Samos has something for everyone. Families can enjoy the island’s ample facilities and serene spots, singles can opt for the seaside bars and nightclubs. The local cuisine is superb and the dining options unlimited. Samos also boasts an excellent network of hiking trails, as well as some excellent diving sites. Vathi, the capital and main port of the island, buzzes with activity throughout the year. There, you will find everything you need, and more – shops, restaurants, bars, night clubs, the town-hall, the court-house, stunning neoclassical buildings and an exquisite archaeological museum.
You can also visit the Ecclesiastical museum and the museum of Samian Wine, the famed sweet local wine that is being produced here since ancient times. Karlovasi is the second town and port. A cluster of 5 areas that hosts the University of Aegean, which lends the town a lively vibe of youthful bonhomie. Karlovasi has a romantic quality, with its the abandoned tobacco factories lined-up at the waterfront, the old mansions, the magnificent sunsets and the imposing mount Kerkis looming at the backdrop.
The unspoilt fishing village of Kokkari is one of the island’s most popular places, not least because of its scenic setting, beautiful beaches and traditional island charm. Time here seems to have stopped sometime in the early ’90s, lending it a perfectly relaxing vibe despite the crowded bars and tavernas lapped by the sea.
The village of Ambelos boasts vineyards and waterfalls, and Manolates is home to a group of Greek and international artists who arrived and fell in love with the village. From the village Vourliotes, with its quaint plaza shaded by trees, you can get to Moni Vronda, the island’s oldest convent, and the diminutive church of Profitis Ilias, built at 1,150m height on the slopes of lush mount Karvounis.
Best beaches in Samos
Balos A beautiful bay with dazzling waters that remains quiet even during peak season. You will find a number of small tavernas here.
Chrysi Ammos A stunning stretch of golden sand and dazzling shallow waters, frequented by families with children.
Lemonakia A long, sandy bay with flat pebbles and turquoise waters close to Kokkari. There are sunbeds and a small taverna.
Mikali A pebbled bay which was the site of a great naval battle, this beach has crystal clear waters and also has sunbeds.
Mourtia A gorgeous pebbled bay with dazzling clear waters and a rough seabed, close to the convent of Zoodochos Pigi.
Potami A setting of eye-catching beauty. The river of Karlovasi and its 6 waterfalls spill into the sea. Pebbled, with stunningly clear waters.
Psili Ammos A long sandy stretch with shallow waters – you have to walk forever for the water to get deep. Organised and family-friendly.
Pythagorio The beach of Pythagorio village stretches for almost 1km. Sandy, with crystal clear waters and backed by hotels, restaurants and bars.
Seitani Accessible only by boat, this spectacular bay with its dazzling blue waters is home to the Mediterranean monk seal. Non-organized and no facilities.
Tsabou A charming pebbled bay with crystal clear waters close to Avlakia. There are sunbeds and a small taverna.
Tsamadou A stunning pebbled bay back by pine-trees and lined with sunbeds. This is the “official” nudist beach of the island.
