Hilly and with dense forest the island is ideal for mountain biking with some great trails around Kokkari. If mountain biking is mostly found in the south, mountain climbing is the star of the north and the most venturesome can brave the ascent of Mount Kerkis.
Famed from antiquity for its wine, a visit to a winery on Samos is a must while combining a hike with a walk through vineyards is a delight. Elsewhere, Samos has a huge hiking network with over 240 kilometres of trails to explore the enchanting forests, to enjoy the view from high peaks, and to visit deserted beaches.
Samos can get windy in summer and windsurfers can take advantage off the conditions with many of the northern beaches having equipment rentals and tuition. Likewise on the water, excursion boats travel around the island and to neighbouring Turkey – enjoy the bragging rights of visiting not just two countries in one day but two continents.
Climbing
The island features several well-organised sites for climbing with marked routes for differing levels; the Potami area outside Karlovasi is the best known with routes also at Tsabou and Zoodochou Pigis.
For those who fancy going higher Mount Kerkis is the second highest mountain in the Aegean at 1434 metres. The classic route starts at Votsalakia along the path that leads inland to the Evangilistrias convent and through forested slopes and on to the white rock of the mountain itself. The trail passes the Cave of Pythagoras, where the mathematician is said to have hidden from the tyrant Polycrates and there is a chapel and, just beyond, a welcome spring. The summit, named Vigla, has sensational views back to the Cyclades, across to Turkey and, on a clear day, south to the mountains of Crete. Reckon on a seven hour roundtrip.
Boat Trip to Samiopoula
Off the south coast, Samiopoula, meaning small Samos, is a popular daytrip from Pythagorio. An hour cruise brings you to the islet with a couple of tiny beaches and chapels, some inquisitive goats and not much else. The main beach of Psalida is a sheltered bay of fine white sand and clear, tranquil waters. Just 2 kilometres long, the island is easy to explore and the views back to Samos are sweet.
Waterfalls of Potami
Don’t expect Niagara but the waterfalls are a pleasant hike from the beach at Potami and are a cooling diversion on a summer day. Follow the river valley through a dense forest until you reach a small lake which must be crossed to reach the first falls a couple of metres high. The second set of cascades can be reached by climbing the cliffs with a rope, or safer, by climbing the wooden stairs. There is a taverna to soak in the lovely canyon atmosphere.
Hike the Vineyard Paths
For gentler walking on Samos, the Muscat Vineyard path is a 10 kilometre waymarked trail. Starting at the village of Vourliotes on the slopes of Mount Karvounis, this is where the famous brandy label Metaxa sources its grapes and the path passes through terraced vineyards, past Vronta monastery and other chapels. Celebrate the completion of the hike with a cold glass of Samian wine, the perfect reward.
Vakakis Winery
Even less exertion is needed to sample the wines at the Vakakis Winery. Just a short trip from Vathi in a renovated building from the 1920’s that used to be the family home, the tasting room is at the heart of the vineyard. Nine different labels are offered, all from indigenous varieties, and ranging from white to rosé to red and from dry to the famous sweet Muscat wine.
Visit to Turkey
From Vathi and Pythagorio it is easy to take the ferry to Turkey, landing at the port of Kusadasi. Once there, it is a 12 kilometre taxi or bus ride to Ephesus, a great archaeological site and one of the major cities of the ancient world. Many travel agencies have guided full day return trips though it is possible to organise the journey yourself for about half the cost. Eat dinner in one of the lively port tavernas in Kusadasi before taking the return ferry.
Read also:
Samos: A noble island with mountains and lovely seas
Flavours of Samos: From Traditional Tavernas to Modern Gourmet Restaurants
