Ascent to Pythagorean Cave
The most famous cave in Samos
At the eastern foot of the highest mountain in Samos – Kerkris you will find a surprisingly large cave in the rock wall. Its interest is all the greater because it is said that the famous mathematician Pythagoras of Sam also lived in it. There is also a small parking lot under the cave, but you have to climb a few dozen stairs yourself.
View of the rock massif
How to get under Pythagorean Cave. At first glance, it seems the best and shortest route from the western end of Votsalakia. It's only 3.5 kilometers, but one stretch is very bad – gravel full of larger rocks and large potholes that a smaller rental car will have to do to make it pass. Especially in the places of two serpentines. From the church of Agia Irini, it is again a road with a paved surface. Of course, the road is still very narrow in several places. If you are not here in the greatest heat, ideal for hiking. According to the map, there is a more challenging road from the mountain village of Maratokhampos, which is 5 kilometers long, but you are again driving on asphalt. Directly below the cave is a small tavern and parking. You will have to tilt your head nicely to see the whole way to the cave.
Church of St. John the Theologian
Now we finally have to climb the stairs. If you are here in the summer around noon, expect a great heat. About halfway up the exit is a turnoff to a small church. An ideal place for a short rest.
Way up
The exit path is in good condition, secured by a railing. The surrounding karst landscape is very nice.
Final ascent to Pythagorean Cave
At the end, wait with the steepest part, where less trained individuals are likely to stop for exhalation
Chapel and entrance to Pythagorean cave
Finally we climbed to the entrance to the cave. There is also a small Faneromeni chapel next door. It's a nice shady place.
View of the parking lot under the cave
We can enjoy the views before we set out to explore the cave. Relatively deep below us is a starting point with a small parking lot and refreshments.
Valley view
From the cave there is also a nice view of both roads that lead here – the better one over the mountains and the other descending through the valley to Votsalakie
The bell by the chapel
The place is pleasant and if you are here in time without other tourists, you can completely imagine Pythagoras pondering philosophy and mathematics here in peace.
At the beginning of Pythagorean Cave
Although the entrance from a distance does not seem so great, you will find that you will get to large areas
Road to the depths of the cave
Depending on how you are equipped with the light, you can continue to the depths of the cave, which disappears in the dark. The cave is almost 100 meters long
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