Nothing beats a Mediterranean island full of mystery, great beaches and delicious food. The ancient Greek goddess Hera hailed from Samos so did Pythagoras, the great mathematician, philosopher and mystic of Classical Greece.
Today, Samos is a gorgeous island with dazzling beaches, lazy fishing villages, and a dreamy combination of seaside and mountain landscapes, offering something for everyone who’s interested in exploring, adventuring and discovering in nature.
From hiking and diving to winetasting and windsurfing
The island’s two large mountains, Ambelos (Karvounis) and Kerkis, provide wonderful routes for climbing, hiking and biking. The caves that are scattered around the island are very popular with enthusiasts coming from around the world. Samos’ shorelines also offer a plethora of activities, from windsurfing and deep sea diving to kayaking and canoeing.
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For those wishing to take it easy, there are plenty of more laid back activities to enjoy – wine tasting, trying out local cuisine, taking leisurely walks through lush forests and taking in the island’s fascinating past by visiting the many museums, sites and landmarks.
If you have enough time, it’s also a great base for popping over to nearby islands such as Ikaria (world famous for its Blue Zone status) to participate in one of its almost daily summer panygiria (festivals), or the rocky islet across Spartharaious, south of Samos, to lie back on smooth sand and swim in aquamarine crystal waters. Also, from Vathi and Pythagoreion you can hop onto a boat and head to Asia Minor to shop away at the huge street bazaar in Kusadasi and ancient Efessos.
Of ancient sites, museums and fascinating churches…
The once mighty Temple of Hera (or Heraion), the perfectly-built Efpalineo aqueduct and even the Roman Baths all attest to the great civilization that once lived here, with many other finds that have emerged in recent years. You can understand more about the island’s fascinating history at the archeological museums of Vathi and Pythagoreion, and go even much further back in time with the popular Natural History Museum. For a peak into more recent life of Samos there are a couple of folklore museums and a wine museum to whet the appetite.
Pixabay – KRiemer
Religious buildings from the Byzantine era attest to another fascinating period between ancient and modern times. Fine examples include the scenic Monastery of the Virgin Mary of Vronta built in 1566 by two monks and the Monastery of the Holy Cross built in 1582 with its hand-carved iconostasis and even a supposed fragment from the holy cross itself.
A taste of Samos
Very close to the Turkish coast, it is no surprise that Samos cuisine is influenced by the flavors of Asia Minor, particularly since many Samiots originally came as refugees from the Turkish mainland and settled on this nearby island. The verdant landscape also produces a delicious selection of fresh herbs, rich olive oil, and wild leafy greens, coupled with the delicious seafood to yield sumptuous recipes that will delight (More in the food section on Samos). Lastly, you’re definitely going to delight in the local wines, especially knowing that “France alone imports 60% of the wine produced on the island of Samos” according to the local Union of Vinicultural Cooperatives. Bon Appetit!
This is the kind of beach you can spend the day at, as there are a few tavernas as well as free showers and plenty of greenery to find shade under during the hottest hours of the day. The stone and pebble beach is easily accessible by foot from Samos town.
Located 12km from Vathi, this is one of the island’s most loved beaches, Lemonakia has fine sand and crystal clear, azure waters. Part of the beach has umbrellas and sunbeds for rent and there is also a taverna for a spot of lunch.
Just a few hundred meters from the Ireon archaeological site, and easily reachable by car, this beach is slightly uncomfortable as it has sharp rocks and pebbles at some points (this is particularly the case at a little beach that comes off the main one), thus special footwear is advised. There are umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, as well as a shower and small changing room. Above the beach is a nice taverna.
Potami (river) is a large pebble beach on the northeastern shore of Samos. It’s well worth taking the two-kilometer walk that starts at the river, takes you through a beautiful forest and concludes at the island’s famous waterfalls and a small lake that’s idea for a refreshing swim.
A small island near the southern shore of Samos that can be visited daily from Pythagoreio in a one-hour trip on a small boat. The beach is considered one of Samos’ prettiest, because of it’s super fine, soft sand and crystalline azure waters and the lush vegetation on its rocky coves, yet its popularity also means that it’s often very busy with the boat-loads of visitors who stop over. There are a few umbrellas for rent and there’s a small tavern.
