A Well-Rounded Experience

Greece is known for its idyllic beauty, ancient architecture, and culture rich in tradition and myth. A trip to the island of Samos needs to incorporate all these aspects, making your holiday a truly Greek experience. From the ancient ruins of Heraion and Pythagoreion, to the fortified monastery of Moni Vronta, to the highest peak of Kerkis Mountain and the sunny beaches of Kokkari, hiking in Samos is the best way to experience the island.

1. A Temple for a Goddess

In a low marshy region in the southern part of Samos, lie the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess, Hera. The Late Archaic Heraion of Samos was the first of the iconic Samos temples to be built. Today, only one column remains standing, and the ruins are now a World Heritage site.

According to Greek mythology, the goddess Hera was born under a lygos tree. The annual Samian festival celebrates the binding of the image of Hera in lygos branches, a tradition which is still upheld.

This is a great stop when walking in Samos, as the area has a beautiful marshy landscape and it is located in a river basin near the sea.

2. Pythagoreion Paths

Another cultural stopping point when walking in Samos is the Pythagoreion ruins. This is an ancient fortified port, hosting Greek and Roman monuments and the famous Tunnel of Eupalinos, a popular tourist attraction.

The tunnel is 1036m in length, and was built in the 6th century BC to serve as an aqueduct bringing fresh water into Samos. It was discovered through the writing of Herodotus, without which it may never have been found.

3. A Monastery on the Mountain

Perfect for hiking in Samos, the monastery of Moni Vronta sits high up on a mountain making for spectacular views of the sea and the hilltop village, Vourliotes. This peaceful sanctuary is the perfect stopping point when walking in Samos.

Only one monk still lives in the monastery, but if you knock, either he or one of the soldiers from a nearby post will gladly let you in to look around. Be sure to pay a visit to the ‘spileo’, a cave in the outer wall. The cave forms a chapel, where you can see a collection of ancient objects.

4. The Chalky Cliffs of Kerkis

The highest peak on the island is Vigla, in the Kerkis Mountains. This peak is 1434m high, and is a popular place for hiking in Samos. The mountain has a unique appearance, and the scenery is spectacular. Kerkis is an extinct volcano, and many of the cliff faces are white, due to thigh levels of chalk in the rock.

The mountain is also a sanctuary for endangered plants and animals and is part of a network of the EU’s protected sites, making it a great place to go walking in Samos. Several small monasteries dot the slopes, and there are many caves waiting to be explored. The Cave of Pythagoras can be found here, where Pythagoras is believed to have hidden before being exiled.

5. Coming to Rest on the Kokkari Shore

In an area of pine trees, olive trees and vineyards, walking in Samos is an extremely pleasant activity. Kokkari, on the northern part of the island, is the perfect area to unwind with slow walks as you pick the fruit and enjoy the sunshine.

Hiking in Samos is best enjoyed when you have a place to relax when you’re finished. Kokkari has three beaches. The Long Beach is situated on the waterfront, where you can enjoy walks along the coastline. There are also two secluded and sheltered bays, a great place to stop for a break when walking in Samos.