In the pitch black nights in winter, when the fishermen pass by the wind buffeted and sheer slopes of Mt. Kerkis, the highest mountain of Samos, they tell how they see a light up on the peak which, like a lighthouse guides them on a safe course during a storm. They even say that the light is the spirit of Pythagoras.
Pythagoras was born on Samos nearly 2000 years ago and granted the world its knowledge of mathematics and philosophy. He still lives on in the hearts and souls of the fishermen of Samos.
This large Aegean island is a gorgeous, verdant place which is only 2km away from Turkey. It is covered with pure white sand beaches, picturesque villages and fishing harbours. The island is famous for the production and the quality of wine, the sweet variety with an international reputation.
Samos or Vathy
To the rear of a picturesque and lush green bay is the town and harbour of Samos which today has around 5000 inhabitants. It’s called Vathy from the name of the old settlement which was built high above the sea. Then there were only a few warehouses near the harbour. The harbour slowly developed into a lovely town and united with Vathy which is the capital of the city today.
When you have disembarked from the boat and have taken a stroll along the delightful waterfront avenue, on your left you will encounter the large Pythagoras Square with its marble lion.
Further along, you will turn left to go to the historic church of St. Spyridonas, to the old mansion of the Parliament which today houses City Hall and the public library. Next to the City Hall you will find the Archaeological museum with distinguished finds from throughout Samos, mainly from Heraion.
Near the Archaeological Museum is also located the interurban bus station where there are buses to the main villages and finest beaches of the island.
Opposite the quay is the Byzantine Museum with beautiful icons of Christ, the Virgin and the Crucifixion from the 17th century.
Near the town you will find the beach of Gengos which is to the north, about 1.5km away.
The island has many idyllic beaches: Agia Paraskevi, Galazio, Lakka, Kokkari, Karlovasi, Potami etc.
Seven kilometres away from Pythagorio is the Heraion, a sanctuary at which the goddess Hera was worshipped of which only a single column survived. Hellenistic, Roman buildings and early Christian basilica have been found in the area of the sanctuary.
The second largest town of the island is Karlovasi which has imposing mansions, a shipyard in the harbour, a tannery and pottery workshops attesting to its commercial flowering in the 19th century. Below the remains of the Byzantine castle at Potami is the church of the Metamorphosi (11th century)
Other villages of interest on Samos are: Vourliotes, nestling in a verdant setting with vines and a superb view over the sea, Mytilini, a verdant mountain head village in the heart of the island with fine houses and churches. Marathokambos is a traditional inland village with narrow streets, arches, old churches and caves.
HOW TO GET THERE
There are frequent flights from Athens to Samos. The airport is 17km away from the town. There are regular ferry services from Piraeus to Vathy and Karlovasi.
The island is connected with Limnos, Mytilini, Chios, Kavala, the Dodocanese, Naxos, Paros, Ikaria, Mykonos and Syros.
From Vathy and Pythagorio there are services to Kusadasi, Turkey during the summer. There are also hydrofoil services to the neighbouring islands.