One of the island’s most touted beaches, Tsambou is a pebble beach with clean, crystal blue waters, and is surrounded by lush greenery. The beach has something for everyone, as there are a kiosk and some tavernas, and part of it has umbrellas and sunbeds for rent and showers, while further along the beach there is a more secluded part favored by nudists. It is located a little outside of Kokkari town and can be reached by following a steep path that leads from the central road.
Kayakers – even the most inexperienced - can relish the fun of exploring the island’s coastline, waterfalls, stunning solitary beaches and caves in organized tours that can last a whole day, with small stopovers on land for a spot of lunch food and a cooling off in the shade.
Pixabay, dimitrisvetsikas1969
There are all ranges of cycling routes on Samos, from the most gentle to the highly demanding. Seeing the island’s villages, beaches, forests and mountains by bike is a great experience that can be enjoyed independently or as part of an organized tour.
Pixabay - FabricioMacedoPhotos
More adventurous bikers can go off road and discover the unchartered courses on mountains, rewarded by stunning panoramic views, or visits to out of the way traditional villages, while Kokkari is generally more popular among those who prefer to take it easy. More extreme routes start from the sea and end up high on Mt. Karvouni.
The island is known for its clean, crystal blue waters, and for those willing to go a little deeper there are a multitude of rewards in the depths of Samos’ sea, such clear visibility at 30m, hidden treasures, caves, ancient columns and, if you’re lucky, the chance to see dolphins and seals.
Pixabay, 12019
Samos’ cuisine isn’t just influenced by its lush and fruitful landscapes (mountains, valleys, forests and sea) but also by the culinary customs brought over by Greek migrants, merchants and travelers visiting Asia Minor or other parts of the country.
Pixabay - gate74
The island grows and produces an abundance of foods it has become known for: the famous sweet Samian wine, extra virgin olive oil, citrus fruits, throumbi herb, reminscent of oregano, and bournelo, a small, juicy tomato. Traditional recipes also make the most of Samos’ rich variety of wild and aromatic greens, such as trifluhortara, zougi, fteres and orvyes.
Bakers customarily use sweet-scented black sesame seeds, known as mavrosousamo or mavro kymino to season their pies and breads.
Pixabay - Hans
A Samos specialty most loved by meat-eaters is baby goat, cooked in numerous ways, but especially stuffed and roasted with garlic and potatoes, or in a tomato sauce (kokkinisto). There are plenty of recipe and restaurant choices for fish and seafood lovers, presenting dishes that go from the classic grilled or fried fish to those with more intricate sauces and condiments.
Another Samos specialty are stuffed vegetables: tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, aubergines, onions and zucchini are stuffed with rice or minced meat that have been sauteed with herbs and spices and baked in the oven.
Chickpea patties with garlic and tomato puree, are another local favorite, as are zucchini flowers, and these are served in most restaurants throughout the island. One of the most beloved foods on Samos are the bourekia, which are made with filo pastry prepared and rolled out to a paper-thin texture that is then cut into strips, stuffed with squash and local cheese, as well as cinammon and herbs, rolled out like spring rolls, and fried or baked to a crispy texture.The result is a mouthwatering, sweet-savory treat that can be topped either with a sprinkle of cheese or drizzled with honey.
When Samiots celebrate their Orthodox saints, they prepare a unique dish called kishtek or giorti. The main ingredient of the dish is goat meat, which is boiled for around 12 hours in a cauldron together with a large quantity of onions and wheat. The dish is served hot right after the Holy Liturgy.
With such a wonderful and awarded selection of wines being produced on Samos, it’s no surprise that locals enjoy accompanying their favorite foods with plenty of wine or souma, a distilled drink made from grapes. Whether you are sampling a hima (barrel) wine at a taverna or ordering a more established label, you’re sure to enjoy it. It’s also well worth taking a trip to the wine museum and enjoying a tasting of all the wines created by the union of winemakers on the island.
Samos is an ideal destination for hikers as, apart from its many stunning beaches, it also has two imposing mountain ranges with numerous walking paths. Lush forests with high trees, wild rocky land and streams are just some of the scenic and exciting natural features to be enjoyed there. Along the way you will also discover the island’s herbs and animals, visit traditional mountain villages and take in striking panoramic vistas.
