MARATHOKAMBOS, SAMOSCountry

TOP ACTIVITIES

Tunnel of Eupalinos

Tunnel of EupalinosTunnel of Eupalinos

This ancient aqueduct is an incomparable technological achievement from the 6th century BC, and is the work of the engineer Eupalinos.

It is unique for the masterful manner in which it is constructed since the pipeline is an open-ended tunnel measuring 1,036m long, 1.80 by 1.80m, located 190m below the surface of the mountain. Work on the tunnel commenced at both ends and met approximately in the middle with only a slight variation in altitude. Since 1992, the tunnel has featured in the UNESCO World Heritage list and since the summer of 2017 visitors can walk its entire length. 

READ MOREREAD MORE

HERAION, A UNIQUE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONUMENT 

ONE INTERESTING

DAY TRIP

from Kerkis Bay Hotel combines historical trails and gastronomic delights. The route includes the Heraion Temple, the Pythagorio Archaeological Museum and the Samos Wine Museum [1 hour and 11 minutes by car or 46km without taking the stops into account].

Pythagorio stands on the site of Ancient Samos, the first organized settlement on the island, where traces of habitation date back to the 4th millennium BC. Here visitors can view a unique archaeological monument, the Heraion, a double Ionic-order temple dedicated to the worship of the mother goddess, Hera, which was built on the site of the first stone altar topped by a wooden votive statue of the goddess.

Although only a single pillar still stands today at the site, a stroll around the grounds suffices for one to grasp the scale of this impressive temple which measured 55.16 x 108.63m, and once had 155 marble pillars that stood 20m tall! (Tel. +30 22730 62813).

The island’s historical and cultural development from the 4th millennium BC to the 7th century AD is presented via the exhibits at the Pythagorio Archaeological Museum in the heart of what was once the ancient city of Samos. Around 3000 exhibits (including statues, sarcophagi, coins, pots and sculptures) from the ancient city of Samos and the countryside on the island are on display here (tel. +30 22730 62813).

To get to know the lie of the land better, a stop off at the Samos Wine Museum is a must. It’s located at the winery run by the Union of Vinicultural Cooperatives of Samos at Malagari and there you can try the award winning Samiot wine and get to know the vinification process up close, as you go on a journey through traditional wine making methods and practices. There is a € 2 entry fee, which includes tasting some of the best, internationally acclaimed local wines. (Union of Vinicultural Cooperatives of Samos, Malagari, Samos GR-83100, tel. +30 22730-87511)

READ MORE 

BEACHES

Both the northern and southern coasts are peppered with charming beaches. The most popular ones are:

One of the best beaches on the island, extending at 400 m. of gold sand, with shallow, warm and clear waters. The beach is of unique beauty, with its glittering waters and the pine trees reaching the sea. There are sunbeds and umbrellas, a coffee shop and some restaurants in the area.

Activities and sports on Pythagoras’ island

Enjoy Samos and its countryside through revitalising hikes through nature along paths and dirt trails, which lead to gorges and waterfalls, caves and monasteries.

There are many well-marked trails on Mt. Kerkis, and the most popular trails are those to Pythagoras’ cave and Kakoperato, to Mikro Seitani and Megalo Seitani beaches and to the waterfalls at Potami.

Fans of mountain biking can enjoy on- and off-road trails in a host of settings: next to the sea, in charming landscapes, among picturesque villages and on verdant mountain sides. From Vathy to Kokkari and from there to Profitis Ilias or Karlovasi, there are many options available! The Samos Cycling Club organises cycling excursions and night-time rides!

Among the many alternative activities, one of the highlights has to be climbing to the peak of Mt. Kerkis (it’s the island’s tallest mountain at 1,443m above sea level), where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Aegean Sea from the roof of Samos. Or for something different climb Mt. Ambelos with its dense vegetation. For fans of rock climbing, the island has 11 climbing sites with 100 different routes of varying degrees of difficulty.

For any sort of activities, ask our staff at the Kerkis Bay Hotel for information.