Samos: The Island of Hera and Pythagoras
So rich in history and culture, Samos is an island which provides its visitors with a sense of awe and its residents with a responsibility to preserve the island’s unique character.
It is ruled by legend, wisdom and beauty, since it is the island of Pythagoras, the father of Mathematics, the astronomer Aristarchus and the philosopher Epicurus.
It is the home of Goddess Hera and the land that hosted Herodotus and Aesop.
Samos is a place of overwhelming vegetation and nature. Everything aroundthe virgin landscape is made of colour and light. Forrests, waterfalls, undiscovered trails, turquoise waters, make every step you take a revelation. Walk along the harsh Mt Kerkis from Votsalakia in Marathocampos, to its peak, Mt Vigla at an altitude of 1,440m. Along your hike you will see over 1,400 species of rare plants, many of which are endemic to the island. At its foothills you will encounter the magnificent Cave of Pythagoras, which he used as sanctuary hiding away from the Tyrant Polycrates.
The terrain of Samos is a challenge to those who choose to ride mountain bikes or simply hike on their travels.
Each summer, an increasing number of cyclists and ramblers, fully equipped for their adventures visit the island’s trails.
Birdwatchers arrive from all corners of the world to observe Dalmatian pelicans and pink flamingos that rest at Alyki habitat or Glyfada Lake before continuing their migration.
When the flamingos ascend to the sky at dusk, their colour mingles with the red sunset, creating a visual extravagance that visitors cannot forget.
During the hot summer months, those in the know begin their journey to Karlovassi waterfalls early in the day.
The larger of the two waterfalls is five meters high and one has to climb 60 wooden steps to reach the clearing that offers a panoramic view of the waterfall.
In Pythagoreio, which is built on the ruins of the ancient city of Samos, one can walk around and observe antiquities that are preserved along the millennia.
The infamous Eupalinos tunnel is truly an engineering miracle and one must experience the 1km underground path.
In Heraion is the temple of Hera, the largest in the entire ancient world.
It is the most significant archaeological discovery on the island and together with Pythagoreio have been designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1992.
Samos, nevertheless, is not only an island of important monuments and mountains for the adventure seekers.
It is a modern island with beautiful, organised beaches such as Tsamadou, Tsampou and Lemonakia at the east side of the island, Votsalakia in Marathocampos, Psili Ammos (Fine Sand), and Potokaki beach very close to Pythagoreio.
Samos covers all different tastes and desires.
You can stay in the vibrant villages of Kokkari and Pythagoreio or you can isolate yourself in the serene villages of Manolates, Posidonio or Kampos.
