Samos
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Samos
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.
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 or call them at +30 2730 23 318 (Vathi), or +30 2730 61 225 (Pythagorio).
Check-in facilities
See each Port/Stop listed below.
Ports and Popular Stops
- Pythagorio (Port of entry)
- Vathi (Port of entry)
- Karlovasi
- Marathokambos
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
Also see each Port/Stop listed above.
- Pythagorio Marina
- There is a small Samos Yacht Club based in Vathi
Anchorages
Poseidonio Cove
Click for larger view
Click for larger view
The cove of Poseidonio (Ποσειδώνιο) [37°42.7' N 026°03.5' E] or Moulebraim is maybe the best protected cove in Samos. Unfortunately the bottom is weed and loose mud which does not provide good holding. While the predominant winds in the summer are from the NW to NE, in the afternoon there can be strong gusts from the SE. The anchor may appear to be caught but with a strong gust it may drag. Always use 2 anchors.
There is a private underwater mooring, belonging to Mr. Soutos that one might use temporarily. There are two restaurants ashore. The one to the W, Kerketzos, and to the E, Dionysos, usually have fresh fish. There, is also a small store with basic provisions. There is no transportation to town other than a taxi from Pythagorio (tel. +30 22730 61 450).
Klima
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Klima (Κλήμα) [37° 42.5' N 27° 02,7' E] is a cove just W of Poseidonio. It offers slightly less protection from the meltemi than Poseidonio but it provides better holding and it is another alternative. Anchor in 5-6 m over sand.
There are two tavernas ashore, Kantounia is reputed to be good but the few times I ate there was disappointed.
Nisi
Nisi (Νησί) is not a good anchorage, but if you tuck the boat close to the W shore you will be sheltered from the meltemi. The bottom is rocky. It is good spot to stop for lunch and a swim.
Zoodochos Pigi
Zoodochos Pigi (Ζωοδόχος Πηγή) [37° 46.31' N 27° 03.3' E] is a tiny little cove, just big enough for one boat, located under the Zoodochos Pigi (life giving spring) Monastery. It is one of our favorite lunch stops. It is usually well protected form the meltemi until the middle of the afternoon when there may be a SE breeze. Anchor on a sandy spot.
Mourtia & Mikri Lakka
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Mourtia (Μουρτιά) is a nice sandy bay is at the foot of the Zoodochos Pigi Peninsula. It is pleasant anchorage but open to the S and E, and it is not good place to overnight. There is a small taverna ashore.
Mikri Lakka (Μικρή Λάκκα) [37° 45.4' N 27° 01.6' E] is about 1 M W of Mourtia there is a nice deserted cove that affords fairly good protection from the meltemi. Anchor in 5 m over sand and some weed. Fairly good holding. The only distraction are wasps. This is an ideal place to watch the full moon rise over the mountains of Turkey.
Kerveli
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Kerveli (Κέρβελη) [37° 43.8' N 27° 02.3' E] is a cove that offers better protection than Mourtia. Good holding. I have anchored here several times.
The kindest thing one can say about the restaurants here is that they are mediocre.
Psili Amos
This a shallow sandy cove whose name means fine sand, is at the narrowest of the Samos Strait, just W of Poseidonio. There is a taverna ashore. It is a very popular swimming area.
Kolona
Kolona (Κολώνα) or Tsópela (Τσόπελα) [37° 38.4' N 26° 49.9' E] is a lovely cove that takes its name from the cape just to its E. It provides reasonable shelter when the weather is settled. Good place for a swim. Sandy bottom, good holding. From here you can walk to Heraion.
Limnionas Bay
The bay offers some shelter from the N wind but it is subject to strong gusts and it is exposed to the S.
Offshore Islands
- Samiopoula
There is tiny cove on the island of Samiopoula but it is usually no room for a yacht because it is occupied by the day-trip boats from Pythagorio. There is a modest taverna on the island.
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Tourism & things to do ashore
Vathi
The most important point of interest here is the Archaeological Museum which exhibits the famous Samian Kouros a very beautiful archaic statue.
Pythagorio
Near Pythagorio next to the airport is the most important archaeological site in Samos: the Heraion sanctuary to the goddess Hera. Just out of town is the aqueduct of Eupalinos. At the Doryssa hotel there is an interesting folkloric Museum. Also there is small museum very close to the harbor.
Zoodochos Pigi Monastery
A very attractive monastery that can be reached from Mourtia, well worth a visit.
Vrontiani Monastery
This the oldest monastery in the island it is situated in a beautiful setting among a pine tree forest a few km from the picturesque town of Vourliotes. Unfortunately the monastery was destroyed by the 2000 fire and it is now closed to visitors.
Mitilini
There is a very interesting museum of natural history in this inland town. Among other exhibits there is the jaw of a prehistoric horse-like animal named the Samiotherion.
The Village of Ambelos
This a very picturesque village perched on the N slopes of Mt. Ambelos and surrounded by vineyards has some of the best traditional Samian architecture.
Potami
This a very picturesque village perched on the N slopes of Mt. Ambelos and surrounded by vineyards has some of the best traditional Samian architecture.
The Village of Manolates
This a very picturesque village perched on the N slopes of Mt. Ambelos and surrounded by vineyards has a wonderful view of the bay.
Potami
A visit to Potami is worthwhile. This is a stream with natural water falls shaded by sycamore trees. It is just a few miles W of Karlovasi. Very beautiful, natural setting. The scenery is not what one would usually associate with Aegean islands. You can swim there.
Grocery Stores
- There many food stores in both Vathi and Pythagorio. There is a large super market, the Bazaar, on the road between the towns of Vathi and Pythagorio and several smaller ones near the airport towards the town of Chora.
- In Vathi, one can buy Samian wine and ouzo at much better prices than in town at the wine cooperative (Enosis) at the Malagari district.
- There several grocery stores in town of Pythagorio (walking distance).
- There are several smaller stores near the airport towards the town of Chora.
Eateries
- The best value in Vathi is a modest restaurant the Kotopoula specializing in grilled chicken in the Prosphigika district.
- In the delightful mountain village of Manolates there is a good restaurant, the Lucas, with a magnificent view of the N Aegean.
- in Ayios Konstantinos there is Apolafsi which specializes in food baked in a wood burning oven. It has been rated as "one of the best tavernas in Greece."
- The Psarades, which specializes in sea food, in Ayios Nikolaos, (few km E of Karlovasi). It has been rated as "one of the best tavernas in Greece."
Motorbike & Car Rentals
- There are many agencies, Aramis wis very friendly to cruisers.
Marine stores
In Vathi there two chandlery stores:
- The Kapnoulas store is right next to the winery near the commercial port.
- The second one is W of the small marina along the main waterfront road.
In Pythagorio there are at least two chandlery stores:
- The store on the main street vertical to the harbor is well stocked.
- There is new store in the Pythagorio Marina, as of the fall 2007, its stock was limited.
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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