Vourliotes was settled in the early eighteenth century by Greek refugees from Vourla, near Smyrna in Asia Minor — hence the name. The plateia at the centre of the village, ringed by four tavernas under giant plane trees, is one of the most pleasant lunch spots on Samos.
The Monastery of Panagia Vronontá, a short walk above the village, is the oldest on Samos (founded 1566) and has a small but vivid set of post-Byzantine frescoes. The slopes around Vourliotes are still planted with Samos Muscat vines — visit in late August or early September and you will see the grapes being picked and laid out to dry in the sun.