Samos Travel Tips: Getting There, Ferries, Rental Cars & Hotels

It took seven years before we visited Samos for the second time. In 2019, we didn’t have much time to explore Greece’s eighth-largest island, which is why our first impression was somewhat underwhelming. Unfairly so, as our most recent trip to Samos proved, because this lush, green island in the North Aegean is a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and those who enjoy great food and wine.

We’ve since fallen in love with Samos and discovered some beautiful spots on the island. A trip to this diverse island should be well planned, so here you’ll find the most important information on getting there, ferries, getting around, hotels, excursions, and restaurants. With our Samos travel tips, you’ll be well prepared:

#1 Getting to the Island of Samos

Samos has an international airport (SMI) in the south of the island, about 3 km from the town of Pythagorio. The drive to the main town of Vathy and the popular resort of Kokkari takes about half an hour. It takes about an hour to reach Karlovasi in the northwest of the island.

During the tourist season between May and October, there are direct flights to Samos from many European cities. From German-speaking countries, flights depart from Munich, Frankfurt, and Düsseldorf, as well as from Zurich and Vienna, with airlines such as Eurowings. Starting in April, there are also direct flights from Amsterdam, operated by Transavia, among others. The flight time to Samos is about 3 hours and 15 minutes.

On the Skyscanner* portal, you can find suitable flights to Samos from the airport of your choice; during the off-season, these usually involve a layover in Athens.

➲ Find affordable flights to Samos*

By the way, Samos Airport has one of the shortest runways in Europe at 2,044 meters, which makes landing there a special experience. An alternative is to fly to Kos (KGS) and then take a ferry to Pythagorio. The high-speed catamarans operated by Dodekanisos Seaways take about 4 hours for this journey. This route is especially worthwhile if you’re planning to go island-hopping in the Northern Dodecanese.

The journey on the large car ferry from Piraeus takes about 9 to 10 hours. Blue Star Ferries dock in Vathy and Karlovasi year-round; cabins are available for booking, and you can bring your car along.

From the airport on Samos, you can reach your accommodations by rental car, taxi, or bus. You’ll find more information on this under #5.

#2 Ferry Connections to Samos

Many people have gotten frustrated searching for ferries because if you just type “Samos” as the destination port, you usually won’t find anything. The reason for this is that Samos has three ferry ports: Vathy in the northeast, Karlovasi in the northwest, and Pythagorio in the southeast, near the airport.

The large car ferries operated by Blue Star Ferries dock in Vathy (the main town) and Karlovasi. Several times a week, they head north to the islands of Chios and Lesbos—which are well-worth-visiting alternative stops on an island-hopping tour—and continue on to their final destination, Kavala. In addition, the ferry runs about twice a week to Piraeus, usually via Ikaria and Mykonos. So if you’re traveling with your own car, you can take the ferry to Samos from either Kavala or Piraeus.

Pythagorio is the gateway to the Dodecanese and also the port for ferries to Turkey. The fastest way to reach Samos is by the high-speed catamarans operated by Dodekanisos Seaways, which dock in Samos about three times a week during the summer. Although the prices for the catamarans are quite high, they allow you to hop quickly from island to island. In addition, SAOS Ferries operates on the route from Samos to Agathonissi, Arki, Patmos, Leros, and Kalymnos.

Overview of ferry connections from Samos:

• from Karlovasi and Vathy with Blue Star Ferries: to Ikaria (approx. 1 to 2.5 hours, up to 4 times in summer, 2 times a week in winter) to Piraeus (approx. 9 to 10 hours), to Chios (approx. 2 to 3 hours, 2–3 times a week) to Kavala (approx. 13 to 16 hours)
• From Pythagorio with Dodekanisos Seaways: via Ikaria (approx. 1.5 hours), Patmos (approx. 1 to 2 hours) to Kos (approx. 3 to 4 hours) and Rhodes (approx. 4.5 hours)
• From Pythagorio with SAOS Ferries: from Samos via Patmos to Kalymnos (Patmos approx. 3 hours, Kalymnos approx. 7 hours, approx. 4–5 times a week)

Schedules in Greece often change on short notice, especially during the off-season. Be sure to check the times before your trip.

