Halcyon Hills - Samos, Greece
Samos island is in the Eastern part of the Aegean Sea. It’s geographically located between the parallels 37.49° and 37.37° to the North and the meridians 26.33° and 27.04° to the East. Samos is under a mile (1500 metres) from the coast of Asia Minor at its closest point. The nearest islands include Ikaria, Chios, Fourni and Patmos.
Samos is an Island steeped in history, culture and some of the most beautiful scenery Greece as to offer. Being the 8th largest Greek Isle, Samos has an area of 477km², boasts two cities and a variety of boutique tourist destinations from the delightful marina resort of Pythagorio to the picturesque Kokkari. With flights available direct from the UK, getting there has never been easier.
Climate
Samos benefits from the typical Greek climate, consisting of an abundance
of sunshine offset by minimal rainfall. The table below illustrates the
difference in average temperature, rainfall and hours of sunshine between
Samos and London.
Samos
Geography
The landscape of Samos is breathtaking. There are two major mountains
on the island, Kerkis standing at 1443 metres (taller than Ben Nevis!)
and Ambelos measuring 1160 metres.
The
Capital
The capital, Vathy (or Vathi), is built on the lush slopes that surround
the island’s deepest bay. Vathy has retained its individual appearance,
with its attractive neoclassical houses and old mansions with colourfully
painted facades. Although Samos has several fine archaeological
sites, the island is most notable for its excellent beaches and plentiful
opportunities for hiking, cycling, and windsurfing.
Samos
Tourism
Not only is there an international airport on the island which receives
flights from all over Europe, there are also two ferry terminals. Tourism
on the island increased by 21% in 2006 and 40% of all tourism is from
Greek Nationals, ensuring a strong local demand. At present, there is
one five star resort on the Island: http://www.doryssa-bay.gr. We have
commissioned Christie & Co. to produce a feasibility study into five
star tourism on the island. The report that was produced strongly indicates
that there is a need for further upmarket tourism on the island. Tour
operators offering package holidays to Samos include Thomson, Tui, First
Choice and Cosmos.
Travel
Located on the south coast of the island, Samos International Airport
currently handles over 500,000 travellers per year. This figure is expected
to rise by 20% per year. There is an abundance of reasonably priced local
car hire firms on the island as well as numerous organised excursions
