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.
Posidonio and Kerveli
Transfer time 30 minutes
These relaxing little seaside spots are quietly tucked away on Samos's undeveloped east coast. 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.
In fact the tiny fishing hamlet of Posidonio is so close to Turkey it seems you could almost swim! This pretty sheltered bay hides a pair of excellent, friendly tavernas, a cafe-bar, a sprinkling of fisherman's houses and apartments, a small shop or two for supplies, a fine-shingle tamarisk-shaded beach which shelves gently into a turquoise sea, all against a backdrop of thickly wooded hills.
Kerveli a few kms. to the north, has similar attributes and claims to be the first spot the sun’s rays strike Greece each morning! Also accessed only by a country road it too has a couple of taverna restaurants close to the beach. 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 an quiet - even in high season Kerveli manages to escape the crowds.
From both Posidonio and Kerveli 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.
