On the island of Samos, the "Cave of Pythagoras" is thought to be a place where the renowned mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras sought refuge and taught, having reportedly escaped there from the tyrant Polycrates.
Hi, I'm Giorgos. I have been working as an outdoor guide in Samos since 2011. In this blog section of Samos Outdoors, I aim to write some articles that provide useful information for travelers visiting Samos Island. My goal is to help you avoid unexpected surprises and "traps" when touring independently. Of course if you are looking for a guided tour you are always welcome to chose our services for group or private tours. Today, I will share some tips to know before visiting the famous Pythagoras Cave. |
Best time to visit Pythagoras Cave
The visit can be enjoyable if you go during Autumn or Spring at any time of the day. However, in the Summer, I highly recommend visiting before 9:00 in the morning or after 17:00 due to the intense and hot sun. The steep cliffs oriented toward the southeast mean that temperatures rise from the early morning hours, and about 3 hours before sunset, the sun moves behind them, creating pleasant conditions for your visit and for the climb up the stairs.
How to find the area of Pythagoras cave
The most common way is to rent a car in Samos and drive there. Alternatively, if you're staying in Kampos, you can hike up to the cave or book a guided tour with transfer from your hotel and back. Unfortunately, there are no public buses to Pythagoras Cave.
If you are driving to this location by car, ensure you approach from the road beginning at Marathokampos village. AVOID the "shortcut" road starting from Kampos, as it has gravel sections that could damage your car and includes a sharp, narrow uphill turn that might take you out of your driving comfort zone.
If you're planning to walk from Kampos, ensure you bring plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen, and prepare for the 4 km uphill hike. You can purchase water from the small café located there for the return journey, which is another 4 km.
If you would like to book a tour with us, just take a look on the link below.
How to find the trail to Pythagoras Cave.
In the area, there are two different caves, each with its own interesting stories and both worth visiting. They are located close to each other but at different altitudes on the steep face of Kerkis. To reach both caves, you begin from the same trail, marked by a sign at the starting point, on stone-paved stairs. In the first 5 minutes of your walk, you will see the red markers where the trail splits. To the right, an untouched path begins, leading to Pythagoras Cave after 10 minutes of rough hike and climb. If you continue on the stone-paved stairs, you will arrive at the Cave of Sarantaskaliotisa after a walk of 10 minutes too.
What are the difficulties that you will face?
On the way to Sarantadaskaliotisa cave, the final section of the path consists of nearly 50 old steps. These steps have limited space for your feet and are high enough to require extra effort to climb. While not extremely dangerous, they will definitely get your heart racing since the ramp on the side the stairs is low.
The other way with the red markings that lead to Pythagoras Cave, the trail becomes more challenging. In fact, it's a path that hasn't seen significant construction by people for centuries. On some steep sections with loose rocks, you'll need to use your hands to climb.
Just before reaching the cave, the trail ends at a 2.5m rock that you need to climb. This is the point where many people hesitate. You likely won't find ropes here, as they can make the climb more hazardous, but the rock has large spots for placing your hands and feet.
Afterward, there's a short section of much easier climbing, leading you to the "hidden" entrance of the cave. Most accidents occur when you're relaxed, so be mindful of your head at the cave's entrance for a few steps.
What is inside the caves
Firstly, I want to assure you that you will not find Pythagoras in the cave, even if it is supposed to be his cave according to local stories and myths. You will not find him or any of his personal belongings, as about 2500 years have passed since then. What you will find is a subsection of the cave known as "the room" and a large open space with the "balcony" at the top with the breathtaking view.
In the second cave, Sarantadaskaliotisa, you will encounter two vertical caves that require caution, as well as the church and, at the end of the cave trail, the water tank. There are no informational signs or entrance fees.
I forgot to mention earlier that there is also a bell which is meant to be rung when the priest conducts a service once a year at the church, not every time a tourist climbs the stairs. So, please try to resist the urge to ring it and keep the area as quiet as possible.
So, Is the Pythagoras Cave worth it ?
If you're seeking an exhilarating adventure in the breathtaking nature of Samos with a historical background and a sweeping view this trip is perfect for you! It's not extremely difficult, as many untrained people tackle it daily without special equipment, but it does require some effort.
The visit can become quite challenging if you're afraid of heights or not accustomed to rocky terrain. A common mistake is attempting to hike and climb in flip-flops—it's definitely best to avoid this for your comfort and safety!
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