The delightful Marathokampos village is located in the south-west part of the splendid Samos island right on the mountainside overlooking the sea of its homonymous bay. It is one of the largest in all of Samos and is constantly expanding.

In Greek it means “fennel fields” as the plain area was completely carpeted with this plant but another hypothesis is that it took its name from the first settlers who settled in Samos coming from Marathonissi island in the Peloponnese, and finally the third theory from the pre-Hellinic word Maratho which indicates a sandy coastal area. However, the island was also populated by the inhabitants of the nearby Chios island and by the Cretans.

In the past the village was positioned towards the sea but in order to protect themselves the inhabitants moved higher up so as to be able to escape and counter the continuous attacks of pirates and various rulers who followed one another over the centuries.

Its history begins already in the 16th century around 1550 when the population was mainly made up of sailors and where the shipyards were of such excellence that the ships were built right near the port and were able to reach all over the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. The center of the settlement was in the south near the church of Agia Paraskevi. Today there are around 1700 permanent residents who dedicate themselves to the cultivation of olive trees, fishing and in recent decades also tourism.

With its amphitheater shape at the foot of Mount Fterias which is part of the Kerkis mountain range, it offers its visitors incredible views of the Aegean and on particularly clear days you can clearly see the mystical and sacred Patmos island. We can say that despite its continuous growth, it has retained a traditional atmosphere with its narrow paved streets, stone houses and springs in local architecture, beautiful squares and churches. You can visit the house of Kapetan Stamatis Georgiadis, hero of the 1821 revolution or get lost among the local craft shops, or stop to taste the typical flavors of the area and still enjoy its immense Votsalakia beach which reaches three kilometers where you can let yourself be kissed by the sun and treat yourself to a regenerating bath.

Despite the growth in popularity thanks to tourism which we can still define as not mass (but more on that in a few years) its inhabitants are still dedicated to agriculture and fishing. Don’t forget that Marathokampos or also called Marathokambos, is very famous for the production of excellent olive oil from which very high quality soaps are also created, which could be an idea for a souvenir in memory of Samos.

At 42 km there is the capital Samos Town and at about 3 km Ormos Marathokampos, the current port of the city where you can find, in addition to various accommodations, cafes by the sea, typical taverns, bars that offer a lively nightlife and a beach equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas from the coast of sand mixed with some pebbles, with a crystal clear sea.

Worth visiting are the monasteries in the area of architectural, historical and religious interest such as the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Eleimons with its stupendous springs of fresh water, or the Monastery of Kakoperatos or Vangelistria, with its church considered the oldest on Samos a height of 700 meters from which it is possible to admire the Fourni island and the entire coast of Marathokampos bay to the south. Still wandering along the paths, you reach the chapel of the prophet Elijah at 1180 meters a few meters from the summit of Mount Kerkis where the famous Pythagoras cave is located around which a curious story revolves that speaks of Polycrates, tyrant of the island who chased the mathematical philosopher as he considered his teaching harmful to young people, forcing him to climb to the top to save himself and continue teaching.

Marathokampos is said to be a place where you live better and longer thanks to its excellent extra virgin olive oil used in everything whether edible or not, so much so that the region has a record of longevity superior to any other place in Samos.

Very simple, as it would always be better to have your own vehicle to move around independently and without time constraints. The direction is south west following the road and road signs.

For those who do not want to drive during their holiday in Samos, there are regular buses from the capital but as always we advise you to carefully consult the timetables and routes to be able to organize yourself as best as possible.

A delight and a joy for the eyes, the palate and which will help you to get to know this multifaceted island better, get lost among its labyrinthine streets, stop to eat in one of its typical taverns and explore the surrounding area full of interesting things to see, taking you to house a piece more of Greece.

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