Fatherland many great scientists and eminent personalities of seniority, by Pythagoras and the Aristarcho Samio until Kallistrato and Aisopo, Samos is today for the Greek tourism what the Aristarchos for those who want to believe that Copernicus was the founder iliokentrikis of theory. Carefully fylagmeno secret. An island off the beaten track, away from the limelight of publicity, a paradise on earth, "reserved" for the few who will join the effort to discover.
The first time was in Samos did not expect to entyposiasto. I thought that if there was anything remarkable in the island, someone would have told me, somewhere will have read. But beyond the negative comment - defamation on the island burned in fires around 2002, I had not heard anything. Not for lively nightlife, or for possible emotions in terms of nature and landscapes, nor remarkable cultural events, nor worthy beaches.
I do not know if synomotise the universe to deny with as quickly as possible, or if it were only on coincidence, but the first picture I have of Samos, is some groups of dancing on bars of the club in the port of Karlovasiou, at 7 morning when I katevika, apparently with even the signs of insomnia, from the boat. Somewhat thus dissolved the first myth to me, for sluggish nightlife. And everyone else followed.
The Karlovassi is evergreen. To believe those who say that from forests that were previously not have anything left after the fires, should create in your mind the image of an island where even the streets and homes were covered by trees. Personally very difficult.
Next stop, just ten minutes from Karlovassi the river. And because, as ultimately proved, the locals like to confuse tourists, the river is two. The beach called River - yes, and yet-to coarse pebbles, crystal clear, crystal clear waters and green hill that rises just above it, and the normal river, with seven unique beauty waterfalls. To admire them, it takes about 15 minutes walking paths in the forest and then enough time swimming in the river. The sight, however, is fascinating, and worth it.
Leaving behind the Karlovassi and towards the east of the island, just before getting into one of the most tourist areas, the Kokkari, we find two of the best beaches of Samos, Tsamadou and Tsampou, where the proportion of gymniston is inversely similar to its reputation. Kokkari all hours of day vibrant. With many tavernas, shops with souvenirs, bars and cafes attracts tourists from every corner of the world.
The capital of the island of Samos, amphitheatrically built over the Bay of Vathiou, one of the two main ports, is one of the most picturesque regions of the island. Unique neoklassika buildings, picturesque tavernas and one of the most beautiful prokymaies the Aegean, where every summer organized by the island dimofilestates "festive wine, with plenty of local wine (certainly try!) And cultural events.
Thirteen kilometers south of the capital, one of the most popular, and many beautiful, areas of Samos, Pythagorio attracts many visitors all hours a day. The magical atmosphere of the oldest port in Greece harmoniously combined with modern development, numerous attractions are standing next to graphics stores in the region, the statue of Pythagoras oversees, from the edge of prokymaias, the ancient capital of the island.
In addition, however, from the main settlements, Samos also has a total of 34 villages, some other young and older, some coastal and other built between kataprasines slopes - but all with significant history, unique natural beauty and stunning architecture. It is important to visit as many of them, even if your time allows you not only a potiraki Samiotikou Muscat in every village square.
The beaches of Samos are themselves a separate chapter in the journey of the island. Katagalana, crystal clear waters, strong vegetation, white pebbles or golden sand compose a magnificent, seaside scenery. Some of the best beaches, apart from those already mentioned, is the Fine sand, Marathokambos, Mykali, Lemonakia, Tsopela and Limionas.
A special mention should be made on the beaches and Little Big Seitani, in the wider region of Karlovassiou. Two of the mageftikoteres beaches of the Aegean, largely unknown, mainly because of difficult access, but unique beauty and… area, reward the brave who will attempt the two-hour walks in the woods. The Great Seitani declared protected biological park, mainly due to the existence of seals monachus monachus.
To reach the Seitani, follow the red arrows on the path that starts just west of the River (the yellow arrows lead to another, equally beautiful but less, beach). Be sure to obtain the outset sufficient quantities of food and water, and start early. In Seitani you can go with a boat from the port of Karlovassiou - sacrificing, but little sense of adventure by offering a path and the chance to admire the evergreen forest.
Accommodation
On Samos will find a wealth of hotels and rented rooms, both in the "tourist" areas, and the most peaceful villages.
Two of the best choices residence is 4 star Kalidon Palace (tel: 22730 92605-7) at Kokkari, with 34 fully equipped rooms, which include, inter alia, mini bar, safe and air condition, pool, restaurant and pool bar and Doryssa Bay (tel: 22730 88300, 22730 61390) in Potokaki, with 175 polytelestata rooms available, including satellite television, air condition and mini bar, and 4 suites.
Fresh fish and seafood will enjoy the "Glaro" in Ireon. For traditional flavors, visit the "Symposium" in Pythagoras and "Souda" Deep. Of the top choices, both for fine dining and for the amazing natural scenery, surrounded by dense vegetation and anavlyzouses sources, "Koutsi" in the Tower.
As already mentioned, the nightlife of the island, despite… no reputation, is very strongly. You'll find numerous bars and clubs, which xenychtane until the early morning hours in several parts of the island - most of them concentrated in Pythagorion, Deep, Kokkari and Karlovassi. Our favorites, outdoor "Boat" in Pythagoras, "Pop Corn" in Karlovassi and romantic "Escape" in Vathi.
It is interesting to see:
• The Efpalineio orygma, designed by the engineer Efpalino the 6 century BC This is a tunnel length 1026 measures, which crosses the mountain Vines, 2 miles from Pythagoras. The orygma constructed for the water supply in the city of Pythagorion, and today is considered one of the great achievements of the classical period in the region. The visit is permitted only until a few meters from the entrance of orygmatos, but the experience is worth it.
• The ruins of the ancient temple of Hera, 4 kilometers from Pythagoras, whom Herodotus describes as "the plousiotaton and maximum omnes Greek shrines"
• The cave of Pythagoras, at the foot of the mountain Kerki, which is said to have fled the Pythagoras s when the katedioke the tyrant of Samos Polykratis.
• The towers of Nicholas Sarakini and Lycourgos Logothetis in Pythagorio, dating from 1577 and 1824 respectively.
• The archaeological museum of Samos and Pythagorion, the Museum of Natural History in the Aegean, in Mytilinious, paleontological findings aged up to 7 million years, with the main bone fossils of Samothiriou and folklore museums Karlovasiou and Demetriou, in Pythagoras.
• The monastery of Spilianis, built inside a cave, northwest of Pythagorion.
The Church of the Transfiguration in the River, a significant sample Byzantine archtektonikis, dating from the 13 th century AD and the ruins of the castle of Genovezon, just above the temple.
• The traditional tanneries in Karlovassi.
• The total of 34 villages of the island.
