Kerkis

Kerkis, also called Kerketeus, is a mountain range sprawling in the western part of Samos Island. Mount Vigla is its highest peak, with a height of 4,701 ft. It is also the second-highest peak in the East Aegean after Mount Fengari in Samothrace. Trekking is difficult on Kerkis because of its rocky and uneven terrain. However, the view from the top is worth the trouble. Beginning from Kampos Marathokampou, the trail passes by the monastery of Evaggelistrias to reach the Mount Viga Summit.

On a day with a clear sky, neighbouring islands are visible as well as the mountains in Crete. The name Kerkis translates to ‘belonging to Circe’ in both antique and modern Greek. Circe was a demi-goddess and sorceress in the ancient Greek pantheon and was believed to be the daughter of Helios and the Oceanid nymph Perse. Being made of marble, the mountain has a majestic white hue, especially in the exposed escarpments jutting out on different sides. Several small monasteries dot the slope of Kerkis. The most notable one among them is the Cave of Pythagoras on the eastern side. Folklore says Pythagoras took refuge in this cave to hide from the tyrant Polycrates before his exile in Italy.