Folklore in Samos

Samos - Samos island tour with the Heraion sanctuary and Potami village

Samos is brimming with cultural and historic riches. And this tour whisks you to some of its best spots, including the Heraion. You'll also visit a monastery and ceramic workshop and explore Potami. Samos is so magnetic that its pull has drawn Irene, one of our guides. She says, ‘As a third generation Greek born and raised in Australia, I came to Samos dreaming of archaeology. In just one day, you'll discover as much of this beautiful island as possible – its history, religion, products and people.'Hera was an important deity in ancient Greece. And, according to legend, she was born in the Heraion, a stone's throw from the Aegean. We'll kick off in the ruins of this sanctuary – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site – strolling along the Sacred Way to see the temple and other relics. Next, you'll visit an Orthodox monastery before dropping by a ceramic workshop in Timos. It gives much-needed work to islanders. You'll receive a Pythagoras cup as a souvenir of your visit.Next up is a visit to an organic olive factory, where you'll have the opportunity to learn about the production process and sample a variety of its natural health products. Then, it's on to tiny Potami, a hidden gem where you'll have some free time for lunch. This quaint locale boasts a lovely beach perfect for a leisurely swim in the sparkling waters. If you're up for a bit of adventure, channel your inner Lara Croft and explore the nearby waterfall or the intriguing ruins of a Genoese castle.

Samos - Samos wine and Metaxa-tasting tour

Tantalise your tastebuds with the story behind Samos' honey-sweet muscat wine and amber spirit, Metaxa. First up, you'll head to the Museum of Samos Wine in Vathi. There's a guided tour on the cultural and practical history of the island's wine, with displays of traditional wine-making tools, tanks and barrels. Here, you'll taste the muscat wine that makes the base of Metaxa. Next, we'll drive to the slopes of Mount Ambelos – the home of Metaxa in Samos. You'll be guided through the cellar and vineyard, hearing about how Greece's one-of-a-kind amber spirit originated and smelling the Mediterranean herbs that give Metaxa its distinctive floral taste. Afterwards, head to the house bar with views over the Aegean Sea for a glass of Metaxa 5 Stars Greek Orange or a glass of Metaxa 7 Stars to round off the trip.

Samos - Samos sunset boat cruise

In the early evening, you'll board the ship ‘Archaggelos' and sweep past the colourful fishing boats and waterfront cafes of Pythagorion Port. You can relax onboard this adults-only cruise as you sail to Klima Beach, where the captain will drop anchor for an hour. The water in this sheltered bay is calm and clear – perfect for a swim. After an hour of splashing about here, it's back onboard to sail towards Heraion and a stunning Samos sunset. Fruit and drinks are served so you can raise a glass as the sky turns from orange to red and purple. You'll be back at Pythagorio Port by around 9:00pm, just in time for you to treat yourself to a late supper on the harbourfront or back at your hotel.

Samos - Plaster Casting Workshop in Samos

Travel to the history of gypsum in Greek Architecture and learn how to create plaster decorations.

Samos - Kusadasi day trip by ferry

Sail from Samos to the coast of Asia Minor to the characterful town of Kusadasi, famed for its appealing shops and bazaars. Set off from the port of Pythagorio at 7.30am and cruise towards the Orient. Around 75 minutes later, you'll arrive in Kusadasi, where you'll have the whole day to potter in the Turkish bazaars, browsing for carpets, leatherware, jewellery, and handicrafts made from brass or alabaster.

Samos - Samos West Coast Boat Trip

Captain Vaggelis sets sail every day from Votsalakia to explore the hidden gems of Samos only reachable by boat. You'll see the deep cave near Limnionas, then we'll head for Klima beach, a beautiful spot with the towering peak of Mount Kerkis providing a dramatic backdrop. On the sail back we'll have an extra swim stop in Limnionas, and arrive back with memories of deserted bays and unique beaches.

Samos - Samos Wine Tasting Experience from Votsalakia and Karlovasi

This vineyard tour puts one of the best known wineries in Samos in the spotlight. Founded in 1976, Vakakis Winery today has expanded to over 30 acres and is run by the second generation of the Vakakis family. They use traditional winemaking methods and modern technology to create high-quality wines that reflect the terroir of Samos. You'll see the vineyards and the winery, learn about the winemaking process and sample their wines.

