SAMOS ISLAND
Visit Samos. Samos is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, with a population of 30.200 people. It has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers, which make it an ideal destination for nature lovers, as due to the geomorphology and the microclimate there is lushness and huge biodiversity. A variety of pine, olive, and fruit-bearing trees cover almost all of the island from the high mountains to the shores with crystal clear water. Some unique species of the fauna of Samos are the golden jackal, the stone marten, the wild boar, flamingos, and the monk seal.
Samos is famous for its vineyards and wine production, especially Muscat wine, and is also known for its many archaeological sites, some of which have been characterized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. It is the birthplace of the Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, after whom the Pythagorean theorem is named, the philosophers Melissos of Samos and Epicurus, and the astronomer Aristarchus of Samos, the first known individual whom history credits with the first recorded heliocentric model of the Solar System. In ancient times, there was a school of sculptors and architects that included Rhoikos, the architect of the Temple of Hera (Olympia), and the great sculptor and inventor Theodoros, who is said to have invented with Rhoikos the art of casting statues in bronze.
Beaches
Visit Samos. Samos beaches are famous for their green surrounding and crystal clear water. Although some of them are organized and popular, they keep their picturesque ambiance. Many secluded bays can also be found for more privacy and some are frequented by naturists. You will find below a list of the best beaches in Samos Island.
Psili ammos
Location: 12km south-east of Vathy
Psili Ammos is a large beach with the name originated from “fine sand” as it is sandy, with very shallow and turquoise water, which makes it ideal for children. On the way to the beach, you will find a salt lake that sometimes hosts beautiful flamingos. Psili Ammos is organized, with sunbeds and umbrellas, and there are many local taverns in the area. You can go to Psili Ammos either by public bus or by car.
Limnionas
Location: 55km north-west from Vathy
Limnionas is a charming sandy beach with calm waters in a beautiful mountain setting. It is located to the west of Marathokambos and it is organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and restaurants, but it doesn’t get overcrowded. You can reach Limnionas Beach by car.
Mykali
Location: 10km south-east of Vathy
Mykali is a long pebbly shore of about 3 km with medium-depth and crystal-clear water. It is partially organized and there are water sports operating in the area. Mykali’s surroundings retain an unspoiled natural landscape of great beauty and lush vegetation. What makes this beach interesting is that visitors can see the opposite coasts of Turkey. You can reach Mykali Beach either by public bus or by car.
Kokkari
Location: 11,5km north-west of Vathy
Kokkari Beach is about a kilometer long, and it is known for its small white pebbles and clear blue waters. There is a variety of beach bars, cafes, and restaurants by the sea, offering food and drinks, as well as umbrellas and sunbeds to relax under the sun. Sometimes, it can get very windy, making it ideal for windsurfing. There is even a surf school operating in the area, for those eager to try new water sports experiences. You can reach Kokkari Beach by public bus or by car.
Kasonisi
Location: 11km east of Vathy
Kasonisi is a small island to the east side, separated from Samos by a narrow strait. This is not actually a beach, but the strait has some amazing turquoise shallow waters for swimming and exploring the seabed with a mask on. It is accessible by car via a dirt road and then by walking through a rocky path down to it or by boat.
Glikorisa
Location: 11,5km south of Vathy
Glikorisa is another organized beach in Samos, located in Pountes, close to Pythagorion town. The partly pebbly sandy cove has crystal clear green waters and offers amenities such as beach bars and restaurants. There are also showers and changing rooms, as well as a playground for children. You can access Glikorisa by public bus or by car.
Potami
Location: 35 km north-west of Vathy
Potami is a long pebbly shore close to Karlovasi, near Potami Waterfalls. Its crystalline waters and green surroundings make it a top destination for a day at the beach. It is partially organized and has a beach bar with sunbeds and umbrellas. Sometimes it can get windy, but it is ideal if you want to enjoy a beautiful sunset at the sea. You can access Potami by car.
Pythagorio & Potokaki
Location: 14,5-16 km south-west of Vathy
Pythagorio & Potokaki Beach is one long coast near the airport, divided into two bays: Pythagorio Bay, which is smaller with pebbles, and sand, and is closer to Pythagorio, and Potokaki Bay, a very long pebble beach. Both of them are organized and there are also water sports facilities available. It is mainly busy with young people, as there are many beach bars, such as Asterias Seaside Experience and Mare Deus beach bar. You can reach Pythagorio and Potokaki Beach by public bus or by car.