This only the final path on the hill towards the Zodochou Pigis monastery, at an altitude of 300m, thus classifying this route a little above the «easy» category.
Distance: 15km, around 4 hours.
Samos – Prophitis Elias – Samos
Medium
The path starts at sea level at 400m., and although the paths and other parts are generally in good condition, some buried rocks can make the downhill part quite difficult.
Around 600m of this trail is uphill, but is not continuously, as there are also level paths throughout.
Distance: 16km, around 4¼ hours.
Kampos – Vourliotes – Vronta Monastery – Kokkari
Medium - challenging
The route starts as a continuous uphill from paths that start at sea level and reach to 460m to a generally good road. Take it slow when descending the hill as some paths are very rocky, while even the stone paths are a little slippery.
A wavy beachside walk that reaches a height of around 375m. Be aware that most of the pathways are very narrow and rocky. Some hikers find the parts of this trail between Mikro Seitani and Megalo Seitani dizzying.
Kosmadaio is located at a height of 600m and the ascent from the sea level is sometimes very steep, but at least most of the path is well shaded. Some of the paths and trails along this trail demand attentive walking, so watch your step and take your time.
The hike includes some uphills, at the start at around 140m and again on the way back from Potami on. The final uphill comes after around two hours, and it is recommended hikers avoid the Alternative walk.
Distance: 15.5km, around 3¾ hours.
Kosmadaio to Marathokampos
Medium
Recommended only to experienced hikers as finding the road can be very difficult at around the point between 35 minutes and 1 hour into the walk, while there is also a danger of experiemcing dizziness during this hike.
Only for experienced, very fit hikers. The ascent in this walk is at 1440m and almost all the hike take place along very abrupt, rocky ground. The peak is usually obscured by clouds, especially in spring and autumn, so it’s advised you avoid heading there during these times, and check weather conditions when you plan to head there. Be prepared also for freezing temperatures at the peak.
Distance: 21km, around 6.5 hours.
Platanos – Kondeika – Ydrousa – Kondakeika – Ag Dimitrios
Medium
Although the hike begins with some climbing at around 150m, there are not big uphills along this route. There are the normal amounts of ups and downs, but the paths are generally quite level.
Most of this hike is downhill. The only challenging part comes upon arriving on the rocky part of the path reaching the beach, which requires some flexibility.
Distance: 11km, around 2.5 hours.
Pandrosos – Lazaros – Kokkari
Challenging
The hike starts at 600m, involving around 550m of climbing, mostly at the beginning of the trail when you’re still energetic.
Distance: 17km, around 4.5 hours.
Pandrosos – Prophitis Elias – Manolatis – Platanakia
Challenging
Pandrosos is at an altitude of around 600m, which leaves around 540m of climbing in order to reach the highest point, and that’s at the start of the route.
Distance: 19km, around 4 hours.
Mavratzei to Kokkari
Medium
The ascent takes you to an altitude of around 400m, but there are many undulations along the footpaths and walkways that are generally in good condintion.
Distance: 13km, around 3 hours.
Mavratzei to Mytilini
Easy
You’ll start walking along various pathways, but the main route is along one path and the uphills are mild.
Distance: 11km, around 2.5 hours
Hora – Myli – Heraion – Pythagoreion
Easy – medium
The only challenging aspect of this hike is the distance walked, as this route is generally flat and involves a little bit of easy climbing. The hike ends with a walk around the beach.
Distance: 20km, around 4 hours.
Mytilini to Kokkari
Easy
Although this route includes a little bit of climbing, it generally takes you along easy and good paths parallel to one road.
This route will take you to an altitude of 460m, yet getting there is not very difficult as the paths are not steep and are generally in very good condition.
Distance: 16.5km, around 3¾ hours.
Mytilini – Ag Triada – Spiliani Monastery – Pythagoreion.
Easy
Almost throughout the entire trail, the paths are pleasant and easy to walk along. The only slightly challenging part is during the downhill part, along a dusty trail, which may have hidden traps.
Distance: 8.5km, around 2.5 hours.
There are numerous good spots for climbing on Samos, with well marked paths and organized climbing pointers. It’s well worth doing a little bit of research about the variety of routes available, as some are far more challenging than others, and may require extra equipment or experience. Fortunately, weather conditions are good throughout the largest part of the year, although the mountain peaks can get very chilly so taje an extra layer with you if you’re heading for the top.