Samos - Samos Wine Tasting Experience from Pythagorio

Housed in a stunning 19th-century stone building, the Samos Wine Museum showcases the history of the island's wine-making through artefacts including old photographs, production records, and collectible bottles. Learn about traditional winemaking and then round off your visit with an extended wine tasting of four different wines in a beautiful location.

Samos - Samos island tour from the west with wine-tasting

Samos is proof that it's the little things that count, and this Greek island has them all – beauty, crafts, history and quality local produce. This full day island tour lets you experience it all in just one trip. Highlights include the Temple of Hera and the village of Pythagorio, as well as visits to olive and wine factories.You'll ease into the day with a visit to a traditional olive oil factory to see how it is made, followed by a ceramics workshop, run by the artist Timo. Then, you'll meet your local guide at an Orthodox monastery and move on to discover the Temple of Hera, one of the largest temples in Ancient Greece.Now you've earned a quick break, and the picturesque village of Pythagorio is just the place for it. You'll have some free time here to grab lunch before ending the day with a visit to a nearby wine factory for a tasting of the locally-produced vino.

Samos - Ephesus day tour from Samos

Take a day trip to Turkey from the shores of Samos. Hop on a ferry and cross the Aegean Sea to tour a real Turkish treasure – Ephesus archaeological site. Let an expert guide bring history to life as you stroll between column-lined avenues crammed with temples, relics and religious statues. Afterwards, there's free time to discover the bazaars and shops of Kusadasi, too.

Samos - Samiopoula Island Boat Cruise

The placid and azure waters off southwest Samos offer some of the best boating conditions in the entire Aegean. Glide through the sparkling sea as you head to the tiny island of Samiopoula.

Samos - Samiopoula Trip

Holidays are about getting away from it all. And this morning cruise does just that. Cooling off in the waters of Samos's south coast, you'll also visit the remote island of Samiopoula – an isolated island with no inhabitants.Sailing out of Pythagorios' pretty port, you'll know you're on holiday when you feel the sun on your face and a warm sea breeze wash over you. Gliding through the Ireon village, you'll pass secluded beaches and rocky coves. Whilst being served fresh fruit and refreshments by the crew, you may even be lucky enough to spot a dolphin or two.Then, you'll relax and top up your tan until it's time to swim ashore at Samipoula. Spend time here exploring the island's unspoiled landscape, its lone church, or enjoying a dip in the Aegean. The water here is calm and clear, so expect to see plenty of fish. And cruising back to shore at a leisurely pace, you'll have time to catch a few more rays on deck.

Samos - Samos Villages Evening Tour

An evening out at one of Samos's whitewashed towns takes some beating. On this excursion you can take your pick from Pythagorion or Kokkari, depending on where you're staying. You can spend the evening tucking into a seafood dinner by the marina, having a sundowner or two, or picking up some souvenirs for home.

Samos - Day Hike in Nightingale Valley to Manolates Village

Northern Samos is a hiker's paradise of sweeping valleys, vineyards and shady forests. You'll join a guided walk from the pretty hillside village of Vourliotes across the River Kakorema to the picturesque area of Platanakia – a full day's hillside walking at its very best.

Samos - Patmos Island Boat Cruise

It takes something special for one small island to stand out among the thousands in Greece – but it's an accolade that Patmos well deserves. Discover the charms of this islet to the south of Samos with this full day trip. Once you land, you have the day to yourself – find a nice beach or explore by foot.

Samos - Patmos day trip with Cave of the Apocalypse, Chora and monastery

The sands of time have barely swept over Patmos since St John had his Revelations here 2,000 years ago – which makes a daytrip to the isle such a fascinating experience. We'll take the ferry and visit the Monastery of St John, the Cave of the Apocalypse and the villages of Chora and Skala.

Samos - Samos east coast cruise with barbecue lunch

You know you're on holidays when you find yourself in sunshine with a balmy sea breeze washing over you. On this cruise, you'll explore the local waters off Samos' east coast, with stops at two of its most enticing beaches – Posidonio and Megali Lakka – as well as a barbecue lunch.Sailing from Pythagorio in the morning, you'll glide through the Mycale Strait, which separates Samos from Turkey. Pass by remote beaches and uninhabited islets – and with luck spot some dolphins. Your captain will drop anchor off Posidonio beach, and you can either swim onshore or hop on a dinghy. After an hour, we'll sail for the pine-fringed cove of Megali Lakka, which is accessible by our boat only.Here, you'll be able to relax or swim while the crew rustles up a barbecue lunch on board, washed down with juice. After about three hours, it's time to sail back to Pythagorio.