The island of Samos
Samos is part of the North Eastern Aegean Islands and is located in the southern part of the group, near the Turkish coast. It is separated from it by the narrow Mykale Straits and, at its nearest point, is only around 1300m from Turkey. According to mythology Samos was the birthplace of the goddess Hera, wife of Zeus and queen of the gods. Nearby are the islands or Ikaria, Fourni and Chios (famous for mastic)
The island has a total area of about 475 square km and a coastline of 159 km with a population of around 42,000.
The island is traversed by small brooks which spring from the Ambelos mountain chain. Two small artificial lakes formed by springs can be found in the eastern part of the island. It is home to the highest mountains in the Aegean. Mount Kerkis (or Kerketeas) is the tallest, with the highest peaks at Vigla (1450m) and Zestane (1195m).
The capital of the island is Samos Town, located on the north-eastern coast. It stretches out round a large bay and is amphitheatrically built with neoclassical buildings, old mansions and traditional houses that emphasise the wealth and nobility of the island.
Small plains and valleys separate the mountains and are covered with olive groves, citrus trees and other fruit-bearing trees. Bushes, pine forests, plane trees, cypresses and chestnut trees can also be found across the island. There are also numerous vineyards across the island producing the world famous wines of Samos.