SAMOS > OVERVIEW

Prefecture of Samos includes the islands of Ikaria and Fournoi. Samos is located very close to Asia Minor only 2 km far from Mykalis' peninsula. It is probably named after the word sama meaning tall, something which can be asserted by its mountains' peaks.

The capital is Samos and is united with Vathi, the main harbour of the island. It is a lovely insular town with many mansions and neoclassical buildings, built amphitheatrically round the point of the cove. Particularly Ano Vathi is the most traditional district of the city with a special colour and a beautiful view of the harbour.

The second harbour of the island is Karlovasi, a town with a unique colour and strong cultural traditions. Beautiful churches, neoclassical mansions and old but dignified industrial groups (tanneries) testify of its former prestige, in 19th century, when Karlovasi traded with European countries. Remarkable sights are: the church of Osia Matrona, the Porfyria Academy, the imperial palace and Old Karlovasi built on the hill.

Samos has innumerable sandy beaches many of which promise water sports. For those wanting something comfortable and easily accessible will find whatever they may need in the large organised beaches around Kokkari, the huge sandy beaches of Mykali, Potokaki, Kambos and Velanidia as well as the smaller beaches of Psili Ammos, Klima, Limnionas, Tsamadou, Galazio and Kerveli. Whoever might want more trackless and isolated beaches they can go to Lakkas, Mourtia, Tsopela, Mikro and Megalo Seitani, Plaka, Katsouni, Kalogera and the two sandy beaches that are beside the deserted Abbey of Agios Ioannis of Eleimonas, on the north western cape of Agios Domenikos.