Pefkos: clear water and coastal history

Pefkos combines clear water and experiences around the bay with the history of a former coastal harbour. In some places, the water gets deep relatively quickly. Pebbles, stones and rocks alternate with small sandy patches on the seabed. This varied terrain gives the underwater coast a distinctive character.

Enjoy the water and bay

When the sea is calm, the clear water and rocky areas around the bay offer the chance to observe the seabed with a mask. This is only possible in calm seas, so whether conditions are suitable depends on the state of the sea. The depth also does not increase at the same rate everywhere: in some places, the water gets deep relatively quickly.

A walk offers another way to discover the bay. You can start in the small settlement, walk along the beach and finish among the rocky areas around the bay. Unlike observing the seabed with a mask, which depends on sea conditions, this route follows the water’s edge and brings the settlement, beach and rocks together in one outing.

The road to Pefkos is paved. As road surfaces can change over time, check its condition before travelling.

Pefkos’s former role as a harbour

Pefkos formerly served as the coastal harbour for Skoureika and the surrounding agricultural area. Former warehouses stood on the coast, where agricultural produce from Skoureika, neighbouring villages and parts of central Samos was collected. Traditional sailing boats carried the goods from there to other parts of the island, as well as to Fournoi, Ikaria, Patmos and Lipsi. The history of this coastal settlement therefore extends beyond the settlement itself: it also tells the story of how agricultural produce from the surrounding area was collected and transported onwards.

Cultural history in the wider destination of Samos

In the wider destination of Samos, Pythagoreion offers another cultural and historical highlight. Remains of an ancient fortified harbour, with Greek and Roman monuments, and an impressive tunnel aqueduct have been preserved there. The Tunnel of Eupalinos, dating from the 6th century BC, runs 1,036 metres through the mountainside and supplied the ancient city with water. It was built by Eupalinos of Megara, son of Naustrofus.

The Archaeological Museum of Pythagoreion is also located in the centre of the modern town, on the site of the ancient city of Samos. Its more than 3,000 objects cover the cultural development of the ancient city and its rural surroundings, from the 4th millennium BC to the 7th century AD. This highlights two distinct historical interests: Pefkos is associated with its former coastal harbour and the movement of goods, while the monuments and collections mentioned in the wider destination of Samos focus on the history of the ancient city.

Discover more destinations: Koumeika, Marathokabos, Limnionas, Pythagorio, Samos, Agios Konstantinos, Potokaki, Mesokampos.

Back to the main travel overview: Samos.