The island of Samos is known worldwide as the birthplace of the mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras and the place where he developed his first philosophical and mathematical thoughts. It is a multifaceted place that combines clean seas, lush mountains, archaeological sites, hotel accommodation for visitors of all economic classes and aesthetics, picturesque villages, culinary delights, cultural events and hospitable people.

Η Σάμος διαθέτει αμέτρητες παραλίες, μερικές από αυτές παρθένες ακόμη κι ερημικές ενώ τις προσεγγίζει κανείς είτε δια θαλάσσης είτε ακολουθώντας κάποιο μονοπάτι. Μεγάλο ενδιαφέρον για τους δύτες παρουσιάζει ο υποθαλάσσιος πλούτος αλλά και η  πλούσια βλάστηση που σε πολλές περιπτώσεις φύεται ως  τη θάλασσα, τα ψηλά βουνά  (ψηλότερη κορυφή  1.434 μ.) άλλα κατάφυτα με πυκνά δάση κι άλλα γυμνά από βλάστηση, πλούσια όμως σε λουλούδια, βότανα  και μυρωδικά  μερικά από τα οποία είναι μοναδικά στον κόσμο. 

There are hundreds of kilometers of well-maintained and signposted trails – some dating back to ancient times – that cross dense forests, old cobblestones that connect villages, forest roads that lead to mountain vineyards, high peaks, Byzantine monasteries, and waterfalls. Climbs can be demanding and difficult for the experienced, but there are many easy hikes for all seasons.

It is characteristic that for its wealth and its abundant beauties, the ancients had classified Samos among the islands of Makari. Legend says the souls of those who died without sin went to live in Samos, as it had been designated by the gods as a place of bliss.

The main archaeological sites and museums are:

• The Heraion of Samos: a temple dedicated to the goddess Hera which belongs to the UNESCO world heritage sites
• The tunnel of Eupalinios: an aqueduct - ancient tunnel mentioned by Herodotus as the Amphistom Trench. It has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO as well as a World Tunneling Landmark by the International Tunneling Association.
• The Cave of Pythagoras: located at the foot of Kerki, near the village of Marathokampos and according to tradition, the philosopher Pythagoras fled here to hide.
• Ancient Theatre: although its original structure has suffered damage and only a few parts of it remain, a modern wooden structure has been built in the same place where performances are given during the summer months
• Archaeological Museum of Samos which, among other valuable finds, houses the Kouros of Samos and the New Archaeological Museum of Pythagoras. The New Archaeological Museum includes statues, tombstones, sarcophagi, marble Hadrians and ceramics.
• Museum of Tanning in Karlovasi: housed in an old tannery in the Tabakika area and captures the history of the tanning industry in Karlovasi through machinery, tools, treated leather and rich audio-visual materials.
• Municipal Folklore Museum in Karlovasi: housed in the old cheese factory of the town, next to the old Sovereign Palace and represents the life of the Samians with their manners and customs during the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Paleontological Museum in the village of Mytilinioi: displays of fossils belonging to animals that lived on the island 8-10 million years ago

Easy access

Samos has an airport, 1.5 km from Pythagorion and three ports, in Karlovasi, Vathi and Pythagorion.

Connected by air:

• with Athens by air with 3-4 daily flights, depending on the season. The flight takes 30-50 minutes.
• with Thessaloniki daily during the summer season and 5-6 times a week during the winter season with a 50–60-minute flight.
• with Chios, Mytilini, Limnos, Rhodes, Heraklion with 1-3 weekly flights

During the tourist season Samos is connected by charter flights with most European countries such as Cyprus, Germany, United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Italy, and Israel. Intercontinental visitors use charter flights.

From the port of Piraeus there are 1-2 daily itineraries in the summer season to the port of Karlovasos (8 hours), the first port the ship approaches when arriving in Samos, and 4-5 times a week in the winter season. The same ships continues to the port of Vathi (9 hours) 3-4 times a week.

Ferries from Piraeus connect Samos with the ports of Syros, Mykonos, Fourna, Ikaria. There is a ferry connection with Chios, Mytilini, Limnos and Kavala or Thessaloniki to the N. Aegean as well as with Patmos, Arkios, Leipsos, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos and Rhodes to the S. Aegean. Samos from April to October every year is connected daily (1-2 routes) with the ports of Kusadasi which is 67 km from the international airport of Izmir and the port of Sigacik, Seferihisar which is 16 km from the international airport of Izmir.