Pythagorio: Discover the Ancient City and Samos

Pythagorio combines a fortified ancient city with UNESCO World Heritage: together with the Heraion of Samos, it is part of this designation. Water engineering, temple remains and museums reveal different aspects of history. If you are travelling with children, you can explore the site through concrete questions: How did water reach the ancient city? What was the significance of a temple? And what do finds tell us about times gone by?

Water Engineering and Ancient Places of Worship

The Eupalinos Aqueduct supplied the ancient city of Samos, now Pythagorio, with water and remained in operation for 1,100 years. On Samos, the 6th-century BC Tunnel of Eupalinos runs 1,036 metres through a mountainside. It was intended to supply the ancient city with water; it was built by Eupalinos of Megara, son of Naustrofus. Its long period of use and engineering scale give water supply a distinct place alongside the visible structures.

In the centre of Pythagorio, the surviving remains of the Temple of Dionysus lie near the Archaeological Museum. They are particularly important for understanding the religious life of the ancient city. The aqueduct and temple thus tell of different functions within the ancient community: supplying a city and its religious life.

Museums and Collections

A museum in the restored tower of Lykourgos Logothetis Castle has six thematic sections covering the history of Samos from Late Antiquity to the 19th century. One exhibition is devoted to the era of Lykourgos Logothetis. If you are planning to visit the tower, check current access arrangements in advance.

The Archaeological Museum of Pythagoreion is 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. Samos also has the Archaeological Museum of Samos, with two locations: a two-storey neoclassical building dating from 1912, with finds from the Heraion, and a new building from 1984, with a sculpture collection of significant works from the Archaic period.

Another aspect of the island’s history is presented at the Samos Wine Museum. It showcases the history of Samian wine and offers tastings. Exhibits include traditional tools for winemaking and barrel-making, collectible bottles and other objects. This complements the archaeological themes with a local tradition explored through its production, tools and wine.

Samos: Landscapes and Activities Across the Wider Destination

Nature and outdoor activities can also be part of a stay on Samos, without conflating them with Pythagorio’s own features. Marked trails on Mount Kerkis cross gorges, chestnut groves and olive groves; the views stretch from the Ionian coast to the Cyclades. On Mount Ambelos, the route between Vourliotes and Manolates is suitable for hiking, mountain biking and off-road excursions. Check local conditions and safety advice before setting out.

Mount Ambelos is part of a Natura 2000 site with more than 1,400 plant species, including many endemic species, as well as rare birds of prey such as golden eagles and short-toed snake eagles. Samos’s coastal and marine environment is also home to many endemic fish, mussels and molluscs, dolphins, seals and seabirds. The island also offers activities for a range of holiday interests, including hiking, climbing, cycling, horse riding, caving and water sports.

One specific coastal connection to Pythagorio is access to Samiopoula: the island, which has Psalida Beach, lies 850 metres from the south coast of Samos and can be reached by small boats from Pythagoreion and Heraion. Boat services may vary by season. When choosing a holiday rental, it therefore helps to start by considering the kind of stay you want: would you like the ancient history of Pythagorio to be the focus, or would you prefer to include more nature and outdoor experiences on Samos?

Discover more destinations: Kokkári, Limnionas, Potokaki, Karlovasi, Ireo, Valeontades, Mesokampos, Psili Ammos.

Go to the main travel guide: Samos.