View over beach, Kokkari, Samos, Aegean Islands, Greece

Getty Images/Robert Harding World Imagery

Samos

Lying just off the Turkish coast, Samos is one of the northeastern Aegean Islands’ best-known destinations. Yet beyond its low-key resorts and the lively capital, Vathy, there are numerous off-the-beaten-track beaches and quiet spots in the cool, forested inland mountains where traditional life continues.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Photo taken on April 18, 2022 shows a visitor in the Tunnel of Eupalinos, which is situated in Samos, an island in the eastern Aegean, Greece. The Tunnel of Eupalinos is a water pipeline running through Mount Kastro in Samos, built in the 6th century BC to supply water to the ancient city of Samos. (Photo by Marios Lolos/Xinhua via Getty Images) 1240120216 wn

    Evpalinos Tunnel

    Samos

    In a word: extraordinary. In 524 BC, when Pythagorio (then called Samos) was the island’s capital and a bustling metropolis of 80,000, securing sources…

  • Aerial view of Livadaki beach on the northwest coast of Samos.

    Livadaki Beach

    Samos

    Follow the north-coast road out of Vathy for 10km and look for a signposted dirt road to the left leading to Livadaki Beach. Here, tropical azure waters…

  • Archaeological Museum of Pythagorio

    Archaeological Museum of Pythagorio

    Samos

    One of the best museums on the islands. The exhibits in this smart space include beautifully displayed finds from Pythagorio, plus striking pottery pieces…

  • Heraion

    Heraion

    Samos

    It's hard to fully grasp the former magnificence of this ancient sanctuary of the goddess Hera, 4km west of Pythagorio, from these scattered ruins. The …

  • Archaeological Museum

    Archaeological Museum

    Samos

    Housed in two adjacent buildings, this handsome complex displays the contents of the Heraion (Sanctuary of Hera) near Pythagorio (from Polycrates' rule in…

  • Art in the Port

    Art in the Port

    Samos

    Previously devoid of any special charms, the island's second capital has reinvented itself by inviting a group of internationally acclaimed street artists…

  • Castle of Lykourgos Logothetis

    Castle of Lykourgos Logothetis

    Samos

    Samians took the lead locally in the 1821 War of Independence, and this castle, built in 1824 by resistance leader Logothetis, is the major relic of that…

  • Moni Panagias Spilianis

    Moni Panagias Spilianis

    Samos

    About 1.5km northwest of Pythagorio, the road forks right, past traces of an ancient theatre, before reaching this grotto monastery. The walk meanders up…

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