Samos Island: Our 10 highlights for your holiday

Lush green and scenically diverse, this Greek island lies in the East Aegean. Samos is considered the perfect destination for nature lovers, hiking enthusiasts and food lovers. But beach lovers also get their money’s worth!

“Spring on Samos shows its most beautiful side. Yellow gorse and red poppies bloom along the roadsides, and Samos is green everywhere. Nature lovers will immediately feel at home on this island, which is rich in vegetation.”

Two high mountain ranges stretch across the eighth largest island in Greece. On its northern slopes lie fertile plains and dense forests. In between, quaint mountain villages with traditional tavernas are tucked away, inviting you to take a break after an extended hike on Samos.

The fertile vineyards reveal one of the island’s most precious treasures. Even now we cherish the memory of the wine from Samos, which was a real taste experience for us.

Lively coastal towns such as Vathy, Kokkari and Pythagoreio offer everything a holidaymaker’s heart desires. Beach lovers enjoy the numerous beaches and bays, most of which are covered with gravel or pebbles.

If you want to explore the island on your own, take a look at our Samos highlights. Let’s start our discovery tour across the island.

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#1 The lively coastal town of Kokkari

The village of 1,000 souls on the north coast of Samos is firmly in the hands of tourism. Unfortunately, we looked in vain for authentic Greek flair here. Even though Kokkari’s alleys are quite photogenic, the townscape is mainly adorned with souvenir shops, beach bars and tavernas, which cater to crowds of holidaymakers during the season.

On the pebble beach of Kokkari, no sun lounger is left unused at the end of May. A walk along the eastern waterfront promenade is worthwhile. Here you will find the striking boulders “Cavos” — the postcard motif of Samos.

On the other hand, you can save yourself a glance in the other direction, because directly behind Kokkari is the island’s power plant. With its sooty chimneys, it is a real eyesore on an otherwise beautiful stretch of coastline and, depending on the wind direction, the smell drifts directly into the village.

In the evening, the Platia of Kokkari is the “place to be” for a glass of wine or a cocktail, accompanied by live music. However, don’t leave it too late, as the coveted spots fill up quickly. By the way, the name “Kokkari” refers to a small type of onion (shallot) in Greek, and can be traced back to the earlier cultivation of the bulb in this area.

#2 Samos Idyllic Mountain Villages

If you’re tired of the touristy coastal towns, a detour into the mountains of Samos is well worth it. Hidden behind numerous hairpin bends in the middle of dense forests, two pretty villages await — and they don’t just guarantee fantastic views over the north coast.

Vourliotes Samos

On the northern slope of the Ambelos Mountains, the village of Vourliotes, with its 500 inhabitants, is a real feast for the eyes. Shutters, doors and facades shine in various colours, cats doze in the midday heat and wicker chairs invite you to take a short rest.

On the village square, quaint taverns serve traditional Greek meze. During a stroll through the narrow streets, time seems to stand still. From up here, the views stretch over green vineyards all the way down to the deep blue Aegean Sea.

In summer, Vourliotes gets busy even at lunchtime, when hikers, mountain bikers and tourist groups descend on the small village. In the evening things quieten down a little, and you can end the day here in a relaxed and unhurried way.

Manolates Samos

A few kilometres further west, you will reach the artists’ village of Manolates. All kinds of shops with pottery and handicrafts offer tasteful souvenirs from the island of Samos. In addition to handicrafts, the approximately 130 inhabitants of Manolates, like those of Vourliotes, live primarily from wine and fruit growing.

The photogenic alleyways are a wonderful place to stroll, with your gaze drifting down to the sea time and again. The local tavernas have adapted to tourists, offering both Greek and international food.

Directly below Manolates lies the idyllic Nightingale Valley of Samos. The grove lined with plane trees is a popular hiking paradise on Samos and offers welcome relief from the heat on hot summer days.

A beautiful hiking tour described in the Samos travel guide (View on Amazon*) leads from Vourliotes through Manolates, down through the Nightingale Valley to the coastal village of Platanakia/ Agios Konstantinos.

#3 Wine from Samos: A New Era

What a taste experience! Lovers of dry, fruity wine should not miss a visit to a Samos winery. We’re not talking about the classic Samos wine, a well-known sweet dessert wine made from the Muscat grape, but the fine wines that three independent wineries in Samos have recently been producing.

Viticulture in Samos has a very long tradition and probably dates back to ancient times. Especially on the fertile north coast, the vineyards stretch up into the mountains.

