Marathokampos was established in the second half of the 16th century, around 1550, in a place where no settlement had ever existed before. The “heart” of the settlement used to be in the south part, around the church of Agia Paraskevi. According to the tradition, the settlement was developed near a plain (“kampos” in Greek) with many fennels (“marathos” in Greek) and so it was named Marathokampos. The monasteries of the area are not big, but they are very interesting sights, with historical, religious and architectural interest. You can visit the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Eleimonas with springs of cool water, the Monastery of Kakoperatos or Evangelistria. The church of Evangelistria, with many visitors from all around the village on the 15th of August, is the most ancient church of Samos. The church is located at an altitude of 700 meters. The view of the south part of the island, of the Dodecanese, of Fourni and of the coast of Marathokampos bay is amazing. If you continue, the trail leads to the chapel of Prophet Elias, at an altitude of 1,180 meters, and a few meters higher, to the peak Kirk. The famous cave of Pythagoras is also located at the mount Kerkis. It is said that Polycrates chased Pythagoras because he believed that his teaching corrupted the youth and Pythagoras found shelter there, in this cave to continue teaching. In order to get to the Cave of Pythagoras, which is three kilometers outside the plain of Marathokampos, you will have to drive 2-3 kilometers of dirt road and then ascend for about 200 meters on foot. Only one specific part of this uphill is quite rough.
Wandering around the village’s streets you will have the opportunity to admire the ornate fountains that adorn the streets and the squares of the village beneath perennial plane trees. One of these fountains is called Lugga, located in the homonymous square.