The picturesque Greek island of Samos, nestled in the eastern Aegean Sea just off the coast of western Turkey, is a haven of stunning seaside resorts and quaint fishing villages. Separated from the Anatolian peninsula by the narrow Mycale Strait, this 185-square-mile island offers a blend of mountainous landscapes and fertile plains.

A significant part of Samos is adorned with vineyards, producing the renowned Muscat wine. The island’s terrain is dominated by two towering mountains, Ampelos and Kerkis. Ampelos, although larger in area, is overshadowed by the taller Kerkis, which boasts the island’s highest point. With a population just shy of 34,000, Samos ranks as the ninth most populous of the Greek islands. It also hosts a diverse range of fauna, including golden jackals, stone marten, wild boar, flamingos and monk seals.

Samos is steeped in history, with numerous archaeological sites scattered across the island. One such site is the Eupalinian aqueduct, a testament to the rule of the infamous tyrant Polycrates in the 6th-century BC.

Under his reign, a 0.6-mile tunnel was meticulously carved through Mount Kastro to supply the ancient capital with fresh water.

This engineering marvel, akin to the Channel Tunnel in its methodical construction, is now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The ancient city of Samos was once fortified by a wall stretching 6,430 metres in length. Starting from the eastern pier of the ancient port, it extended northwards, terminating near the ancient stadium on the city’s western coast.

Today, only fragments of the limestone wall and a tower north of Glyfada Lake remain.

Classical Samos is perhaps best known for its association with the philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras. In 1955, the town of Tigani was renamed Pythagoreion in honour of his birth there.

The historian Herodotus, famed for his Histories – considered the founding work of history in Western literature – also lived in Samos for a time.

Samos enjoys a hot-summer Mediterranean climate, characterised by mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers.

According to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service, July is the hottest and driest month, while October maintains a pleasant average temperature of 24C.

The island’s beaches cater to all preferences, offering both secluded spots and bustling commercialised areas complete with deck chairs and cocktail bars. Notable among these are Tsamadou, a pebbled, partly organised, family-friendly beach eight miles from Vathy, and Mikto Sitani beach, a secluded, non-organised haven.

Holidaymakers have been full of praise for Samos, with one traveller writing on Tripadvisor: “What a surprise! We had never heard about Samos but we booked by coincidence because it was one of the only European destinations where they didn’t expect cold and rain.

“So happy we did it. It’s a wonderful island. It’s still authentic[ly] Greek.

“Samos is not made for mass tourism. The roads are narrow, and there are hairpin bends everywhere. Some destinations are only accessible by 4×4 cars because there are no paved roads in some areas.

“Most of the island still looks untouched and the coastline is rugged and just magnificent.”