TOWN & VILLAGES

Kokkari

The most picturesque fishing harbour in Samos, which is now developed into a large tourist centre. A small peninsula full of houses which climb up to the top of the hill with a small harbour on one side and superb sandy beach on the other. The tavernas, cafes and the shops make for a unique image. As you continue North-West, you pass the fine beach known as Lemonakia, one of the most dazzling, small, lush coves on Samos. Another two kilometres bring you to Tsamadou bay, with a good beach which is much frequented by sun-bathers in the summer. About fifteen minutes walk beyond the village there is the locality Mana, where, under the shade of the many plane trees found there and the clean waters of the natural spring “Mana”, is the country Chapel of St’ Panteleimon. This Saint, is believed to be the Patron Saint of the village and his holiday is celebrated on the 27th of July. On this occasion a great Fiesta takes place with lots of dancing, music and singing. Tsamadou and Lemonakia are only 2 kms away.

Avlakia

Five kilometres from Kokkari, you come to the small seaside village of Avlakia, where there is a good beach with restaurants. It is inhabited mainly by few fishermen.

Vourliotes

An asphalt covered road, branching-off from the main road, outside Avlakia, takes us to this village, a true balcony to the sea which is located 340 meters above sea-level. At its coffee-shops and tavernas, the visitor is assured of satisfactory and prompt service. Vourliotes is a leading producer of Muscat grapes and wine. The climate is fresh and there is abundant water with the rich Pnaka filament. At a distance of 2 kms from the village is the Monastery of Panagia Vrontiani, the oldest on Samos. It was built in the 16th century. From here it is about 3 hours on foot to the summit of Mountain Karvouni ( 1,153 m).

Manolates

From the main coastal road you cross the famous nightingale forest and reach the village of Manolates which is situated at an elevation of 350 meters. In the little coffee-shops you will find the locals and also the walkers, enjoying the view while drinking their coffee or Samian wine.In this village there are many old houses built of stone with projecting balconies. The surface of the narrow streets and idyllic little square are decorated with whitewashed floral designs.

Agios Konstantinos

An attractive seaside village of 400 inhabitants just under Manolates , with many restaurants and coffee shops .

Platanakia / Nightingale forest

Following the coastal road, we reach Platanakia. A lovely sea-shore with plane-trees and country restaurants. The branching-off roads- covered with cement- passes through a wide ravine replete with plane-trees, laurel-trees, myrtle-shrubs, running streams. This ravine is called Aidonia (Nightingales) because during spring and summer, if one happens to be there in the very early hours of morning- before daybreak- one will hear the very enchanting melodies of the nightingales that happen to live among this ravine.

Ambelos (Nenedes)

A concrete covered road, branching off from the main one, takes us up to this village. Here, on the 23rd of September, when the capture of John the Baptism is celebrated, a big celebration takes place with lots of dancing and singing, to the accompaniment of local music.

Karlovassi

The second largest town and harbour in Samos. An island town, unique design, it is divided into five sections: old, New and middle Karlovassi, the bay and the harbour. Karlovassi was formerly the commercial and industrial capital of the island, and before the last war had grown rich on the leather trade. Its tanneries were famous throughout the Balkans, and some can still be seen today. A stroll around the town will provide ample evidence of past glories, with mansions, large and impressive churches and deserted factories. At the same time, however, the town did not ignore the arts, and there were potteries. The island’s first newspaper was published here. Today there are only a few light industries dedicated to ceramics, wall decorations and weaving. Karlovassi was the home of Lycourgos Logothetis, the rebel from 1821 and the Governor of Samos, and also of the popular troubadour of the Greek Revolutions, Cleantis. In the past, there were great celebrations here at Carnival time, and one old custom which has survived in the procession of « the Bier of Our Lady» on August 15. The harbour is a stopping-place for the Piraeus-Samos boats, and serves all the villages in the area. There is fine scenery in the spots known as Pefkakia ( or Parko) and the hill of Agia Katerina in New Karlovassi. In Middle Karlovassi, the Kotron area has kept many examples of traditional architecture, while Old Karlovassi is dominated by a green hill which stands the dazzling white church of the Holy Trinity. Karlovasi is also a university town , part of the University of the Aegean.

Idroussa (Fourni)

At an altitude of 400m. The village stands on the edge of a steep cliff, among thick vegetation with streams which permit the operation of a water-mill.

Lekka

It has a population of about 500 and stands at 165m above sea level. Is accounted one of the prettiest village of Mountain Fterias, which is part of the Kerkis range.

Kosmadei

At an elevation of 600meters is the highest village on Mountain Kerkis.

Kastania

At a height of 473 metres, we reach this densely wooded village with running streams with crystal clear waters. Most of the trees are chestnut-trees ( from which the village derives its name). We also find many walnut trees, pine trees and poplar trees. Every year on the 30th of August, a pilgrimage takes place this spot in the village, where many inhabitants where shot dead in 1943.

