Visiting Samos

Samos, located towards the north western Aegean Islands, is a great choice for tourists who wish to have a relaxing vacation in Greece. Samos can be found near other attractive destinations such as Fourni Korseon, Chios, Icaria, and the Dodecanese Islands, in such a way that tourists who approach to this island can easily visit several other destinations in a short period of time.

The island of Samos counts with a population of around 42.000 inhabitants and is famous by being where Pythagoras was born. Besides this, it is also important to know that this island has a territory of approximately 470 km2, and an important part of it is covered by fertile lands. The economy of Samos is based on its fertile lands and the products they provide, such as for example, citrus fruits, figs, almonds, olives, olive oil, wine, and tobacco, among many others.

During the Ancient Greece times, Samos was a very popular spot, specially renown by its wines. During that époque, the Samian wines and Samian ware or pottery were requested and imported from many other surrounding islands and villages, allowing this destination to be one of the wealthiest in the region.

Towards the 7th century BC, the island of Samos was recognized as one of the most prosperous and important commercial centres in not only the Aegean Islands but in the entire Greece as well. According to the experts, the inhabitants of Samos would have been the first ones in the entire country to arrive to the Straits of Gibraltar. Also, the Samians are believed to be the pioneers in the creation of a trading channel between their country and Egypt as well as with the region of the Black Sea.

Samos was home of the first gigantic Ionic temple built in the world. Although this temple didn’t endure more than 10 years, it is still known as one of the most important constructions that have existed in the north eastern Aegean Islands. Other construction of great relevance in the history of Samos is the Eupalinian aqueduct. This aqueduct was first build during the 6th century BC, and is recognized as one of the most amazing ancient engineering pieces of the world.

Map of Samos in Greece