Visit Iraion and travel back in time, some few thousand years ago, through the archaeological site where one of the largest temples of Hera was located. Follow “Iera Odos”, the “Sacred Road” that connected the temple with Pythagorion. Today, only one of its 155 huge columns is preserved. Iraion has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Near Pythagorion is the Tunnel of Eupalinos, the underground Aqueduct, a huge technological achievement that Herodotus also referred to as Amfistomo, since the 1,036-meter tunnel was opened in parallel from both sides of mount Kastro and the openings met in the middle. While in the area you should also visit Thermae (Roman baths) with the remnants of pools, changing rooms and saunas of the 2nd century AD.
Following Pythagoras, you continue to the evergreen ancient Theatre of Pythagoras. Walk up the 300 steps to the Cave of Pythagoras at the foot of Mount Kerkis, where, according to tradition, he hid to save himself from tyrant Polycrates. At the entrance of the cave you will find Panagia Sarantaskaliotissa.
If you reach the top of Kerkis, in Vigla, at 1400 meters, you will see the Genoan Castle and the Tower of Sarakini that dates to the 16th century. On the slopes of the mountain, take a walk in beautiful Marathokampos with its stone houses and picturesque alleys.
Stop and relax at Pythagorio, the picturesque harbour, with Pythagoras Square that hosts the philosopher’s statue. Visit the new Archaeological Museum of Pythagorio and the Archaeological Collection of the Town Hall with important archaeological findings and don’t miss the Art Space to admire the contemporary art exhibition.
Just outside the town, you will find the artificial lake Glyfada. Its habitat or nearby Aliki hosts the pink flamingos, herons and Dalmatian pelicans that stop here during their journey.
Do not forget to visit Chora, the old capital of the island and wander through its quiet and picturesque alleys. If you’re looking for a cool spot head to the enchanting waterfalls in Potami, just outside Karlovasi, walking a beautiful route with tropical greenery and streams. One of them is 5 meters high and most fascinating after you walk up its 60 steps. In Karlovasi, visit the Tannery Museum housed in a stone-built tannery. Samos has a long tradition in tanning, as well as in pottery; you will find several workshops in many parts of the island.
Visit the Archaeological Museum of Samos in Vathi, where among others you’ll see the famous Kouros of the 6th century BC, five and a half meters high, and discover more about life in Samos in modern years in one of the Folklore Museums of the island. Samos had also thrived in shipbuilding; don’t miss a visit to the unique shipyard in Agios Isidoros.
Walk around in Manolates, the traditional mountain village with the picturesque architecture and explore the village of Mytilinii and surrounding sites.
Follow the footsteps of the wild animals that once lived in the area through the Geomythological Path, admire the ornate stone bridges, visit the ancient quarries that fed the Iraion and the caves and of course wander around the village itself with its colourful houses. Do not forget to visit the important Museum of Natural History with animal fossils that are millions of years old. One of the exhibits is kaplani, a feline that passed to Samos from the Coast of Asia Minor and inspired Greek writer Alki Zei in "Wildcat Under Glass".
In general, the villages of Samos are worth exploring: The medieval Vourliotes with the oldest monastery of the island, Panagia Vronta, Drakei, Pyrgos, Agios Konstantinos or Pagonda.