Samos, a small island far out in the eastern Aegean, is shaped like a seal swimming away from the Turkish coast. It's so close at one point that a good swimmer could swim across between the two countries, according to my grandmother who was born there. It is one of the greenest of the Greek islands - lush and flowery - and the birthplace of Pythagoras and Aristarchus.

 

Samos is not one of the first-tier holiday destinations in Greece, so it's not as crowded as some of the other islands, but it has spectacular beauty and realness. Green mountains, extraordinary beaches and lovely towns and villages make Samos one of my absolute favorite places in Greece. 

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Below the gallery is a short video. Music by The Music Case. 

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All photos by me or Barry Sweet.