As we leave Samos town, we head to the left. We pass through the village of Maitochori and at the point on the road where the area is known as " Treis Ekklisies " we follow the main road, which now goes in a southwards direction. After 11,500 metres, Pythagoreio comes into view.

When we get there, what we see is an attractive and picturesque town, beautifully laid out. It is an ideal place for a swim and summer sports of every kind.

Its harbour claims one of the first places in the Aegean in terms of arrivals of tourist craft, given that in the tourist season, more than 2,000 vessels enter it. The Pythagoreion Municipal Enterprise provides vessels arriving there with services such as electricity, water, telephone and fuel supplies. It can also supply foreign exchange facilities, as can Pyhtagoreio's two banks.

The Municipal Enterprise also gives information about the sights and monuments of the island. It is also a source of reliable information about the hotel market, which in Pythagoreio has a potential of 5,500 beds. Technical assistance can also be obtained from the Enterprise in the event of problems with vessels.

The harbour, the object of the evening stroll and the main meeting - place of the town, has 65 or more picturesque tavernas, bars and cafes - picturesque because their lights reflected in the calm waters, as the caiques bob at anchor, waiting to take visitors the next day to some sandy or pebble beach of incomparable beauty, make a magical picture.

Among such beaches are those of Samiopoula, Tsopela, Kako Rema, Kyriakou, Aspros Kavos, Psili Ammos, Poseidonio, and the beautiful Kerveli.

Day excursions leave every day to the ancient Greek city of Ephesus on the Turkish coast opposite. Hundreds of visitors each day choose to make this trip by means of the large number of caiques which are available.

The harbour of Pythagoreio was the first artificial harbour to be constructed in the Mediterranean. The harbour we see today is based on the breakwater, and impressive project, constructed by Polycrates. This was made out of a row of undressed rocks and among these fragments of ancient pottery have been found. This breakwater was also of service during Hellenistic and later times, from 300 B.C. down to the 7th century A.D. .

Close to the harbour, in its attractive alleyways, is the museum which houses the town's archaeological collection, which contains large numbers of Roman and Greek statues of great archaeological interest, such as those depicting Aeaces, father of Polycrates, Trajan, and other personages famous in their time. There are also lonic grave stelai, some of the finest to have come down to us from ancient times.

Six kilometres to the west of Pythagoreio is the Heraion, a sanctuary of the goddess Hera, where in the 6th century B.C., the Samiots Rhoecus and Theodorus built a temple unique for the grandeur of its size and for its architecture. On the spot where tradition said that Hera had been born, festal processions, libations and other rites were performed. Earthquakes and land subsidence destroyed the Heraion. The single column which dominates the site preserved the memory of the name of the Heraion and of its exact site. Excavations here are still continuing.

Apart from sites associated with its great archaeological interest, the visitor to Pythagoreio has many opportunities to enjoy what the surrounding area can offer. Organised trips, little safaris into the beauties of nature, using rented jeeps, are available. In this way the visitor can marvel at the high mountains, covered as they are with pines, firs, poplars, chestnut trees, olives, bracken, apple trees, bushes and aromatic plants, oleanders, thyme, myrtles, osiers, and lentisks. Large groups of visitors go to enjoy the view from the mountain - tops and to refresh themselves with the water which flows from springs in the rosks. The panoramic view from the tops of the mountains around Pythagoreio is of unparalleled beauty, while a stroll in the hospitable villages which you encounter on the way will take you back to a world of long ago. The atmosphere is a mixture of mountain air and sea breezes.

The day can be spent in walks, in the narrow alleyways of the town, for example, visits to archaeological sites, a look round the shops of Pythagoreio, trips out of town, and sea sports. Traditional " Greek evenings " are held to occupy the evening hours. A must, of course, is the enjoyment of the sea, on the fine beaches of Pythagoreio.

On the initiative of the Municipality and of various associations, cultural events such as performances in the ancient theatre, concerts, traditional fairs with dance groups, a wine festival, and a fishermen's festival, provide frequent attractions.

The night life of the town meets every need. The discos and clubs are where the young people go to dance the night away.

Those who like traditional folk music with the bouzouki will find in Pythagoreio a number of places where it is played.

The bars on the sea - front, with their chatter and good music, complete the picture.