Samos Key Attractions

Despite the devastating fires of 1998, Samos still remains a green island, with pine forests, olive groves and citrus trees. Its endless vineyards are the source of the famous Samos wines. The greenery rolls down the hills to the coast to give way to beautiful beaches that lead to the clear blue Aegean water.

Efpalineio Tunnel (Pythagorion)

The tunnel of Ephpalineo is in fact a 3,410 feet aqueduct, one of the most significant engineering feats of the ancient world. Designed by the engineer Eupalinos and built by 14,000 slaves between 529 BC and 524 BC, the tunnel guaranteed the ancient city of Samos a water supply in times of siege. The reason that this was such a significant feat of engineering was because 7,000 slaves started tunnelling from the side of the mountain where the spring was located and 7,000 started tunnelling on the side where the city was located. When they met, almost exactly half way through the mountain, their vertical error was nil! Visitors can walk along part of the tunnel, which on a hot summers day is a blessing, as the tunnel acts like a natural air conditioning unit.

Heraion of Samos

Its believed that, during some periods of time, Samos' inhabitants worshipped both deities of the east and the 12 gods of the Greeks. The most worshipped deity of the island by far was the goddess Hera. Four miles to the northwest of Samos city, you can find the Temple of Hera. It is one of the most significant monuments of ancient Greece. Because of the great distance between the temple and the city, the people of Samos had to make a road. It is said that this Hiera Odos (Holy road) was decorated with many statues and offerings. Every spring, there was a march of believers walking to the temple, where a feast was held for three days.

Potami Waterfalls

Driving three kilometres west of Karlovassi, you will find this magnificent area, where you can walk along the river under a variety of different trees. After a mile and a half, you will come across a small lake where you can swim. This is also where you will find the Potami Waterfalls, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Samos.

The Archaeological Museum (Samos Town)

The museum is divided into two buildings, the old and the new, the latter having been built to house the 16 foot tall colossal Kouros that was found at Heraion, which dates back to 580 BC. The museum also houses many treasures brought by the far flung Hera cult followers, one of the richest collections of small votive offerings in Greece.

Psili Ammos Beach

This is a beautiful sandy beach, located about 10 miles from Samos Town on the east side of the island. The beach has a very gradual slope into the sea, making it a popular attraction for families. Psili Ammos is also the unexpected winter home to migrating flamingos that arrive in mid-December and stay until early spring.

Lykourgos Castle

The castle of Lykourgos Logothetis is situated to the southwest of the port of Pithagorio, and it was built at the beginning of the 19th century, when it became a jumping-off point of resistance and attack for the fighters of the Greek Revolution. The hill of the castle of Logothetides is the oldest acropolis on Samos, settled since the prehistoric period. In the castle's yard, one can come across two galleries of a Roman founding from the imperial era as well as the remains of some churches of the late Christian era.