There are several options for scenic and fun boat trips around the island, and if you have enough time, it’s worth also visiting nearby islands on a day trip or for an overnight stay. Patmos, Ikaria, Fourni, Agathonisi and Samiopoula are all lovely nearby destinations, between one and three hours distance from Samos.
In the Marathokampos area, along the road to Kallithea, and concealed between verdant hills that end in rocky cliffs, this pebble and gold sand beach is a little wild, and wonderful to the eye. The beach is nudist-friendly.
With turquoise waters and embraced by rocks with a striking morphology, Aspres is ideal for snorkeling and chilling out. There are no umbrellas or sunbeds, and there is one taverna. In the Marathokampos area, along the road to Kallithea.
Around 12km from Vathi, along the road to Karlovassi, the beach is surrounded by greenery and facing pine-covered hills. It has cool, fresh sea water ideal for an invigorating swim. There are a small tavern and little hotel nearby.
A large pebble beach with a clean waters, and sandy patch further towards one end, Balos is peaceful as it’s not near the road. There are a limited number of umbrellas and sunbeds for rent and a few tavernas, among them a Cypriot restaurant. The beach has a little cave as well as a small modern church.
Just 1km from Vathi, this pebble beach has very clean waters and has been awarded a blue flag. There are a nearby café and tavern as well as umbrellas and sunbeds for rent.
There’s nothing remarkable about this pebble beach, which sprawls out in front of the village and hotels, and is busy with tavernas and cafes. The beach is an easy stop for a dip especially if you’re staying at the village. Umbrellas and sunbeds are rented out here.
This is the kind of beach you can spend the day at, as there are a few tavernas as well as free showers and plenty of greenery to find shade under during the hottest hours of the day. The stone and pebble beach is easily accessible by foot from Samos town.
On the road towards Kerveli, around the Poseidonio hotel, you’ll find Klima beach (southeast Samos). Far from the madding crowds, this pleasant little hideout has clean, blue-green shallow waters, and a pebble beach that turns into sand as you enter the sea.
Also known as The Long Beach, this lively beach with small pebbles and a scattering of tavernas is near Kokkari town and is popular amongst windsurfers because of its strong northern winds.
Located 12km from Vathi, this is one of the island’s most loved beaches, Lemonakia has fine sand and crystal clear, azure waters. Part of the beach has umbrellas and sunbeds for rent and there is also a taverna for a spot of lunch.
A sandy and fine pebble beach for the more adventurous visitor, as it can only be reached by foot or by boat. Located on the northwesterern coast of Samos on its mountainous side, the beach is considered one of the island’s most idyllic, as it is wild, secluded and especially loved by those who value their privacy, and nudists. There are no beach bars or restaurants, so bring water and sunscreen.
A small isolated pebble and rock beach on the mountainous, northwestern side of the island that can only be reached by hiking. Not as scenic as Megalo Seitani, just a little further on.
A small pebble beach with a natural marina for small boats, in northeast Samos, located 6km from Vathi. Nearby you’ll find Mikri Lakka beach and the Monastery of Zodochou Pigis.
A 3km pebble beach laced with greenery is well protected from strong winds and is around 10km south of Vathi. The beach, which has several options, is ideal for those who like to keep busy in the sun, offering numerous water sports facilities as well as umbrellas and sunbeds for rent. Also good for children, as the water is of medium depth.
Just a few hundred meters from the Ireon archaeological site, and easily reachable by car, this beach is slightly uncomfortable as it has sharp rocks and pebbles at some points (this is particularly the case at a little beach that comes off the main one), thus special footwear is advised. There are umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, as well as a shower and small changing room. Above the beach is a nice taverna.
A small, quiet beach ideal for relaxing without disturbances, with very clean waters and several choices of tavernas, for your lunch break. It’s located 8km southeast of Vathi.
Potami (river) is a large pebble beach on the northeastern shore of Samos. It’s well worth taking the two-kilometer walk that starts at the river, takes you through a beautiful forest and concludes at the island’s famous waterfalls and a small lake that’s idea for a refreshing swim.
