Sightseeing in Samos Island - what to see. Complete travel guide

Samos is reasonably considered one of the most attractive of the East Aegean islands. This Greek island is located closer to the rest of Turkey. According to historical records, first settlements have appeared on its territory more than 5000 years ago; many amazing myths and legends are associated with the island. According to one of them, Samos is the birthplace of the goddess Hera. For many years, locals have piously revered her cult, and the temple dedicated to the goddess has been the main decoration of the island.

Samos is the birthplace of the great philosopher Pythagoras, whose name is also linked to many local attractions. The ancient capital of the island was named Pythagorion; it’s a veritable goldmine of priceless historical monuments named in honor of the philosopher. Today Pythagorion is a miniature village featuring unique national flavour and atmosphere of the past centuries. Here is one of the most popular local attractions, the cave, where according to one legend, Pythagoras lived. The ruins of ancient buildings can be found in the village; there are some interesting archaeological areas to visit in the immediate vicinity of Pythagorion. Travelers should definitely see the ruins of a Venetian fortress built in the medieval period.

The great attraction is located in Heraion, that’s the beautiful temple of Hera considered by Herodotus to be one of the greatest wonders of the world. This majestic building has been preserved only in part; during the tour, travelers can appreciate the extent of the temple and admire surviving elements of sculptures. The island's capital is the city of Vathy. It will appeal not only to fans of excursions, but also to those who can’t imagine vacations without shopping. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The most famous attraction in the capital is the Archaeological Museum housing priceless artifacts that have been discovered by scientists exploring the island. No less interesting is the local market, the largest on Samos. Walking through the picturesque mall will be a great way to get acquainted with local culture and culinary traditions. Local artisans show their products on the market; a variety of goods and works of art is simply amazing. The capital attracts art lovers with its art exhibition, which presents works of local artists.

This Greek island is famous for its numerous Orthodox monasteries; the most famous among them are Zoodohas Pigi, Timiu Stavrou and Megan Spilianis. They have been visited by pilgrims from all over the world paying homage to unique Orthodox relics for many hundreds of years. Walk through the picturesque Koumaradei, which is located in the southern part of the island, promises to be an exciting adventure. It’s often called ‘the village of masters’; the fact is that there is a huge number of interesting craft shops. Many travelers visit the village intentionally to buy original gifts. Samos is famous for its upscale pottery workshops. Nature lovers will like Karlovasi village, whose main landmarks are beautiful waterfalls and lakes. A huge amount of fascinating sightseeing tours are held around the island, so hiking fans won’t be bored.

Fans of beachside recreation and entertainment will find many attractive pebble beaches on the island. As a rule, these beaches are located in picturesque and calm bays. In the neighborhood of Poseidonio town, travelers will find a charming beach, Clima, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful on the island. The beach has a rental office that offers beach gear. There are also several charming taverns and shops nearby. One of the largest beaches of the island is located not far from Limanaki. The length of this beach is more than 1,000 meters. The beach has a well-developed infrastructure, so even during the peak season, it is not hard to find a comfortable spot for sunbathing there.

The largest beach of Samos is located not far from Tsamadou. The length of this beach is roughly 2,000 meters. It is a pleasant place with calm atmosphere and not many people. The beach is not only the biggest but also the cleanest on the island. Karveli Bay is an ideal place for vacationers with small children. The beach is shallow and very warm there, so it is safe even for kids of all ages. All beaches are free to enter, and virtually any of them has charming restaurants and cafes, as well as other services for a comfortable stay.