The dominant grape variety is the white Muscat grape, from which, for example, the well-known fortified wine Samos Nectar is made. In the meantime, however, dry wines are also being offered by the Samos winegrowers’ cooperative.

A visit to the Vakakis winery

After a lengthy court case, the Vakakis winery on Samos finally managed to become independent of the winegrowers’ cooperative and market its own wines independently.

We stopped by for a spontaneous tasting and did not regret our visit! The winery of the Vakakis family is located north of Karlovasi in the mountain village of Megali Lakka.

In an old stone house, a very informative and personal tasting took place. The two lovely ladies Sania and Aggeliki gave us a lot of background information about viticulture on Samos, and we were able to taste several varieties. The wines were accompanied by delicious small cheese appetizers, tomatoes and olives.

The winery relies on organic farming and cultivates grape varieties such as Assyrtiko, Fokiano, Augustiatis and Black Muscat, in addition to the classic Muscat grape.

It has been really rare that we’ve loved every wine from a single winery — until now. Our favourite by far was the rosé wine “Pyramid”, which had an unmistakable rose aroma. Well chilled as a light summer wine, it is simply delicious!

Since we stocked up on Vakakis’s wines, we didn’t have to pay anything for the tasting — otherwise it would be 5 euros. Advance booking for a tasting is recommended, as the winery also welcomes bus tours and holiday groups in summer.

The Vakakis winery sells four dry wines, two semi-dry varieties and three dessert wines. Bottle prices for the dry wines start at around €8 and go up to €14 for a dessert wine.

#4 An afternoon in Karlovasi

The harbour town on the north coast with almost 7,000 inhabitants is the second largest city on Samos. With its five different districts, Karlovasi (also Karlovassi) can feel a little disjointed and may not win everyone over at first glance.

Nevertheless, it’s worth making a detour here for a coffee or an afternoon stroll to immerse yourself in everyday Greek life. Leaving behind the disused tanneries and tobacco factories of the unadorned Ormos district, you’ll enter the district behind the magnificent church of Agios Nikolaos in Neo Karlovasi. This is where the heart of the coastal town beats today.

On the lovely Platia Valaskatzi, café bars line up one after another, and students make the most of their breaks with a cool Freddo Cappuccino. The town hall adjoins the square, and behind it lies an old residential neighbourhood with photogenic houses and alleyways.

Even more original architecture awaits you further west in Paleo Karlovasi. The focal point of the oldest district, founded in the 16th century, is the pretty church of Agia Triada, which is perched on a rocky outcrop above the port town.

If you’re a fan of street art, you should also plan a detour to the harbor district. In the Limenas Karlovasi district, creative graffiti and a cozy waterfront promenade where you can watch the boat traffic await you around many corners.

At Luigi Gelateria Samos, you can get delicious Italian ice cream in the most tempting varieties. The friendly staff also offers other sweet treats, pies, cakes and more. We were in absolute ice cream heaven!

Excursion to Potami Waterfalls

A great swimming spot near Karlovasi is Potami Beach, with its striking chapel of Agios Nikolaos. On the pebble beach, you can relax with a cool drink at the Hippis Beach Bar.

If you walk from the beach into the shady river valley, you’ll reach a gorge via a footpath. Depending on the water level, you can continue by swimming through a natural pool to reach the Potami Waterfalls.

Most visitors stop at the first waterfall, but there are two more behind it — however, exploring them requires appropriate climbing experience. Bathing shoes are a good choice for the hike!

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#Best beaches in Samos

We didn’t really find Samos to be a classic beach paradise — the island is more of an eldorado for active tourism than for beach holidays. Nevertheless, there are also numerous bays and organised beaches on Samos, most of which consist of coarser stones or gravel.

A few hidden gems are also covered with fine sand. The water is usually very clear along the coast, only in the east is more rubbish washed up by the ocean current. We tell you below which Samos beaches we particularly liked:

Mikro Seitani and Megalo Seitani

Probably the two most dream beaches on Samos island, they can only be reached by boat or on foot. The two natural Samos beaches are located in the far northwest and feature fine sandy shores where the crystal-clear water sparkles turquoise blue.

In front of the mountain village of Kosmadei, a concrete track branches off down to the coast. You can only drive on it with an off-road vehicle or quad. You park your vehicle at a stopping bay and walk the last few kilometres to the two “Devil’s Beaches” with sturdy shoes.

In summer, you will often come across wild campers and nudists at Megalo Seitani, who can shed their inhibitions here completely undisturbed. Megalo Seitani is only recommended to a limited extent for families with small children, as the waves can be very strong depending on wind conditions.

