Samos

The countryside of Samos is also great for hiking, as old footpaths lead to vineyard groves, ancient monasteries, mountainous villages, waterfalls, and caves. There are also several places for climbing.

Located in the north- east Aegean Sea, the birthplace of the ancient Ionian Greek philosopher Pythagoras and major nautical power during the 6th c. BC is filled with treasures, both ancient and natural. Τhe ideal way to visit all the important places is to rent a car and leisurely drive around the island at your own pace.

Three important UNESCO World Heritage Sites are a must-visit, all of which are located in the south of the island. First stop is the fortified ancient city of Pythagoreion, with Greek and Roman monuments. At close distance we find the Tunnel of Eupalinos or Eypalinio Origma, one of the greatest technical achievements of the ancient world, a 1.036-m- long aqueduct, the construction of which started simultaneously on both sides of Mount Kastro and the two parts of the tunnel met in the middle distance with a small deviation of only 5 meters! Last, but not least, is the «Heraion» temple [8th c. B.C.], an ancient sanctuary dedicated to goddess Hera.

Driving along the south coast, don’t miss the cosmopolitan & idyllic village of modern Pythagorion, the nearby Potokaki pebbly beach and Marathokambos, a beautiful traditional village built amphitheatrically at an altitude of 270 m., with stunning views to the Aegean. Along the north coast, two places are really worth a visit. Kokkari is a scenic fishing village with many hidden pebbly beaches [Tsamadou, Tsambou, Lemonakia] and Neo Karlovassi is the 2nd biggest town and the island’s commercial centre on the northwest coast of Samos. At short distance you can make a refreshing stop at the waterfalls of Potami and the nearby beaches of Mikro and Megalo Seitani.