Caves
Mytilinioi Caves ancient quarries
In the Koutsodonti area of the village of Mytilinioi, at an altitude of 147m, there are 45 caves that serve as entrances to an Ancient Mine. The entrances are supported by hand-carved pillars. One of the entrances leads into the interior of the hill where 8 additional levels were recorded using the same support method, reaching a total depth of -70m and a length of 1km per level. During the Archaic period, materials were quarried here for the construction of the Great Temple of Hera and other buildings within the Sanctuary, as well as for the building needs of the ancient city of Samos. During the Greek Revolution of 1821, the caves functioned as a Nitre Mine, where a monk named Ignatius used nitrate salts to manufacture gunpowder. Visiting the cave requires specialized equipment and is conducted with a guide for safety reasons.
Tsakalotrypa Cave of Pythagoreion
Near Panagia Spiliani in Pythagoreion, at an altitude of 102 meters, lies “Tsakalotrypa,” a cave divided into two sections. The first section is approximately 50m long and 5-8m wide, while the second side of the cave is accessed through a narrow opening. This second part is about 20m long, reaches a height of 2m, and is 3m wide, following an upward direction toward the surface. Visiting the cave requires specialized equipment and must be done with a guide for safety reasons.
Panagia Sarantaskaliotissa Cave-Chasm and Pythagoras Cave
This is a Cave Church located in the western part of the island, near Marathokampos at an altitude of 320 meters, and it took its name from the forty old steps that lead to the cave. The upper part of the cave branches into two chambers. The cave holds historical, religious, and athletic interest. A single-room 11th-century AD Byzantine chapel is built at its entrance, decorated with post-Byzantine frescoes.
At a distance of about 50m from the cave and at the same elevation, lies the famous “Cave of Pythagoras.” Access is via a short, slightly difficult path that starts halfway along the stone-built trail leading to the Sarantaskaliotissa cave. According to the island’s folk traditions, this is where the philosopher Pythagoras hid while being pursued by the tyrant Polycrates. Lighting has been installed in the cave.
Both caves attract a large number of tourists.
Vrysoula Cave
It is located in Pythagoreion, 100m to the South of Panagia Spiliani at an altitude of approximately 90m. It is an old ground-level rock quarry with dimensions of 90x60m and a height of about 5m. Its stalactite decoration is minimal, and it was used as a shelter during World War II. A special characteristic is that stalagmites of various sizes are formed in many parts of the floor due to the heavy dripping from the ceiling.
"Nerotrouvia" Caves
In the area of Myloi, three caves have been identified: Nerotrouvia I, II, and III. Access to them is via a dirt road starting from within the village. Cave I, the largest, is a complex horizontal cave that develops across 3 levels. Its entrance is approximately 3m deep.
The 1st level is divided into various chambers with a total length of 60m and rich decoration of stalagmites and stalactites. A characteristic formation is the “OWL WITH ITS PEDESTAL.”
On the 2nd level, a borehole pipe is visible, which pumps water for the water supply of Myloi. It features spongy and labyrinthine stalactite decoration.
On the 3rd level, there are water reservoirs that used to overflow in older times.
"Xafakia" Cave-Chasm
It is located at the Xafakia site, above Klima beach near Poseidonio, at the top of a hill. Its entrance is a hole measuring 50 x 60cm, from which warm air emerges during the winter. It is situated at a depth of 45m with impressive stalagmite and stalactite decoration and a height of 35m. The cave is bell-shaped. Its length is approximately 70-80m and its width is 40m, featuring very white stalagmite formations.
"Siderenia Porta" Cave
It is located in Marathokampos, 600m below the Sarantaskaliotissa cave-chasm at an altitude of 130m. Access is difficult as it is situated on a steep slope. Its decoration is unique, forming tall stalagmite columns, helictites, anthodites, and basins. The cave has been known since ancient times. It was likely inhabited as a hermitage during Byzantine times. During the period of the Hegemony, an iron door was placed at the cave entrance to protect its decoration. Visitors may encounter wild goats that find shelter there.
"Sarantaskaliotissa" Cave-Chasm
It is located north of Marathokampos, at the foot of Mount Kerkis. Access to the cave is via an asphalt road from Marathokampos, followed by an ascent of approximately 100 stone-built steps.
A small vaulted chapel of the Byzantine period, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, has been built at the cave’s entrance. Inside, parts of the fresco decoration are preserved in poor condition, most of which are covered by a layer of lime plaster. Continuing past the chapel, the cave divides into two chambers that end in pits.
The first one on the left has a depth of 70m, and the second has a depth of approximately 40m. In the second chamber, there is an artificial water collection tank dating back to ancient times. In its depths, there is remarkable stalagmite and stalactite decoration.
"Pythagoras" Cave
It is located 70m away from the Sarantaskaliotissa cave-chasm and slightly higher than it. Access is via a difficult path and requires climbing in its final section. The cave measures 70m in length by 10m in width, with a ceiling height of around 6m. There was a small chamber of approximately 3x3m whose entrance appears carved in the shape of a right-angled triangle. The entrance to the cave is circular. A feature we have not encountered in any other cave is a stone about 1.30m high that used to close the cave’s entrance. A special feature outside the cave is a perforated rock approximately 10m high. According to a roughly 200-year-old book found in the hands of a shoemaker in Kalymnos, Saint Paul of Latros came to Samos in 930 AD to live as a monk in the Cave of Pythagoras. Therefore, we conclude that the philosopher Pythagoras stayed in this cave shortly before leaving for Crotone, and that Paul of Latros had written information that led him to this specific cave with the unique characteristics mentioned above.
"Tzetze" Cave
It is located near the village of Kosmadaioi at an altitude of 500m. Access to the cave is relatively easy. It has total dimensions of 40x25m and a depth of 20m, extending across two levels. It consists of a large main chamber, on the walls of which there are interesting stalagmite and stalactite formations. Additionally, natural water collection basins have formed.
According to reports, it holds significant anthropological interest, and further exploration in the future is expected to provide important answers.
"Agios Antonios" Cave
It is located a short distance from Palaio Karlovasi. The cave is reached via a stone-paved road from the Hegemony period. It has total dimensions of 60x40m. From the entrance, a corridor measuring 5x5m and 17m in length begins, leading to a spacious chamber of approximately 100 sq.m. The center of this chamber is occupied by a small chapel dedicated to Saint Anthony. There are two additional small chambers with a total length of 20m, which contain stalactites and stalagmites.
"Megalo Seitani" Cave
This is a cave of anthropological interest that was used as a residence and a place of worship during the Neolithic period, 7000 years ago. Its access and entrance are very difficult and dangerous. It is located to the left of the Megalo Seitani gorge. Its entrance measures 2x2m. The first chamber has dimensions of approximately 15x10m.
In 2016, a large part of the cave that was inhabited during the Neolithic era was discovered, featuring numerous small and large chambers and an extremely rich cave decoration. Human skeletons were found embedded in the cave walls, as well as vessels for everyday use. A characteristic find is a vessel embedded within a stalagmite. Furthermore, remains of combustion (charcoal), tools, and animal bones were discovered.
Following an excavation carried out by the Ministry of Culture, all finds were transferred to laboratories, where their thorough study will provide a wealth of information regarding the lives of the first inhabitants of Samos.