Participants and accompanying persons may
visit nearby destinations with special interest. Options include:
1. A visit to ancient Ephesus (Turkey).
The ancient city of Ephesus was founded around 900 BC, and it reached a population of 300.000 by 100 BC. Today, it is one of the largest and most impressive archeological sites in the world. It is situated at 13 kms from the Turkish port of Kusadasi (one hour from Samos by boat).
One-day tours are organized by all travel agents.
A valid passport is necessary (ID is not enough).
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2. A visit to the island of Patmos, where St John's Apocalypse was written.
The island of Patmos is situated south of Samos and it is one of the holy places of Christendom. St John the Evangelist, living there in exile, wrote the Apocalypse (Revelation). In later years, the fortified Monastery of St John was founded. Today, the Monastery towers over the beautiful island, and houses one of the richest collections of relics, ancient parchments and very old books.
Participants wishing to visit Patmos should contact
one of the numerous travel agents in Pythagorion.
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3. Walking tours.
Samos is ideal for walking. It is a rather small
island, but it has relatively high mountains. Walking tours range from
very stenuous (visit of the top of Kerkis mountain; requires experienced
hickers who have to walk from sea level to 1440 m), to rather easy (visit
of the lovely remote beaches Small Seitani and Large Seitani). Information
on these and many more walks or car tours is contained in the book "Landscapes
of Samos" by Brian and Eileen Anderson.
4. Renting a car and visit of various villages and beaches of Samos.
Renting a car will permit you to see places you
will not visit during the island tour. Recommended: the villages of Manolates
and Vourliotes, the beaches of Tsambou, Tsamadou and Votsalakia, and the
resort of Kokkari (especially at night). If you hire a 4-wheel drive, you
may visit the top of the Karvouni mountain for an excellent view of Samos
and Turkey.
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