Discover Samos – the Island of Pythagoras, Mountains and Remarkable History

Samos is an island of green mountains descending almost straight into the sea, small villages hidden on the slopes, and places whose history stretches back more than two thousand years. This is where Pythagoras was born, where the extraordinary Tunnel of Eupalinos was built, and where the mighty Temple of Hera attracted pilgrims from across the ancient world. Explore Pythagorio, head into the mountains, discover ancient ruins and experience the Samos you will never get to know by staying on the beach.

💡 Did You Know That on Samos...

Pythagoras

was born here

two tunnels

met inside a mountain

the Temple of Hera

had more than 100 columns

world-famous wine

is produced here

The Most Beautiful Places on Samos

Worth Reading About Samos

💙 Samos for Zwiedzo-Maniacy

It is easy to find a beautiful beach on Samos. But I suggest going a little further. Look behind the walls, step inside a small museum, discover traces of the island’s former inhabitants and find out why some of the most remarkable structures of the ancient world were built right here. Because the best way to discover Samos is to know what you are looking at.

🌿 Samos – an Island Worth Exploring

Samos is one of the greenest Greek islands and, at the same time, a place where beautiful landscapes and history are almost impossible to separate. There are beaches surrounded by mountains, waterfalls hidden among forests, vineyards climbing steep hillsides and small villages where life moves at a much slower pace than in the seaside resorts. But the attractions of Samos are about much more than nature and beaches.

Pythagoras was born on Samos, and the ancient city located on the site of present-day Pythagorio was one of the most important centres of the Greek world in the 6th century BC. Today, you can still see the extraordinary Tunnel of Eupalinos, the ruins of the ancient theatre, the remains of Roman baths and monuments uncovered by archaeologists. Nearby lies the Heraion – the great Sanctuary of Hera, whose remains, together with Pythagorio, are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

When exploring Samos, however, it is worth venturing beyond the best-known places. Head into the mountains to Manolates and Vourliotes, wander through the streets of Kokkari, see the Potami waterfalls or stop at one of the small beaches hidden along the coast. There are still places on the island where you can escape the tourist crowds.

What should you see on Samos? On this page, I have brought together places worth visiting, historic sites, interesting facts and our guides to the island. You will find the major attractions of Samos, but also lesser-known places – the kind that are easy to drive straight past if you do not know what to look for.