Samos
Samos
The mythical birthplace of the goddess Hera is certainly worthy of its divine reputation. As one of the greenest of all Aegean islands, its natural beauty of Samos has been the inspiration for poets and artists for millennia. Nature-lovers and beach-bums alike are attracted to its pebbled beaches, green expanses and impressive rocky cliffs. The island is also famous for its vineyards and home to the ruins of the magnificent Temple of Hera and a true marvel of ancient engineering, the 1,000-metre Tunnel of Eupalinos, which once brought clean drinking water to the people of Pythagoreio.Find your trip
Perhaps the greatest testament to the scientific genius of Samos' golden-age citizens, the 1,034-metre-long Tunnel of Eupalinos was an aqueduct and service tunnel built beginning in 524 BC. This incredible feat of ancient engineering claimed the lives of many workers, but brought vital drinking water to the inhabitants of Pythagoreio, then a metropolis of 80,000.
Though today only some ruins remain, this temple dedicated to the goddess Hera (and built in the 6th century BC on the site where according to she was born) was once four times the size of the Parthenon in Athens. The road leading to the site from Pythagoreio was once lined with impressive statues that led the way to the temple.
About 10 kilometres north of Vathy lies one of the islands most pristine beaches, Livadaki. The waters are crystalline, the sand is soft, and both are warm and welcoming. It is even possible to borrow free kayaks and umbrellas to find protection from the sun.
The Castle of Lykourgos Logothetis (named after a resistance leader of the War of Independece), dating back to 1824, imposingly overlooks the bay at Pythagoreio. Visitors are free to explore the remnants of the castle and take in the breathtaking views from above.
This impressive museum showcases ancient archaeological artifacts dating back as far as the 6th century BC. The highlights include ceramics, bronze sculptures and statues, including an enormous 5 and a half metre statue taken from the Heraion near Pythagoreio (the largest of its kind).
A short distance from the city of Pythagoreion, atop a hill with wonderful views of the surrounding area and coast, lies the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani. As if the views and the quaint monastery weren't enough to lure you up, visitors can descend into a small cave, at the bottom of which there is a tiny underground chapel.
If one ventures to the northwest of the island, through forest paths of green and mud, it is possible to find the beautiful Potami Waterfalls, a popular and picturesque swimming hole hidden among large slick rocks. Nearby there are a few places where you can find refreshments, making the area a great place for a day-trip.
Lemonakia Beach is less windy and has calmer waters than other beaches in the area. There are several options for food and drinks (Andrea's Place is the most popular restaurant in the area), and there are also showers, toilets and playground areas.
Perhaps the greatest testament to the scientific genius of Samos' golden-age citizens, the 1,034-metre-long Tunnel of Eupalinos was an aqueduct and service tunnel built beginning in 524 BC. This incredible feat of ancient engineering claimed the lives of many workers, but brought vital drinking water to the inhabitants of Pythagoreio, then a metropolis of 80,000.
Though today only some ruins remain, this temple dedicated to the goddess Hera (and built in the 6th century BC on the site where according to she was born) was once four times the size of the Parthenon in Athens. The road leading to the site from Pythagoreio was once lined with impressive statues that led the way to the temple.
Down a narrow winding path from Balos Beach lies Stella, a restaurant that serves beautifully presented and expertly prepared specialties from Cyprus. The area is green and refreshing, and the traditional food is served with a contemporary twist in the beautiful garden.
Fabulous Greek cuisine is served at this no-frills restaurant in Pythagoreion. Prices are very reasonable, and the warm and welcoming staff is very generous with their free desserts and ouzo. Seafood is the specialty, and the Chicken Souvlaki comes highly recommended.
Casa di Roma, located in the picturesque Pythagoreion harbour, is a popular Italian restaurant that specialises in Mediterranean dishes, as well as pasta and pizza. Be sure to also try the wonderful desserts, which include cheesecake, tiramisu and apple pie with ice cream.
With a prime location right by the beach in the Port of Pythagoreion, Elia Restaurant has a passion for creating unique flavours in all of their dishes, which range from Greek and Mediterranean and seafood to steak and vegetarian options. The outdoor seating is ideal for warm summer nights.
The Steps boasts what is perhaps the best mealtime view in the Vathy area. Guests can gorge themselves on tasty mezes, refreshing salads and Mediterranean specialties from the restaurant's wonderful terrace overlooking the Vathy bay area. Favourite dishes include stuffed mushrooms and spicy kebab.
Taverna Garden in Vathy boasts atmosphere and personality. Seating is in a walled court yard with refreshing shade provided by greenery. There is often live traditional music and the staff has been known to join in the dancing on special nights.
