The Cave of Pythagoras on Samos: A Hermitage on Mount Kerkis

Samos-Pythagoreio-0852-Sanctuary-of-nymphs

The Cave of Pythagoras stands on the southern slopes of Mount Kerkis, high above the village of Marathokampos on the southwest coast of Samos. A marked footpath climbs through pine to a pair of rock openings, where the small cave-chapel of Panagia Sarantaskaliotissa sits beside a deeper cavern. Local tradition ties the site to the … Read more

Votsalakia Beach on Samos: The Long Southwest Strand Under Kerkis

Samos Town Harbour. - panoramio (2)

Votsalakia, also called Kampos, is the main beach resort on the southwest coast of Samos. The long strand of sand and pebbles runs beneath Mt Kerkis, the island’s highest mountain, well away from the busier north and east. Shallow, gently shelving water and a low strip of tavernas, rooms and sunbeds make it a calm, … Read more

Karlovasi on Samos: The Northwest Town Below Kerkis

Pythagoreio harbour panorama

Karlovasi is the second town of Samos and the main settlement on the island’s northwest coast. It sits about 30 km west of Vathy, spread across three linked districts around a working ferry port. The town rises below the peaks of Mount Kerkis. It mixes a maritime past, a tanning-industry heritage and a modern university … Read more

Mount Kerkis on Samos: The Island’s High Peak

Samos-Pythagoreio-Castle-90106

Mount Kerkis, known in antiquity as Kerketeas, is the highest mountain on Samos at about 1,434 metres. It rises steeply over the southwest of the island, straight from the sea above the beach villages of Votsalakia and Kampos. Bare grey limestone, deep gorges, caves and hidden chapels give the peak a wild character unusual for … Read more