Samos

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Revision as of 19:40, 25 March 2016

An online cruising guide for yachts that are sailing to Samos Island, Greece.

Samos/wiki/Samos

Samos Port of Entry 37°41.1′N, 26°57.1′E37.685;26.951666666667 destination

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

Samos (Σάμος) is a lush and sizable island with area of 468 km², length of 43 km long and width of 13 km. There are two tall mountains in Samos: 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 nM 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 (sometimes referred to by the older name Vathy-Βαθύ). Other towns are Karlovasi, Pythagorio, Marathokambos, and Mytilinií.

Charts

Annotated Google Earth View the island of Samos

BA

2682 Kolpos Petalion to Nisos Nisiros

1537 Nisides Fournoi with the straits between Nisos Samos and Nisos Ikaria

1568 Ports & anchorages in eastern Agean sea: Limin Karlovasi, Limin Pithagoriou

1446 Samos Strait to Güllük Körfezi

Imray-Tetra

G32 Southern Sporades and Coast of Turkey

NIMA

54400 Samos to Rodhos

54389 Fener Adasi to Samos Strait

54403 Samos Strait to N. Kalolimnos

Greek

422 Naxos to Samos & Opposite Coast of Asia Minor

Radio Nets

• Coast Guard - VHF channel 12
• Olympia Radio - No signal in any of the harbors and coves

Also see Cruiser's Nets.

Weather

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.

See also Aegean Sea.

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 or call them at +30 2730 23 318 (Vathi), or +30 2730 61 225 (Pythagorio).

Check-in facilities (Customs and Immigration)

The two ports of entry are:

• Pythagorio
• Vathy aka Vathi or Samos city

Berthing Options

Ports

Key to symbols: ||  – port of entry ||

• Pythagorio Pythagorio /wiki/Pythagorio |  – port of entry |
• VathyVathy/wiki/Vathy,_Samos |  – port of entry |
• Karlovasi
• Marathokambos

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

Also see each Port listed above.

• Pythagorio or Samos Marina Pythagorio or Samos Marina /wiki/Pythagorio_or_Samos_Marina |  – port of entry |
• There is a small Samos Yacht Club based in Vathi or Samos

Anchorages

Sketch of Poseidonio

Poseidonio Cove

Poseidonio Cove/wiki/Samos#Poseidonio_Cove

anchorage Poseidonio Cove [[Samos#Poseidonio Cove|Poseidonio Cove]] (Ποσειδώνιο) 37°42.65′N, 27°03.3′EPoseidonio Cove37.710833333333;27.055

The cove of Poseidonio 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).

The Cove of Poseidonio

Many boats can anchor here

Chart of Klima, Samos

Klima

Klima/wiki/Samos#Klima

anchorage Klima [[Samos#Klima|Klima]] (Κλήμα) 37°42.5′N, 27°02.6′EKlima37.708333333333;27.043333333333

Klima 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, Kantouna is reputed to be good but the few times I ate there was disappointed.

The cove of Klima

Another view

The anchorage of Nisi

Nisi

Nisi/wiki/Samos#Nisi

anchorage Nisi [[Samos#Nisi|Nisi]] (Νησί) 37°46.9′N, 26°59.5′ENisi37.781666666667;26.991666666667

Nisi is a good anchorage with south winds and not very good with northerlies, 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.

The little cove under Zoodochos Pigi

Zoodochos Pigi

Zoodochos Pigi/wiki/Samos#Zoodochos_Pigi

anchorage Zoodochos Pigi [[Samos#Zoodochos Pigi|Zoodochos Pigi]] (Ζωοδόχος Πηγή) 37°46.243'N, 027°03.374'EZoodochos Pigi37.77071;27.05624

This is a tiny little cove under the Zoodochos Pigi peninsula named after the Zoodochos Pigi (life giving spring) Monastery. The cove is just big enough for one boat and it is good place for a lunch stop. 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 & Lakka anchorages

Mourtia, Mikri, & Megali Lakka

Mourtia, Mikri, & Megali Lakka/wiki/Samos#Mourtia.2C_Mikri.2C_.26_Megali_Lakka

anchorage Mourtia, Mikri, & Megali Lakka [[Samos#Mourtia, Mikri, & Megali Lakka|Mourtia, Mikri, & Megali Lakka]] 37°45.7′N, 27°01.8′EMourtia, Mikri, & Megali Lakka37.761666666667;27.03

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/wiki/Samos#Mikri_Lakkaanchorage Mikri Lakka [[Samos#Mikri Lakka|Mikri Lakka]] (Μικρή Λάκκα) 37°45.459'N, 027°01.654'EMikri Lakka37.75765;27.02757 is about 1 M S 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.

