"Northern accents in southern Aegean" Top 5 Page for this destination Samos by Yank_o

Samos Travel Guide: 140 reviews and 412 photos

The local flag, in official use prior to 1912

The past and the present

Samos is the 8th largest Greek island; among those, it is the one closest to the Anatolian mainland (Western Turkey). After giants Crete and Euboea (and little Samothrace in North Aegean), Samos also possesses the highest Aegean peak (Kerketeus at 1433m). Arguably it is also the greenest Aegean island. Well known are the island's wines and an amazing ancient tunnel. Lesser known, but very special, are: its history, its people and its industrial past. It was the only Aegean island to possess a tramway in the past.

Post from the Past

Solitude standing

The archaeological trademark of Samos island is the single standing post from the ancient temple of Hera, built in classical times by the architects Roecos and Theodoros. Samos was an important East Greek (Ionic) island-state and the birthplace of famous historical personalities such as the mathematicians Pythagoras and Aristarchus.

What's "northern"?

Posidonio a.k.a. Mula-Braim

The combination of pine forests and sea evokes, according to a friend, the fjords of Norway. I've never thought of it this way but maybe he's right, as one can tell from this picture of Posidonio (known among locals as Mula-Braim), a serene cove at the southeast tip of Samos, just a mile off the Turkish coast (Mt. Samsun seen in the background).

Another northern thing on Samos is the local accent. It is quite unlike that of neighbouring islands (Ikaria, Chios and the Dodecanese) and more like that of central and northern Greece, certain vowels are dropped and others are altered in the local Greek dialect.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Green, varied, serene. Too far from Athens.
Cons:Too far from Athens.
In a nutshell:My real hometown

Last visit to Samos: Aug 2008
Intro Updated Aug 5, 2008
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (13)

Just next to the Manolates restaurant - Samos

Up and cheap Restaurants (2)

The several mountain villages of Samos offer the best-value food. Manolates, which we frequently visit, is a good... more travel advice

My son Parry discovering Lakka beach on Samos - Samos

Hidden beach Off The Beaten Path (2)

Google Earth was right. The slip road to your left, after you pass "Skorpios" hotel on your way to Kalami, does go... more travel advice

A privileged point Things to Do (3)

Avlakia is a must-see and even a must-stay. It is a small settlement built between the sea and a steep yet pine-clad... more travel advice

Accessible and quiet Hotels (1)

I was surprised to find out that Skorpios had a swimming pool. My balcony had a fantastic view to the Gulf of Vathy. The... more travel advice

Nightlife (1)
Best terrace in town
Warnings and Dangers (1)
Tricky currents
Been to Samos?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (4)

Reply
- Report abuse
babettu Sep 28, 2006 at 1:37 PM

Very good information about Samos !!
Reply
- Report abuse
cloudberry Jul 18, 2006 at 6:36 AM

I think I have been there...lovely food :) Nice tip!
Reply
- Report abuse
Yank_o Jun 15, 2006 at 5:59 AM

The truly best-reputed ouzo comes from Lesbos further north in the Aegean, but Samos does produce some pretty good stuff too.
Reply
- Report abuse
zizkov Apr 30, 2006 at 2:16 PM

Samos looks good, is it really the source of the best ouzo as well?