Samos

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Revision as of 14:08, 9 April 2008

Samos

The town of Pythagorion, on the south-eastern side of the island.
Photograph taken by Jeremy Lee, July 20th 2004

Background

Samos (Σάμος) is a lush and sizable island with two tall mountains, Mt. Kerkis (1433 m, 4700 ft.) rising out of the sea on the West side of the island and Mt. Ambelos (1137 m, 3782 ft.) on the North East. Samos is the closest Greek island to Turkey. The Mycale channel, which is 1 nmi wide, separates the two counties, Poseidonio is at the Eastern side of the channel. On the slopes of Mt. Ambelos are large pine forests which produced the best wood for the building of caïques. Lower down there are vineyards which produced the famous since ancient time Samian wine praised by Byron in The isles of Greece.

Samos has a rich history. In antiquity it was a very wealthy island and it was sacred to the goddess Hera. It reached its peak at the 6th century BC under the tyrant Polycrates whose capital was the present day Pythagorion. During his brief reign a large temple to Hera, the Hereon, and one of the engineering marvels of antiquity, the aqueduct of Eupalinos, were constructed. Samos is also the birthplace of the most famous ancient mathematician, Pythagoras, as well as of Aristarchus who first proposed the heliocentric system. A type of war vessel the Samena, was developed in Samos and played a key role in the victory for the Greeks in the naval battle of Mycale against the Persians. The island was pillaged by Mark Anthony in 39 BC.

At the end of the Byzantine era, the island was invaded by the Ottomans in 1453, the population fled and Samos was abandoned. It was re-populated in the 17 century AD. The islanders were very active pirates and Samos was one of the first islands to join the Greek revolution in 1821. The rebels were so successful that after removing all the Ottomans from the island they exported the revolution to Chios. After the massacre of Chios and Psara it was Samos' turn to be invaded. The Samians, aided by the rest of the Greek fleet after many days of fighting defeated soundly the Ottomans on August 6, 1824 in almost the exact spot where the ancient battle of Mycale took place.

Today, Samos has about 45,000 inhabitants. Its capital is Samos. Other towns are Karlovasi, Pythagorion, Marathokampos, and Mytilinii.

Submit details about the sailing/cruising in the area, etc.

Charts

BA 2682 Kolpos Petalion to Nisos Nisiros
BA 1537 Nisides Fournoi with the straits between Nisos Samos and Nisos Ikaria
BA 1568 Ports & anchorages in eastern Agean sea: Limin Karlovasi, Limin Pithagoriou

Imray G32 Southern Sporades and Coast of Turkey

Radio Nets

Also see Cruiser's Nets

Submit details of local radio Nets.

Weather & Climate

The summer weather in Samos is dominated by the meltemi which comes from the NW. Usually it is a light breeze of force 4-5 in the early morning hours but as the day progresses it strengthens to 5-6 by the afternoon and subsides by sunset. However from middle June to mid Septembers you can count for the meltemi to become a gale of force 7-8 and occasionally 9. These gales usually last 3-4 days. From October to mid May the probability is equal for either northerly or southerly winds. Winds of force 10 are not uncommon in the winter months. Violent thunderstorms are also probable by late October to early May.

The channel between Samos and Fourni is notorious for very violent gusts and katabatic winds you can be at least one force point stronger than elsewhere.

Sources for weather forecasts: These are the same for all the Greek waters.

• Athens Observatory gives 3 day (every 6 hrs) detal graphical forecasts for the Greek.
• Poseidon System gives 3 day forecasts for Greek seas from the National Center for Marine Research.
• Weather on Line provides detailed 7 day forecast charts for the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Atlantic.
• Greek Meteorological Service (EMY) it includes the Navtex weather bulletins.
• Wind GURU a surfer's site with worldwide wind forecasts.

Approach and Navigation

The approaches to the N side of the island are straight forward.

The approach through the Samos-Fourni channel should be cautious because, as noted above, violent gusts and accelerated winds can prevail.

The narrow Mycale channel between Samos and mainland Turkey has a current that sets to the E usually at 1-2 knots but at times it can reach 3-4. This can result in overfalls which, combined with gusts, can make the approach quite uncomfortable. But it is very seldom dangerous.

When approaching either ports of entry, Samos (Vathy) or Pythagorio, incoming from Turkey it is advisable to hail the Greek Coast Guard (Limenarchio) at VHF channel 12.

Check-in facilities

See each Port/Stop listed below.

Ports and Popular Stops

• Pythagorio (Port of entry)

Pythagorio (Πυθαγόριο) Harbor [37°41' N 026°56' E], sometimes referred to by the locals by its old name Tigani (frying pan), is the best natural harbor in Samos. It provides all weather shelter although the outer harbor is open to the SE. The anchor holding is excellent. One can either moor in the inner harbor or anchor in the outer harbor. In the inner harbor anchor towards N and avoid the SE side where most of the day-trip boats moor. Be aware of the Dangerous Rock with a beacon almost in the middle of the inner harbor's entrance, always enter from the N side. In the summer, the inner harbor is always very crowded so be prepared for fouled anchors. The outer harbor is very safe with the meltemi, I was there with a force 8 wind without any problems. However, the outer harbor is not safe with E and SE winds. Two anchors are advisable.

Pythagorio Harbor is port of entry into Greece. Until 1997 there was an attendant who listened on VHF channel 12 and also operated the fuel pump at the W of the harbor. Because the township failed to pay his salary he resigned. During the 1998-9 seasons there was no attendant and the fuel pump is no longer operational. The nearest gas station, is 4 km out of town. For fuel, it is best to go to the Marina, about 1 M to the N. At times, there is a strong smell of sewer in the inner harbor. There are several water outlets in the quay and electrical outlets. For connection to either the water or electricity, see Mr. Nikos, the attendant (he is there 8:00 to 12:00 and 5:00 to 8:00 PM and can be reached by phone at +30 6977 904 922).

The town of Pythagorio Harbor, while attractive, is heavily touristic and extremely noisy at night. A disco at the E end of the harbors broadcasts until 2:00 AM. There is a museum and many stores. Most of them will delivered provisions to the quay, if asked. Most of the restaurants are of low quality and overpriced.

• Vathi (Port of entry)
• Karlovasi
• Marathokambos

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

Also see each Port/Stop listed above.

• Pythagorio Marina

Anchorages

List details of all safe anchorages in the area.

• Poseidonio Cove
  Description?
• Klima
  Description?
• Nisi
  Description?
• Zoodochos Pigi
  Description?
• Mourtia
  Description?
• Mikri Lakka
  Description?
• Kerveli
  Description?
• Psili Amos
  Description?
• Kolona
  Description?
• Limnionas Bay
  Description?

Offshore Islands

List Islands

• Samiopoula

Routes/Passages To/From

Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Tourism & things to do ashore

List places of interest, tours, eateries, etc.

Marine stores

Submit addresses and contact details of marine related businesses that are of interest to cruisers.

References & Publications

Publications, Guides, etc.

• Heikell, R. Greek Waters Pilot, Imray Laurie and Wilson, Cambridgeshire
• Demetriades A. E. Πορτολάνος Σκαφών Αναψυχής (in Greek), Athens
• Dana Facaros , Greek Islands, Codogan
• Alpha Guide, Desmi Ekdotiki, Athens

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum

External Links

Links to relevant websites.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

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