The nature of Samos

Samos is considered to be an island of incomparable beauty because it combines mountainous and marine settings!

Sea and Mountain

Apart from singular beaches with crystal waters, its arsenal also includes lush mountains, hiking trails, climbing courses, caves and canyons. More than 40 routes through dense pine forests offer a unique opportunity to enjoy the rich variety in the island flora and fauna.

Enchanting tours along picturesque cobbled trails through forests, dewy ravines and quaint villages perched on mountain slopes, reveal the harmonious coexistence of man and nature.

Flora and Fauna

Mt. Kerkis and Mt. Ambelos - named after the numerous vineyards that existed there in antiquity -the two major mountains of Samos, are rich in trails and hiking routes for exploring. For lovers of adventure and nature, we recommend the trail that starts at Votsalakia -on the Marathocambos side- and ends at Vigla, the peak of Mt. Kerkis, at an altitude of 1400 metres. Mt. Kerkis and Mt. Ambelos both present rich flora and are home to more than 1400 species of indigenous and rare plants.

Glyfada Lake and the Alyki habitat, in the east part of the island, are two important stops for many migratory birds. Up until 1965, Alykes produced excellent quality salt. To this day, when the waters recede, their abandoned facilities reappear. The area is included in the CORINE and NATURA 2000 networks and is listed as a High Protection Area in the island’s Physical Planning. During your visit to these sites you will have the opportunity to become acquainted with birds which find refuge in the area, either to breed or to spend the winter; species include flamingos, Dalmatian Pelicans, Short-toed Snake Eagles, Long-legged buzzards, mallards, swans, herons and another 120 recorded species, many of which are characterised as rare or endangered.

Bicycle ride

A good way to enjoy Samos nature and beaches is cycling. Follow the route from Kokkari and ride through the enchanting beaches of Lemonakia, Tsamados and Tsambos, and from there to Agios Konstantinos or Karlovasi.

Dips into the sea

Samos’ beaches, whether pebbled or sandy, are scattered all along the island’s coastline next to scenery of lush vegetation. Mikro Seitani and Megalo Seitani stand out for their fierce beauty and aquamarine waters. Megalo Seitani is the beach of the endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) and along with the forests of Kastania and Lekka -on Mt. Ambelos- and cape Katavasi, these have been listed as Special Protection Areas incorporated in the NATURA 2000 Network.

Waterfalls

The island offers more pleasant surprises at its natural waterfalls in Karlovasi. A quaint, well-signposted trail helps you find access through the Potami area, to the first waterfall. To reach the next one – the biggest one – you will have to climb up 60 wooden steps and reach a clearing with wonderful views; alternatively, the more daring who can use ropes can climb up from the river itself. The great waterfall of Karlovasi is approximately 5 meters high and offers you the opportunity for a swim in the cool waters of the small lake at its base.

Natural History Museum of the Aegean

The museum that must be visited by all nature lovers is the Natural History Museum of the Aegean, housed at Mytilinioi village. Its exhibits include a great number of Samos’ animals and birds, a collection of 3000 samples of the island’s flora, minerals and ores, as well as fossils of animals that lived on Samos 8-10 million years ago.

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