Overview

The most exceptional and famous of all who called Samos home is Pythagoras (580-500 BC). A philosopher, mathematician and musician; he was never a man to take things for granted and he established a set of mathematical principles, including the Pythagorean theorem and the the Pythagorean arithmetic tables, that are still of fundamental importance to mathematical theory to this day.

Pythagorion, just south of Vathy and across the straights from the Turkish coast is the island's most pretty settlement, and the site of most archeological finds. The town used to be Polycrates' capital, in the 6th century BC, and, back then, its population exceeded 250,000. Today, it is a pleasant summer resort.

Pythagorion, named thus in 1955, at the 2500th anniversary of the founding here of the world's first school of philosophy by Pythagoras, is both traditional and cosmopolitan. A picturesque fishing harbor, it also features the island's only marina, and its restored traditional houses and mansions offer elegant accommodations. The area is dominated by Dutch and German tourists during the peak months of July and August.

The best beaches on the island are Kokkari, 10 km west of Vathy, that is also a nudist beach, Potokaki and Psyly Ammos, west and east of Pythagorion.