Megali Lakka/wiki/Samos#Megali_Lakkaanchorage Megali Lakka [[Samos#Megali Lakka|Megali Lakka]] (Μεγάλη Λάκκα) 37°45.136'N, 027°01.610'EMegali Lakka37.75226;27.02684 ) is about 500 S of Mikri Lakka is less isolated but it also affords fairly good protection from the meltemi.

Mikri Lakka

Mikri Lakka

Megali Lakka

Megali Lakka

Chart of Kerveli

Kerveli

Kerveli/wiki/Samos#Kerveli

anchorage Kerveli [[Samos#Kerveli|Kerveli]] (Κέρβελη) 37°43.8′N, 27°02.3′EKerveli37.73;27.038333333333

Kerveli is a cove that offers better protection than Mourtia. Good holding. I have anchored here several times.

Note: The bottom is rather foul with lots trash including beer cans, oars, and tires. Also, at about 8-10 m depth there are some large underwater rocks that with variable winds can foul your chain.

The kindest thing one can say about the waterfront restaurants here is that they are mediocre. However, a 10 minute walk along the uphill road brings you to the Η Κρυφή Φωλιά - The Hidden Nest taverna which is rather decent.

The anchorage of Kerveli

Psili Amos

Psili Amos/wiki/Samos#Psili_Amos

anchorage Psili Amos [[Samos#Psili Amos|Psili Amos]] 37°42.3′N, 27°01.2′EPsili Amos37.705;27.02

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/wiki/Samos#Kolona

anchorage Kolona [[Samos#Kolona|Kolona]] (Κολόνα) 37°39.766'N, 026°53.201'EKolona37.66276;26.88668

Kolona 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.

Anchorage East of Limnionas

Limnionas Bay

Limnionas Bay/wiki/Samos#Limnionas_Bay

anchorage Limnionas Bay [[Samos#Limnionas Bay|Limnionas Bay]] 37°41.9′N, 26°38.5′ELimnionas Bay37.698333333333;26.641666666667

The bay offers some shelter from the N wind but it is subject to strong gusts and it is exposed to the S.

The sandy cove just E of Limnionas offers more privacy and better shelter. Anchor in 5-6 m depth. Excellent holding.

Mycale Bay

Mycale

Mycale/wiki/Samos#Mycale

anchorage Mycale [[Samos#Mycale|Mycale]] (Μυκάλη) 37°42.3′N, 26°58.8′EMycale37.705;26.98

Mycale is a large bay about 1.4 nM east of Samos Marina. It well protected from the meltemi and has exceptionaly clear water.

Anchor in 4-5 m depth. The bottom is sand and provided excellent holding.

Tsopela

Tsopela

Tsopela/wiki/Samos#Tsopela

anchorage Tsopela [[Samos#Tsopela|Tsopela]] (Τσόπελα) 37°38.3′N, 26°49.9′ETsopela37.638333333333;26.831666666667

Tsopela is an anchorage right across from the small island of Samiopoula. It is protected from the N and the NE but exposed to the S. With strong NW winds some swell enters the cove.

During the day of the summer months it operates as a beach with umbrellas and all and it cane be noisy.

Offshore Islands

The Katsakas cove in Samiopoula

Samiopoula

Samiopoula/wiki/Samos#Samiopoula

island Samiopoula [[Samos#Samiopoula|Samiopoula]] (Σαμιοπούλα) 37°37.780'N, 026°47.513'ESamiopoula37.62966;26.79188

Samiopoula is a small island less then 1 nM south of Samos. There are two small coves where one can anchor: Katsakas/wiki/Samos#Katsakasanchorage Katsakas [[Samos#Katsakas|Katsakas]] (Κατσακάς)) 37°37.900'N, 026°47.200'EKatsakas37.63167;26.78666 on the west. This is a lovely small beach but during the summer it is exposed the NW maltemi wind and there is usually no room for a yacht because it is occupied by the day-trip boats from Pythagorio. The other cove Psalida/wiki/Samos#Psalidaanchorage Psalida [[Samos#Psalida|Psalida]] (Ψαλίδα) 37°38.046'N, 026°47.396'EPsalida37.6341;26.78993 on the north-west side of the island is well protected the NW maltemi wind.

There is a modest taverna on the island.

The Psalida cove in Samiopoula

Another view of Psalida

Yacht Services and Repairs

Marine stores

In Vathi or Samos 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.
• The a store in the Samos Marina

Yacht Services/Repairs/Yards

Repairs are available in:

• Samos Marina
• Vathi or Samos near the Commercial Port
• Karlovasi
• Marathokambos wooden boats

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel

Samos Marina

Pythagorio mini-tanker

Vathi or Samos mini-tanker

Karlovasi mini-tanker

Water

Samos Marina

Pythagorio

Vathi or Samos

Karlovasi

Electricity

Samos Marina

Pythagorio

Vathi or Samos

Tthings to do ashore

Tourism

Samos (Vathy or Vathi)

The Kouros of Samos

The most important point of interest here is the Archaeological Museum which exhibits the famous Samian Kouros a very beautiful archaic statue.

Pythagorio

The Eupalinion Tunnel in Samos

Near Pythagorio next to the airport is the most important archaeological site in Samos: the Heraion sanctuary to the goddess Hera. In town a new museum opened in 2010. It is very informative with well lit and labeled exhibit cases. A must see along with the Heraion.

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.

Mitilinií

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.

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

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.

The Village of Drakei

The village of Drakei can only be reached via a dirt road that originates at the Harbor of Marathokambos. It is one of the most remote villages in the island and it affords spectacular views of the islands of Fourni and Ikaria.

Grocery & Supply Stores

• There are 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 (near the commercial port).
• There are several grocery stores in town of Pythagorio (walking distance) and a super market at the marina.
• There are several smaller stores near the airport towards the town of Chora.

Eateries

• The best Samian food is in the small taverna Tasos in Ano Vathy.
• 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.
• 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."

Internet/WiFi

• In Samos Marina, free
• There are Internet cafés in all the towns

Laundry

• In Samos Marina
• In Pythagorio
• In Vathi or Samos

Motorbike & Car Rentals

• There are many agencies, Aramis is very friendly to cruisers.

Garbage Disposal

There are bins in all the ports and towns.

Transportation

There are daily, and in the summer several per day, flights from Athens. Almost daily ferries from Vathi to Piraeus and the Cyclades. Hydrofoil service to several of the Dodecanese islands from Pythagorio. There are also ferries a few times a week to N islands and Thessaloniki.

Routes/Passages To/From

• Cruising the Samos Sea Islands
• Passages between Athens Region and Samos - Kusadasi
• N - S Passages in East Aegean

Cruiser's Friends

• Travels with S/Y Thetis Vasilis Riginos has been cruising Greek and Turkish waters for over 25 years, as well as having crossed the Atlantic. He lives for 6-7 months of the year in Samos and is willing to help any fellow cruisers. Email = vasilis[AT]sy-thetis.org

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

• Official Samos Link
• Samos at the Wikipedia
• Samos at the Wikivoyage

References & Publications

See Greece.

Comments

We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.

• I have a summer house in Samos, near Vathi. If I can be of any assistance please contact me --Istioploos

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

• July 2003 (Kolona) --Istioploos Travels with S/Y Thetis
• September 2010 (Poseidonio, Nisi) --Istioploos
• September 2011 (Zoodochos Pigi)--Istioploos
• June 2013 (Klima) --Istioploos
• June - Aug 2014 (Mourtia, Mikri, & Megali Lakka, Kerveli, Psili Amos, Limnionas Bay, Tsopela) --Istioploos
• Sept 2015 (Mycale, Samiopoula) --Istioploos

Contributors to this page
Names: Lighthouse, Istioploos