A very large sand and pebble beach in southern Samos, quite near the airport (you’ll definitely see at least one or two planes fly by as you swim) and various hotels of Pythagoreio. There are many tavernas alongside the beach, as well as umbrellas and sunbeds for rent.
Following the road to Kerveli in southern Samos, you’ll come across a sign leading you to Psylli Ammos, which is around 9km from Samos town (Vathi) and a 15 minute drive. Just one mile across from the Turkish coastline, this popular beach got its name from its very fine sand. It has shallow waters, which makes it especially welcoming to families with young children. The beach has sunbeds and umbrellas for rent.
Also known as Remataki, this cute, shallow, sandy beach gathers families, windsurfers and visitors who leave their boats in its bay. Located around 15km from Vathi, the beach has a bar serving refreshments and beer on tap and there are also sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. While there, you can visit the statue of Pythagoras by the beach.
A small island near the southern shore of Samos that can be visited daily from Pythagoreio in a one-hour trip on a small boat. The beach is considered one of Samos’ prettiest, because of it’s super fine, soft sand and crystalline azure waters and the lush vegetation on its rocky coves, yet its popularity also means that it’s often very busy with the boat-loads of visitors who stop over. There are a few umbrellas for rent and there’s a small tavern.
One of the island’s most touted beaches, Tsambou is a pebble beach with clean, crystal blue waters, and is surrounded by lush greenery. The beach has something for everyone, as there are a kiosk and some tavernas, and part of it has umbrellas and sunbeds for rent and showers, while further along the beach there is a more secluded part favored by nudists. It is located a little outside of Kokkari town and can be reached by following a steep path that leads from the central road.
This very large, pebble and sand beach in southern Samos, is lined with many tavernas, hotels and houses nearby and has sunbeds and umbrellas for rent.
This is the kind of beach you can spend the day at, as there are a few tavernas as well as free showers and plenty of greenery to find shade under during the hottest hours of the day. The stone and pebble beach is easily accessible by foot from Samos town.
Located 12km from Vathi, this is one of the island’s most loved beaches, Lemonakia has fine sand and crystal clear, azure waters. Part of the beach has umbrellas and sunbeds for rent and there is also a taverna for a spot of lunch.
Just a few hundred meters from the Ireon archaeological site, and easily reachable by car, this beach is slightly uncomfortable as it has sharp rocks and pebbles at some points (this is particularly the case at a little beach that comes off the main one), thus special footwear is advised. There are umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, as well as a shower and small changing room. Above the beach is a nice taverna.
Potami (river) is a large pebble beach on the northeastern shore of Samos. It’s well worth taking the two-kilometer walk that starts at the river, takes you through a beautiful forest and concludes at the island’s famous waterfalls and a small lake that’s idea for a refreshing swim.
A small island near the southern shore of Samos that can be visited daily from Pythagoreio in a one-hour trip on a small boat. The beach is considered one of Samos’ prettiest, because of it’s super fine, soft sand and crystalline azure waters and the lush vegetation on its rocky coves, yet its popularity also means that it’s often very busy with the boat-loads of visitors who stop over. There are a few umbrellas for rent and there’s a small tavern.
One of the island’s most touted beaches, Tsambou is a pebble beach with clean, crystal blue waters, and is surrounded by lush greenery. The beach has something for everyone, as there are a kiosk and some tavernas, and part of it has umbrellas and sunbeds for rent and showers, while further along the beach there is a more secluded part favored by nudists. It is located a little outside of Kokkari town and can be reached by following a steep path that leads from the central road.
Windsurfers rate Kokkari as one of the top destinations for the sport in Greece, not only because of the suitable weather conditions that boost enjoyment but also because of the well organized club and facilities obtainable there. Windsurfing competitions take place every summer with a huge participation by Greek and foreign athletes.
Samos is a treasure trove of exciting ancient finds for over 35 years, the Greek Archaeological Society has been carrying out digs in the region of the lower city of ancient Samos (which is about as large as the current size of Pythagoreio today), and they are continuing to do so. The dramatic development that has been taking place on the island due to tourism has led to the unearthing of the largest part of the ancient past via the Agora, public buildings, road networks and temples. There is a great deal to be explored here, with impressive finds such as the Heraion temple (or Temple of Hera), which is the largest Greek temple ever built, and the 4.8m high statue of the Kouros, as well as well organized and information-packed museums.
