Previously devoid of any special charms, the island's second capital has reinvented itself by inviting a group of internationally acclaimed street artists to use its many derelict storehouses and industrial facilities as canvasses, thus filling the dull landscape with large surreal images and a even couple of installations. Most of these can be seen in the port area while you are waiting for the next ferry.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Dilek Peninsula-Büyük Menderes National Park
26.12 MILES
This spectacular 277-sq-km mountainous reserve on the Dilek Peninsula has walking trails, stunning vistas, azure coves for swimming, and deep-green…
15.2 MILES
In a word: extraordinary. In 524 BC, when Pythagorio (then called Samos) was the island’s capital and a bustling metropolis of 80,000, securing sources…
16.51 MILES
Follow the north-coast road out of Vathy for 10km and look for a signposted dirt road to the left leading to Livadaki Beach. Here, tropical azure waters…
27.14 MILES
The evocative ruins of this ancient city, which was one of the 12 cities of the Ionian League, are spread over a low hilly isthmus now used as farmland. A…
Archaeological Museum of Pythagorio
15.79 MILES
One of the best museums on the islands. The exhibits in this smart space include beautifully displayed finds from Pythagorio, plus striking pottery pieces…
13.96 MILES
It's hard to fully grasp the former magnificence of this ancient sanctuary of the goddess Hera, 4km west of Pythagorio, from these scattered ruins. The …
16.42 MILES
Housed in two adjacent buildings, this handsome complex displays the contents of the Heraion (Sanctuary of Hera) near Pythagorio (from Polycrates' rule in…
Castle of Lykourgos Logothetis
15.85 MILES
Samians took the lead locally in the 1821 War of Independence, and this castle, built in 1824 by resistance leader Logothetis, is the major relic of that…
Nearby Samos attractions
1.22 MILES
Documents life, customs and dress in Karlovasi 100 years ago, when the busy port flourished as a leather-tanning and tobacco-trade centre. Located near…
13.96 MILES
It's hard to fully grasp the former magnificence of this ancient sanctuary of the goddess Hera, 4km west of Pythagorio, from these scattered ruins. The …
15.2 MILES
In a word: extraordinary. In 524 BC, when Pythagorio (then called Samos) was the island’s capital and a bustling metropolis of 80,000, securing sources…
15.49 MILES
A short (less than 1km) walk west of Pythagorio brings you to this pristine beach with umbrellas and toilets. There’s decent swimming, but pack your own…
15.51 MILES
About 1.5km northwest of Pythagorio, the road forks right, past traces of an ancient theatre, before reaching this grotto monastery. The walk meanders up…
6. Archaeological Museum of Pythagorio
15.79 MILES
One of the best museums on the islands. The exhibits in this smart space include beautifully displayed finds from Pythagorio, plus striking pottery pieces…
7. Castle of Lykourgos Logothetis
15.85 MILES
Samians took the lead locally in the 1821 War of Independence, and this castle, built in 1824 by resistance leader Logothetis, is the major relic of that…
16.06 MILES
Look for this handsome stone building opposite the new ferry quay to find one of Samos' best vintners. Winery tours usually take place when you show up,…