Pythagorion Holidays 2024/2025
Looking for an easygoing, relaxed town with plenty to see and do on your Samos holidays? Then Pythagorion is the destination you’re after – whitewashed houses with terracotta roofs look postcard-perfect against the turquoise sea. With great hotels, cosy tavernas and beautiful beaches, this town will tick all of your boxes.
Pythagorion Holiday Deals
The perfect island pick
Pythagorion, located on Samos’ southeast coast, is one of its liveliest towns. It’s arguably the most popular destination for cheap holidays to Samos, and this picturesque harbour town attracts plenty of tourists. With stunning beaches surrounding the town, and a healthy nightlife scene, Pythagorion is a delightful town for groups, families, and couples.
The town also has a fine sense of history. It’s named after the famous mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras, who was born here over 2,500 years ago, and there’s a statue of him in the harbour. Head to the outskirts of the town to find the Heraion, an ancient sanctuary built to the goddess Hera, and the Tunnel of Eupalinos, a giant underground aqueduct carved into the limestone rock.
Pythagorion beaches
The area surrounding Pythagorion is home to some of Samos‘ most beautiful beaches. Potokaki Beach is just west of the harbour, and is known for its clear, pristine water. It has been awarded a Blue Flag, and provides facilities such as umbrellas, sunbeds, watersport activities, and several beach bars. Bathe in the sun with a view out to sea and the mountains behind you – Potokaki Beach is a real paradise.
Remataki Beach can also be found down by the harbour. This beach is a little busier than Potokaki, but it’s sandier and has shallower water, making it more suitable for children. There are plenty of superb restaurants and tavernas nearby, and the beach has sunloungers and parasols as well as showers.
Psili Ammos is a bit of a trek from Pythagorion, but you can get there in half an hour by boat. It’s one of Samos’ most popular beaches because of its long stretch of sand, cliffs that protect the beach from the wind, and exquisite blue-green water. There are a few tavernas, and plenty of umbrellas and sunloungers – a day-trip to Psili Ammos is well worth your time..
Eating out
A lot of the food on Samos is traditional Greek fare, and Pythagorion is no different. Relaxing in authentic tavernas is the way to go, with plenty of different bars and restaurants specialising in home-cooked local food in beautiful settings. Lots of restaurants have views of the harbour and the sea, while some others are set in courtyards or on the town’s rustic streets.
Since Pythagorion is a harbour, seafood and fish are always fresh and delicious, and there are plenty of traditional recipes incorporating ingredients from the ocean. Remember to try the famous Samian wines – the sweet Samos Muscat grapes make world-famous drinks and a glass of ouzo with a view of the harbour is a lazy treat.more available. Those seeking to take it slow can simply take out a kayak and explore the coast at their own pace.
Where to stay
Pythagorion is a popular destination for Greece holidays, and the wide range of accommodation options means you can generally find something to suit your needs and budget. From apartments in the centre of town to well-kept hotels with pools and spa facilities just outside of Pythagorion proper, you’re sure to be well looked-after in this friendly seaside town.
What to see
The Heraion of Samos is just outside the main town, and the site includes a huge temple known as the Kolona due to the single column that stands to this day. You can also see the grand altar, and the sacred road leading from the city to the sanctuary. According to Greek myth, Hera, the Queen of the Gods, was born under a sacred lygos tree near where Pythagorion is today, and the earliest remains of the temple built in her honour date back to 800 BC.
You can get a joint ticket to visit both the Heraion and the Tunnel of Eupalinos. If you’re interested in the ancient history of the area, be sure to also visit the Archaeological Museum of Pythagorion, which houses the marble statues of several Roman emperors, and showcases pottery dating back thousands of years.
To the northwest of the city, at an altitude of 125 metres above sea level, you’ll find the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani, also known as the Virgin of the Cave. This small church, built inside a mountain cave, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and contains a marble icon of her which is considered miraculous. The site also has amazing views down to the town of Pythagorion.