow cobbled tree lined
streets. The cafes, tavernas, bars and shops all help to create the
unique atmosphere of Pythagorion.
Within
close proximity are the archaeological sites of the ancient Temple of
Hera, the Tunnel of Eupalinos and the Wall of the old town.
Spatharei
Built
at an elevation of 550m on the slopes of Mount Bournias, with a fine
view over southwest Samos and out to Fourni, Ikaria and the Dodecanese.
Vourliotes
Located 340 meters above sea level with fantastic views. 2 kms from the
village is the Monastery of Panagia Vrontiani, the oldest on Samos.
