Car & Van Hire - Samos Pythagorio

Pythagorio is named after the isle of Samos' most famous resident, the mathematician Pythagoras. A statue on the pier shows the genius himself measuring a huge triangle - an act which will be familiar to anyone who has studied geometry! With car hire in Samos Pythagorio, you can also visit the cave where the mathematician hid for years in fear for his life. The tyrant Polycrates was hunting him, so Pythagoras fled to a cave high on Mount Kerkis, the highest mountain in the Aegean islands. Here he lived and taught students. Close to the caves, you'll also find a natural spring, which is said to be where Pythagoras collected fresh drinking water.

Pythagoras wasn't the only great mind who lived on Samos in classical times. For an example of incredible ancient Greek engineering, visit the Efpalinio tunnel. This was originally built as an aqueduct. Stretching over 1,000 m in length, it's a remarkable feat of engineering and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient historian Herodotus recognised it as one of the greatest achievements in the Greek world, and it's still an intriguing sight, showing just how advanced this ancient civilisation was.

As well as its historical interest, this village is full of charm. Check out Blue Street, with blue tiles on the street, doors and houses. Visit the Archaeological Museum, which houses artefacts that have been found all over the island of Samos. Of course, as you'd expect from a Greek island, you'll also find some fabulous beaches. The village's main beach has a water sports centre where you can try your hand at all kinds of fun aquatic activities. You can also take boat trips to the tiny, unpopulated island of Samiopoula, a great idea if you want a day out in unspoiled nature.

Car or van hire in Samos Pythagorio is the best way to visit beaches all over the island. Samos has dozens of gorgeous beaches, so you'll struggle to choose a favourite. Potokaki Beach is covered with pebbles and has clear, shallow water. Lemonakia Beach has similarly beautiful water but is sandy, making it popular with young kids who want to build sandcastles. For something a bit more grown-up, try Tsamadou Beach. Tucked away in a cove filled with lush greenery, this is the island's most popular nudist beach. Meanwhile, sports fans should try Kokkari Beach. This is one of the windier places on the island, making it popular with windsurfers.

Like most Greek islands, Samos is at its busiest in the summer months. The rest of the year, it is very quiet, with little traffic on the roads. In the summer, things get busier. You'll find car parks close to all the beaches. If you're visiting in July or August, be sure to get up early for a day at the beach - it'll be hard to find a parking spot if you arrive at midday.

Pythagorio, like most towns on Samos, was not made for cars. The streets are very narrow, particularly in the old town. It's a good idea to park your car by the harbour and explore the village on foot. As it's a small village, this won't take long.

There are no highways on the island of Samos. Instead, you'll be driving on mountain roads, which often have extreme curves and bends. There is one main road that runs all around the island in a loop. You'll soon become familiar with it, as you'll probably be using it to get from Pythagorio to other destinations. This road is in good condition and is the widest on the island; other roads are often very narrow, making overtaking difficult.

When you turn off the main road, conditions can change abruptly. You'll often find dirt or gravel roads. A 4WD is not necessary, but you'll need to drive slowly as you make your way along these access roads that lead to beaches or other places of interest.

Driving in the interior of the mountain, you're very likely to come across animals. Stray dogs are a sad but common sight on rural Greek roads. Take care, as they may be nervy and might suddenly bolt into the road. Other hazards include herds of goats. If you find yourself stuck behind a group of these creatures, relax. They tend to act as if they own the road and won't respond well to honking. If it's not possible to drive carefully around them, you'll just have to wait for them to move on.

You'll also need to watch out for motorbikes and mopeds, a common sight on winding mountain roads. These are very popular with young Greeks, who may ride them recklessly around the island. Remain calm and avoid driving at night.

Make sure you are carrying cash to pay for petrol, as petrol stations sometimes do not have facilities for card payments. You will also need cash for parking meters, although you'll usually be able to find free parking instead.