For us personally, Samos isn’t a classic beach destination, but it is one of the greenest and most diverse islands in the Aegean. The island’s dense pine forests stretch all the way to the sea, picturesquely framing many a bay. The water is crystal-clear almost everywhere, and most of Samos’s beaches consist of gravel or small, round stones. Fine sandy beaches, on the other hand, can only be found in a few places, such as the beautiful Psili Ammos beaches in the west and east.
The coastline on Samos varies greatly depending on the location. In the north, there are mainly pebble coves framed by lush vegetation, which are exposed to the strong Meltemi wind in the summer. The coves in the south of Samos, on the other hand, are more sheltered from the wind but can be very crowded depending on the location and time of year.
We personally tested several beaches during our time on the island and present our 15 favorite swimming spots on Samos below:
🏖️ Dream beaches & hidden bays
🍽️ Restaurants, tavernas & cafés
🏛️ Must-see highlights & ancient sites
🗺️ Worthwhile spots & insider tips
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♾️ Lifetime access & updates
Samos Beaches in the North
The northern coast of Samos is the greenest part of the island and particularly popular with active vacationers. Magnificent mixed forests and vineyards stretch up the slopes of the Kerkis and Ambelos mountains. Below them lie pebble coves with emerald-green water.
Around the popular resort town of Kokkari, one beach gem follows another: Tsamadou, Lemonakia, and Tsabou. Just the view from above makes you want to jump right into the sea. If you’re looking for a quiet Samos resort right by the sea, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Avlakia or Agios Konstantinos. Both places have a small pebble beach.
Heading northwest, near Karlovasi, the coast becomes wilder but no less beautiful. Here you’ll find Potami Beach and the Seitani beaches. The latter are accessible only by hike or boat. In midsummer, the Meltemi wind often blows along the north coast, providing pleasant relief from the heat but also causing high waves.
#1 Mikro and Megalo Seitani
The two Seitani beaches in the northwest, below the Kerkis massif, are among the most secluded beaches on the island. Since they’re accessible only by boat or on foot, they’re rarely crowded, even in the height of summer. Both Samos beaches are completely natural; there are no umbrellas, beach bars, or other amenities.
The starting point for the hike to the Seitani beaches is the end of the paved road at Potami Beach. With an off-road vehicle, you can continue another 1.3 kilometers along a gravel road. However, parking spaces along the way are limited.
Once you reach the Marnei Mare lodging, you’ll have to continue on foot. After about 1.2 km (approx. 30 minutes), you’ll reach the small cove of Mikro Seitani, and after a total of 2.8 km (1 hour 20 minutes), the long, sweeping cove of Megalo Seitani.
For the hike, we recommend sturdy shoes, a hat, and plenty of water. The trail runs mostly through a shady coniferous forest and is easy to walk if you’re in decent shape. When there’s a strong north wind, the high waves at both beaches can make conditions rather uncomfortable.
Below the mountain village of Kosmadei, a dilapidated dirt road also branches off down to Megalo Seitani. This road is only accessible by an off-road vehicle or ATV. Park your vehicle at a pull-off and walk the last few kilometers to the beach in sturdy footwear.
→ If you’d like to explore Samos on foot or by mountain bike, you’ll find more information in our article: Active Holiday on Samos
#2 Potami Beach
Potami Beach is located just a few kilometers west of Karlovasi at the end of the paved coastal road. From the snow-white Church of Agios Nikolaos above the bay, you’ll get your first glimpse of this photogenic beach.
The long, sweeping bay of Potami with its light-colored pebbles, is framed by green hillsides. This is also where the small river from the Potami Valley flows into the crystal-clear sea. When we were there in mid-October, all the beach chairs had already been cleared away, and high waves were churning up the shoreline. So this time, we settled for a photo from above.
In the summer, the beach is quite popular and features beach bars (tip: Hippy’s Beachbar) with sun loungers. Potami Beach is less suitable for families with children, as the sea gets deep very quickly and entering the water is made difficult by stone slabs and large pebbles.
