Samos
NOW
17 °C
Next 5 days
-
FRI
18 °C
-
SAT
13 °C
-
SUN
9 °C
-
MON
11 °C
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TUES
13 °C
Climatic Data
Source: National Observatory of Athens /meteo.gr
The island of Hera and Pythagoras
Samos has an outstanding natural landscape, beautiful beaches, fine wine and monuments of sizable cultural significance. Kings, Priests and men of letters had the utmost respect for this island as the sanctuaries and the philosophical societies were considered the spiritual centre in the Mediterranean world. Natives to Samos’ are the Mythical Goddess Hera, the philosopher Epicurus, the astronomer Aristarchus and the great mathematician Pythagoras.You have two UNESCO monuments to visit: the fortified ancient city of Pythagoreion and the ancient Temple of Hera, Heraion of Samos. Don’t miss the pleasant cultural events and music festivals during the summer months and get acquainted with the island’s history by wandering around the historic village of Vathy.
Unique Experiences
Touring the Island
Visit the monasteries of Zoodochou Pigis (or Ailiotisa), Agias Zonis with its significant library and Timios Stavros with its impressive throne. Climb up to Panagia Sarantaskaliotissa built in the entrance of Pythagoras’ cave.
Go birdwatching by Alyki wetland or Glyfada lake, explore Karlovasi waterfalls. Stop by the Archaeological site of Pythagorion and see the Tunnel of Eupalinos, an admirable achievement of engineering by Eupalinos (6th c. BC), which served as an aqueduct of the ancient city with its 1036 metres length tunnel.
Myth has it that goddess Hera was born and raised on the island. Τhe most significant archaeological site of Samos has plenty to see; The Ionic Dipteral Temple of Hera (aka Kolona, counting 155 columns, 109 metres long, 55 metres wide and 25 metres high), the Sanctuary Heraion (dedicated to the Greek goddess), the Great Altar and the Sacred Road are just some of the monuments you shouldn’t miss. Pythagoreion and Heraion have both been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Monuments since 1992. Finds unearthed at Heraion, such as the oversized Kouros sculpture by Lefkias (approximately 5m tall, 580 B.C.), are showcased in the Archaeological Museum in Vathy.
Samos island has so much more to offer besides significant history, monuments, sites, mountains and trails. Visit the popular Vathy, Kokkari or Pythagoreion and the remote Marathokampo, Kerveli or Mykali villages. The island offers many places where you can experience a vivid nightlife and others where you can enjoy relaxing moments.
The Town
Samos, mostly known as Vathy, is located in the NE part of the island. It is the island’s capital and main port, and its neoclassical buildings and small tiled roofed houses is what keeps the traditional architectural style alive. The city stretches across Vathy Bay from one side to the other.
Go by Pythagora Square and see the sizable marble Lion statue standing tall in the middle. Visit significant buildings and monuments of the town such as the Βouleuterion (ancient Greek Parliament), the Courthouse and the monument of the Fallen. Stop by the municipal garden and the neoclassical municipal building.
Showcased at the Ecclesiastical Byzantine Museum & Metropolitan Library are rare manuscripts on membranes, icons, golden thread embroidery as well as gold and silversmithing artefacts. Head up to Ano Vathy neighbourhood (higher grounds of the town) and see the charming church of Ai-Giannaki, a splendid architectural structure from the post-byzantine period. Don’t miss a visit to the Museum of Samos Wine.
BY SEA
Samos is connected to Piraeus and the conventional ships make the route ""Piraeus - Samos"" in about 10 hours while the high-speed ones in about 7 hours. Samos is also connected with the ports of Thessaloniki and Rafina's.The connections are made from both ports of the island (Karlovasi, Vathi).
BY PLANE
Samos is connected to Athens International Airport, the flight lasts 50 minutes but also to Macedonia International Airport (Thessaloniki), it is also connected to other airports in Greece.
