Regional Information for Samos and Ikaria

Below is some general information on the Greek islands of Samos and Ikaria, in the eastern Aegean Sea, as well as the two villages where Archipelagos’ research bases are located. There is also information on how to travel to and from the islands.

Samos

History

The island of Samos is one of the largest Greek islands. It played an important role in the ancient Greek world as a leading city-state and also a great center of intellectual activity. The best known inhabitant was Pythagoras, a philosopher and mathematician who held a school on the island. The Cave of Pythagoras is a tourist attraction. Also, the goddess Hera was said to have been born on the island, and the remains of a temple dedicated to her can be visited. The island later came under Byzantine rule and subsequently suffered from pirate raids, causing many of the island’s inhabitants to leave. Afterwards, the island came under Turkish rule and became repopulated with Greeks from other islands and the Greek mainland. Samos rose up against Turkish occupation in 1821, but did not become a part of the Greek state until 1912. Ruins from its history, including many palace buildings, can be found in many areas on the island, and Samos also boasts the largest Kouros (ancient greek statue of a male) ever to be unearthed from the ancient world.

Samos is a popular tourist destination for many Greek and European tourists. It offers sunny sand and rock beaches, beautiful waterfalls and a mild island climate during the hot days of summer. Cooling winds blow across the island. Its tourist industry is highly developed with facilities and amenities throughout the island. In addition, its close proximity to the Turkish coast (about 1.5 hours by ferry) make it a popular spot from which to take excursions to Ephesus, Troy and other destinations in Turkey. Samos is known for its delicious sweet wines, made from Muscat grapes.

Geographical location

The geographical located of Samos is between the parallels 37.49° and 37.37° to the North and the meridians 26.33° and 27.04° to the East.


Geography

Samos is a mountainous island and is known for its pine forests and cone-shaped Cyprus trees. It also has many woodlands, colorfully diverse vegetation and two high mountains, the rocky Kerkis (or Kerketeus) mountains and the fertile Ambelos (or Karvounis) mountains. There are few plains, the largest one being the plain of Chora, which is on the south side of the island.

The high mountain climates contribute to abundant rainfalls that shower the island in wintertime. This is the reason for the lush vegetation of Samos and many freshwater springs. The island does not have any rivers, but there are torrents to carry water. Olive trees are cultivated here in abundance, along with grapes and citrus fruits.


Flora & Fauna

Samos has a very rich environment with great assortment in plants and animals. It is one of the most vegetated and fertile island in the Aegean.

About 69,5% of the island is forest land (mainly pine forest Pinus brutia), 22% is semi-mountainous and 8,5% is lowlands. Forests are mainly dominated by the XXX pine Pinus brutia, as well as by species such as the holly (Quercus coccifera ), the lentisk (Pistacia lendiskus), the wild olive tree (Olea oleaster), the locusts (Ceratonia siligua) and the cedar (Juniperus sp.).

Of special interest are also the streams, torrents and small rivers of the island, (especially Mikro Seitani and Megalo Seitani in NW Samos) dominated by plane trees (Platanus orientalis), and being of great ecological significance as stations for migratory birds.

The salt marsh of Alikes- Psili Ammos, is also of great significance for migratory bird populations, such as the Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) – which however, has not been recorded to breed on the site since 2002, due to anthropogenic impacts.

The most important species of Samos fauna, is the Mediterranean (or Common) Chameleon Chameleo chameleon, a species that is not encountered in any other part of Greece, as well as the golden jackal Canis aureus, which has in Samos the only island population in Greece.


Marine Life

The marine life of Samos, is also of exceptional biodiversity. Despite the fact the during the last couple of decades overfishing and destructive fishing practices have caused drastic decline in the fish stocks, the seas of the island still support extensive areas of rare and protected habitats (such as Posidonia oceanica meadows, coralligene reefs) as well as important populations of rare and endangered species (2 species of whale, 4 species of dolphin, monk seals and 2 species of marine turtle).

 
Population and Administration

Samos has a permanent population of approximately 34,000 inhabitants. It is comprised of four municipalities, Vathi, Karlovasi, Pythagorio and Marathokampos and its capital is Vathi (a.k.a. Samos Town).

The economy of the Samos is based mainly on the tourist industry which has been growing steadily since the early 1980s. The second largest economic sector on the island is agriculture. Samos sweet wines are exported to many countries. The main agricultural products include honey, grapes, olive oil, olives, dried figs, citrus fruit, almonds and flowers. Overall, the environment of the island is in good condition because of limited human aggravation.
 

Village of Ormos, Marathokampos – Location of the Archipelagos Base

On the south-western coast of Samos is the traditional fishing village of Ormos, Marathokampos. Ormos is a quaint, coastal area that fans out around the tranquil and sparkling blue waters of Marathokampos bay. During spring- autumn, The the Aegean Sea in this area is generally calm and clear, lending to good swimming and snorkeling conditions. On the near side of the coast (near the center of the Ormos townvillage) is a port used mainly by local fishermen who go out early in the mornings on their handcrafted and colorfully painted caiques and come back in the afternoons to sell their catches to local tavernas and inhabitants. Further down the coast is a soft pebble beach used by tourists and locals. Archipelagos’ base is located near the beach area.

