Attractions
Potami Beach
Potami is a large pebbled beach with crystalline waters located in the northeastern coast of Samos, about 34km from Vathy. There are umbrellas and sundecks available for rent and a beach bar providing snacks and cold drinks. It is a magnificent beach with rare beauty, situated 2km west of Karlovasi and close to the Monastery of Agios Ioannis. The region is surrounded by steep cliffs covered with vast vegetation and tall pine trees offering a wonderful landscape. The blue crystal water are a bit deep, but the entire landscape is marvelous.
Tsabou Beach
Tsabou is one of the most distinctive beaches of Samos with many fans! It is located next to Avlakia and below Vourliotes, some 16 km away from the city of Samos.
Like all beaches in the north, Tsabou has a beautiful and steep coastline, with very deep and wavy waters, because it is exposed to northern winds. The beach is covered with beautiful flat but large white stones, suitable for painting. While inside the water you might find it difficult to walk.
The waters have a deep blue color and are relatively warm.
The Tsabou beach is well-organized. Beach umbrellas and beach beds are available (payment is required) and is an ideal place for many hours of sunbathing! Restaurant services are available (launch, snacks, coffee, and soft drinks etc.).
The service is professional and friendly. The left side of the beach is accessible by sea only (swimming, boats etc.). There you can find beautiful naturally-carved caves, inaccessible by land. In this “private” beach you can enjoy you time alone!
Tsamadou Beach
Tsamadou beach Samos: Tsamadou is among the most beautiful beaches in Samos island. Located about 3 km from Kokkari, Tsamadou is a lovely bay surrounded by lush greenery and with crystal blue green water. A small path leads from the main road to this wonderful beach that is lined up with delicious taverns and few beach cafeterias. When it is wind, the beach is affected with waves, but generally it is an amazing place to relax. Tsamadou has soft pebbles and it is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas. This is also the only official nudist beach in Samos. In fact, the right part of the beach as you climb down the path is nudist.
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Eupalinios Tunnel
The Eupalinos Aqueduct was built in the 6th century BC in order to provide the villagers of Samos, today’s Pythagoreio, with fresh water from the Ayades village, where the closest springs were found. The engineer of the project was the architect Eupalinos from Megara, Attika, ordered by the tyrant, Polycrates. It is estimated that the innovative construction of the aqueduct took ten years to be completed and it successfully worked for 1.100 years. The digging of the tunnel proceeded simultaneously on both ends, from the north and south side - Herodotus called it double mouthed tunnel - and planned to meet in the middle. This endeavour required strict geometry for the project to succeed.
The aqueduct is composed of a tunnel (of dimensions 1.80m x 1.80m), a reservoir and clay pipelines to transport water (25cm diameter). Its innovative ancient technique is the reason why it has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1992.
The excavations were realised by the German Archaeological Institute throughout 1971-1973 by the director Ulf Janzen, while Herman Kienast was the first one to carry out a thorough study of the Eupalinos Tunnel. From the 1970’s up to 2013 only the first 130m from the south entrance were open to public view.
Iraion Ancient Temple
Tradition has it that Hera was born and raised here, and for this reason her temple at Heraion was the largest in the antiquity. The most important archaeological site includes the huge (109 m in length, 55 m in width and 25 m. tall) temple of Hera (widely known as Kolona due to the single column that still stands up to this day), the grand altar and the sacred road (the road leading from the city, today known as Pythagoreion, to the temple). Between Pythagoreion and Heraion are the artificial Lakes Glyfades. Also it is worth seeing Sarakinis Tower (1577) at Heraion plain. Agios Ioannis and Agios Georgios churches are located right next to the tower. Another significant archaeological site is at Myloi precinct, with relics from various ages. For swimming, go to the beaches of Ireon and Papas. By boat you can access some more, such as Mylonas, Kyriakou, Kakorema as well as Samiopoula. In July and August “Irea” event is taking place, which is a festival of ancient theatrical performances. It is located 17.5 km southwest of the capital.
Pythagoras Cave
Visit the place where Pythagoras, the great philosopher, mathematician, astrologer, doctor and musician, spent a part of his life.
There are 2 caves and two chapels. The main steps lead to the Cave of Santa Maria ( Panagia Sarandaskaliotisa).
Pythagoras used his bigger cave for teaching and to provide drinking water but he did not live there because his cave is too high up to the mountain and too steep.
The cave goes back about 80 meters but you can walk only 15 to 20 meters until you reach the Holy water. As you go up before the first chapel ( Saint John) there is a small path on the right side that it goes to the cave of Pythagoras. The path is steep and it finishes under a fig tree. Then you must climb 1-2 meters and to follow the orange marks with spray to find entrance.
This cave, Pythagoras used for staying because you can live there, it’s more flat than the other. There are three rooms but you can go only in two of them.