TRAVEL TUESDAY 567 - SAMOS, GREECE

“Friends are as companions on a journey, who ought to aid each other to persevere in the road to a happier life.” - Pythagoras 

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Samos is a lush, mountainous Greek island located in the eastern Aegean Sea, just a short distance from the Turkish coast. Samos was home to the famous mathematician Pythagoras, the philosopher Epicurus, and the astronomer Aristarchus. You can explore ancient ruins at the Pythagoreion and the Heraion of Samos, which include the remains of a massive temple to Hera and an ancient underground aqueduct, a marvel of ancient technology and engineering . In ancient times, the island was a rich and powerful maritime centre that rivaled Athens.

Samos Town, also called Vathy (shown here), is the main port with traditional houses, shops, and waterfront dining. Pythagorio is a pretty harbour town built over the ancient city, featuring paved streets, a lively marina, and the statue of Pythagoras. Kokkari is a charming northern fishing village popular with visitors for its relaxed vibe and nearby beaches. Unlike drier Greek islands, Samos features thick pine forests, high mountains, waterfalls (like the Potami Gorge), and scenic hiking trails. The island is famous worldwide for its golden, aromatic sweet Muscat wine, produced here since ancient times. Traditional mountain villages like Manolates offer local food, fresh produce, and handmade crafts.

The Samian economy depends mainly on agriculture and the tourist industry which was growing steadily since the early 1980s and reached a peak at the end of the 1990s. The main agricultural products include grapes, honey, olives, olive oil, citrus fruit, dried figs, almonds and flowers. The Muscat grape is the main crop used for wine production. Samian wine is also exported under several other appellations.

Samos is home to many animal species including the golden jackal, stone marten, wild boar, flamingos and monk seal. It is also one of the most lush and biologically diverse islands in the Aegean Sea, home to over 1,000 to 1,500 plant species and rare endemic varieties. Wild thyme, oregano, rosemary, and sage grow abundantly across hillsides and hiking paths. Samos hosts rare plants like Dactylorhiza pythagorae (an orchid named after Pythagoras) and critically endangered species like Consolida samia (Console of Samos), alongside localized blooms like the Samos Crocus.  Wild olive trees, carob trees, cedar, strawberry trees (arbutus), myrtle, and heather are also abundant. Pine trees cover the slopes of mountains, along with dense groves of oak, chestnut, plane trees, and cypresses.

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