A day at the beach here can also be easily combined with a trip to the Potami Waterfalls, which are located in a lush green valley right behind the beach. Most of the hike along the riverbed is easily manageable even with children. Be sure to bring your swimwear, because to reach the waterfalls at the very end, you’ll have to swim through the cold river water.
→ You can find all our favorite spots and the top highlights of Samos here: Things to do on Samos
🏡 Recommended place to stay near Potami Beach:
- Samian Mare Hotel, Suites & Spa, Karlovasi* (tried and tested—we loved it!)
- Erato by Samian Mare, Karlovasi*
#3 Tsamadou Beach
Located about two kilometers west of Kokkari, Tsamadou Beach is a real feast for the eyes even from the coastal road. The sea sparkles turquoise blue against the light-colored pebble beach, and you’ll immediately want to jump right in. There’s plenty of parking available both up by the road and down below. You can reach Tsamadou Beach by walking down a flight of stairs.
Several beach bars rent out lounge chairs and umbrellas (set approx. 10–20 €) and serve refreshments. The eastern end of the beach has been used as a nude beach for years.
When the wind is coming from the north, there are high waves here as well, which make swimming difficult. Because the entry into the water is rocky, water shoes are recommended. You can also enjoy great snorkeling along the rocky edges of the bay and spot some fish.
🏡 Recommended place to stay near Tsamadou Beach:
#4 Lemonakia Beach
The pretty bay of Lemonakia is just 1.5 kilometers from Kokkari and can be reached on foot from the town in half an hour. Similar to Tsamadou Beach, the colors of the water are a delight to behold even from above. The beach itself consists of light-colored, smooth pebbles and is framed by green pine trees and light-colored rocky cliffs.
The sea is crystal clear and drops off quite steeply. Here, too, you should pack water shoes and your snorkeling gear. Due to the surrounding hotels, Lemonakia Beach is very popular in the summer. Several local establishments rent out lounge chairs and umbrellas (set starting at 10 €). Since parking is limited, you should arrive early if you want to snag a spot.
🏡 Recommended place to stay near Lemonakia Beach:
#5 Kokkari Beach
The resort town of Kokkari is located about 10 km west of the main town of Vathy and, with its long pebble beach, is one of the island’s most popular beach destinations. The well-maintained Kokkari Beach in the north of the village offers several cafés, tavernas, and bars that provide lounge chairs.
However, the sea at Kokkari Beach is usually very rough and choppy due to the Meltemi. Because of the steady north winds, windsurfers and kiteboarders in particular feel right at home at Kokkari Beach. If you’re interested, check out Samos Windsurfing. They offer introductory courses, and you can also rent equipment there.
Because of the rocky seabed, water shoes are recommended. The crystal-clear water drops off quite steeply near the shore, making it only partially suitable for small children. An alternative is Sunrise Beach, which is sheltered from the wind by a rocky islet offshore. It’s located on the eastern edge of town, below the Sunrise Beach Hotel.
In Kokkari, you’ll find plenty of places to stay, and you can walk to the beaches of Lemonakia and Tsamadou from here. You can compare and book hotels here*.
Samos Beaches in the East
Most of the beaches in the east are just a few kilometers from the Turkish coast. At the Mykale Strait, for example, the distance to Turkey is only 1.6 kilometers. With Psili Ammos Beach and Livadaki Beach, you’ll even find sandy beaches here with gently sloping shores. At three kilometers long, Mykali Beach is one of the longest beaches on Samos.
#6 Livadaki Beach
This tiny, fjord-like cove with golden sand and turquoise-blue water is located in the far northeast of Samos. If the wind isn’t blowing too strongly from the northwest, you can swim at Livadaki Beach sheltered from the wind. It’s also worth stopping by with small children, as the shore slopes very gently into the sea. The stylish Livadaki Beach Bar rents out lounge chairs and umbrellas and offers snacks and drinks.
A visit to Livadaki is especially recommended during the off-season, as this small stretch of beach can get very crowded in the summer. The drive there along a rutted gravel road is a bit rough, but we managed it even with our small car. Depending on the current, trash is unfortunately sometimes washed ashore, and the water near the shore can be choppy.
