Walking on Samos - Walking on Greek Islands (βιβλίο στα Αγγλικά)

Πεζοπορικός Οδηγός της Σάμου στα Αγγλικά με πληθώρα πεζοπορικών διαδρομών που συνοδεύονται από χάρτες και εικόνες.

This book describes the lovliest old walking trails. With detailed maps, exact times and photos of outstanding points for better orientation. And lots of useful knowledge about the "Island of abundance". It is made for island hoppers who want to drift through the island world by ship and who would also like to hike and swim in this ancient cultural landscape.

One of the ancient names of Sámos was Stephane, the “Island of abundance“; it was also called “Flowery“, ”Virginal“, ”Cypress-rich“ – all of which still applies today. The abundance of water and the gentle moulding of the landscape have given rise to one of the most fertile islands in the Aegean. Sámos’ variety of landscapes is unique: united here are forests with pines, oaks and planes, terraced vineyards, concealed springs and what is more, at 1,140 m, the highest mountain in the Aegean, the Kérkis.

Sámos lies in the Ionian settlement area of Antiquity, the cradle of Greek culture. In the sixth pre-Christian millennium Sámos’ ruler Polycrates led the island to the first cultural, political and economic blossoming of ancient Greece which 100 years later reached its peak in Athens.

After many millennia of decline and foreign domination the island is slowly beginning to develop. Tourism also plays a major role here, apart from agriculture. However it has shaped Sámos a lot less than other Greek islands. There are hardly any major hotel complexes. The visitor still finds an island characterised by the Greek-Mediterranean way of life.

Especially for hikers Sámos is an eldorado. One wanders through fertile valleys, shady oak forests and age-old olive groves and climbs steep cliffs and karstic mountain tops – with distant views of the surrounding islands. For bathing one comes across extensive sandy beaches and hidden rocky coves. And in the villages one can still encounter the unspoilt Greece with its friendly people and their hospitality, or “filoxenía“.

Particularly worthwhile is the north coast with wooded slopes and vineyards which continue to be criss-crossed by old mule tracks. But the destinations described in this book also include old monasteries and the archaeological sites around Pythagório. Unforgettable is the endless light in Greece, the blue sea, the beaches, the paved paths and the spicy scent of thyme, sage and oregano. Not to mention the simplicity and stillness are part and parcel of the hiking experience. Have a good trip Kaló taxídi!