Pythagorion
Transfer time 10 minutes
Named after the island’s most famous son, the ancient mathematician Pythagoras, Pythagorion is Samos’s main small town on the south coast. Boasting a handsome semi-circular harbour with a wide promenade lined with cafes and restaurants, there is no shortage of places from which to enjoy the harbour comings and goings.
Pythagorion is in fact a UNESCO World Heritage site. The island’s tyrant ruler, Polykrates, had his capital here in the 6th century BC, and evidence of his original harbour walls can still be seen. There are the remains of Roman Baths to the west and the castle above the harbour dates from the 19th century.
The remarkable feat of ancient engineering that is Eupalinos Tunnel, in the hills above Pythagorion, was commissioned by Polykrates to ensure the water supply in times of siege and was bored for over 1000 metres through the mountain in 550 BC. Even older (8th century BC) is the Temple of Hera some 5 kms to the west.
Behind the harbour, narrow lanes and cobbled streets add to the characterful small town atmosphere.
Boat trips run to local beaches and include a picnic lunch, to Kusadasi in Turkey – from where you are taken to ancient Ephesus – and it is possible to visit Patmos for the day.
The town has a small but perfectly serviceable sandy beach just past the harbour, and to the west is the very long, clean sand/pebble beach which has sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, and seasonal watersports.
Kerveli
Transfer time 30 minutes
Kerveli is a totally relaxing, almost hidden bay quietly tucked away on Samos's undeveloped east coast - it claims to be the first spot the sun's rays strike Greece each morning! Accessed only by a winding country road, the pretty sheltered bay hides a pair of excellent, friendly tavernas and a fine sand-shingle tamarisk-shaded beach which shelves gently into a turquoise sea, all against a backdrop of thickly wooded hills.
There is just one hotel here - the well liked Kerveli Village - on the hillside overlooking the bay. The countryside around Kerveli is wonderful for walkers and has a beautiful indented coastline. A holiday here would be perfect for those seeking a comfortable hotel close to the sea, with lovely views and peace and quiet.
This area has a strong claim to be the most beautiful part of the island, with narrow country lanes winding through a lush countryside of wooded hills and olive groves to a string of secluded bays facing Turkey. If you are looking for an 'away from it all' escape, and total relaxation in very Greek surroundings, this is the place to choose.
Car hire is recommended for those wishing to get out and explore as there is no public bus other than the Kerveli Village Hotel's courtesy bus to and from Samos Town (Vathy) a 20 minute drive away. Pythagorion is 25 minutes in the other direction.
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