Travel Guide Pythagorion

Located 17 km south of Vathi, Pythagorio is certainly the most historically rich city of the island. It was named after the mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras (580-495 BC), the most famous child of the country. Another great local character, who lived in the 3rd century BC: Aristarchus of Samos, who was the first to conceive the idea of heliocentrism (the Earth revolves around the Sun and not vice versa), gave his name to the airport of Samos, located at the gates of the city. The ancient city of Pythagorion and its masterpiece, the tunnel of Eupalinos, are classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. As well as the Heraion, south of the city: this sanctuary dedicated to the great goddess Hera, mythical native of Samos, is a must.The modern city took its rise in the 19th century, after the independence, as evidenced by the beautiful tower of the castle of Logothetis which served as a defense against the Ottomans during the war of independence. To celebrate the victory of 1824, a great festival is given every year on August 6 in homage to Lykourgos Logothetis and his men: the whole city meets for these popular celebrations.Today, one can stroll through the narrow streets full of bougainvillea and along its lively port, thethird largest in Samos. In season, the town enjoys a pleasant summer atmosphere and its good hotel infrastructure makes it a good base for exploring Samos, especially the beaches of the southeast. Among them, Potokaki beach, south of Pythagorion, is certainly the largest and most touristic.