There are a handful of Greek tavernas in the center of Ormos, as well as many several small hotels, 2 bakeries, a main store and small tourist shops. The village is connected by a main road and a local bus to other villages on the island. While becoming more and more popular with tourists, Ormos has thus far been able to maintain a warm and friendly, local atmosphere.

Ikaria

History

Ikaria 's ancient island names were Dolichi and Ichthyoessa, the latter referring to the richness of the fishstocks of the island. However, the island later became associated with the Greek myth of Ikarus and its name was subsequently changed to Ikaria. According to the myth of Ikarus, Daedalus was a famous craftsman and prisoner of King Minos on Crete. In an attempt to escape from King Minos’ imprisonment, Daedalus made two sets of wings, one for himself and one for his son, Ikarus. They attached the wings to their backs with wax and secretly flew away, heading toward Athens out over the sea.


However, nearing an island, Ikarus became excited by the view and flew too close to the sun. The wax of his wings melted and he plunged into the sea and drowned. The surrounding sea was thus named after him, Ikario Pelagos, and the island was called Ikaria.

Ikaria is known for its folding landscapes and deeply set, rustic mountain villages. One afternoon can bring you from a hot and sunny beach, to mysterious rock formations and patches of old oak forests in the mountains. A Temple to Artemis stands in ruins on the shores of Nas beach, where the Chalaris River flows into the sea. Ruins of Byzantine towns are also found on the island. During years of harsh pirate raids, Ikarians lived deep in the mountains and hid their homes by constructing them from stones under huge rocks or in locations hidden within forests, not directly visible from the sea. Thus, a walk through the Ikarian terrain today reveals many such hidden rock houses and storage caves.

More and more tourists are coming to Ikaria for its rich, preserved nature and relaxed lifestyle that remains very traditional, in comparison to more frequented Greek islands. The island is known for its Ikarian red wine and honey making, and also for traditional Ikarian music that can be heard live at traditional fiests. In addition, there are many thermal hot springs on the south part of the island, Ikaria that also attract tourists. But beware the radon springs are only for therapeutic use, are potentially dangerous if used as a spa, however the sulphur springs in Leukada (off Agios Kirikos) can be used at no risk.

 
Geographical location

Ikaria 's geographical location is: 37o 35'41.42" N - 26o 09'30.88" E. Its size is 255 square kilometres with a coastline of 160 km.


Geography


The landscape of Ikaria is full of deep contrasts. There are windy and cloudy mountain peaks, huge rugged rocks, craggy and colorful maquis slopes, sunny beaches and verdant river valleys. The island is also forested in places with old oak trees and newer pine trees and there are many rivers and small lakes. Rainfall can be plentiful in the winter months and its streams, rivers and reservoirs support diverse freshwater ecosystems which are rare in the Aegean islands. Many protected animal and plant species are being recorded in these habitats, which also constitute important stations in migratory routes of birds.

Ikaria is an island of special geomorphology, which supports a rare combination of Mediterranean ecosystems, both on land and in the sea.


Flora & fauna

The island is dominated by pine and oak forests, the most important of which being the ancient Ranti forest at the centre of Ikaria. Nearer the coast, garigue, maquis. Riverine vegetoation – habitats important for bird migration during spring and autumn
The island's flora is, unfortunately, being constantly degraded due to the intensive and uncontrolled grazing of goats (estimated at about 35,000) that roam freely on the island. Due to this extensive overgrazing, the forest renewal rate has been dramatically reduced, a fact causing great concern for the continued existence of these forests in the coming decades.
 

Marine Life

The marine region north of Ikaria constitutes an important point in the migratory route of large marine mammals (and also of predatory fish like tuna, swordfish) in the Aegean, as it is characterized by deep marine gorges and canyons that reach a maximum depth of 1189 m. In contrast, the marine region south of Ikaria is characterized by small slopes and depths that vary between 80 and 200m. The seas support populations of rare and endangered marine species including 2 species of whales, 4 species of dolphins, the Mediterranean monk seal as well as 2 species of marine turtles.

The landscapes of Ikaria is full of contrasts. There are green slopes juxtaposing with rugged rocks. Ikaria is an island of special geomorphology, which supports a rare combination of Mediterranean ecosystems, both on land and in the sea.  The island's coastal zone supports ecosystems of high biodiversity, including large areas of sea-grass beds and coralligene reefs.

Population and Administration

Ikaria has a permanent population of approximately 8,300 inhabitants, the majority of whom lead a traditional way of life. The main livelihoods are agriculture, livestock farming and, to a lesser degree, fisheries. A significant proportion of the population is also occupied in the commerce sector. Only a small percentage of the population is employed in tourism (though this sector is growing), and the tourist services of the island are characterized by insufficient sustainable planning and infrastructures. Overall, the environment of the island is in good condition because of limited human aggravation.

