Vourliotes

The large village  Vourliotes is located west of Kokkari, on a branch of Ampelos mountain at a height of 360 meters above sea level and in a distance of about 20 kilometers northwest of the capital.

It was built on the verge of the 16th and 17th century by immigrants who came from the town Vourla of Asia minor, the ancient city of Klazomenes.
Situated in a green area that is literally ‘drowning’ from dense pine forest and many vineyards, it has too many waters (natural water sources), narrow picturesque streets and beautiful old houses, many of which have been recently restored. It is one of the most picturesque and most beautiful villages of Samos.
According to tradition, the first inhabitants built their village near the sea, in position known as “Paleohori”. Ruins attest that there, existed a stronghold that was used as a shelter for the inhabitants to save themselves from the pirates who constantly frightened them.
Eventually they abandoned this position and climbed higher in its current location.
The fortress is called castle of Profitilia by the homonymous church of Saint Elias that is nearby.

The most known areas are “Pinaka” and “Ageiogdites” which were called this way from the first inhabitant who skinned goats.
Vourliotes produce excellent wine, the so-called “leria” figs, citrus and cherries.
Through the village passes by the road which leads to the monastery of Panagia Vrontiani and on the tops of mount Karvounis.
On the beach, one kilometer before the bypass, is located the settlement of Avlakia which is an old port of Vourliotes and modern tourist area.

Today, Vourliotes are inhabited by approximately 500 residents engaged in agriculture, mainly the cultivation of vine, and the tourism. The picturesqueness of this mediterranean village and the beautiful nearby beaches attract many visitors who have several possibilities for accommodation in the wider area. Many traditional restaurants and cafes in the central square and seaside restaurants in the nearby beach offer tasty food of the local cuisine and fresh fish.

In the settlement, the visitor has the possibility to admire ancient churches, such as the parish churches of Saint John the Theologian (18th century), the Assumption of the Virgin with the wooden chancel screen and others. In a prominent position in the village you can admire the beautiful stone fountain that continually flow cool water.

icy water, while in a short distance away, in position known as Pnaka, another tap offers iced water to the passers who come here to worship in the chapel of St. John the Baptist, or to admire the wildlife and the magnificent view.

Two kilometers to the south of the village lies the monastery of Vronta, or as it is better known as Panagia Vrontiani. Built in an altitude of 450 meters, in a dreamy location, was founded around 1560 by the monks James and Blissful and is dedicated to the Birth of Virgin Mary. Before the destructive fires of 1999, it had numerous murals, a rare wooden carved chancel screen and many sacred utensils of rare beauty and particular ecclesiastical and artistic interest but all were destroyed by the fire.

Also, the wider area above the village is offered for beautiful walks and the lovers of hiking choose mount Karvounis for their dashes.
The visitor will enjoy swimming in the nearby beach named Avlakia and also at the nearby beaches of Tsampou and Kampos with crystal clear water.
If you find yourself here during the summer don’t miss the festivals of Saint Marina on July 17, of the Assumption of Virgin Mary on August 15 and the region’s largest festival on September 8 at the monastery of Panagia Vrontiani.

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