Depending on where your accommodations are located on Samos, you should choose your port of arrival carefully. The easiest way to find the right connection is through the Ferryhopper* portal. Here, you’ll see all available routes and prices, and you can book your ferry ticket to Samos directly if needed:

➲ Find the right ferry for you*

#3 Best Time to Visit Samos

Samos’ Mediterranean climate offers hot, dry summers and perfect weather for swimming. Winters, on the other hand, are mild and rainy. From June through early November, the sea around Samos is a pleasant 22–25 degrees for swimming. However, temperatures differ significantly between the north and south sides of Samos. The south is more arid and often hotter, while the north is windier.

For us personally, April and May are still a bit too chilly for swimming on Samos, but the island is in full bloom during this time. Vast swaths of yellow broom along the roadsides and red poppies in the fields are sure to delight nature lovers and photographers alike. With pleasant temperatures of 20–23 degrees, spring on Samos is also ideal for long hikes and visits to cultural sites, such as the Heraion of Samos.

The classic swimming season kicks off on Samos at the end of May, and most beach bars open in June. For many, June is the best time to visit Samos, as temperatures can already reach 30 degrees on some days, and the big crowds haven’t arrived yet.

July and August are peak season on Samos, when not a single beach chair goes unused. The resort towns of Kokkari, Ireon, and Kampos are correspondingly crowded, and with temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees, it can get really hot on some days—though there’s hardly a drop of rain. The Meltemi wind provides some relief, blowing strongly especially along the island’s north coast. Popular beaches like Psili Ammos (east) and Pappa Beach are absolutely packed.

Our personal favorite month in the Aegean is September. By mid-month, the crowds have left, and calm gradually returns to Samos. The weather is usually still wonderful, with sunny 25 degrees, and the sea is pleasantly warm—ideal for a relaxing beach vacation.

October marks the end of the season on Samos. By the end of the month, most establishments close and ferry service is reduced. On our last visit, however, we were surprised by how many beach bars and restaurants were still open on Samos in October. You should expect the occasional shower in October, but with pleasant temperatures of 20–23 degrees, the weather is now ideal again for hikes and other activities.

Even though the weather is significantly milder than in Northern Europe, winter on Samos belongs to the locals. There’s a lot of rain, and most resorts are in hibernation. Domestic flights from Athens and the large Blue Star car ferries operate year-round, but December through March are only for long-time Samos fans.

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#4 Hotel Tips for Samos

Accommodations on Samos range from classic hotels for package holidaymakers to boutique hotels and adults-only resorts, as well as apartments, vacation homes, and villas in the mountain villages. As a base for exploring the island, we recommend the larger towns of Karlovasi, Kokkari, and Pythagorio, where bus service is also reliable.

Vathy (Samos Town) is the island’s capital, economic hub, and transportation hub all in one. This is where the ferries from Piraeus dock, and all of the island’s bus routes converge in Vathy. This lively town (population 6,500) is built amphitheater-style on a hillside and isn’t particularly geared toward tourism. Nevertheless, there are some stylish apartments, especially in the old town district of Paleo Vathy.

Kokkari on the north coast is the classic resort town with pebble beaches, souvenir shops, beach bars, and tavernas. In the evening, the Platia is the place to meet for a glass of wine and live music. It’s fairly touristy, but its location is convenient for swimming and excursions into the mountains. Warning: The island’s power plant is located right behind Kokkari!

Pythagorio in the south is a charming harbor town built on the ruins of the ancient city of Samos, featuring tavernas and cafés. You’ll also find a long waterfront promenade and chic alleyways perfect for strolling. Best of all: the town is just a few minutes’ drive from the airport. The location is ideal for anyone who wants to continue their journey to the Dodecanese or prefers short travel times to the airport. Pythagorio offers hotels, studios, and vacation homes.

Karlovasi, in the northwest, is the second-largest town on Samos with just under 6,000 residents. It’s significantly less touristy and a great starting point for exploring the western part of the island. Great destinations for active vacationers and hikers include the Potami Waterfalls, the Seitani Beaches, and the Kerkis Mountains. We felt right at home here from the very start at the Samian Mare Hotel* in Karlovasi!

