Samos
About Samos
Samos is an island, which combines history, stretching back tï prehistoric times, and tradition with natural beauty and is truly an ideal place for holidays. Ôhe images here so vivid and interchangeable as you take a walk in the island's woods, across its plains, as you climb to the tops of its mountains and descend its ravines towards the seaside. A variety of sites await visitors of every culture and interest such as sunny beaches, archaeological areas, monasteries, wildlife and fauna and flora. But you are more likely to fall in love with Samos when you establish relations of friendship with its hospitable people.
The island of Samos is the eighth biggest Greek island and lies in the heart of the Central Aegean, 1,200 metres from the shore of Asia Minor. It is shaped like a peninsula, and according to the geologists from various geological upheavals, which occurred during the centuries, cut of this piece of what have been the Asia Minor Coast. Samos has the highest mountains in the Aegean. Mount Kerkis with its wild beauty is ideal for climbing, while Mount Karvounis is more accessible. In general the island is ideal for walking in nature and examining its wild life.
The Prefecture of Samos, which apart from the island itself, includes Ikaria and Fourni, has a population of 45,000. Apart from its famous wine, it produces and exports olive oil, vegetables, fruit, citrus fruits, honey, ceramics and fish. The island has a temperate climate, mild in summer and cool in winter, while its fine beaches are bathed in sunlight eight months of the year.
Samos is the birthplace of the great mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras, whose theories had great effect ïn mathematics. In ancient times, a major culture developed ïn the island and it was the home of distinguished figures in the world of the arts, literature, philosophy and of thought. The great astronomer ïf antiquity Aristarchus, a pupil of Euclid, was born and worked on Samos. Aristarchus was the first to claim that the earth moves round the sõn, and at the same time revolves on its own axis.
Hera, the goddess of fertility and childbirth, was worshipped on the island and a hundred-foot temple dedicated to her was built during 7th century BC. The ruins of the temples can be seen in the area of Ireon (Heraion), whose name has been taken from the goddess. Mythology also claims Samos as the home of Poseidon, god of the sea, of Dionysus, and of Áñïllï. Although small in size, this island is known throughout the world for its wine. Dionysus, god of wine and of the vine, had a special affection for the Samiots and taught them viniculture.
Samos (area ca 500 sq. km, population 50000 people) An island that has not only been graced with exquisite beauty, but with a rich cultural and historic heritage as well. Despite the devastating fires of 1998 it still remains a “green island’ with pine forests, olive groves and citrus trees. Its endless grapevines are the source of the famous Samos wines. The greenery rolls down the hills to the coast to give way to beautiful beaches ending in clear blue Aegean water.
One of the most powerful ancient Greek goddesses, Hera, was born, raised and worshiped here. Great philosophers were also born on the island: Aristarchus was the first to postulate that the Earth moves, Pythagoras-try to think of a problem in Geometry or Trigonometry that doesn’t involve his famous theorem, Epicuros set a school of philosophy, bearing his name, which more or less stipulates that man is meant to have a good time.