Kerveli
Location: 11,5 km southeast of Vathy
Kerveli is a secluded beach with small pebbles, sand, and beautiful green water. It is surrounded by green vegetation and there are trees providing shade. There are a few sunbeds and umbrellas, as well as restaurants, and a diving center nearby offers you the opportunity to explore the crystal-clear water of Samos. You can access Kerveli Beach by car.
Livadaki
Location: 11,5 km north of Vathy
Livadaki looks like a tropical paradise with turquoise, and serene waters, which are also shallow and very kid-friendly. The cove has an amazing setting as it is hidden among rocky cliffs and palm trees, protected from most winds and open seas. Livadaki is organized and has amenities such as umbrellas, sunbeds, a beach bar, and canoes. You can get there by car, but there are about 3 km of dirt road.
Chrysi (or Psili) Ammos
Location: 53km south-west of Vathy
Chrysi Ammos (golden sand) is one of the most beautiful beaches in Samos, due to its fine sand and pine tree surrounding. The beach is partly organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and restaurants located behind the trees. You can reach Chrysi Ammos by car and a 3min walk from the parking to the beach.
Tsamadou
Location: 13km north-west of Vathy
Tsamadou Beach is a long pebbly shore with sand on the inside and its crystalline waters and green surroundings create amazing scenery for the guests. It is partially organized with sunbeds and umbrellas and attracts young people, as there is a beach bar called Navagos. On the right side of the shore, you will find the nudist part of the beach. You can reach Tsamadou Beach by public bus or by car.
Kaladakia
Location: 42,5km south-west of Vathy
Kaladakia is a hidden gem of Samos with small white pebbles and crystal clear water. It is partially organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a small snack bar. This beach is known for its magical cave where you can take amazing photos and dive in the turquoise waters. Kaladakia Beach is accessible via car, but you would have to cross a dirt road to get there.
Mourtia
Location: 12km north-east of Vathy
Mourtia Beach is a pebbly bay located between the green mountains of Vlamari. There is a food truck operating in the area, but the beach is not organized. There are lots of small fishing boats floating on the crystal clear water of Mourtia, creating a picturesque scenery. You can access Mourtia by car, through Vlamari village.
Megali Lakka
Location: 11,5- 12,5km east of Vathy
Those two sandy bays are surrounded by trees, offering shadow for those who wish to relax on an isolated beach. Mikri (small) Lakka has wooden tables where you can have a picnic and Megali (big) Lakka is more organized with a few sunbeds and umbrellas. Both beaches are difficult to access, as you have to follow a dirt road by car and then have a 5-minute walk to the first one, Mikri Lakka, and a 15-minute walk to Megali Lakka. There is also the choice of going there by boat leaving from Pythagorio for daily excursion.
Pappa beach
Location: 22,5km south-west of Vathy, Ireon Samos
Pappa Beach is a pebble bay with green waters located on a hill, surrounded by pine trees. It is an organized beach with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a snack bar. The beach is accessible by car through a dirt road and you would have to walk for 2 minutes down the hill to the beach.
Villages
Visit Samos. Mountainous villages with old houses and characteristic narrow streets, numerous attractions, archaeological sites, and museums. Traditional villages, some peaceful and picturesque, while others bustling with people and vibrant life.
Vathy
The capital of Samos is called Samos or Vathy and is located on the northeastern part of the island, around the bay. Old Vathy is built amphitheatrically on the hill slopes, overlooking the town of Samos, two settlements that are actually connected. It is one of the oldest villages of Samos displaying some old Venetian and neoclassic buildings as well as modern ones. The enchanting landscape where houses are built creates an attractive scenery.
On the other hand, Samos town is a lively place, extremely developed with many facilities, accommodations, bars, and restaurants. It is the home of many neoclassical buildings that represent the traditional architecture of Samos. Some of them house the Archaeological Museum and Town Hall.
The port of Vathy is one of the three main ports of the island. Seaside taverns and cafes lie around the port and narrow streets wind uphill between the old houses with the colored walls and well-cared gardens. Among the sightseeings of Vathy are the church of Agios Spyridon, the Byzantine Museum, and the exceptional Archaeological Museum.
Karlovasi
Karlovasi is the second largest town of Samos and it counts on 5,000 inhabitants most of whom are engaged in tourism and fishing. It is located 32 km northwest of Samos town. The town of Karlovasi lies in one of the most fertile areas of Samos and consists of three settlements: the old town (at the port), the middle town, and the new town.
The whole area is adorned with 19th-century neoclassical buildings and elegant mansions that witness its glorious past. Numerous impressive churches embellish the town, like the Church of the Holy Trinity (the church of Agia Triada) that stands on top of the highest hill in Karlovasi, dominating the settlement.