Psili Ammos

The name Psili Ammos (= fine sand) says it all. Tucked away in the far southwest of Samos behind Marathokampos lies this beautiful sandy beach, also known as Golden Beach. The long stretch of beach was already well frequented at the end of May, with parasols and sunbeds provided by the beach bars on site. Psili Ammos slopes pleasantly and gently into the clear sea, and its sheltered location also makes it a great choice for families with children.

Livadaki Beach

The hidden bay with its turquoise blue water is located in the very northeast of Samos. The hip beach bar at Livadaki Beach offers a cozy lounge atmosphere and plenty of space to chill out.

The golden sandy beach slopes very gently into the sea and is therefore suitable for little ones too. Unfortunately, rubbish washes up in the bay from time to time, which is collected daily by the operators of the beach bar.

The approach to Livadaki Beach is via a somewhat bumpy gravel road, which branches off shortly before the village of Agia Paraskevi. In our small car, we made it there and back safely at walking speed.

Lemonakia Beach

In the north, not far from Kokkari, lies this beautiful beach with smooth coarse pebbles and crystal clear water. In the height of summer, Lemonakia Beach gets very busy. Parasols and sunbeds are available for an additional fee. Showers and toilets are also on hand. Beach taverns serve cool drinks and snacks.

At least as beautiful is the adjoining Tsamadou Beach. Here too, things get lively during the season and the pebble beach is well frequented. There is also a section where nudism is tolerated.

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#6 Stopover in Mytilene

Inland, between Kokkari and Pythagorio, lies the village of Mytilene, which was once founded by inhabitants of the island of Lesbos. The third largest settlement on Samos has about 2,000 inhabitants and has so far remained largely undeveloped for tourism.

A short stopover in the afternoon or evening is well worth it. In the centre of Mytilene, the tranquil Platia delights you with culinary treats. Under a huge plane tree you’ll find colourful raffia chairs where locals enjoy their Greek coffee and watch the children play.

We had a wonderful meal at the cozy Tavern To magazaki pou legame and enjoyed the authentic atmosphere of this charming Greek small town.

Curious animal encounters in the Natural History Museum

On the southern outskirts of Mytilene, you can embark on a journey into prehistoric times at the Paleontological Museum of Samos. History buffs will discover numerous fossil finds of mammal species from the island.

Among other things, bone finds of elephant species, giraffes, rhinoceroses and hyenas, which were native to the Asian-Indian continent millions of years ago, are impressive. Proof that the island of Samos was once connected to the mainland of Asia Minor.

The most famous exhibit is the Kaplani of Samos. The leopard-like feline predator probably swam through the strait to the island in the 19th century and was killed there by hunters. Today, the Kaplani stands stuffed in a glass case and is the reason why numerous Greek visitors in particular stop by the natural history museum.

#7 In the alleys of Pythagorio

We fell in love with the pretty harbour town in the south of Samos right away. Even though everything in Pythagorio is now geared towards tourism, you can still feel the original charm of the small town, which was built on the ruins of the ancient city of Samos.

Along the wide harbour pier it gets very busy. Dozens of taverns and cafés compete for the attention of holidaymakers. Souvenir shops and craft stores have settled into the back streets.

Before a long walk through the town, it’s worth taking a coffee break away from the hustle and bustle at the cozy Efzin Beach Cafe (Ευ Ζην). With a cool Freddo Cappuccino and a sea view, you can relax and watch the activity along the shore.

Take your time to stroll through the picturesque alleys of Pythagorio. Many doorways and streets have been lovingly decorated, and colorful bougainvillea brightens every corner. During our visit in spring, magnificent oleanders were in bloom throughout the town.

Between history and modernity

Particularly photogenic is the blue lane of Pythagorio (also called The Blue Street) in the far south, below the ruins of an old Byzantine church. The residents of this holiday resort have come up with plenty of creative ideas to attract visitors.

Just behind it, the town tells its own story. The Castle of Lykourgos Logothetis, including its watchtower, was built during the Ottoman occupation around 1824. From the ruins of the freely accessible fortress, you have a magnificent view of the bay of Tigani.

By the way, from up here you can also watch the curious landing and take-off maneuvers of planes that touch down just a few meters above the beach at Samos Airport.

If your stomach starts growling after exploring the town and you’re in the mood for creative Greek cuisine, be sure to check out Restaurant Pergamonto. It serves delicious Mediterranean dishes and local craft beer in an idyllic setting.

#8 The Eupalinos Tunnel

It is always remarkable what mathematical and geometric knowledge people already possessed in pre-Christian times. The Eupalinos Tunnel was built around the 6th century BC and served as a water tunnel, probably remaining in operation for over 1,000 years.

