Samos, Greece, is known for its beauty and for those said to have been born there: Hera, queen of the Greek gods; Pythagoras, the philosopher and mathematician; and Epicurus, the philosopher who believed that a simple life of pleasure was the highest good.
The island is dotted with green wooded hills, clear sparkling water, tall cypress trees and stunning whitewashed buildings—it's a wonder Epicurus ever left.
Visit the excellent archaeological museum in Vathy, the scenic fishing village Pythagorio (known locally as Tagani), explore the hiking trails crossing the island or just pick a beach and relax—some favorites are Tsamadou and Votsalakia. For a more remote beach, hire a boat and head out to the tiny island of Samiopoula.
Don't leave Samos without trying the delicious dessert wine with the same name. The island, located about 160 mi/260 km east of Athens, is reached by air or boat.
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