Administratively, Ikaria is divided into three municipalities: the Municipality of Agios Kirykos (the capital and southern part of the island), the Municipality of Evdilos (the northern part of the island), and the municipality of Rahes (the central-west part of the island). Paved roads and a bus line connect the three main municipalities.
 

Area of Rahes – where Archipelago’s based is located

The area of Rahes is located on the north-western part of the island in the low mountains. The town of Christos in Rahes is a traditional, mountainous village that has a small but active city center with many tavernas and cafes, bakeries, food and clothing stores, a butcher and a pharmacy.

The road from Christos to the village of Kastanies, where the Archipelagos’ base is located, is a sinuous mountain road lined with a rich diversity of flora and fruit trees, plants, goat farms and traditional Ikarian homes, as well as the Charakaskaris River that begins to flow in autumn after the first rains have fallen. The area is also the start of many marked footpaths that venture into the surrounding forests and mountains. Given the high altitude, temperatures at the Archipelagos base are generally warm to hot in the summer and can reach colder temperatures in winter. The area experiences a good amount of rainfall during the winter months. The popular sand beaches near Armenistis are also close by.

 

Travel to Samos and Ikaria

Getting to Greece

In order to travel to Samos or Ikaria you will need to arrive first in Athens, Greece. Flights to Athens can be booked with a number of carriers. Then you can come to Samos or Ikaria by plane or by ferry from Piraeus port. It may also be possible to obtain airplane tickets directly to Samos or Ikaria.

Travel to Samos and Ikaria from Athens, Greece

1. By Ferry

There are daily ferries arriving to Samos and Ikaria from Piraeus port. Ferry schedules can be found at Greek travel pages:www.gtp.gr.

From Athens Airport to the Piraeus port:
Bus: At Athens airport you can take Bus No. X96 (come out of the airport and turn right and you can find the ticket office a little further on, marked "AIRPORT-PIREAS PORT" that terminates at the port. It costs approximately 3.20 euros and the journey takes about an hour (depending on traffic). Once at Piraeus port, you can take the port shuttle to the ferry.
Metro: You can take the metro line to Piraeus as well. There are several options which cost 6-8 euros and you can find the route to Pireaus on a Metro map.

From Piraeus port to the islands:
Samos: Samos has three ports: Samos (or Vathy) at the north eastern side of the island, Karlovasi at the north-western side of the island, and Pythagory at the southern side of the island. It is advisable that you arrive in the port of Karlovasi, as the other ports require much longer ground transportation to the Archipelagos research base in Ormos. The fare for the ferry from Athens ranges from 50-65 euros one way.
Ikaria: Ikaria has two ports: Evdilos at the north side of the island and Agios Kirykos at the south side of the island. It is advisable that you arrive in the port of Evdilos, if your placement takes place on Ikaria, since Evdilos port is about an hour closer to the Archipelagos research base than the port in Agios Kirykos. The fare for the ferry from Athens ranges from 30-55 euros one way.


2. By Air

Samos: Samos has an airport located near the town of Pythagorio. In the summer, it is connected directly with Athens airport every day. The flight duration is about 1 hour. Prices for tickets can be expensive, however, checking specific dates ahead of time is recommended. Olympic Airlines is the carrier, flights can be booked at www.olympicairlines.com. The Archipelagos base in Ormos is about a 1 hour drive from the airport.
Ikaria: Ikaria has a small airport, located in the village of Faros (next to Agios Kirykos) to the southeast edge of Ikaria. In the summer, it is connected directly with Athens airport every day. The flight duration is 45 minutes. Prices for tickets can be expensive, however, so checking specific dates ahead of time is recommended. Olympic Airlines is the carrier, flights can be booked at www.olympicairlines.com. The Archipelagos base in Rahes is about 1 hour and a half drive from the airport.


3. Final transport to the Archipelagos Base

When you will arrive to Samos or Ikaria either by boat or plane, we will arrange a taxi to drive you to the Archipelagos research base. It will cost 25 -50 euros depending on your port of arrival and destination point.


4. Other Information

Staying in Athens

If you need to spend some time in Athens, the following websites provide details of various low-cost accommodation in the centre of Athens

http://www.hostelworld.com , http://www.hostelbookers.com

Getting to Piraeus port from Athens center is easy, using the green line of Athens' metro.

Travel to Ikaria from Samos and vice versa

During peak season there are twice daily ferries from Samos to Ikaria and vice versa. Again these can be checked and booked on the Greek Travel webpage,www.gtp.gr.

Travel Links

About Ikaria: www.ikaria.gr, www.ikarianwine.gr, www.afianeswines.gr, www.ikaria-tanz.com
About Samos: http://www.samosin.gr, http://www.samosguide.com
Greek Travel Pages GTP (online booking for ferries): http://www.gtp.gr
Blue Star Ferries homepage (with booking option): http://www.bluestarferries.com
Dodekanisos Seaways ( Dodecanese catamaran ferry): http://www.12ne.gr/en/
Olympic Airlines (online booking): http://www.olympic-airlines.com/
Aegean Airlines (online booking): http://www.aegeanair.com

 

SOME USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES