SamosNorth Aegean Islands · Greece

All About Samos

Steeped in history and embellished by natural beauty, Samos is one of those islands that captures everything you love about Greece. Situated in the northeastern Aegean, close to Turkey, this large island is well known for being the birthplace of the goddess Hera, and the scientists and philosophers Pythagoras, Epicurus, and Aristarchus. Once an important maritime center, today it attracts all kinds of tourists due to its rich past and colorful present. Taking a ferry to Samos is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

From mountainous landscapes to waterfalls, wetlands, and stunning beaches, the island has plenty to offer everyone. Its population of just over 32,000 inhabitants is spread across the four municipalities of the capital and main port of Vathy, Karlovasi, Pythagoreio, and Marathokambos, as well as in tiny coastal villages and mountain settlements, where they welcome you to discover their distinct culture and cuisine.
 

Routes and Ferries to Samos

You can reach Samos from many destinations by booking your ferry tickets with Ferryscanner. If you wish to depart from the port of Piraeus in Athens, you can take the 10-hour journey with Blue Star Ferries or depart from Rafina for a 7.30 hour trip. You can also take a ferry to Samos from the islands with a range of ferry operators, such as ANE Kalymnou. Sail from Ikaria (2.30 hrs), Agathonisi (1.20 hrs), Arkyi (2.30 hrs), Chios (4.10 hrs), Fourni (2 hrs), Inousses (5 hrs), Kalymnos (5.15 hrs), Kos (5 hrs), Leros (5.50 hrs), Limnos (12.30 hrs), Lesvos/Mitilini (5-7 hrs), Lipsi (4.35 hrs), Mykonos (4 hrs), Patmos (3.30 hrs), Rhodes (5.30) hrs, Syros (5-6 hrs) and Tinos (4-5 hrs). You can also book your ferry tickets from Kavala to Samos with Hellenic Seaways, which takes around 16 hours.

Samos can also be accessed by air, with short flights from Athens, Thessaloniki, Chios, Lemnos, Mytilini, and Rhodes arriving at the Samos International Airport ‘Aristarchos’ all year round. There are also many direct European charter flights to the island in the summer months and the airport is located about 4km away from Pythagoreio.

If you are arriving at Athens International Airport and want to reach the port of Piraeus to catch your ferry to Samos, there is an express bus service (X96) which will take you there directly. You can also get to Piraeus from the airport by train to Monastiraki station in Athens, from where you need to change onto the Piraeus line, or you can take a 40-minute taxi ride from the airport to the port.
 

Ports of Samos

There are three main ports on Samos that connect with mainland Greece and many of the islands in the East Aegean, the Cyclades and the Dodecanese. Vathi is the main port and capital of Samos, which sits on the northeastern side of the island and serves ferry connections to Piraeus, Mykonos, Syros, Patmos, and Rhodes, as well as to Turkey. The second port of Karlovasi can be found to the northwest of the island and connects ferries travelling from Piraeus, Ikaria, Fourni, Chios, Lesvos, as well as Mykonos and Syros.

On the southeastern side of Samos, you will find the port of Pythagoreio, which is the main ferry departure point for the Dodecanese group of islands such as Leros, Symi, Kos, Kalymnos, and Rhodes. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to Samos.
 

Capital & Villages

 You will find a wide range of towns and villages on Samos, some of which are busy ports like Vathi, and other traditional hamlets dotted around the coast and the mountainside. Vathi is also the island’s capital and has a large population of 9,000 residents. The amphitheatrical setting on the hill slopes makes it an impressive point of call and you will find traces of its past in its old Venetian and neoclassical style buildings. Tourism is well developed here, with a long list of bars, restaurants, and hotels, in addition to quaint fish taverns and cafés. Well worth a visit while you are there are the Byzantine Museum and the Archaeological Museum, with its colossal 5.5-meter kouros statue, in addition to the church of Agios Spyridon.

Karlovasi

Karlovasi is the second largest town of Samos with around 5,000 inhabitants and is located 32km northwest of Vathi, acting as the second port and main commercial center. The three settlements of Karlovasi are wonderful contrasts, with the old town and port, the middle town and the new town. As you walk around, you can discover its affluent past with the neoclassical buildings and elegant mansions, as well as finding several lovely churches, such as that of the Holy Trinity (the church of Agia Triada) standing tall on the hilltop. A Byzantine castle ruin, old tanneries, ceramic workshops, and small waterfalls add to the charm of this vibrant coastal town.

Pythagoreio

Named after the famous Greek philosopher and mathematician, Pythagoras, this epic village is built on the ancient 5th century BCE city of Samos and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is built in amphitheatrical style, with enchanting cobblestone streets, well-preserved red-roofed houses, charming cafeterias, and welcoming restaurants, as well as a grand statue of Pythagoras himself in the harbor. Explore the island’s past in the modern Archaeological Museum and at the Castle of Lykourgos Logothetis, which is also now a museum. You must visit the archaeological site of the Temple of Hera, as well as the Roman baths, the Tunnel of Efpalinus, the ancient theatre, and the more recent Monastery of Panagia Spiliani.

Marathokampos

This picturesque village sits on the slopes of Mount Kerkis to the southwest of Vathi and is a scenic mix of lush greenery, narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed stone houses with stunning sea views. Wander around its small squares, stop at one of the traditional fountains, and pick up some excellent olive oil and handmade soap as you soak up the delightful ambiance. Nearby lies the cave of Pythagoras where, according to legend, the great mathematician took refuge to escape from the tyrant Polycrates. Another small cave houses the church of Panagia Sarantaskaliotissa while to the west you will find Kakoperato cave, full of magical stalactites and stalagmites.

Manolates

Make your way to the scenic village of Manolates to admire the beguiling landscape of the lush plane tree forest and the gushing Kakorema creek. Ramble on through the shady tree-lined streets and along the narrow alleyways past the traditional stone-built houses before stopping at one of the local taverns to sample the excellent local cuisine and famous island wine. Hikers can follow a lovely paved path to the neighboring village of Stavrinides and if you have a 4×4, you can reach the top of Mount Ampelos at a height of 1,153 meters.
 

Best Beaches

 Samos is well known for its superb beaches – crystalline waters mirroring rich green landscapes in curved bays and hidden coves. Many of the popular beaches are well organized while others are favorites with naturists due to their secluded and serene locations.

Lemonakia Beach

A sheltered bay just 13km northwest of Vathi, this beach is partly organized and a small beach bar provides snacks and cold drinks. The soft sand and clear waters make it a popular choice and the lush pine trees reflect in the sea to create a very tropical feel.

Psili Ammos Beach

A lovely long, sandy beach 11km away from Vathi that has remained unspoiled and relatively quiet, with shallow waters and good protection from the wind. It also marks the closest distance between Greece and Turkey (1,200 meters). Sunbeds and umbrellas are available, as well as beach bars and a couple of taverns serving the best of the island’s seafood.

Kedros Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in Samos, Kedros boasts crystal clear waters and white pebbles, with a backdrop of lush vegetation making it extremely scenic. It is located 5km northwest of Vathi yet is mostly unorganized and therefore calm and tranquil. The beach is popular with kitesurfers and windsurfers who gather on windy days to enjoy the waves.

Potami Beach

Potami is an amazing large pebbled beach with turquoise waters about 34km away from Vathi on the northeastern coast. Its rare beauty enamors all who visit, with a verdant landscape of pine trees sloping down to the sea. Located at the mouth of a river (‘potami’ in Greek), you can walk upstream through the dense forest and swim in a small lake until you reach the sparkling waterfalls.

Mikro and Megalo Seitani Beaches

These two beaches are accessible by boat or walking and well worth a visit. Mikro Seitani lies 35km northwest of Vathi and is a place of great natural beauty, flanked by windswept rocks. Megalo Seitani is just 3km further on, at the mouth of the impressive Kakoperato Gorge, and is a popular spot to unwind, both for swimmers and monk seals. There are no amenities on the beaches, so be prepared to take water and snacks with you on your visit.

Tsabou Beach

Tsabou Beach is a large bay about 15km northwest of Vathi that can sometimes get windy, with a deep, pebbled seafloor. It is a popular beach due to its heavenly setting amongst coastal rocks and lush green vegetation, with a smaller, more secluded beach right next to it. You can enjoy its azure waters or take a seat at the nearby tavern for some delicious island dishes while enjoying the sublime view.
 

Transportation Around Samos

There are many ways to explore Samos and due to its large size, you will be able to visit all of the locations on your wishlist either by public transport or on your own. Local buses run frequently on a daily basis, departing from the main station in Vathi or if you prefer, take one of the many taxis available. You can also rent a car or motorcycle and explore the island at your leisure, allowing you to reach even the most secluded spots.