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#7 Mourtia Beach
Mourtia Beach is located about seven kilometers east of Vathy on the northeast coast. The drive there takes you through the agricultural plain of Vlamari. The pebble beach of this idyllic, tree-lined bay slopes gently into the sea. The fishing boats bobbing in the water complete the picture-perfect scene.
Thanks to its sheltered location, the sea at Mourtia Beach is usually calm and clear, making it ideal for snorkeling. Due to the rocky seabed, water shoes are recommended. In the summer, a snack bar provides lounge chairs and umbrellas. If you’d like, you can drive another 15 minutes south to the fishing village of Posidonio, which is situated on a picturesque bay and has a small beach.
#8 Kerveli Beach
Even the drive to Kerveli Beach is a highlight. The winding road leads through a dense pine forest to the easternmost corner of Samos, in the small village of Charavgi. The sheltered bay consists of light-colored pebbles, and the seabed is sandy in places near the shore.
Tamarisk trees provide pleasant shade, and there’s plenty of space to spread out your towel. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented on site, and several simple beach restaurants (tip: Charavgi) serve up delicious food.
🏡 Recommended place to stay near Kerveli Beach:
#9 Psili Ammos Beach (East)
When we stopped by Psili Ammos on the eastern side of Samos in mid-October, the beach was still quite crowded, and many beach chairs were taken. Finding a parking spot proved difficult, as there are only a few parking spaces down at the beach. You’re only allowed to park in the courtyards of the local tavernas and beach bars if you dine there or rent a lounge chair. Otherwise, your only option is a long walk from the road above the beach. We don’t even want to imagine what it’s like here in the height of summer.
The large crowds are no surprise. Psili Ammos is one of the few sandy beaches on Samos with fine, golden sand that slopes very gently into the crystal-clear sea. For our daughter, the beach was a real highlight—it was a wonderful place to build sandcastles, and every now and then, cats would even stop by.
You do have to walk quite a distance out to swim, but thanks to its sheltered location, it’s a wonderful spot to swim laps in the sea. In addition to the numerous lounge chairs, there are still a few open areas where you can spread out your towel. A few tamarisk trees on the beach provide the necessary shade.
Of the many beach restaurants, we recommend Almyriki, right at the entrance. By the way, the Turkish coast is within sight—it feels like it’s just a stone’s throw away. On the offshore islands in the Strait of Mykale, you can see Greek and Turkish flags flying. Unfortunately, the sand on the eastern part of Psili Ammos was littered with all sorts of microplastics, cigarette butts, and other small pieces of trash.
If you’d like to stay near the beach in eastern Samos, you’ll find several apartments and vacation homes around Psili Ammos and Mykali. You can compare and book hotels here*.
Samos Beaches in the South
The southern coast of Samos is drier than the lush north and sheltered from the north wind. West of Pythagorio and the Heraion lie small pebble coves, such as Pappa Beach. The further west you go, the quieter the swimming spots become. We really enjoyed Balos Beach; in October, it was completely deserted. It’s only around the beach towns of Ormos and Kampos that things get really lively again in the summer.
Far to the south, off the coast, lies the small, almost uninhabited island of Samiopoula, which you can reach on a boat excursion. Here, too, you’ll find a beach setting that’s almost Caribbean. With an off-road vehicle like a quad bike, you can take a detour to the beach hamlets of Sikia, Kirgianni, or Kalogeriko. There are a few scattered houses there, and the beaches are usually deserted.
→ You can find everything you need to know about Samos—including how to get there, ferries, rental cars, and hotels—in this post: Samos Travel Tips
#10 Pappa Beach
About 1.5 kilometers south of the coastal town of Ireon lies Pappa Beach, also known as Paralia Papa or Aspros Kavos (White Cape). From Ireon, follow a concrete road about 750 meters long. At the end, there’s a free parking lot.
