SAMOS | NORTH-EASTERN AEGEAN ISLANDS

One of the great powers of antiquity and birthplace of the celebrated mathematician Pythagoras and the pre-Socratic philosopher Aristarchus, who was the first to formulate the theory of the earth’s rotation. Today it is still known for the sweet wine that its vine‐ yards have been producing since ancient times. The village of Vourliotes, where there is also a monastery dedicated to the Panagia Vrondiani, produces the most wine. The is‐ land has two high mountains and is thickly wooded with pine, olive, plane and citrus trees, which have unfortunately been decimated in recent years by repeated fires. Samos or Vathy, situated on a deep, sheltered bay, is the most important port. Here you will see several neo-classical mansions from the last century when the island knew a degree of self-government and prosperity; these include the Town Hall, the Gallery of Fine Art and the old Parliament. Also worth seeing are the Archaeological Museum, the marble lion and the church of Agios Spyridon. Karlovassi, the island’s second port, also possesses some lovely mansions and churches. But Samos’ most picturesque and lively port is Pythagorio, where many yachts are moored and excursions are of­fered to other islands in the vicinity as well as Kusadasi/Ephessos on the Turkish coast. Not far from Pythagorio is the tunnel of Eupalinos, the 6th c. BC conduit that is consid‐ ered one of the greatest technical feats of antiquity. Also of interest are the Roman baths and the temple of Hera.