Written by Missy Johnston
Samos Island, Greece
A Kusadasi, Turkey to Rhodes, Greece yacht charter offers a seemingly endless supply of historical sites to see and fascinating legends to learn about. This is especially true in places such as Samos, Greece, which have so many interesting historical and mythological stories and people associated with them that history enthusiasts could spend hours just chatting with the locals.
Here are some of the most memorable and fun things to do as part of a Greek private luxury yacht cruise including the island of Samos.
Visit the fascinating historical sites on Samos
Local Boat building in Samos, Greece
It’s impossible to cover the island’s entire history and mythos, because Samos was home to so many notable people in real life and in legends. Pythagoras, Aristarchus, Epicurus, Eupalinos, Herodotus, and Aesop are among Samos’s real-life historical residents.
The Tunnel of Eupalinos and The Cave of Pythagoras are reminders of two men who once lived on the island. Between them, they made several contributions to humanity.
According to ancient myths, Hera, the wife of the Greek god, Zeus, also lived on Samos. The ruins of her temple lie in the southern part of Samos. It once contained 155 colossal columns, but today only one is left standing. Interestingly, this temple bears remnants of three or more temples that were there before, so the site has clearly been a place of worship for thousands of years.
Other historical places to see include the Roman Baths, the Castle of Lykourgos Logothetis, the convents of Zoodochos Pigi Aliotissa, the monastery of Agia Zoni, the church of Timios Stavros, the church of Panagia Sarandaskaliotissa, and the Sarakini Tower.
Explore the Samos Archaeological Museum
For a more structured tour through history, the Archaeological Museum is an excellent choice. It contains numerous examples of artifacts from the island’s archaeological sites and even features an enormous statue from the 6th century BC.
Enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings
Samos, Greece
If a refreshing hike up Mount Kerkis or a day relaxing on the beach sounds appealing, Samos can deliver.
The highest point of Mount Kerkis is the peak named Vigla. The hike features rare native plants and several different species of birds of prey, which should delight nature enthusiasts during the 4,701-foot journey.
Kerveli Beach offers unmatched peace and seclusion. Other lovely beaches include Psili Ammos Beach, Posidonio Beach, Heraion Beach, and Tsamadou Beach. The latter is relatively well-populated, with several nearby restaurants and taverns, but it’s also known as one of the most beautiful beaches on Samos.
An important island in both Greek mythology and history, Samos today, directly across from Kusadasi, Turkey should be on any charter itinerary from Kusadasi Turkey to Rhodes, Greece, cruising the Greek Dodecanese Islands.
