Information
Samos Prefecture
The prefecture of Samos includes the islands of Samos, Ikaria and Fourni. It is located in the eastern Aegean, opposite the Turkish coast. Samos is separated from Asia Minor by a multileveled strait with a minimum width of approximately 1650m.
Samos, which is the largest island and the main island of the prefecture, is mountainous and has a mild climate. The island’s major villages are Vathi, Karlovasi, Pythagorion and Marathokampos. It has a tourist infrastructure and attracts a large number of tourists, both because of the natural beauty of the place with its beautiful beaches and lush vegetation of the mountains but also because of the picturesque villages and archaeological sites of the area. The Heraion of Samos, the Eupalinian Tunnel, the Archaeological Museum of Samos, Megalo Seitani Beach and the picturesque village Kokkari are famous with visitors. The island is also known for its traditional sweet wine.
Ikaria is west of Samos. The capital of the island is Agios Kirikos port on the southeast coast. There is also Evdilos port, the second biggest port of the island, on the north coast. The island is mountainous for the most part: slopes and steep cliffs combined with long beaches. Ikaria is famous for its natural beauty and hot springs, but also for its customs and the lifestyle of its inhabitants who are said to be among the most long-lived in the world. The island is also famous for its summer festivals, where locals and foreigners dance together, drink local wine and eat local delicacies. The island also offers 14 hiking trails for those who love trekking and/or exploring the picturesque villages and forests of the island such as the valley of Nas.
Fourni is a group of more than 20 islets between Samos and Ikaria. They are characterized by a very long coastline. The largest islands are Fourni and Thymaina, which are inhabited. The people on these two islands occupy themselves with shipping and fishing. Fourni is relatively isolated and offers a quiet vacation where visitors can enjoy the beaches of the island and good quality fish.