|
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
 |
 |
|
|
|
||
 |
 |
A wealth of culture and history combined with an idyllic Mediterranean climate
About Samos
Samos is one of the largest Greek islands and yet it retains its classical Greek charm. Located to the south eastern corner of Greece and her archipelago of Aegean islands, Samos has one of the most recognisable and verdant topographies and is especially popular with the yachting fraternity.
Despite stunning weather, short flight times from the UK and an unparalleled depth of culture and history, holiday properties in Greece have been relatively hard to find due to restrictive government legislation. However, the Greek government has recently relaxed conditions in an effort to increase the second home market within the Greek Islands. Halcyon Hills luxury resort and spa is the first resort released to take advantage of the relaxation in the government restrictions and therefore offers the informed investor the opportunity to invest at the beginning of what will surely be one of the largest property booms of the decade.
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 less than two miles 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 of course some of the most beautiful scenery that Greece has to offer. Being the 8th largest Greek isle, Samos has an area of 476km2. Samos is small enough to retain a very traditional Greek feel, whilst large enough to explore time and time again.
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.
| Average Temperature ˚C | Mm. Rainfall | Sunshine (hours) | ||||
| Month | Samos | London | Samos | London | Samos | London |
| January | 10.9 | 4 | 204.7 | 1642 | 129.3 | 31 |
| February | 11.2 | 2.5 | 137.5 | 1216 | 139.2 | 56 |
| March | 12.8 | 6.5 | 100.9 | 1125 | 187.9 | 124 |
| April | 16.3 | 9.5 | 49.8 | 1125 | 224.6 | 150 |
| May | 20.4 | 12.5 | 37.8 | 1398 | 299.3 | 186 |
| June | 24.4 | 16 | 4.8 | 1368 | 348.7 | 210 |
| July | 26.5 | 18 | 0.2 | 1733 | 377.6 | 186 |
| August | 26.4 | 17 | 0.4 | 1794 | 356.3 | 186 |
| September | 23.8 | 15 | 9.2 | 1489 | 300.5 | 150 |
| October | 19.7 | 13 | 50.5 | 1733 | 230.6 | 93 |
| November | 16.1 | 7.5 | 112.4 | 1946 | 168.4 | 60 |
Travel
Located on the south coast of the island, Samos International Airport currently handles over 250,000 travellers per annum. 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.
With flights to Samos now available direct from around the UK, getting there has never been easier.
The Island
The landscape of the island is absolutely breathtaking. There are two major mountains on Samos, Kerkis - standing at 1,443 metres and taller than Ben Nevis - and Ambelos, measuring 1,160 metres. The mountains provide the perfect platform to survey the beautiful rich green hills as they meet the azure sea. Dotted around Samos' coastline are numerous beaches, both sandy and shingle, and all with stunning crystal clear waters. Picturesque fishing villages, bustling harbours and popular tourist spots are abundant along the coast of the island.
Tourism
Not only is there an international airport on Samos 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 .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.
Touring the Island
In the north of the island you will find the capital, Samos Town, a bustling town rich with culture and experience. Built on the lush slopes that surround the island’s deepest bay, Vathy has retained its individual appearance with its attractive neoclassical houses Although Samos has several fine archaeological sites, the island is most notable for its excellent beaches and plentiful opportunities for hiking, cycling, and windsurfingand old mansions with colourfully painted facades. The unique architecture here sets a theme of traditional values and welcoming hospitality for which the locals are renowned.
Samos Town is a modern extension of the historical capital, Vathi. This area can be found above the bustling harbour town, with narrow meandering streets and traditional architecture that seems not to have changed for centuries.
Although Samos has several fine archaeological sites, the island is most notable for its excellent beaches and plentiful opportunities for hiking, cycling, and windsurfing. There are examples of cultural references all over the island such as Pythagoras Square, where you will find an imposing statue of a lion symbolising the bravery of Samians defending their country.
Attractions
The island of Samos has so much to offer that you will never tire of exploring this beautiful Aegean haven. Below are just a select few of the attractions that keep tourists returning year after year.
Roman Baths Temple of Hera Museum of Archaeology Museum of History Epfalinian Tunnel |
Climbing Trekking Sailing Diving Numerous Watersports |
Olive groves Terraced grape vine farms Stunning wild flowers Local artist displays Fresh honey and herbs |
Of course, to fully sample the lifestyle of this ancient island paradise, we recommend you sample the local produce such as
Muscat wine, sweet honey, fresh fish, folk art, ceramics, pottery, rugs, goat's wool, crafts and colourful hand-woven fabrics.
| About Greece | Climate & Tourism | Location & getting there |
Food & Drink | Language & Culture | History & Economy | About Samos | Property in Greece |
