Location
Discover Samos
The central location of Samos City Hotel makes it an ideal starting point for discovering the island’s treasures. Samos, the island of Pythagoras, boasts a wealth of attractions and historical sites that reflect the island’s unique history and culture. Some of Samos’ landmarks have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites while tandy beaches with crystal-clear waters, lush hiking trails, imposing monasteries, mountains, and hiking paths add up to the island’s treasures. Explore Vathy and experience the local culture and traditional architecture. Built amphitheatrically at the heart of the bay, the town features squares, remarkable buildings, and historic monuments. Discover everything that Samos has to offer, starting from Samos City Hotel, the perfect retreat for unforgettable holidays on the island of Samos.
Location
- 50 meters from the International Port of Vathy, Samos
- 400 meters from the Hospital
- 300 meters from the Archaeological Museum of Samos
- 1.1 kilometers from Gagou Beach
- 3 kilometers from Samos Wine Museum
- 16 kilometers from Samos Airport "Aristarchos of Samos" (SMI)
Experience Samos
Archaeological Sites
Don’t miss the Archaeological Site of Pythagoreion, where one of the most remarkable marvels of antiquity is located: the Tunnel of Eupalinos. Constructed by the engineer Eupalinus in the 6th century BC, served for the ancient city’s water supply through a tunnel measuring 1,036 meters in length. Samos is considered the birthplace of the goddess Hera, and her sanctuary at the Heraion is the largest in the ancient world. This significant archaeological site includes the impressive Temple of Hera, also known as the Heraion, with its unique standing column that remains erect to this day, along with the grand altar and the sacred road leading from the city, today’s Pythagoreion, to the sanctuary. The Pythagoreion and the Heraion have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1992. In the Archaeological Museum of Samos, you will discover exhibits from the Heraion, as well as the impressive over-life-size Kouros (standing at 5 meters in height), dating back to 580 BC.
Byzantine History, Monasteries and Churches
Samos is renowned for its wealth of Byzantine monuments, churches, and monasteries that represent the island’s spiritual heritage. The Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, also known as Agia Ailiotissa, impresses with its architecture, while the Monastery of Agia Zoni, with its library, the Monastery of Timios Stavros with its impressive throne, and the Church of Panagia Sarantaskaliotissa, built at the entrance of Pythagoras’ Cave, are just a few of the places worth visiting. Panagia Vrontiani, the island’s oldest monastery, is located at an altitude of 480 meters and 2 kilometers from Vourliotes, while Panagia Spiliani, near the Eupalinian Aqueduct, offers a panoramic view of Pythagoreion. The Ecclesiastical Byzantine Museum of Samos, housed in the metropolitan mansion, features a collection of silver and goldsmith works, embroidered pieces, and icons from the Byzantine period of Samos.
Winemaking: A Rich Tradition
The tradition of cultivating vineyards on the island dates back to ancient times. The reputation of Samian wine took place when the “Muscat” grape variety was introduced to the island in the 16th century. The “Muscat” grapes are grown on the slopes of Mount Ambelos. Situated in Malagari, the Samos Wine Museum welcomes visitors to experience a unique wine-tasting journey and delve into the history of the renowned Samian wine. The Samos Wine Cooperative, one of Greece’s oldest and largest cooperatives, produces an exceptional range of wines that have garnered numerous accolades and awards.
Hiking Trails
Samos is the perfect destination for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers. The island boasts the largest network of marked hiking trails in Greece, featuring over 240 kilometers and 19 unique routes to explore. One of the most exhilarating trails leads from the village of Potami to the world-famous beaches of Mikro and Megalo Seitani, renowned for their fine sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, and small caves.
Exploring the Villages
Samos’ villages, nestled on lush hillsides, offer a unique experience to every visitor. Some of these villages, such as Kallithea, Drakei, Kosmadei, Ambelos, Stavrinides, Manolates, Koumeika, and Kastania, preserve their authentic architecture and boast narrow cobblestone streets, picturesque squares, and charming tavernas, while some of those offer breathtaking views.
Beaches for Every Taste
From the bustling Kokkari on the northern coast to tranquil shores like Lemonakia, Tsamadou, and Tsabou, Samos offers a beach for every taste and preference. Near Karlovasi, you’ll find Potami, while in Vathy, Psili Ammos and the endless expanse of Mykali Beach take the spotlight. On the southern coast, Kampos and beaches like Votsalakia and Chrysi Ammos are excellent choices with sandy shores and crystal-clear waters. Marathokampos and Poseidonio feature charming little harbors with traditional fish tavernas and nearby beaches worth a visit. Livadaki, located 12 kilometers north of Vathy, is an exotic small beach that evokes the feel of the Maldives.
Water Sports and Activities
Samos offers numerous activities for sea lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Mykali Beach, located 8 kilometers south of Vathy, is not only a stunning beach but also an ideal spot for kiteboarding. Cruises to Samos’ secluded beaches provide a unique opportunity to explore the island’s coastline and discover hidden treasures. If you want to experience Samos on horseback or by bicycle, there are various options and routes to explore. Our hotel offers the flexibility to make reservations for a wide range of activities upon request.
Fine Local Products
Samos is also renowned for its production of high-quality olive oil, honey, exceptional cheese and the famous “souma“, a distilled spirit made from the byproducts of pressed grapes. Some of the island’s celebrated culinary delights include kampounia (fresh onion sprouts with eggs), bourekia (pastries filled with sweet pumpkin and cinnamon), giaprakia (vine leaves stuffed with rice), keskeki (fried goat or pork meat with barley), katades (Samos-style almond cookies filled with honey and walnuts), starozoumo (barley with tahini, flour, and raisins), tahinopita, and moustalevria.
Don't leave Samos without...
- Visiting the charming Ano Vathy
- Taking a boat to Samiopoula
- Exploring the Tannery Museum in Karlovasi
- Enjoying Samos' nightlife
- Trying the Samian pancakes
