Whether you’re yearning to kick back and relax or spend time actively touring sights steeped in ancient history, rich nature with diverse landscapes and colors, and local food and wine, Samos is an idyllic summer destination that has it all.
With stunning beaches, modern tourism infrastructure, authentic villages, and incredible historical monuments, this northeastern Aegean Island has everything needed for a rewarding summer vacation.
Pythagoreio: All-Day Discovery
Located on the southeastern side of the island, approximately 12 kilometers from Samos town, Pythagoreio was once a small fishing village. It has become the most popular destination on the island, known for its active pace and fun nightlife.
Beach bars along the kilometers of shoreline towards Heraion, and clubs within and outside the resort, cater to every kind of visitor. However, Pythagoreio is not just about clubbing. Its scenic harborfront is lined by colorful fishing boats and tavernas, with narrow parallel alleys snaking out from there and transporting you to another era.
Then there are the unique archaeological sites, revealing the island’s very important past, and a dazzling array of nearby beaches. All these elements create the perfect setting for a summer holiday.
Built upon the ruins of ancient Samos, one of the most important centers of the ancient Greek world that flourished in the 6th century BC, Pythagoreio proudly claims its ancient heritage. As its name suggests, its most famous ‘son’, was the great philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras (580-496 BC). Known worldwide for the geometric theorem that bears his name, his imposing statue dominates the harbor of the village, making it one of the most popular spots for photographs.
The archaeological sites of nearby Heraion, with the largest temple of ancient Greece dedicated to the goddess Hera, and the renowned Eupalinian Aqueduct, a 1,036-meter-long tunnel from the mid-6th century BC considered a marvel of ancient engineering and often referred to as the 8th Wonder of the Ancient World, are both listed as UNESCO World Heritage monuments.
At the Ancient Baths and the Tower of Lykourgos
West of Pythagoreio, within the area of the ancient Samos sports facilities, lie the impressive ruins of the Roman Baths dating from the second half of the 2nd century AD. At the entrance were the changing rooms for bathers, to the north were the areas for cold baths and an octagonal pool, and the southern section housed the rooms for hot baths. The site also included a small domed room used as a sauna.
In the 5th century, this room was repurposed as a baptistery and incorporated into a three-aisled early Christian basilica that occupied the northern part of the baths. The floors of the basilica were covered with mosaics. The baths are part of an organized area that includes the ancient city’s sports facilities, specifically a gymnasium, stadium, and wrestling ring. The stadium, measuring 190-200 meters in length and 40-50 meters in width, was one of the largest in ancient Greece.
Another significant monument in Pythagoreio is the Tower of Lykourgos Logothetis, leader of Samos during the 1821 Greek War of Independence. Built on the site of one of the towers of the pre-existing Byzantine castle of Pythagoreio, it is linked to the island’s Byzantine and modern history. The tower has been restored and now functions as a visitable monument and archaeological museum.
At Panagia Spiliani
Northwest of Pythagoreio, atop a hill near the exit of the Eupalinian aqueduct, is the imposing Monastery of Panagia Spiliani (Virgin of the Cave), a dependency of the Holy Monastery of Panagia Hozoviotissa in Amorgos. The cave, approximately 120 meters long, has been known since antiquity, associated with Pythagoras and the prophetess Sibyl Phyto, and was a place of asceticism during Byzantine times. The small chapel at the back of the cave was built in the 17th century. The monastery houses the ‘miraculous’ icon of Panagia Spiliani.
In the Strait of Mycale
East of Pythagoreio lies the beach of Psili Ammos, at the closest point between the maritime borders of Greece and Turkey. This renowned strait, named after Mount Mycale directly opposite, is where significant naval battles took place in history— in 479 BC between the Greeks and Persians, resulting in a decisive Greek victory in 1824 with the Greek fleet’s triumph over the Ottomans. Today, however, it is one of the most popular spots in Samos due to the beach’s shallow waters, ideal for families, and the fine sand that glistens under the hot summer sun.
At the Karlovasi Waterfalls
To experience the “other” Samos and its wild nature, follow the organized path from Potami beach, east of Karlovasi, to the eponymous waterfalls. The approximately 1 km route through the gorge is breathtaking, featuring ancient plane trees, lush vegetation, and the flowing waters of the Kastania River (ancient Kerkitis). The path starts at the Church of the Transfiguration, considered the oldest on the island, and ends at an Instagrammable pond where many plunge in for a refreshing dip. To reach the first small waterfall, one must swim across the pond and pass through the narrow gap formed by steep rocks. Climbing the rocks with care, you will arrive at the second waterfall by walking through the river.
Swimming at Potami Beach and Sunset at Ag Nikolaos
While in the Karlovasi area, enjoy a swim at the pebbled Potami beach with its crystal-clear, cool waters. In 2010, it was named one of the 10 Best Beaches in Europe by the ‘Lonely Planet’ guide. In the late afternoon, relish the different glorious shades of the sunset from the chapel of Agios Nikolaos, on the hill east of the beach. The stunning view, with the sun slowly plunging into the sea, makes this location ideal for photographs.
At Aliki with Rare Birds
Located on the eastern part of the island, opposite the coast of Asia Minor, Aliki was used for centuries as a salt marsh. After 1960, it evolved into a rich wetland, hosting a large population of migratory birds and endemic animals.
Over 150 species of protected birds find a haven here, including egrets, flamingos, glossy ibises, ferruginous ducks, common shelducks, island partridges, short-toed eagles, long-legged buzzards, black-winged stilts, whiskered terns, and others.
The wetland, covering a total area of 420 acres, is part of the NATURA 2000 Network of Protected Areas and is recognized as a habitat by the Hellenic Center for Habitats and Wetlands.
Read also:
Exploring Pythagoreio, Built Atop the Ancient City of Samos