It was built by the Greek engineer Eupalinos of Megara, after whom the structure was named. The completion of the tunnel took approximately 8–15 years, with around 15 cm of digging per day.

The Eupalinos Tunnel was built to supply water to the ancient city of Samos, which was once home to tens of thousands of people and is now the site of the popular resort of Pythagorio. In the 7th century AD, the aqueduct on the slope of Mount Kastri was likely abandoned.

A wonder of the ancient world

Due to its age, the 1,036 m long tunnel is a real wonder of the world and a masterpiece of engineering. It bores through the massive rock of the Ampelos Mountains to a spring, which can be visited today on a tour (with advance reservation).

The Eupalinos Tunnel was open to visitors again when we visited at the end of May 2019. There are three tours on which you can visit different sections of the tunnel. At that time, a complete inspection to the end was only possible by appointment.

We walked about 20 minutes to the halfway point of the tunnel and got a good insight into this ancient structure. It’s worth getting some basic information about the origin and former use of the Eupalinos Tunnel in advance, as the security staff only guide you through the tunnel without providing much additional information.

Anyone with claustrophobia should opt for the short 200 m inspection only, or skip the visit altogether. The height and width of the tunnel is only about 1.80 m, and it stays cool inside even in midsummer (bring your jacket!).

Due to the uneven and slippery surface, sturdy shoes are required. Construction helmets are provided as head protection.

• Opening hours: Wed.–Mon. 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Admission: €10, reduced €5

Panoramic view from the monastery complex

You can breathe even more cool cave air at the Moni Spiliani Monastery. The well-kept complex is located just one kilometre east of the Eupalinos Tunnel and offers a fantastic view from the church square over the south coast of Samos and the neighbouring island of Fourni.

The highlight is the cave church of Panagia Spiliani, which lies in a cool grotto. On hot days, a short visit is a real blessing. Light a candle and leave a small donation for the monks. Appropriate clothing is important in the monastery complex, so it’s best to bring a large scarf or cloth to cover your shoulders and bare legs.

Not far from the small complex is one of the most important ecclesiastical centres on Samos, the Timiou Stavrou Monastery. It is located in the mountains below the village of Mavratzei. The dome of the main church is striped blue and white — typical Samos. A real postcard motif!

#9 The Heraion of Samos

While history grouches will probably roll their eyes at a few loose stones, there’s actually plenty to discover at the largest archaeological excavation site on Samos.

The Heraion of Samos, together with the city of Pythagorio, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the island’s most significant attractions.

The famous sanctuary was dedicated to the Greek goddess Hera. She is considered a symbol of fertility, is the patron goddess of Samos and, according to tradition, was also born here.

At the site of the Heraion, about 7 km southwest of Pythagorio, you can see the remains of the great Temple of Hera, including a reconstructed column (colonna) that must once have stood twice as high.

During our visit, the entire excavation site felt somewhat reclaimed by nature, and you need quite a bit of imagination to picture its former extent.

On a walk through the complex, we discovered the foundations of various temples, the ruins of an early Christian basilica and an ancient altar of Hera. Information boards in English and Greek provide further details about the individual features.

The well-preserved paved Holy Road is right at the entrance, once connecting the ancient city (Pythagorio) with the Heraion over a length of 6 km.

To escape the midday heat, a visit to the Heraion of Samos in the early morning hours is recommended. Further excavations on the site are still ongoing, though they come to a standstill from time to time due to a lack of financial resources.

• Opening hours: Wed.–Mon. 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Admission: €10, reduced €5

#10 Hike to the Cave Church of Panagia Makrini

Far away from the tourist hustle and bustle, the village of Kallithea in the far west of Samos makes an ideal starting point for hikes in the mystical Kerkis Mountains.

Even with children it won’t be boring, because monks once built their hermitages in caves in the middle of the mountains, which are sure to awaken the urge to explore.

A particularly fascinating little church is the Panagia Makrini, which was built inside a huge cave. Equipped with a flashlight, you will discover ancient frescoes from the 14th century in the back of the church.

From the village of Kallithea, a farm road leads up to the white chapel of Agia Ekaterini. You can rest under a shady plane tree, and a mountain spring provides hikers with fresh water.

With an all-terrain vehicle, you can also drive up to this point, but the last kilometre on foot is a tough one. The climb is steep, yet the view from the forecourt of the cave church over the coast and the deep blue Aegean Sea more than makes up for the effort.