Other vacation spots on Samos: The popular beach resorts of Kambos and Ormos Marathokambou are located on the southwest coast of Samos. It’s bustling here in the summer, but very tranquil during the off-season. The mountain village of Marathokampos, situated above them, is a great vacation spot with authentic village life. Those who prefer a quieter atmosphere should head to Limnionas on the far western tip of the island. The town of Ireon is a good option for accommodations near the airport.

This is where we stayed on Samos

Samian Mare Hotel Suites & Spa, Karlovasi

We spent four nights at the modern Samian Mare Hotel on the waterfront promenade in Karlovasi. Thanks to the friendly and attentive staff, as well as the extremely personable hotel manager Eleftherios (who speaks German), we felt completely at home here from the very first minute.

The entire property is very well-maintained and features two outdoor pools with spacious sunbathing areas as well as a pool bar. Live music is also played here on some evenings. The comfortable and functionally furnished rooms and suites offer a terrace or balcony, some of which have ocean views.

As an independent traveler, you have the option to book this Samos hotel with breakfast included. An all-inclusive option is also available through tour operators. The buffet was delicious and extensive, at breakfast and dinner. The seating arrangements, both indoors and outdoors, are very thoughtfully laid out, so we were always able to eat in a relaxed atmosphere without any hustle and bustle.

Our personal highlight was the ERA rooftop bar at the neighboring Erato Hotel across the street, where we enjoyed a fantastic sunset and a magical evening atmosphere. The Samian Mare is less than an hour’s drive from Samos Airport. On Booking.com*, you can take a closer look at the hotel and check availability and prices:

➲ Book the Samian Mare Hotel*

Right next to the Samian Mare Hotel is its sister hotel Erato by Samian Mare. The 33 rooms were renovated in 2023 and all feature a balcony or terrace; Erato shares the pools and buffet restaurant with the Samian Mare. On the rooftop is the ERA GastroBar—for us, the most beautiful spot on Samos for a sundowner—and the food was truly outstanding!

➲ Book Erato by Samian Mare*

More Accommodation Recommendations for Samos

Here’s a personal selection of other lovely accommodations on Samos. Click on the Booking.com* links to view details, availability, and prices for these accommodations:

• 8Moons Boutique Apartments, Avlakia*
• Blue Garden Samos Apartments, near Vathy*
• Juno Collection Residences, Pythagorio*
• Chariclea Villa Retreats, Klima*

#5 Getting Around on Samos: Rental Cars, Buses, and More

Samos, Greece’s eighth-largest island, measures about 44 km from east to west and approximately 19 km from north to south. Due to the mountainous terrain, distances on Samos should not be underestimated; a rental car is always preferable to a scooter or ATV on the island. It takes a good 1.5 hours to drive from Limnionas in the southwest to Vathy in the northeast. Most of the roads on Samos are paved and in good condition.

Our car rental tip for Samos: Hermes Rentals

On our last trip to Samos, we traveled in a rental car from Hermes Rentals. The owner, Stefanos, delivered the rental car to us in Pythagorio and picked it up there as well. We were very satisfied with our compact car, the excellent prices, and the service, which is why Hermes Rentals is our top recommendation for car rentals on Samos.

It’s especially convenient that, for a small fee, Stefanos will deliver your Samos rental car anywhere on the island—for example, directly to your hotel or to the port where your ferry arrives. This way, you can start your vacation without having to make a detour to a rental office.

While there are international rental companies on Samos, such as SIXT, Avis, and others, renting from a local provider also gives you a personal contact on the island who can respond quickly if anything happens while you’re on the road. If you’re interested, you can also contact Stefanos and his team directly via WhatsApp to rent your car in Samos: Tel. +30 693 832 2357

➲ Visit the Hermes Rentals website

Taxis and Buses on Samos

The KTEL Samos public bus network connects the larger towns and beaches in the north with the airport and Pythagorio in the south. The buses run year-round and are primarily geared toward locals.

Almost all routes radiate out from Vathy; for the trip from Pythagorio to Kokkari, you’ll need to transfer there. The trip from Vathy to Pythagorio takes about 20 to 25 minutes, to Kokkari about 20 minutes, and to Karlovasi (via Kokkari and Agios Konstantinos) about 1 hour.

In the summer, there are also buses to the beaches of Tsamadou and Psili Ammos, as well as to the Heraion. There is no direct bus route from the airport to Karlovasi; instead, you’ll need to travel via Vathy or take a taxi. You can view the current bus schedules for Samos here: KTEL Bus Samos

You can find taxis on Samos at taxi stands in Vathy at the harbor, in Pythagorio at the airport, and in Karlovasi at the harbor and in the town center (Platia).

• Taxi Samos (Vathy) Number: +30 22730 28404
• Karlovasi Taxi Number: +30 69564 69990
• Kokkari Taxi Number: +30 69452 17795
• Pythagorio (Airport) Taxi Number: +30 22730 61440

Scooters, ATVs, and Bicycles on Samos

Due to its size, Samos isn’t the ideal place to rent a scooter. Newcomers in particular who want to explore a lot will get frustrated with riding a scooter on Samos after just one day of navigating the mountain range and its many curves. However, if you only need a scooter for trips from your hotel to the beach or for a short excursion to a neighboring village, a scooter on Samos will suffice.

Alternatively, renting a quad bike on Samos is also a good option—it lets you ride along off-road and gravel trails, provided you have a sufficiently powerful engine (at least 125cc). Prices for a 50cc scooter start at 20 euros; prices are higher during peak season. A quad bike (ATV) costs about 50 euros per day, with a discount available for longer rental periods.

If you’d like to rent a scooter or ATV on Samos, check out:

• Hermes Rentals, Kampos
• Johns Rentals, Pythagorio
• Savvas Rentals, Kokkari

Cycling is popular on Samos, and mountain bike enthusiasts in particular will find plenty to enjoy. Quite a few hotels on Samos already offer bike rentals, and some sports tour operators, such as Frosch Sportreisen, offer guided bike tours on Samos. The flat areas around Kampos and Pythagorio are well-suited for regular bike tours. You can rent e-bikes from E-Thagorio – E-Bikes Rental.

#6 Things to See on Samos

There’s an astonishing amount to see on Samos, and a week is barely enough to take in all the highlights of this diverse island at a leisurely pace. The north is mountainous, very fertile, and lushly green. Dense forests and endless vineyards characterize the landscape between Vourliotes and Karlovasi. Spring-fed streams ripple through the valleys, and there are waterfalls (including Potami), making Samos a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.

The south, on the other hand, is more barren but still greener than many other Greek islands. The south is home to Samos’s top sights, including the Heraion and the Eupalinos Tunnel. Many vacationers consider Pythagorio to be the most beautiful town on Samos. When the Meltemi blows strongly in the north, the beautiful beaches in the south—such as Psili Ammos (west), Kampos Beach, and Papa Beach—are popular destinations.

Below, we’ve summarized the most important sights and our personal highlights on Samos:

• Pythagorio with its harbor promenade, Blue Alley, and the Castle of Lykourgos Logothetis
• Eupalinos Tunnel, ancient hydraulic structure
• Heraion of Samos (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with the Kolona Column
• The cave church at the Moni Spiliani Monastery and the Timiou Stavrou Monastery
• Kokkari with Cavos Rock and Platia
• The mountain villages of Vourliotes and Manolates with the Nightingale Valley
• Vakakis Winery in Megali Lakka
• Karlovasi with Platia Valaskatzi, Paleo Karlovasi, and street art at the harbor
• Potami Beach and the Potami Waterfalls
• Mytilini with the Paleontological Museum (Kaplani of Samos)
• Vathy with the Archaeological Museum
• Panagia Makrini Cave Church near Kallithea (hike)
• Dream beaches such as Megalo Seitani, Psili Ammos (West), Balos Beach, and Tsamadou Beach

#7 Samos Excursions and Tours

If you don’t have your own vehicle but would still like to explore Samos a bit, you can join a guided Samos day tour by bus. Through our partner GetYourGuide*, you can find suitable Samos excursions and check availability and prices:

➲ Take an organized island tour*

During the season, traditional kaikis depart from the port in Pythagorio and from Ormos for the small, nearly uninhabited island of Samiopoula, south of Samos. The crossing takes about 30 minutes; the excursions run from May through October and cost around 40 to 45 € per person, including drinks and a light lunch. The trip to Samiopoula is least crowded during the off-season.

➲ Take the boat tour to Samiopoula*

By the way, the Turkish coast is within arm’s reach from Samos: only 1.6 kilometers separate the island from Turkey at the Strait of Mykale. Ferries to Kuşadası depart from Pythagorio, take about 45 to 75 minutes depending on the vessel, and operate mainly from May through October. A one-way ferry ticket to Turkey starts at around 15 €; you’ll need your passport for this.

You can visit the famous ancient site of Ephesus as a day trip from Kuşadası. Guided tours to Kuşadası usually include a visit to Ephesus via bus transfer. The price includes admission and an English-speaking guide. The tour lasts more than eight hours and starts at 155 €. If you’re traveling on your own, admission to Ephesus is only 40 €. The terraced houses and St. John’s Basilica cost extra.

➲ Book the Ephesus tour

#8 Samos Restaurants: Our Recommendations

We had some really good food on Samos, and compared to many Cycladic islands, prices were even relatively affordable. Thanks to the fertile soil and rainy winters, fruits and vegetables thrive here—so the tomatoes and cucumbers at some tavernas are actually fresh from the garden and don’t have to be imported.

In many places on Samos, it’s still Mom or Grandma who stands at the stove and cooks homemade meals. Traditional Greek cuisine is diverse, especially in the mountain villages and the hinterland, where tourism isn’t yet ubiquitous. Here is a small selection of cafés, snack bars and restaurants that we can recommend on Samos. We’ve marked all of these cafés and tavernas on our Samos map:

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Restaurant Paleo in Paleo Karlovasi

Restaurant Paleo is located in the historic district of Paleo Karlovasi, which nestles on the hillside above the town. Be sure to set aside some time, as a stroll through the quiet alleys of the old village is well worth it before or after your meal.

Cena Restaurant in Pythagorio

Right on the harbor promenade in Pythagorio, the friendly team at Cena Restaurant serves Greek cuisine with a modern twist, such as kleftiko lamb, cheese balls, or tuna tartare. The salads are also generously portioned and very tasty. In the evening, the outdoor seating area right by the pier gets quite crowded, so it’s worth making a reservation.

To Magazaki pou legame, Mytilini

A traditional taverna on the rustic village square in Mytilini, where wicker chairs stand beneath a huge plane tree and locals sip their kafedaki. The homemade dishes, especially the chicken strips in mustard sauce (Kotopoulo Tigania), were absolutely delicious!

San Antonakak, Kosmadei

In the remote mountain village of Kosmadei, owner Stelios serves hearty Greek home-style cooking made with local ingredients on his terrace under a vine-covered pergola. The panoramic view stretches all the way down to the coast; park your car at the village entrance and follow the signs on foot.

Efzin, Pythagorio

Away from the hustle and bustle of the harbor, you can enjoy a cool freddo with a view of the sea at the cozy café-bar Efzin (Ευ Ζην). Perfect for a coffee break before or after strolling through Pythagorio. Here you can also have breakfast or enjoy delicious snacks like the large pinsa. The bar also rents out beach chairs at Pythagorio Beach, located right in front of it.

Meraki Grill, Karlovasi

The modern Meraki Grill Bistro is located directly across from the Samian Mare Hotel in Karlovasi and serves gyros, souvlaki, and salads. Ideal for a quick bite! The small, lush park is also a great spot to enjoy an afternoon coffee. The restaurant also delivers food and drinks to Karlovasi Beach, which is just 50 meters away.

Who Should Visit the Island of Samos

Do you love nature, hiking, and good wine? Then Samos is the perfect place for you. However, if you’re mainly looking for sandy beaches, a lively nightlife, or a pure beach vacation without your own transportation, you might be less satisfied. To make sure you don’t have any false expectations, we’ve listed the most important points below:

→ For more travel tips on Samos and articles about the islands of the Northern Aegean, check out this overview: Northern Aegean Blog

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