trips

Hera Temple

The name of Ireon comes from the ancient ruins of the temple of Ira which is about 500 Mts away from the village.

The holy shrine was in former times the largest temple in Greece and was dedicated for the Goddess Ira. All that is left of the temple is the base and the column. These are the most prominent parts that you can see. Very interesting is also the holy street, going from Ireon to Pythagorion. Along this street the archaeologists found the statue Kouros, which now you can find in the museum of Vathi. Also in this area you can find the remains of roman baths from the 3 rd century and a basilica (chapel) of the early Christian time of the 5 Th. or 6 Th. century. There is an alter where they made sacrifices for the Goddess of Ira. Next to this alter there is a tree which is called Lygosbush. This kind of tree has always been planted next to this alter as a tradition for thousand of years.


	Monastery Megali Panagias In the direction of Koumaradei to the right you will find this beautiful Monastery of the Mother Mary. It was built at the end of the 16 Th. Century by Neilos and the monk Dionisos. It was one of the richest monasteries on the island. Inside the grounds you will find a beautiful courtyard and water well which they say makes miracles. In the centre of the church you will find amazing wall painting from the time it was founded. The pulpit and the throne of the bishop are carved and gold-plated. On the 23 Th. August they have a big celebration which is the name day for this monastery. This is very busy with visitors otherwise it is very quiet and you can enjoy the wonderful view of the valley, where you can see Ireon, Mili and Pythagorion.


						Monastery Timiou Stavrou Above the neighbour village Chora going towards Mavratzei you can find the Monastery of the holy cross. This monastery was also founded by the monk Neilos in the year 1592. The monastery construction you can see today is from the 19 Th. Century. A beautiful view and a courtyard full of flowers and plants makes this monastery special. Inside the domed roof basilica you can find a handmade Ikon, which has been made by two carpenters from Chios. In the Alter there is a triptichon from the 17 Th. Century. This monastery celebrates its name day on the evening of the 13 Th. September and during the day of the 14 Th. September. For this, the pilgrims of the whole island are visiting this monastery.

Paleontological Museum of Mytilini.

Near the bus stop of Mytilini you can find this small museum. There are a lot of interesting fossils where they found these in the gorge near Mytilini. The age of these fossils is about 13 million years old. These fossils are of rhinos, horses, gazelles, anti lopes, hyenas elephants and other animals. This proves that Samos belonged to Asia Minor. In the basement of the museum you find many rooms with traditional Greek furniture.

Boat trip to Samiopoula with captain Andreas or captain Vassili.

Samiopoula is a small island in front of the south coast of Samos. The trip is about one hour and will serve you a snack and refreshments. The only inhabitant is the mother of Vassilis. Sometimes he and his family stay there. Otherwise you can only find goats eat the salt of the rocks near the bay. On the island itself you can find a small sandy bay with crystal clear turquoise waters. On the beach you can use the umbrellas free of charge. There you can find a special kind of mussel which they call the eye.