Vourliotes – A traditional mountain village of Samos.
Nestled on the lush northern slopes of Mount Ampelos, at an altitude of 340 m, Vourliotes is one of the most charming and historic villages of Samos.
Surrounded by pine forests, vineyards, and flowing springs, the village offers breathtaking sea views and a peaceful atmosphere that instantly captivates visitors.
Vourliotes was founded around 1600 by settlers from Vourla in Asia Minor, Vourliotes carries a deep connection to its origins.
According to local legend, the early inhabitants chose to build their new village high on the mountainside—like a natural balcony overlooking the Aegean Sea—so they could gaze toward their beloved homeland, Vourla, on the opposite coast. This touching tradition adds emotional depth to the village’s already rich history.
According to historical records, initially, the first settlement was created in Paleochori above Kampos Vourliotes, but due to pirate raids the residents moved to the safer, current location.
With centuries of history and strong traditions, Vourliotes is considered one of the island’s oldest and most beautiful mountain villages.
The village is known for its vineyards and the production of the famous Samos Muscat wine, celebrated for its aroma, sweetness, and long winemaking heritage.
Strolling through Vourliotes feels like stepping back in time. The village is protected as a settlement of special natural beauty, preserving traditional Samian architecture.
Visitors can admire stone-paved alleys, old mansions with wooden loggias, charming traditional houses, and the village’s signature flower-filled courtyards with colorful doors and windows.
If you are a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, a traveler in search of authenticity, Vourliotes is a destination worth exploring.
What to see in Vourliotes:
- Vronta Monastery (Vrontiani) – One of the oldest monasteries of Samos (1566)
- Church of Agios Ioannis – A peaceful and charming small church
- Pnaka Spring – A beautiful ravine with running water and plane trees
- Chapels of Agios Konstantinos & Agios Ioannis Prodromos in the Pnaka area
- Churches of Agia Pelagia & Agia Matrona – Featuring post-Byzantine frescoes
- Medieval Castle of Lazaros on Mount Karvouni – Ideal for the panoramic view
What to do in Vourliotes:
- Wander around the village square and explore the cobbled streets full of flowers and traditional charm
- Visit METAXA Liknon, the home of the METAXA, and discover the story of Metaxa and the iconic Samos Muscat
- Taste local delicacies at the tavernas – don’t miss the traditional chickpea meatballs
- Enjoy coffee and homemade sweets at the traditionals café
- Try the local Moschato wine, produced from the area’s vineyards
Go hiking:
- Vourliotes to Monastery of Panagia Vronta (footpath) / 1,5 km
- Vourliotes to Manolates (footpath) / 4 km
- Kampos Vourliotes to Pigi Pnaka and to Vourliotes (old footpath)
- Vourliotes to Mount Karvouni summit (spectacular views of the Aegean Sea) / 12 km
See hiking trails in Vourliotes
How to get to the village of Vourliotes
By car, motorbike or bicycle: From Kokkari toward Karlovasi, follow the sign to Vourliotes. The road climbs through bends and pine-covered slopes until you reach the village.
Kilometric distances.
Vourliotes are located:
- 9 km from Kokkari
- 19 km from the Town of Samos
- 21 km from Karlovasi
- 32 km from Pythagoreio
- 33 km from Marathokampos
Source: Wikipedia
Photos: Nikos Chatziiakovou & inSamos Travel Guide
