Samos: The Emerald Gem of the Aegean

• HelloΓεια σας
  [Yia sas]
• GoodbyeΑντίο
  [Adio]
• YesΝαι
  [Ne]
• NoΌχι
  [Ohi]
• Please/You're welcomeΠαρακαλώ
  [Parakalo]
• Thank youΕυχαριστώ
  [Efharisto]
• Excuse me/SorryΣυγνώμη
  [Signomi]
• How are you?Τι κάνεις;
  [Ti kanis?]
• Fine. And you?Καλά. Εσύ;
  [Kala. Esi?]
• Do you speak English?Μιλάς αγγλικά;
  [Mila anglika?]
• I don't understandΔεν καταλαβαίνω
  [Den katalaveno]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseΘα ήθελα να δω το μενού, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na do to menou, parakalo]
• I don't eat meatΔεν τρώω κρέας
  [Den troo kreas]
• Cheers!Υγεία!
  [Ygeia!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseΘα ήθελα να πληρώσω, παρακαλώ
  [Tha ithela na plirosso, parakalo]

• Help!Βοήθεια!
  [Voithia!]
• Go away!Φύγε!
  [Fyge!]
• Call the Police!Καλέστε την Αστυνομία!
  [Kaleste tin Astynomia!]
• Call a doctor!Καλέστε γιατρό!
  [Kaleste giatro!]
• I'm lostΈχω χαθεί
  [Eho hathi]
• I'm illΕίμαι άρρωστος
  [Eimai arrostos]

• I'd like to buy...Θα ήθελα να αγοράσω...
  [Tha ithela na agoraso...]
• I'm just lookingΑπλά κοιτάω
  [Apla kitao]
• How much is it?Πόσο κοστίζει;
  [Poso kostizi?]
• That's too expensiveΑυτό είναι πολύ ακριβό
  [Afto ine poli akribo]
• Can you lower the price?Μπορείτε να μειώσετε την τιμή;
  [Boreite na meiosete tin timi?]

• What time is it?Τι ώρα είναι;
  [Ti ora ine?]
• It's one o'clockΕίναι μία ώρα
  [Ine mia ora]
• Half past (10)Μισή (10)
  [Misi (deka)]
• MorningΠρωί
  [Proi]
• AfternoonΑπόγευμα
  [Apoyevma]
• EveningΒράδυ
  [Vradi]
• YesterdayΧθες
  [Hthes]
• TodayΣήμερα
  [Simera]
• TomorrowΑύριο
  [Avrio]
• 1Ένα
  [Ena]
• 2Δύο
  [Dio]
• 3Τρία
  [Tria]
• 4Τέσσερα
  [Tessera]
• 5Πέντε
  [Pente]
• 6Έξι
  [Exi]
• 7Επτά
  [Epta]
• 8Οκτώ
  [Okto]
• 9Εννέα
  [Ennea]
• 10Δέκα
  [Deka]

• Where's a/the...?Πού είναι ένα/το...;
  [Pou ine ena/to...?]
• What's the address?Ποια είναι η διεύθυνση;
  [Pia ine i diefthinsi?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Μπορείτε να μου δείξετε (στο χάρτη);
  [Boreite na mou deksete (sto charti)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Πότε είναι το επόμενο (λεωφορείο);
  [Pote ine to epomeno (leoforeio)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ένα εισιτήριο (για ....)
  [Ena eisitirio (ya ....)]

Samos, an island in the eastern Aegean Sea, has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. The earliest settlers were likely drawn to its fertile plains and abundant water sources. Archaeological evidence points to a thriving community engaging in agriculture, pottery, and trade.

During the 7th and 6th centuries BCE, Samos experienced a period of significant growth and prosperity. Under the rule of the tyrant Polycrates, the island became a major maritime power. Polycrates' reign saw the construction of impressive public works, including the Heraion, a large temple dedicated to the goddess Hera, and the Eupalinian aqueduct, a remarkable feat of engineering.

In the 5th century BCE, Samos played a pivotal role in the Persian Wars. Initially, the island submitted to Persian rule but later joined the Greek coalition led by Athens in the fight against the Persians. After the Greco-Persian Wars, Samos became a member of the Delian League, an Athenian-led alliance of city-states.

Following the death of Alexander the Great, Samos fell under the control of various Hellenistic rulers before eventually becoming part of the Roman Empire in 129 BCE. The island's strategic location continued to make it an important hub for trade and culture throughout the Roman period.

During the Byzantine era, Samos was an important center of Christianity and saw the construction of numerous churches and monasteries. In the 15th century, the island fell under Ottoman control, leading to significant demographic and cultural changes. Despite this, Samos retained a degree of autonomy and continued to prosper.

Samos played a crucial role in the Greek War of Independence against Ottoman rule in the early 19th century. The island declared its independence in 1821, and although it faced several Ottoman attacks, it successfully resisted and contributed to the overall Greek struggle for freedom.

Samos remained an autonomous principality under Ottoman suzerainty until 1912, when it was officially united with the Kingdom of Greece. This unification was a significant milestone in the island's history, marking the end of centuries of foreign domination and the beginning of its integration into the modern Greek state.

Throughout the 20th century, Samos witnessed significant development and modernization. The island played a role in both World Wars, with its strategic location making it a point of interest for various military operations. Post-war reconstruction and tourism have since transformed Samos into a vibrant and economically stable region.

Today, Samos is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and vibrant local traditions. The island's historical sites, such as the Heraion, the Pythagoreion, and the Tunnel of Eupalinos, continue to attract visitors from around the world. Samos' local culture, marked by its music, dance, and cuisine, offers a unique glimpse into the island's storied past.

Samos is accessible via air and sea. The island has its own airport, Samos International Airport 'Aristarchos of Samos' (SMI), which receives flights from Athens and various European cities. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Piraeus (Athens' main port) or other nearby islands like Ikaria and Patmos. Ferries run frequently during the summer months, and the journey from Piraeus typically takes around 12-14 hours.

On the island, you can use public buses, taxis, or rent a car or scooter to get around. The public bus system is fairly reliable and covers most of the island, including major towns and beaches. Taxis are available but can be expensive for longer trips. Renting a car or scooter provides the most flexibility for exploring the more remote areas of Samos.

The currency used in Samos is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most restaurants, hotels, and larger shops. However, it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller villages, local markets, or remote areas. ATMs are available in major towns like Vathy, Pythagoreio, and Karlovasi.

Samos is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas, so it is always advisable to stay vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is best to avoid poorly lit areas at night.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the European emergency number. There are medical facilities available in the major towns like Vathy and Karlovasi. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are accessible and can provide over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Kalimera' (Good morning) or 'Kalispera' (Good evening). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Samos like a local, visit the small villages such as Kokkari and Manolates, where you can enjoy traditional Greek hospitality. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island's history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the ancient Heraion temple and the Pythagoreion, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For a unique experience, take a hike in the lush forests of Ambelos or enjoy a wine-tasting tour at one of the island’s vineyards.