Samos - Circuit of Island

The scenery along the north coast of Samos is particularly attractive with narrow valleys and terraced slopes. The road from Sámos town along the north coast, which is mostly fringed by cliffs, comes in 10.5km/ 6.5mi to the little port of Kokkári. About half-way there, near a chapel of Ayía Paraskeví on the right of the road, is a modest Early Christian baptistery. Beyond Avlákia (20km/12.5mi) a road goes off on the left to Vourliótes (3km/2mi), from which it is 2km/1.25mi to the Vrontianí monastery (founded 1566), on the northern slopes of Mt Ampelos.

The coast road continues to Áyios Konstantínos (26km/16mi) and Karlovási (32km/20mi), a port of call for the regular boats. The remote west coast is picturesque but can only be reached on foot by means of steep and tortuous paths. From here, there is an attractive return route to Sámos through the beautiful hilly country in the interior of the island, passing through Pyrgos, Koumaradéi and Khóra.

There are a number of other monasteries on the island, including Zoodókhos Piyí (founded 1756; extensive views), 8km/5mi east of Sámos, Profítis Ilías (founded 1625), 4km/2.5mi south of Karlovási, and Stavrós (founded 1586), 3km/2mi east of Khóra.