The Greek island of Samos is blessed with a beautiful green nature that is interspersed with beautiful white sandy beaches and idyllic villages where you imagine yourself in the real Greece. The tourists who come to Samos generally don’t just come to spend whole days on the beach or by the pool. The average Samos visitor also wants to enjoy the atmospheric harbors and the beautiful surroundings. About twenty thousand Dutch people travel to Samos every year. A large part of them are repeat visitors. That’s not for nothing!
According to topschoolsintheusa, Samos has several sights that are worth a visit. Think of beautiful villages, beautiful monasteries and historical places. The famous Samos wines allow you to do a wine tasting if you want to. Samos also offers many beautiful hiking trails. The relatively green nature often provides sufficient shelter. Nevertheless, it is advisable to avoid the hottest hours a bit, especially during the hot summers.
On this page we have compiled our top 10 sights of Samos. These ten highlights ensure that you get a good impression of all the beauty that Samos has to offer.
Top 10 things to do in Samos
#1. Pythagorion
In the southeast of Samos is the popular resort of Pythagorion. In the harbor is the statue of Pythgoras, the Greek mathematician philosopher who was born on the island of Samos. From this village many tourist trips can be made by boat. The place has plenty of shops, restaurants and eateries with delicious gyros. Around Pythagorion you can visit several historical places such as the Artemis temple or the ancient theater near the Spiliani monastery. It is definitely worth visiting the castle of Lykourgos Logothetis. Or the ‘Sanctuary of Hera’, six kilometers away, with its remains of temples and thermal baths.
#2. Monasteries
Beautiful Samos has a number of very beautiful and special monasteries, the majority of which can be visited. One of the most beautiful is the Panagia Spiliani Monastery northwest of Pythagorion. Very special about this monastery is the accompanying church that is built in a cave. Another special monastery is located in the Ambelos area. This Moni Vronta Monastery from 1566 is accessible via a small seven-kilometre footpath. And then there is the Timiou Stavrou Monastery which is located near the picturesque village of Mavratzei, which is known for its wine grapes.
#3. Samos City
Of course, the largest city of Samos should not be missing in the top 10 sights of Samos. The oldest part of this city is often referred to as ‘Vathí or Vathy’. This used to be the name of the capital of the island of Samos. Since 1834, the name has been changed to Samos Town. The more authentic part can therefore be found more in the Vathí district. Here it is mainly the narrow alleys with cozy Greek houses that determine the street scene. The more central and busier part of the city is located around Pythagoras Square. The beautiful city park of Samos in Ano Vathí offers wonderful cooling and some rest in the hot summers. Here is also the impressive Archaeological Museum of the island of Samos. In the evening it is wonderful to walk along the harbor boulevard where you can find many terraces and plenty of fun. The port of Samos is still a very important and widely used port for transport and tourism.
#4. Monastery of Panagia Spiliani
Near the town of Pythagorion, a large white monastery stands on top of the mountain. This is the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani . A striking element is the beautiful church that has been built in a large cave. The church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Water is collected in the cave, which is said to be holy water with healing powers. If you visit the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani on foot from Pythagorion, you can enjoy a fantastic view over that place and the sea on the way back.
#5. Archaeological Museum
Near the harbor and city park is the Archaeological Museum of Samos Town. Here is the largest surviving Kouros statue in Greece. We can say from our own experience that this is a very impressive image. Kouros means ‘young man’. In order to be able to place the statue with its almost 5 meters height, the museum had to be adapted twice. You will also find many sculptures, pottery pots, jewelry and various other objects from Greek history.
#6. Kerkis mountain
Many hiking trips on Samos are made on Kerkis mountain. This is a well-known volcanic mountain on Samos. The white chalky mountain is a frequently used habitat for diverse flora and fauna on the island. During the walk you will pass a number of small monasteries and coves of caves. A very famous cave is the cave of Pythagoras, where he hid from Polycrates, the tyrant of Samos. The highest point on the Kerkis mountain measures 1433 meters and bears the name Vigla.
#7. Ephesus
To admire the greatest excavations in European history, take the ferry to Turkey to visit the archaeological site of Ephesus. You can book this trip as a complete excursion. Among the many ruins is the great Odeon amphitheater, a bathhouse, the temples of Hadrian and Artemis, and parts of the vast Celsus library. This island is also called the ancient city of Ephesus.
#8. Aqueduct Eupalinus Pythagorion
In order to control the water in the mountainous region of Samos early in history, ingenious inventions were made. The aqueduct was used for this. Several of these aqueducts can be found scattered across the island. The most impressive is that of Pythagorion. If you follow the signs Efpalineio Orygma you will automatically reach the tunnel. The tunnel has a length of 1036 meters. It took until the year 1882 until this aqueduct was discovered.
#9. Valley of the Nightingales
In the north of the island of Samos is the ‘Valley of the Nightingales’. This beautiful valley is accessible by a hiking trail. It is located between the towns of Kokkari and Karlovassi, where the tour can start at the parking lot. The valley is ideal for hiking and picnicking. Due to the many trees it offers a lot of cooling in the summer months. At the end of the path you reach the village of Manolates, where you can enjoy the tranquility that prevails here while enjoying a delicious glass of Samos wine.
#10. Heraion of Samos
Greece is bursting with history. The ancient Greek culture has left its mark in several places. Likewise on Samos. Those interested in archaeological sites should definitely consider a drive to Ireon. There you will find the Heraion of Samos. This is a sanctuary dedicated to the Greek goddess Hera. According to the experts, the Heraion was one of the first large freestanding Ionic temples. Unfortunately, the temple has not withstood the time well, like so many temples that stand in this region. You can especially see the contours of the former temple. Furthermore, a large column stands upright again. It gives you an impression of how huge the Heraion must have been.
