Ireon is a charming seaside village in southern Samos, known for its picturesque fishing harbor and rich historical significance.
Nestled at the southern edge of the Chora plain, it lies just 7 km from Pythagorio.
One of the village’s main attractions is the archaeological site of a grand ancient sanctuary, The Temple of Hera, dedicated to the goddess Hera. The ruins reveal at least four temples built in her honor, and according to Herodotus, the Heraion of Samos was once the largest temple in Greece.
Originally, Ireon was a small settlement with only a few houses and seasonal fishing huts used by locals during the summer. Since the 1980s, however, it has transformed into a popular tourist destination, offering an organized beach, hotels, and a variety of restaurants, fish taverns, and cafés.
Despite its growth, Ireon retains its fishing village charm, with a small fleet supplying fresh seafood to local eateries. Visitors can enjoy two organized beaches equipped with sun beds and umbrellas, as well as a larger, quieter beach at the village’s western end.
To the east, just below the temple ruins, begins Potokaki Beach—the longest beach on the island and one of the largest in the North Aegean, stretching 2 km all the way to Pythagoreio. By boat from Ireon, visitors can explore Kakorema and Kyriakou beaches or take a trip to the small island of Samiopoula.
A scenic cycling path also starts at Potokaki Beach, running along the shoreline toward Pythagoreio, offering a perfect route for leisurely rides by the sea.
