Samos Island (Karlovassi-Samos, Greece)

Samos Island is located in Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean). The island's capital is Limen Vatheos. Samos is a separate regional unit of Greece's North Aegean region. The island covers a total area of 476 km2 (184 mi2) and has population around 33,000.

In ancient times Samos Island was a particularly powerful and rich city-state, particularly famous for its vineyards and muscat wine. Samian wine that was famous in antiquity is currently produced on the island. Samos is home to Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos, UNESCO World Heritage Site which includes the Eupalinian aqueduct.

The island is also famous for being the birthplace of Pythagoras (570-495 BC) - Greek philosopher and mathematician after whom the Pythagorean theorem is named. It is also the birthplace of the Greek philosopher Epicurus (341-270 BC) and the astronomer Aristarchus of Samos (310-230 BC) who first proposed that the Earth revolves around the sun.

In the 6th century BC, Polycrates (tyrant / absolute ruler of Samos between 538-522 BC) constructed shipyards on the island and organized a fleet of 100 vessels to raid the surrounding isles. During his reign, an advanced aqueduct was also built inside a tunnel. It became one of the Ancient World's Seven Wonders. Polycrates was crucified by the Persians in 522 BC - they ruled until 479 BC when the Romans took possession.

Samos' main tourist attractions are the Vathi Museum (dedicated to local wine production) and the Heraion of Samos (Temple of Hera).

For season 2017, Celestyal Cruises added Samos Island to its 3- and 4-day "Iconic Aegean" itineraries. The decision was made following the evaluation of over 85,000 cruise passenger questionnaires. Starting March 2017, Celestyal added Samos as optional port of call, allowing passengers to choose between Samos and Kusadasi (Turkey), whilst being on the same cruise. The 3-day and 4-day itineraries included as destinations also Piraeus-Athens, Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Heraklion and Santorini. As tour options in Samos, Celestyal Cruises offers tourists the chance to visit the seaside village Kokkari and enjoy its beach.

The island is served by Samos International Airport (aka Aristarchos) located approx 5 km from Pythagorio. The airport has a single runway and serves both arrivals and departures. It has one terminal (on 2 floors, with duty-free shop and cafe) and 5 boarding gates (all without jet bridges / movable connectors).

The island is also served by Hellenic Seaways ferries.

Samos Island cruise terminal