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Eupalinos Tunnel & Panagia Spiliani on Samos

Just above Pythagorion is the Eupalino water tunnel and the monastery of Panagia Spiliani. Both are well worth a visit. There is a car road all the way to the front, but it is no further than you can walk there. If it's not too hot.

The entrance to the Eupalinos water tunnel above Pythagorion.

Eupalinos has gone down in history as Europe's first engineer and for the construction of the impressive tunnel above Pythagorion. The roughly 1 kilometre long tunnel was built in the 5th century BC with the aim of leading drinking water from a spring in the mountain to an aqueduct in Pythagorion. To save time, they started digging from two sides. Nevertheless, they managed to meet in the middle, it didn't differ many meters. Considering its length, 1036 meters, it must be said that the construction is a great achievement.

Eupalinos water tunnel on Samos.

The descent to the Eupalinos water tunnel.

The first claustrophobic section of the tunnel is open to tourists every day except Mondays. The descent to the tunnel takes place through a horribly narrow staircase, entry and exit take place in the same place, further in the tunnel becomes wider.

Eupalino's water tunnel above Pythagorion is not for people who suffer from claustrophobia.

The first claustrophobic part of the tunnel is open to those who dare to go down.

The first time I was going down the tunnel, I panicked and turned around on the stairs. I have been there several times since then, but then I have waited outside while the travelling party went down the tunnel without hesitation. If you are claustrophobic, you are.

View of Pythagorion from the outside of the Eupalinos water tunnel.

View of the airport of Pythagorion from the outside of the Eupalinos tunnel.

View of the airport of Pythagorion from the outside of the Eupalinos tunnel.

From the exceptionally beautifully situated monastery of Panagia Spiliani you have an adorable view of Pythagorion and Potokaki beach. The monastery courtyard is leafy and beautiful, large cypresses stand proudly like Olympic medallists next to the church.

The monastery of Panagia Spiliani in Pythagorion on the island of Samos in Greece.

Monastery of Panagia Spiliani.

The green island of Samos is famous for its beautiful cypress trees.

Stately cypresses stand proudly like Olympic medallists next to the church.

Inside a cave, to the left of the church, is a little chapel that gave the monastery its name. The Greek word for cave is spilia. The cramped chapel has at most room for four to five visitors at a time. Inside the cave it is cool and nice, a perfect place to cool off. The monastery is within walking distance of the Eupalinos water tunnel. Open every day. Free entrance.

The chapel located in a cave in Panagia Spiliani on Samos.