Samos: Ancient Sites, Museums and Nature

From the surviving harbour monuments in Pythagoreion to the marked trails on Mount Kerkis, Samos offers a wide range of experiences. Ancient structures, museums and landscapes offer different starting points for planning your trip.

Ancient History and Museums

In Pythagoreion, the remains of an ancient fortified harbour with Greek and Roman monuments have been preserved. One of its most notable structures is the Tunnel of Eupalinos, an aqueduct built in the 6th century BC. It runs for 1,036 metres through the mountainside and supplied water to the ancient city. It was built by Eupalinos of Megara, son of Naustrofus.

The Archaeological Museum of Pythagoreion is in the centre of the modern town, on the site of the ancient city of Samos. The newly built museum houses more than 3,000 objects illustrating the cultural development of the ancient city and its rural surroundings, from the 4th millennium BC to the 7th century AD. The Archaeological Museum of Samos is spread across two locations: a two-storey neoclassical building dating from 1912 displays finds from the Heraion of Samos, while the new building, constructed in 1984, houses a collection of important sculptures from the Archaic period.

The construction history of the Great Temple of the goddess Hera is also defined by specific measurements. Work began during the reign of Polycrates, around 535 to 522 BC. The planned temple measured 55.16 by 108.63 metres, with a peristyle of 155 columns, each intended to be about 20 metres high. The Tower of Lykourgos Logothetis also houses a museum with six themed sections on the history of Samos, from Late Antiquity to the 19th century.

The Karlovasi Tannery Museum explores another aspect of the island’s history. Housed in an old stone building, it displays tools, machines and processed leather relating to the history of tanning in Karlovasi. Check current access separately before visiting this museum and the museum in the tower.

Wine and Local History

The Samos Wine Museum presents the history of Samian wine and offers tastings of Samian wines. Exhibits include old and traditional tools for winemaking and barrel production, collectible bottles and other objects. The museum thus complements the archaeological collections with a subject associated with production and tasting on the island.

Trails, Landscapes and Wildlife

Possible activities on Samos include walking, hiking, climbing, cycling, horse riding and caving. Marked trails on Mount Kerkis cross gorges, chestnut groves and olive orchards, with views stretching from the Ionian coast to the Cyclades islands. Trail conditions can change, so it is advisable to check local conditions before setting out.

On Mount Ambelos, the Vourliotes–Manolates trail is suitable for hiking, mountain biking and off-road excursions. The mountain area is part of the Natura 2000 network. More than 1,400 plant species grow there, including many endemic species; rare birds of prey such as golden eagles and short-toed snake eagles are also part of its natural environment.

In the Potami area near Karlovasi, small natural waterfalls lie in a lush gorge on Kerkis that opens towards the beach. The coastal and marine environment of Samos provides a habitat for numerous endemic fish, shellfish and molluscs, as well as dolphins, seals and seabirds.

Coasts and Activities by the Sea

Kokkari Beach is a well-organised pebble beach with deep, clear water and large waves, popular with water sports enthusiasts. The coasts of Samos are also suitable for scuba diving and other water sports. Windsurfing and kitesurfing are particularly popular on the island’s often windy north side.

Megalo Seitani is a secluded beach in a Natura 2000 protected area, where the Kerkis Gorge opens out to the sea. You can reach the beach by sea or on foot. Off the south coast lies Samiopoula, with Psalida Beach, 850 metres from the coast. Small boats make it possible to travel there from Pythagoreion and Heraion; their availability may vary by season.

Discover more destinations: Kokkári, Valeontades, Marathokabos, Karlovasi, Avlakia, Pythagorio, Agios Konstantinos, Samos, Ireo, Psili Ammos, Koumeika, Limnionas, Kamara, Pandroso, Mesokampos, Pefkos, Potokaki.

For the broader travel overview: Northern Aegean.