link to Samos in google maps::
https://www.google.com/maps/@37.7246634,26.8179122,11z?hl=sw&entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDEwNy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
Samos – lush nature, authentic villages and genuine Greek atmosphere
Samos is one of the greenest and most diverse Greek islands, and is located in the northeastern Aegean Sea, close to the coast of Turkey. The island offers a rare combination of lush mountains, crystal-clear bathing waters, charming villages and historical attractions – all within short distances.
Here you will find lively holiday resorts, small fishing villages and almost untouched natural areas, where the pace is slow and the atmosphere genuinely Greek. Samos is perfect for those who want a more authentic holiday in Greece, away from the most touristy islands, yet still with great beaches, tavernas and experiences.
We have been traveling to Samos for over 20 years and return again and again. The island continues to surprise – and that is exactly what makes Samos a place you don’t just visit once, but fall in love with.
Traveling to Samos
From many countries, you can fly directly to Samos International Airport, or alternatively fly to Athens and then take either a domestic flight or a ferry from Piraeus to Samos
An approach you will remember
The approach to Samos is an experience in itself. The aircraft makes a sharp turn to clear the mountains, and the runway is relatively short, resulting in a firm deceleration – completely safe, but quite spectacular.
Once you have collected your luggage and exit the airport building, there are usually plenty of taxis waiting to the left of the exit. There is no public transport (bus) from the airport to the rest of the island. If you prefer, you must take a taxi to Pythagorion, which is located less than 2 km from the airport. From here, there are bus connections further around the island. A taxi from the airport to Kokkari, where we usually stay, costs approximately 40 euros (2025).
Below you will find a couple of YouTube videos that give a small glimpse of what awaits on this beautiful island.
Pythagorion – history, harbor and life
The nearest town to the airport is Pythagorion, which is located approximately 2 km east of the airport. The town is named after the mathematician Pythagoras, who was born here. Today, the town is a popular holiday destination with:
- a lively harbor promenade
- beautiful small streets further up behind the town
- good restaurants and cafés, and plenty of small guesthouses/hotels to stay in
Although the town has lost some of its original charm due to tourism, Pythagorion is still very beautiful and absolutely worth a visit. From the harbor, there are also good ferry connections to nearby islands – we are particularly fond of Dodekanisos Seaways, which operates quickly and punctually. There is a small town beach on the eastern side of the town (Paradise Beach) and plenty of beach on the other side towards the airport.
The east coast – small villages and hidden gems
East of Pythagorion you will find small, cozy coastal towns and beaches:
- Psili Ammos – fine sandy beach
- Klima and Posidonio – calm and authentic places
There are also swimming boat trips available from Pythagorion. Distances on Samos are manageable, and the island is perfect to explore by scooter or motorcycle.
Further north lies the narrow strait towards the small island of Kassonisi, where the turquoise-blue water between Samos and its small neighboring island is among the most beautiful on the island.
Posidonio
Monasteries, viewpoints and Samos Town
On the northern part of the east coast you will find:
- Mourtia Beach – a popular spot for locals, especially on weekends.
- The Zoodochos Monastery, beautifully located in the mountains – the journey there offers fantastic viewpoints and lush nature and is highly recommended.
From here, it is a short drive to Samos Town (Vathy) – the island’s capital. The town offers:
- a busy harbor
- cozy shopping streets
- old neighborhoods in the elevated old town behind the harbor, with flowering streets and beautiful views over the sea
There is a strong sense of local life and atmosphere in Samos Town, making it a must-visit. There are many shops, and you can also visit the local store Franzeskos, which sells the island’s specialties in ouzo and brandy, both of very high quality.
Samos Town offers both historical charm and modern conveniences, and from here the island’s coastline opens up to other beautiful natural experiences. Following the coast northwards, you will find Gagou Beach on the outskirts of the town, beautifully located in a large, inviting bay. The coastal drive offers both impressive views and areas with a more rugged landscape, giving the area its distinctive variation.
Further north lies the popular Livadaki Beach, known for its crystal-clear water and lively atmosphere, but often also overcrowded. Continuing a little further, you will find the more peaceful gem Agia Paraskevi. Here, a small, charming church is located behind the harbor, which was expanded in 2024. Agia Paraskevi offers a cozy taverna with friendly service and classic Greek food, as well as a small beach with natural shade from the trees behind it. For those seeking more comfort, a few sunbeds are available at no extra cost.
