Samos, Greece

Lush, fertile Samos is the Aegean’s larder

With grapes, honey, olives, fruit and almonds in abundance. It’s picture-postcard stuff as rolling hills, steep cliffs and long beaches give way to pure blue seas. The island was once the home town of Pythagoras (but don’t let that put you off), and today it’s better known as the home of some award-winning Greek wine (as chosen by the Vatican).

Must see:
Go underground and visit Tunnel of Eupalinos, an ancient engineering marvel that was in its day the longest tunnel in the world – an ancient aqueduct that was used for over a thousand years.

Must eat at:
Sit out under the vine leaves of The Garden on Manolis Karomilis Rd for a traditional Greek lunch that’s great value.

Must be there for:
In June, Pithagorio hosts the Feast of the Fishermen, when the local seamen get together and, with the help of the council, stage their own fiesta, complete with band, dancing, wine... and oodles of free fish.

Well-travelled tips:
- The island’s inland was once a refuge from pirates. Today it’s a refuge from the stresses and strains of modern life. Go exploring and you’ll find life unchanged for generations.
- If you want to go further afield, you’ll find Samos is an excellent stop en route to Ephesus, one of the region’s key archaeological sites dating back to biblical times.

Visa:
British citizens do not need a visa to visit Greece.