Samos
A short history
Samos is a Greek island in the eastern Aegean Sea, known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. The island is said to have taken its name from the Phoenician word ‘sama’ meaning ‘high’, referring to the mountainous landscape of the island.
Archaeological evidence suggests that Samos has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. It became an important centre of trade and culture in the ancient world due to its strategic location near Asia Minor.
Between c. 535 and 522 BCE, Samos was ruled by the tyrant Polycrates, who transformed the island into a major Aegean naval power. During this time impressive architectural projects the Eupalinos tunnel, a one-kilometre aqueduct tunnel, and the Heraion, a grand temple dedicated to the goddess Hera, were built (now registered UNESCO World Heritage Sites).
The Heraion of Samos. Photo by Leo Pekaar (Pexels)
The Tunnel of Eupalinos. Photo from Wikipedia.
View from Platanos, Samos.
An interactive map of Samos.
Following Polycrates’ death, Samos was conquered by the Persians. Samos played a critical role in the Greco-Persian Wars (492–449 BCE), shifting from Persian control to a key member of the Athenian-led Delian League.
During the Peloponnesian War (431–404 BCE) Samos was taken by the Spartans. The island then faced significant power shifts, falling under the rule of the Romans, the Venetians, and the Genoese.
In 1453, after the Fall of Constantinople and the subsequent fall of the successor states of the Byzantine Empire, Samos came under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Ottoman rule was briefly interrupted during the Russo-Turkish War, when the island came under Russian control between 1771-1774.
The island revolted against Ottoman rule in April 1821, led by Lykourgos Logothetis, playing a key role in the Greek War of Independence. Samos was excluded from the new Greek state in 1830, instead becoming an autonomous tributary state of the Ottoman Empire from 1834 to 1912 as the Principality of Samos.
With the outbreak of the First Balkan War, prominent politician Themistoklis Sofoulis (who would later become three-time Prime Minister of Greece) regained control of Samos, and the island was declared reunified with Greece in 1912.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, tobacco industries in Vathy, tanneries in Karlovasi, and wine production across the island sustained the local economy.
What is Samos known for?
Samos is famously the birthplace of astronomer Aristarchus (c. 310–230 BCE), the first to argue that the sun was the centre of our solar system, philosopher Epicurus (c. 341–270 BCE) who advocated the ethical philosophy of simple pleasure and friendship, and mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras (c. 570–495 BCE), best known for his theorem (a2 + b2 = c2) and the Pythagorean cup. Samos was also home to fable writer Aesop (c. 620–564 BCE).
Samos is internationally renowned for its award-winning sweet Muscat wines, produced and exported worldwide by the Union of Wine Cooperatives of Samos. Olive oil, olives, citrus fruits, honey and figs have also been cultivated on the island for generations.
Statue of Pythagoras in Pythagorio, Samos.
Samos grapes.
Muscat wine in Platanos
Samos figs
Samos today
Today, Samos is a thriving cultural and tourist destination renowned for its lush mountainous landscape, crystal-clear beaches and vibrant local community. The island is home to around 40,000 residents and welcomes around 150,000 visitors each year.
For Samians, the island is more than a destination — it is home, history, and heritage. Whether you are planning a visit, reconnecting with family roots, or simply exploring the beauty of the island from afar, the following resources offer guides, local insights, and practical information about Samos:
In-Samos: https://in-samos.com
An independent guide to beaches, villages, accommodation, food, and things to do on the island.
mySamos Travel Guide: https://mysamos.gr
A popular annual summer travel guide featuring local recommendations, maps, and experiences.
Visit Samos – Official Tourism Portal: https://visit.samos.gr/index.php/en/
The official tourism website for Samos with information on culture, history, and visiting the island.
Samos Routes: https://samosroutes.gr
A comprehensive guide to Samos’ hiking trails, with maps and route descriptions.
About Samos: https://www.aboutsamos.com
A guide highlighting the island’s natural beauty, beaches, culture, and landscapes.
Visit Greece – Samos:https://www.visitgreece.gr/islands/north-aegean-islands/samos/
The official Greek tourism page featuring Samos’ history, heritage sites, and travel inspiration.
Avlakia, Samos.
Kokkari, Samos.
Agios Konstantinos, Samos.
Kokkari, Samos.
Sunset from the church of Agios Nikolaos, Potami beach, Samos.