Just north of Vathy, perfectly situates on an idyllic beach, lies Verghina, a bar and restaurant where you can easily spend a whole day alternating back and forth between the waves, the sand, the sunbeds and the bar.
Claimed by some to be the best restaurant on the island, Nick the Greek has it all: perfect location, warm service, delicious food, and a heaps of personality. The titular Nick never fails to serve up something special, always using the very freshest seafood. There is also live traditional music every Saturday.
Down a narrow winding path from Balos Beach lies Stella, a restaurant that serves beautifully presented and expertly prepared specialties from Cyprus. The area is green and refreshing, and the traditional food is served with a contemporary twist in the beautiful garden.
Fabulous Greek cuisine is served at this no-frills restaurant in Pythagoreion. Prices are very reasonable, and the warm and welcoming staff is very generous with their free desserts and ouzo. Seafood is the specialty, and the Chicken Souvlaki comes highly recommended.
Kallisti Gallery showcases the best of contemporary art and home decor from Greek designers and artists, including hand-made gold and silver jewels and art objects, intricate sculptures and glass-work, and very artful trinkets and knick-knacks to complement any room.
Xrisallis is a colourful little boutique that sells unique clothing items, all of which convey the island spirit of Samos. All items are unique and autochthonous, from clothes and shoes to home decor, shoes and shawls.
Join Greek Art could technically be called a souvenir shop, as it sells Greek-themed T-shirts and knick-knacks, as well as jewellery and other accessories, but far from being tacky, everything on offer is classy, elegant and stylish, offering truly Samian gifts.
Rumiana's Art is another top art and craft shop in Vathy, specialising in handmade ceramics and jewellery. Other items include carpets, textiles and selected clothes and accessories.
The one-of-a-kind handmade jewellery found at Chrysotheque is simplistic in form, but extravagant in colour. The precious stones have been gathered over many years from all around the world, including diamonds, black diamonds, ruby, sapphires and emeralds.
Pink Woman is a very popular clothing retail chain that can be found at numerous locations across the country. The items found here are youthful and modern, making it especially frequented by young women.
Kallisti Gallery showcases the best of contemporary art and home decor from Greek designers and artists, including hand-made gold and silver jewels and art objects, intricate sculptures and glass-work, and very artful trinkets and knick-knacks to complement any room.
Xrisallis is a colourful little boutique that sells unique clothing items, all of which convey the island spirit of Samos. All items are unique and autochthonous, from clothes and shoes to home decor, shoes and shawls.
Samos International Airport
Samos International Airport (SMI), also known as Aristarchos Airport, lies about 5 kilometres away from the city of Pythagoreion. KTEL buses serve the airport about 4 times daily, and taxis are available to get to the major destinations on the island, primarily Pythagoreion and Vathy.
Public Transport
The cities of Samos themselves are easy to explore by foot. Transportation between the main urban areas (Vathy, Pythagoreion, Kokkari, Karlovasi, etc.) is best done by bus, as the island boasts a good and effective bus network. Most destinations can be reached very inexpensively within about an hour. Ferries are also available to several hard-to-reach beaches, as well as to other Aegean islands and to Kusadasi, in Turkey.
Taxi
Taxis in Samos can be caught at taxi ranks in Vathy (by the National Bank of Greece) and in Pythagoreion (on Lykourgou Logotheti, by the waterfront). Taxi in Samos: +30 22730 28404 Taxi in Kokkari: +30 22730 92585 Taxi in Pythagorio: +30 22730 31000 Taxi in Mrathokambos: +30 22730 31000
Post Office
The Greek post system is called ELTA. Post Boxes in Greece are yellow for normal post and red for urgent mail. Vathy Post Office:
Pharmacy
Nitsolas Andreas
Telephone
Country code: +30 Area code: 2273
Electricity
Voltage: 230 V Frequency: 50 Hz Power sockets: type F
Samos International Airport
Samos International Airport (SMI), also known as Aristarchos Airport, lies about 5 kilometres away from the city of Pythagoreion. KTEL buses serve the airport about 4 times daily, and taxis are available to get to the major destinations on the island, primarily Pythagoreion and Vathy.
Public Transport
The cities of Samos themselves are easy to explore by foot. Transportation between the main urban areas (Vathy, Pythagoreion, Kokkari, Karlovasi, etc.) is best done by bus, as the island boasts a good and effective bus network. Most destinations can be reached very inexpensively within about an hour. Ferries are also available to several hard-to-reach beaches, as well as to other Aegean islands and to Kusadasi, in Turkey.