Deserted tanneries still stand today, remnants of a time when commerce and trade flourished which brought wealth to the inhabitants of Karlovasi. It is the town where the first newspaper of Samos was published. Karlovasi offers many sights like the ruins of a Byzantine castle, the ceramic workshops, and the waterfalls.
Pythagorion
This village is located 14 km south-west of Vathy and it is considered to be the most developed village of Samos. It owes its name to the famous philosopher and scientist Pythagoras, as it was his birthplace, thus it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The pretty village is built amphitheatrically around the natural bay, where the ancient town of Samos was found. Around the port you can find many excursions and fishing boats and the beach is located within a short walking distance from the settlement of Pythagorio. Old and well-preserved houses with traditional Samian architecture, paved alleyways, taverns, and bars create a charming scenery for the guests. A few cultural sites worth visiting are the ancient Polycratian Walls and Logothetis Tower, the Archaeological Museum, and the astonishing Tunnel of Efpalinos.
Ireon
Ireon is a seaside village in the southwest part of the island, 21km from Vathy. Its name comes from the ancient site of the Temple of Hera (or “Kolona”=column, as known by the Samians), which is located close to the village. It consists of buildings with modern architecture, as it was constructed recently, but there are a few traditional stone houses seaside that have been preserved. There are many cafeterias and restaurants in the area, as well as many small beaches. The Temple of Hera is a worth visiting archaeological site and it is considered to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Mytilini
One of the largest and most atmospheric villages of Samos, Mytilini, is built amphitheatrically within a valley, 14 km south-west of Vathy. It was named after the people who moved from Mytilene to Samos Island around the 18th century after a major earthquake occurred at Lesvos and destroyed a big part of it. The village has many shops, cafeterias, and restaurants around the main square, and back in the old days it was famous for the production of tobacco and excellent wine. It is known for its six churches and many chapels around the area, and it, also, hosts the Natural History Museum of the Aegean. A hidden gem in the village is an outdoor cinema operating in the summer season.
Kokkari
A small peninsula 10km north-west from Vathy, full of houses that climb up to the top of the hill, with a small harbor on one side and a superb sandy beach on the other. Kokkari village is quite developed with many amenities like hotels, cafeterias, and restaurants. The traditional architecture, the footpaths, and the brightly painted fishing boats in the little harbor are the finishing touches to this picturesque village. About fifteen minutes’ walk beyond the village, there is the locality ¨Mana¨, where, under the shade of the many plane trees found there and the clean waters of the natural spring “Mana”, is the country Chapel of St’ Panteleimon.
Vourliotes
Vourliotes is a 16th-century village, 20km north-west of Vathy, surrounded by tall pine trees, olive groves, and vineyards. It is located 360m above the sea, so the view is spectacular. Walking through the narrow alleys and the restored houses of the village, and trying local products at the shops and restaurants, will bring you closer to the traditions of Samos. Vourliotes is a leading producer of Muscat grapes and wine, so there are plenty of vineyards and streams in the area. What is worth seeing is the natural spring of Pnaka, as well as the Monastery of Vrontiani, the oldest in Samos. From there, taking a 3-hour hike you can reach the summit of mountain Karvounis and enjoy the charming view.
Manolates
Manolates is one of the most picturesque villages of Samos, lying 23 km northwest of Vathy. Manolates is a traditional village consisting of cobblestone narrow alleys, old stone houses, and traditional taverns and cafeterias and it is surrounded by vineyards. Visitors can explore numerous well-signposted hiking trails into the enchanting surrounding area known as Aidonia Valley, overlooking the Aegean, as Manolates is located at the foothills of Mt Karvounis. Worth-seeing highlights are the pottery and loom weaving workshops that offer you the opportunity to witness how traditional crafts were made.
Ambelos
North-west from Vathy, taking its name from the Greek for vine, Ambelos is your introduction to wine-growing Samos. It is full of picturesque streets and well-maintained houses, typical of Samian architecture, as well as a few tavernas, some with great views of the Aegean, with classic Greek dishes made unforgettable by local flavors. There’s a hiking trail from the parking lot through pine trees and olive groves to impressive waterfalls and caves just half an hour away.
Marathokambos
Heading south-west, 45km from Vathy and at the foothills of Mt Kerkis, Marathokambos village was named after the bay known for its many beaches. It is located on the hill and consists of paved alleys, stone houses, springs, and churches. Near the village are located the caves of Sarantaskaliotissa (named after the 40 steps leading to the cave in which there is a church) and Pythagoras (where the great mathematician is said to have fled to escape the tyrant Polycrates).