Marathokampos

This village stretches along the side of the mountain Fterias ( which is part of Mount Kerkis) and from here, we see across the large expanse of sea the island of Patmos. From this village, the road descends onto Ormos Marathokampou, with its very wide beach. On the 6th kilometre along this road we come across the harbour of Ormos with its small settlement. On both sides of the harbour stretches an endless beach. In the area of the harbour and the place called Votsalakia of this bay, one finds many tavernas and restaurants that cater to the needs of tourists. The name of the village – Marathokampos- derives from the old Greek word Marathos which means a coastal, sandy area, and Kampos, which means, plain

Kalithea

Is built on a kind of balcony overlooking the sea to the West, with a fine view, plenty of trees and courtyards full of flowers and plants. Wine is produced here, apples and walnuts are grown, and there is a wood-cutting trade. The village has a population of 300.

Platanos

One of the most beautiful villages on the island. It is built on the saddle between Mountain Kerkis and Mountain Ambelos, at a height of 520 metres. The view is tremendous, the vegetation thick and the water fresh. Wine and grapes are produced.

Koumeika

In the centre of the square of this fine village are stone fountains, pouring their water forth ceaselessly beneath the ancient plane trees and next to the picturesque coffee-shops.

Neochori

This village is built in a green valley, and steep gorges and precipices are to be found nearby, as well as olive groves of olive trees famous for the quality of their oil.

Spatharei

Built at an elevation of 550m on the slopes of Mountain Bournias , with a fine view over south-west Samos and out to Fourni, Ikaria and the Dodecanese.

Pyrgos

The village is a leading producerof wine and apples and stands on a mountain. It has many springs and produces a variety of grapes known for their fleshiness. The village is set among green hills, birches, cherry-trees, cypresses, apple-trees and vineyards

Pandross

Also known as Arvanites stands at 600m above sea level and is one of the highest villages on the island.

Koumaradei

This little village also produces good oil, from a special local variety of olive, oranges, apples and quinces. 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 which is among the oldest on the island.

Mavratzei

The village is a leading producerof wine and apples and stands on a steep slope among pines and olives. The village has a long tradition of pottery-making, and water jugs, mugs and bowls are among the items offered for sale by local craftsmen. The village has many springs and produces a variety of grapes.

Chora

The old capital of the island dating back to the time in the Middle Ages when re-colonisation began. The village stands at the foot of Mountain Ambelos, and at the start of the plain called after the town.

Ireon

The coastal settlement of Heraion, one of the largest tourist centres in Samos, has a splendid beach.

Myloi

The three springs that have their sources here near the village, supply with water the Imvrassos River, which is also called the stream of Myloi. Near the school of the village was found by chance a Mycenaean tomb which is constructed of firestone. Inside the grave were two human skeletons and many personal objects from the deceased. As is surmised from the number and nature of these objects, the tomb must have belonged to prominent persons.

Pagondas

This pretty village is the island’s chief producer of olive oil, with many modern oil-presses and an Oil-producers « Co-operative. Oranges, wine and grapes are also produced.

Mytilini

It is believed that there used to be the ancient town of Hissia, and the ravine that cuts across its valley was the river Hissios. It is believed that in the very ancient times in this town, the ruling social order was that of Matriarchy ( rule of the women), for theabolition of which a deadly battle took place. This is deduced from the Myth about the Amazons whom Dionyssos hotly pursued and finally killed. Here were found ancient plaques without bearing any inscriptions, as well as a relief with inscription. This relief portrays a man, a woman and a child, seated round a table ( Museum of Samos). Here also one can find the Palaeontological Museum.

Pythagorion

Pythagorion is built on a small part of the area once occupied by the ancient city ofSamos. This ancient city was destroyed as a result of the frequent raids and sundry conquerors. During the times of the frequent raids by pirates and the period of Turkish occupation, the inhabitants abandoned the city, and others found refuge in other more secure places, whereas others left the island altogether, for safety. The ancient ruins, many relics of which are saved to this day, and the ancient writings on the other hand, bear witness to the greatness, large size and beauty of this ancient city. Today, Pythagorion is considered to be the most developed part of the island and in regard to enchantment and services, many of places tourists finds in the other well known tourist places. The quayside along the harbour, which is constructed on the foundations of the ancient War Harbour of Polycrates, with its many coffee-shops, bars, tavernas and tourist shops, makes one feel as he is living through a continual Fiesta. It is indeed a treat to be sitting in a comfortable chair along this beautiful quayside, to be caressed by the fresh breeze and savour one’s snack or delicious food, to look at the sun as it rises, in the morning, or the moon, as it casts its light, at night, and to watch its reflection on the open sea. The beach – which is on the little charming bay just next to the harbour-, and the beach on the other side of the harbour, a little beyond the town’s houses, which stretches over to the area of the Hereon, induces in one the feeling of intense contentment.

Need more info?
Enquiry Form