Greek travel, cultural, language and culinary expert Carol Papaletsos hosts and guides group of up to 8 guests on the beautiful island of Samos, where you explore the beaches, caves, hiking trails, villages and archaeological sites.

Samos is one of the most beautiful Greek islands, lush with vegetation, mountains, caves, gorgeous beaches, picturesque villages and crystal clear sea. It is located in the North Aegean, with the islands Ikaria & Fournoi to the west, Patmos to the south, and to the east, the port of Kuşadası and ancient city of Ephesus to the east in Turkey.

During ancient times, Samos was one of the leading commercial centers of Greece due to its geographic position near Asia Minor. It is also the birthplace of the Greek goddess, Hera and the ancient sanctuary and temple complex dedicated to her attracted pilgrims from all over the ancient world. The great philosopher, mathematician and father of geometry, Pythagoras, was also from Samos. One can visit the cave where he lived and taught classes. Also, on Samos is one of the greatest engineering feats in ancient times, The Eupalinos Tunnel. The 1,036 meter long aqueduct tunnel was constructed to bring spring water to the ancient city of Samos by digging at opposite points at the base of the mountain and the engineer Eupalinos used geometry and mathematical calculations to align the two tunnels to meet in the center. The tunnel successfully supplied the town for over 1,100 years with fresh spring water. 

TRIP NOTES
We often stay on the south west corner at the lovely Limnionas Bay, next to a quiet and lovely sandy beach with traditional restaurants. In 2017, I stayed at the fishing village called Marathokampos, but we came to Limnionas almost daily to swim, which is why I have chosen this lovely spot. In July–the height of summer–the best places to stay are those where you can easily go for a swim at anytime without getting into a car, which in Greece means a south facing beach or one well protected from prevalent the north easter “Meltemi” winds in July and August.