If you want to explore the island of Samos and its beautiful mountains on foot or by mountain bike with an active tour group, you can find more information in our article: Active holidays in Samos

Beautiful souvenirs from the island of Samos

On the way back from Kallithea to Pythagorio, it is worth making a detour over the mountains through the villages of Koumeika, Pyrgos and Koumaradei. In the latter, you can buy beautiful pottery and pretty souvenirs from the island.

In the shop “The Loom” in Koumaradei, we were served in a particularly friendly manner by two ladies who offer, among other things, textiles, jam, olive wood and many other beautiful souvenirs.

More Samos tips for your holiday

Guided tours in Samos

If you don’t have your own vehicle on Samos and still want to get an overview of the island, then a guided tour might be the best option for you. You can book your day tour by bus from GetYourGuide*:

➲ To the organised island tour*

From the harbour in Pythagorio, traditional kaikis set off in season to the small Samiopoula Island south of Samos. The uninhabited island offers fantastic beaches and plenty of Greek charm. You can book the day trip by boat, including lunch, directly via GetYourGuide* here:

➲ To the boat trip to Samiopoula*

Restaurant recommendations for Samos

San Antonakak, Kosmadei

A traditional tavern using local produce in the remote mountain village of Kosmadei. Host Stelios serves up hearty Greek home cooking on his cosy terrace beneath a vine-covered roof.

The atmosphere is authentic, and the panoramic view of Karlovasi and the mainland of Asia Minor is magnificent! Park your vehicle at the entrance to the village and then follow the signs to the taverna on foot.

More recommendations for cafes and restaurants in Samos:

• Taverna Ydroussa, in Ydroussa
• Saloon, in Pyrgos
• Famprika Beach Bar, in Ormos Marathokambou
• …

Want more restaurant tips for Samos?

→ In our Google map you will find all recommended cafés and tavernas in Samos: To the Samos Map

Hotel tips for Samos

In addition to classic hotels for package holidaymakers, Samos also offers numerous accommodation options for independent travellers. The larger towns of Karlovasi, Kokkari and Pythagorio are great bases for exploring the island, with reliable bus connections as well.

If you’re looking for peace and quiet away from the tourist hustle and bustle, the mountain villages also offer beautiful private accommodations, holiday homes and villas.

→ On Booking.com* you will find many accommodation options in Samos and can check prices here:

➲ To beautiful hotels on the island*

Our hotel tips for Samos

Below we’ve put together a personal selection of beautiful accommodations in Samos for your dream vacation:

• Kalidon Panorama Hotel, Kokkari*
• Erato by Samian Mare, Karlovasi*
• Ino Village Hotel, Samos Town*
• Casa Cook (Adults only), Pythagorio*

Here we spent the night on Samos

Proteas Blu Resort, Pythagorio

The lovingly designed 5-star hotel complex is located just outside Pythagorio and offers modern rooms as well as a private beach, with a great view of the sea and the Asia Minor coast. In addition to classic hotel rooms, bungalows and suites with pools are also available. On Booking.com* you can find out more about the accommodation and book:

➲ To book at Proteas Blu Resort*

Getting around the island of Samos

The island of Samos measures about 44 km from west to east and about 19 km from north to south. Due to the mountainous terrain, a car or a quad from 150 cc is recommended. With a rental car you can explore the island on your own and visit so many beautiful places during your vacation. You can book your rental car with Discover Cars*:

➲ Book your rental car here*

Buses on Samos

The public bus network of Samos connects the larger towns and beaches in the north as well as the airport and Pythagorio in the south. You can find current timetables here: Bus Samos

Getting to the island of Samos

The international airport of Samos (SMI) is located in the south of the island near Pythagorio. There are direct flights at least once a week from Munich, Düsseldorf and Hamburg to Samos. The flight time is approx. 3 hours 15 minutes. Skyscanner* shows an overview of all direct flights to Samos:

➲ To cheap flights to the island*

Alternatively, you can also arrive by ferry from Piraeus. The ferry journey takes about 8 hours. Samos has three ferry ports; Karlovasi and Vathy (Samos town) in the north are served by the ferry company Blue Star Ferries from Piraeus.

→ Current ferry routes to Samos as well as to the neighboring islands of the North Aegean and the Dodecanese can be found here:

➲ To the ferry search with Ferryhopper*

Pythagorio in the south is served by the catamarans of Dodekanisos Seaways, which connect Samos with the Dodecanese Islands. This makes Samos a great island-hopping base for exploring other islands such as Ikaria, Patmos and Leros. More information about island hopping can be found here: Island hopping Greece

Samos Youtube Video

Impressions of the island can be found in the video by Robert Polasek © :

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