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The Greek island of Samos, situated close
to the Turkish mainland, is a mix of rugged mountain scenery and good
beaches. With its picturesque harbours, it is best suited for those
looking for a more relaxing holiday rather than the hectic nightlife found
on some other Greek islands. |
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The island is famous for being the
birthplace of the mathematician and philosopher, Pythagoras. |
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Samos town, also known as Vathi, is an old port that has developed greatly
over the years, although it has not lost the essential Greek atmosphere.
The town boasts a fine Museum of Archaeology housed in two buildings, and
has a large collection of artefacts from ancient times. If you continue
past the museum, you reach the upper town of Ano Vathi. This area with its
narrow winding streets and neoclassical houses is a quiet residential area
that retains a lot of it original village like charm. |
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Karlovasi, on the northwest side of Samos, is the second largest
town on the island. The presence of a number of impressive mansions and
churches supply evidence of the towns heyday at the latter end of the 19th
century, but these days the town has a slightly “run down” feel to it, and
is more of a residential town than a resort. |
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Once the capital of Samos, the town of Pythagorion is now the main tourist
resort on the island. The large, picturesque harbour with its tavernas,
bars, and tourist shops, is a popular mooring place for the many yachts
that sail the area. The town was once known as Tigani, but later was named
after Pythagoras, the famous Greek mathematician. The area has the remains
of a castle, plus a number of other archaeological sites. |
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The beach at Megalo Seitani, which is located on the northwest
coast of the island. is one of the best beaches on Samos, but is only
assessable by either boat or on foot, as there is no road access. If you
do choose to walk, you will be rewarded with some excellent views from the
path that leads to the beach. The difficulty of getting here means that
you may even get the beach to yourself. The beach is mostly made up of
sand and small pebbles. Due to its location, there are no facilities, so
make sure that you bring everything you need with you. |
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History
Archaeological
excavations indicate that Samos was inhabited during the Neolithic period.
The island was first colonised by the Pelasgians, the Phoenicians, the
Leleges, and the Carians. These were succeeded by the Mycenaeans. Samos
became a great power during the sixth century B.C. due to its powerful navy,
created under the rule of the tyrant Polycrates. During this period, the
arts and sciences flourished, and the Evpalinos Tunnel, a huge jetty and
the magnificent Sanctuary of Hera, were constructed. Samos has many famous
sons such as the astronomer Aristarchus who argued that the sun and not
the earth was the centre of the universe, the philosopher Epicurus, the
well known writer of fables Aesop. and probably its most famous son of all, the
great philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras. Samos, with many other ships of the Greek navy, took part in the Battle of Mykale
that resulted in a defeat for the Persian fleet. The Spartans gained
Control of the island during the Peloponnesian Wars, after which came under
the Romans, the Venetians and then the Genoese. In 1453, along with the
rest of the North Eastern Aegean Islands. Samos came under the domination
of the Turks. At the beginning of the 1820's, the island played an
important role in the Revolution against the Turks. In 1912, after the Balkan
Wars, the island of Samos was reunited with the rest of Greece. |
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