The beach consists of two small pebble coves with large white stones, which have sometimes been piled up into little stone towers and veritable works of art. Above the southern cove, the local taverna has set up sun decks, which fill up very quickly in the summer.
The friendly staff at the Pappa Beach tavern also offers simple meals and cold drinks on site. Since the entry into the crystal-clear sea is very rocky, you’ll definitely need water shoes. Conveniently, they’re available for rent right here on site.
🏡 Recommended place to stay near Pappa Beach:
#11 Samiopoula Beach
The small island of Samiopoula lies less than one kilometer off the southern coast of Samos. It is about two kilometers long and 700 meters wide. According to the 2011 census, only four people lived here—but there were plenty of wild goats. Samiopoula’s main beach is a sheltered cove with fine, light-colored sand and turquoise-blue water—an almost Caribbean-like setting!
From May through October, traditional kaiki fishing boats depart from Pythagorio and Ormos Marathokampou, reaching the island in about an hour. Trips to Samiopoula are usually full-day excursions, cost around 50 to 70 € per person, and often include drinks and a light lunch.
In the height of summer, the small cove at Samiopoula Beach can get really crowded. The most relaxed time to go is in May, June, from mid-September onward, and October. Ask at the Pythagorio harbor for departure times or check online.
You can conveniently book the boat tour to Samiopoula with a BBQ lunch in advance. You can book the tour here*.
#12 Balos Beach
Balos Beach, also known as Ormos Koumeikon, is the small coastal town and harbor of the mountain village of Koumeika, located above it. When we were there in October, Balos Beach had a very idyllic atmosphere, and we enjoyed a few relaxing hours there.
Balos Beach consists of round stones and fine gravel, with some sand, and stretches about 900 meters along the coastal road. A few tamarisk trees provide natural shade on the beach, which is usually deserted except in the height of summer, and the entry into the water is rocky. It also drops off quite steeply, but once you’re in, the bottom is sandy.
We went swimming at the eastern end near the beautiful rock caves and met a few nudists who feel very comfortable here because of the peaceful setting. Along the beach, there are many guesthouses, apartments, and vacation homes, as well as the highly recommended Kourkoudialos meze-bar with an attached mini-market.
#13 Kaladakia Beach
Just a few kilometers further on lies the small bay of Kaladakia, framed by rocks. A steep concrete road branches off from the main road toward the coast. You can park your car in a free parking lot above the beach; the remaining few meters to Kaladakia Beach are a short walk down a flight of stairs.
During the season, the Kaladakia Beach Bar provides plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas. The photogenic pebble beach sparkles in gorgeous shades of turquoise, and the gentle slope into the water makes this swimming spot ideal for children as well.
At the southern end is a small grotto where the water glows turquoise. A great spot for snorkeling and taking photos! A visit is especially recommended during the off-season, as the small cove is unfortunately overcrowded in July and August.
🏡 Recommended place to stay near Kaladakia Beach:
Samos Beaches in the West
Below the imposing Kerkis Mountains in the southwest of Samos lies the vast bay of Marathokampos. Here you’ll find Kampos Beach (also known as Votsalakia), one of the longest beaches on the island. With about two kilometers of clean pebble beach, numerous accommodations, tavernas, and water sports options, it’s no wonder that Kampos is one of the most popular vacation spots on Samos.
Further west lie the beautiful bays of Psili Ammos and Limnionas Beach. The region is ideal for a beach vacation, as the beaches here are generally well protected from the north wind.
Some beaches on Samos are accessible only by car. Our tip: Stefanos from Hermes Rentals will even deliver your rental car directly to your hotel or the harbor for a fee. You can book with Hermes Rentals here.
#14 Psili Ammos Beach (West)
Psili Ammos West is our personal favorite beach on Samos. The name says it all—in Greek, the beach’s name literally means “fine sand.” Located in the far southwest of the island, past Kampos, this beautiful sandy beach features golden dunes and a lush pine forest.
