Samos is part of the East Aegean islands of Greece, located south of Chios, east of Ikaria and at its closest point only 2 miles west of Turkey.

Samos Tourism
Not only is there an international airport on the island which receives flights from all over Europe, there are also two ferry terminals. Tourism on the island increased  by 21% in 2006 and 40% of all tourism is from Greek Nationals, ensuring a strong local demand.

At present, there is one five star resort on the Island: http://www.doryssa-bay.gr. We have commissioned Christie & Co. to produce a feasibility study into five star tourism on the island. The report that was produced strongly indicates that there is a need for further upmarket tourism on the island. Tour operators offering package holidays to Samos include Thomson, Tui, First Choice and Cosmos.

Location
Samos island is in the Eastern part of the Aegean Sea. It’s geographically located between the parallels 37.49° and 37.37° to the North and the meridians 26.33° and 27.04° to the East. Samos is under a mile (1500 metres) from the coast of Asia Minor at its closest point. The nearest islands include Ikaria, Chios, Fourni and Patmos.
(Click on the image for a larger view)

Travel
Located on the south coast of the island, Samos International Airport currently handles over 500,000 travellers per year. This figure is expected to rise by 20% per year. There is an abundance of reasonably priced local car hire firms on the island as well as numerous organised excursions. Samos is an Island steeped in history, culture and some of the most beautiful scenery Greece has to offer. Being the 8th largest Greek Isle, Samos has an area of 477km², boasts two cities and a variety of boutique tourist destinations from the delightful marina resort of Pythagorio to the picturesque Kokkari. With flights available direct from the UK, getting there has never been easier.

Climate
Samos benefits from the typical Greek climate, consisting of an abundance of sunshine offset by minimal rainfall. The table below illustrates the difference in average
temperature, rainfall and hours of sunshine between Samos and London.

Samos Geography
The landscape of Samos is breathtaking. There are two major mountains on the island, Kerkis standing at 1443 metres (taller than Ben Nevis!) and Ambelos measuring 1160 metres.

The Capital
The capital, Vathy (or Vathi), is built on the lush slopes that surround the island’s deepest bay. Vathy has retained its individual appearance, with its attractive neoclassical houses and old mansions with colourfully painted facades.

Although Samos has several fine archaeological sites, the island is most notable for its excellent beaches and plentiful opportunities for hiking, cycling, and windsurfing.