Samos is a green island in the northeastern Aegean with a rich history and beautiful seas.
In ancient times its name was “Sami”, meaning “High”, due to its imposing landscape with many dominant peaks. The birthplace of great personalities in the field of science and art of Ancient Greece, Samos is full of archeological monuments, while the impressive natural landscape is ideal for relaxation, walks and hiking.
According to mythology, the goddess Hera was born on the island, while Herodotus and Aesop lived there. Also, in Samos was born the ancient Greek philosopher Assistant Neocleus Gargittios , the great astronomer and mathematician Aristarchus Samios , the philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras .
Thus, in ancient times the island was a great spiritual center of the Mediterranean world. His beautiful sanctuaries and philosophical societies were appreciated by kings, priests, people of letters and search.
Samos, its ports and its settlements …
Today, Samos has more than 30,000 permanent residents and its capital is Vathi in the northeast of the island.
The island has three ports, which are its central settlements: Vathi, Karlovasi in the northwest and Pythagorion in the southeast.
Apart from the large settlements, it is worth visiting the picturesque mountainous and coastal villages of Samos, to enjoy the traditional architecture, the enchanting landscapes and the Samian flavors!
Beaches with clear blue waters
The coastline of Samos is full of beautiful beaches, for all tastes.
You will find crystal clear, organized beaches, such as Tsamadou and Lemonakia , the Votsalakia of Marathokampos, the Chrysi Ammos justifies its name with the above- and Psili Ammos , where in the mornings, the locals claim that, you can hear the roosters of Turkey!
If you are an athlete, go to Livadaki beach and Potokaki of Pythagorion , where, every summer, beach volleyball tournaments are organized!
If you are looking for peace, relaxation and unhindered contact with nature, Mikri Tsambou , Kerveli , Megalo and Mikro Seitan are the perfect beaches for you!
Pythagorion of Samos
Pythagorion is a cosmopolitan destination that pulsates with traffic and life every summer. The town is built at the southeastern tip of the island and is 12 km from Vathi, the capital of Samos.
Modern Pythagoras hides great treasures for history lovers. This is an ancient settlement of great archaeological value. Excavations at the Castle of Pythagorion prove that the area has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, at least.
Polycrates, the lord of Samos, in the second half of the 6th century BC. took care of the construction of great works, which impress the current visitor with their perfection.
The Eupaline Trench
Among them, the Eupaline trench, a real innovation that many call the eighth miracle of antiquity.
In 550 BC. The architect Efpalinos, by order of Polycrates, undertook to build a tunnel, 1036 meters long, to connect the two sides of the mountain and bring water to the then capital of Samos. This original aqueduct had to be invisible to the enemy so that they could not destroy it, even if the city was under siege, condemning the Samians to water shortage.
Also, in the village Pythagorio of Samos do not forget to see:
- The church of the Transfiguration of the Savior , next to the tower of Logothetis . It was built from 1831 to 1833.
- The ancient marble theater (4th century BC). Today, there is a wooden installation with an orchestra and seats, which can accommodate about 750 spectators.
Archaeological Museum of Pythagoras
The Museum includes 3000 finds from the ancient city of Samos, such as pottery, sculptures, coins, small objects, etc., which were found through systematic excavations. Through the objects is presented the historical course of the ancient city from the 4th millennium BC. until the 7th c. A.D. and the great position held by the island in Greece is demonstrated. The objects, which are exhibited chronologically and thematically, reveal the historical and cultural evolution of ancient Samos.
For the organization of the exhibition, which is structured thematically and chronologically, emphasis was given to the scientifically substantiated presentation of the exhibits, to highlight their educational character and their aesthetic projection, in order to create a pleasant, didactic and understandable narration of the island’s history. .
The Statue of Pythagoras
The statue of Pythagoras (580-496 BC) is an impressive monument, which represents the well-known theorem of the ancient scientist.
Heraion of Samos
Eight kilometers outside Pythagorion is the archeological site of Heraion, perhaps the largest temple in Greece. The temple was dedicated to the worship of the goddess Hera, the wife of Zeus.
The findings from Heraion are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Samos. It is worth noting that Unesco has declared Heraion one of the treasures of world heritage.
Folklore Museum of the Cultural Foundation of Samos Nikolaos Dimitriou
The Museum represents the daily way of life of the inhabitants of Samos before the Second World War.
Introduces the professions of that time, such as shepherd, fisherman, shoemaker, most importantly the farmer and agricultural work.
At the same time, you will have the opportunity to get to know the one-room house and the lower floor, ie the residence of the people of the time, and their usefulness for serving their daily needs. A variety of textiles, the loom, pieces from the famous white embroidery of Samos, parts of a bourgeois house, traditional costumes for men and women, the crib and the baby clothes are some of the exhibits that you will find in the Folklore Museum.
The aim of the Museum is to enliven the feelings of the visitors for yesterday and to teach the young people the traditional Samian culture. The preservation of the traditional culture is achieved through the rescue and promotion of the traditional objects of the island.
Tannery Museum
The Museum was created in 2008 and is housed in the building of a former tannery, in Karlovasi, Samos.
There, you will see tools, machines and techniques of leather processing, processed animal skins, but also photos and a map with the tanneries that operated in Samos in the 2nd century.
The Castle of Lycurgus Logothetis
This is a castle designed in the 19th century, which is of great importance to the inhabitants of the island. It was built from the remains of many ancient ruins and monuments.
The War of Independence of 1821 was successful for the Samians. The castle, therefore, symbolizes a time of great unrest, war and resistance in the Aegean.
If you want to find the castle, go to the port of Pythagorion, look north and east from there and you will see it at the top of the hill.
The castle is 400 meters long. The hill on which it is located was one of the oldest citadels of Samos. Archaeologists exploring the hill have found several objects of prehistoric interest.
If you take a walk around the castle, you will notice some Roman ruins, which come from two temples that functioned there during the Roman Empire.
Genoese Castle or Kastraki of Panagia tou Potamou
It is a small fortress built in the 13th century – maybe later – on a low hill in Potami, 3 km from the town of Karlovasi of Samos. The Castle of the Virgin, as the locals usually say, was built by the Genoese, who then occupied the island.
Although the castle is small and does not have a strong fortification, it seems to have adequately protected the inhabitants from pirates.
Samian Wine and Fine Tastes
Samos is world famous for its sweet wine, Moschato. Moschato Samos holds a special place in the French wine market, one of the most demanding in the world. It has been awarded and distinguished internationally for its rich, fruity aroma.
Try all the versions of the Sami Muscat at the “Wine Festival”, which is organized on the first ten days of August in Vathi.
You will make infidelities in Moschato only with the local ouzo or suma, which is made from the same grape as the famous wine.
But you will not be impressed only by the drinks of Samos! Before saying goodbye to the island, take with you a bottle of virgin olive oil and a jar of thyme honey, since Samos produces excellent quality local products!
Also worth trying the following unique local recipes:
- Kambounia
- Bourekia
- Giaprakia
- Keskeki
- Ξεροτήγανα
- Moustalevria
- Cats
- Tahino pie
- Starozoumo