From the top at 1434 metres, Samos reveals a whole new side: Barren stone, gravel and boulders characterise the peak of the Kerkis, the highest mountain on the otherwise lush island. On some days, clouds obscure the view the of lower-lying slopes with vines, olive groves, chestnuts, oaks, pines, and cypresses. In good weather, however, you can see the entire land mass from here in the west, resting in the deep blue sea, and the nearby Turkish coast in the east. If you want to see it for yourself, you need to be in good shape, surefooted, not afraid of heights and have alpine experience.