Beautiful Greek Villages

Pythagoreio or Pythagorion is a picturesque, tourist resort, built on the southeastern coast of the island of Samos. It is located 12 km south of Vathi, the capital of the island, in one of the most developed tourist areas of Samos. Its original name was Tigani (frying pan) due to the circular shape of its harbor. Its current name was given in 1955, in honor of the famous ancient Greek Mathematician and Philosopher Pythagoras, who was born in Samos.

The town is built on the ruins of the ancient city of Samos (Astyplaea), founded during the 5th BC century. Astypalea was one of the most important and famous cities of antiquity and the capital of the island. At that time Samos became a powerful nautical state. This power led to richness and to the construction of great structures of the period, such as the great aqueduct (part of it is the Tunnel of Eupalinos), the temple of Hera one of the 18 monuments of cultural heritage in Greece, the theater, the Samos harbor and many more. The harbor of the ancient city, is described by Herodotus as one of the most magnificent structures of the island and is considered to be the oldest constructed harbor in the Mediterranean. Many of these works can still be seen in the modern town and in the nearby area. Archaeological finds from excavations around Pythagorion, show that the wider area has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. The town has also retained elements of the traditional architecture and has been characterized as a settlement of special natural beauty by the Ministry of Culture. Pythagorion, is a unique cultural jewel of the Aegean and has been declared as a Unesco Cultural World Heritage Site. 

On the west side of the town lies the old Byzantine castle, the tower of Lycurgus Logothetis built in 1824 and right next to it the church of the Transfiguration of the Savior of 1831. In the town you can also find an excellent archeological museum, worth visiting. The statue of Pythagoras, a modern sculpture stands at the harbor where many tourists boats moor every summer. Pythagorion has also a new marina which offers all the modern standard of yachting services and facilities. Along the harbor there are tavernas where you can taste local delicacies, overlooking the picturesque port. Wandering in the streets of the village with the old mansions and the beautiful courtyards is a nice experience. Around the town there are several beautiful beaches with crystal-clear, blue waters where you can cool off on hot summer days.  Pythagorion offers a variety of choices as you can visit unique archeological sites, enjoy the sun and sea, meet hospitable people and enjoy the nightlife to its fullest.

While in Pythagorion you can visit:

• The Sanctuary of the Goddess Hera at Heraion,
• The Efpalinion Tunnel,
• The perimeter wall of Polycrates,
• The Ancient Theatre,
• The Roman Baths,
• The Archaeological Collection,
• The Palaeontological Museum at Mitilinaei,
• The monastery of Timios Stavros at Mavratzaei &
• The monastery of Megali Panayia at Koumaradhaei