Vourliotes

Vourliotes is a traditional mountain village of Samos, built at an elevation of 360 m on the foothills of Mount Ampelos (Karvounis), offering panoramic views toward the Asia Minor coast. It was first settled in the late 16th century by people who came from Vourla in Asia Minor, from which it took its name. The village preserves quaint stone‑paved alleys, traditional hayatia (covered balconies), the central square and the Church of Zoodochos Pigi, where a large festival is held on Bright Friday. Within Vourliotes’ bounds is the visitable Metaxa Winery “Liknon,” while the seaside settlement of Avlakia and the Vourliotes Plain are parts of the community. In the wider area stands the Monastery of Panagia Vronta (1566), one of the island’s oldest monasteries. Residents are mainly engaged in viticulture and the production of high‑quality wine. The village is designated an area of exceptional natural beauty; its dense vegetation, crystal springs and walking routes to the mountain and neighboring villages make it an important tourist and cultural point of interest.