When we visited in mid-October, this long stretch of beach was well-visited but not overcrowded. Umbrellas and lounge chairs are provided by the local beach bars. Since the shoreline at Psili Ammos slopes very gently into the crystal-clear sea, it’s also ideal for small children. Our daughter loved building sandcastles there and decorating everything with the white pebbles found along the shore.
In Votsalakia and Ormos Marathokampou, you’ll find accommodations right next to the beaches in the southwest. You can compare and book hotels here*.
Parking is available up on the coastal road, but spots fill up very quickly in the summer. You’ll have to walk the remaining few meters down to the beach. For those who prefer pebble beaches, we recommend Fournaki Beach or Votsalakia Beach. They’re located further east toward the resort town of Kampos.
#15 Limnionas Beach
The small bay of Limnionas, located in the far southwest, is beautifully framed by olive trees and lies at the foot of Mount Kerkis. It’s an ideal beach destination—especially during the off-season—for anyone seeking peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle. Thanks to its sheltered location, the sea here is almost always as smooth as glass.
The beach, about 350 meters long, consists of small pebbles. The entry into the water at Limnionas Beach is shallow but somewhat slippery due to the stone slabs, so we recommend wearing water shoes. The rocks at both ends of the bay are great for snorkeling, and large schools of fish are not uncommon.
In Limnionas, there are a few bars and tavernas (tip: Epiouzion Restaurant) that rent out lounge chairs and umbrellas, and several small hotels and studios have sprung up around the bay. If you’re looking for peace and relaxation, you’ll definitely find it in the hamlet of Limnionas. If you have a vehicle suitable for the terrain and are looking for even more seclusion, drive to Agios Nikolaos Beach, located about 1.5 km west on a headland.
→ You can find many more posts and even more tips for the island of Samos here in the overview: Samos Blog
FAQ: Samos Beaches
Which beach on Samos is the most beautiful?
That’s a matter of personal taste, of course, but our favorites include Psili Ammos in the west, Balos Beach, and Tsamadou Beach. If you’re an adventure seeker, hike out to the Seitani beaches; if you prefer a more laid-back vibe, relax on one of the sandy beaches in the east or west.
Are there sandy beaches on Samos?
Yes, but only a few, since most beaches on Samos are pebbly. You’ll find beautiful sandy beaches on Samos at the two Psili Ammos beaches in the east and west, at Livadaki Beach, and on the island of Samiopoula. Megalo Seitani consists of a mix of sand and pebbles.
Which beaches on Samos are best for families with children?
The best options are Psili Ammos in the east and west, where the water remains shallow far out. Livadaki and Mourtia also have a gentle slope into the water and mostly calm waters. In contrast, the seabed drops off quickly at the beaches of Kokkari, Potami, and Tsamadou.
Which beaches are recommended when the Meltemi is blowing?
When the north wind blows in the summer, the sea along the north coast around Kokkari and Karlovasi is often rough. In that case, it’s best to head to the sheltered beaches in the south and west, such as Kampos Beach, Psili Ammos (west), or Limnionas, or to Kerveli Bay in the east.
Do I need a rental car on Samos?
Yes, a rental car is very convenient for most beaches, since almost all buses go through Vathy and many coves aren’t served directly. We used Hermes Rentals; Stefanos will even deliver the car to your hotel or the port for a fee.
Are there nude beaches on Samos?
There are no official nude beaches on Samos. Unofficially, however, people swim nude at Mikro Seitani, at the eastern end of Tsamadou Beach, and at the eastern end of Balos Beach. Just pay attention to the atmosphere there.
How do I get to the Seitani beaches?
From Potami Beach, drive about 1.3 kilometers along a gravel road, then continue on foot. You’ll reach Mikro Seitani in about 30 minutes, and Megalo Seitani in about 1 hour and 20 minutes total. Sturdy shoes, water, and snacks are a must, as there are no facilities on site.
How do I get to the island of Samiopoula?
From mid-May through early October, tour boats depart from Pythagorio and Ormos Marathokampou (approx. 1 hour) for Samiopoula. Day trips cost around 50 to 70 € per person, usually including drinks and a light lunch.
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