Kokkari and nearby beaches
If you drive west from Samos Town along the coastal road, you pass the small town/beach of Kedros, which is a popular spot for surfers, and then you reach the charming coastal town of Kokkari, one of the most popular places on Samos. The town has developed a lot over the past 20 years, but we believe it has still preserved its authentic charm and cozy atmosphere.
In the town of Kokkari, there is plenty of beach space. The largest and longest beach is Long Beach, which stretches from the area by the small harbor and all the way out of town towards the west. In the small, cozy harbor there is also a small beach, and then there is “Little Lemonakia,” which is a beautiful bathing cove to the east.
Kokkari is also a perfect starting point for exploring some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, just a few kilometers to the west:
Lamonakia Beach Samos – a beach with clear water and very lush and beautiful nature. Ideal for snorkeling and peaceful days by the sea. Sunbeds are available, but there is also plenty of space to simply enjoy the beach on your towel. There is also a taverna.
Tzamadou Beach Samos – a hidden gem surrounded by green, lush cliffs. The beach has a zone designated for naturists. Sunbeds and a taverna are available.
Tsabou Beach Samos – known for its easy accessibility, with parking right down by the beach, and calm swimming conditions, ideal for families and relaxation.
In Kokkari, there is a wide selection of accommodation options – from cozy hotels or small guesthouses in the town and by the harbor to accommodation located directly at the popular Long Beach. The town’s old streets invite you on small discovery walks, where you can experience local life and atmosphere. The combination of beautiful beaches, authentic surroundings, and a relaxing atmosphere makes Kokkari an ideal holiday destination on Samos.
A few photos from lovely Kokkari
Kokkari has a fantastic selection of dining options. For lunch, we recommend the gyros stand on the main street (right by the taxi rank), and in the evening, Taverna Birra is one of our favorites – but part of the charm is also exploring on your own and choosing your very own favorite – perhaps on “taverna street” right out by the waterfront.
If we drive along the coast to the west from Kokkari and past the three beautiful beaches mentioned above, we arrive at the small, cozy village of Avlakia, where there is both local life, a small beach, and nice tavernas. A good place to eat in the evening under the stars.
Mountain villages and the Nightingale Valley:
Vourliotes
Menolates
Ambelos
Continuing along the coastal road westwards, it is a must to visit some of the incredibly cozy small mountain villages up in the mountains. Vourliotes comes first. An amazingly beautiful drive from the coastal road up through the Nightingale Valley. The area is very lush with many natural springs. Take a walk around the small streets of Vourliotes and perhaps enjoy a refreshment at one of the cozy tavernas.
Down to the main road again and a little further on, a new beautiful road leads up to Menolates, which is also definitely worth a visit. By the way, there is a hiking trail from Kokkari to Vourliotes and on to Menolates. The stretch from Vourliotes to Menolates can also be done on an off-road motorcycle.
The next beautiful mountain village is Ambelos and above it Sparinides. From this village there is an absolutely indescribable view over the great blue sea from its high elevation. Before reaching the village itself, there is a path at the last bend (look for a small sign in right side og the road) that leads to two waterfalls. One of them is fairly tall and located in very beautiful and lush surroundings.
Continuing west, we arrive at Agios Konstantinos. Here, in our opinion, you can get the island’s best fish dishes at the excellent Aialos taverna/fish restaurant. Many locals eat here on weekends, as it is top quality and perfectly located right on the beach. Highly recommended.
West Samos and Karlovassi
Karlovassi is Samos’ second-largest town and was previously an industrial and shipbuilding center. The town is interesting, lively, and well worth experiencing.
From here you can reach:
- Potami Beach – long and beautiful beach
- The Potami Waterfalls – a short, adventurous hike through lush forest
- Agios Nikolaos Church – with a beautiful view over the sea and Potami Beach
- Mikro Seitani hike – from the end of Potami Beach to the small, beautiful beach, and possibly further on to the larger beach Megalo Seitani. Remember water. It is a hot hike with some climbing.
- Vakakis Winery – in the mountains behind Karlovassi you will find Vakakis Winery. Very friendly people who offer wine tasting of their selection. The tasting is free if you buy a few bottles (or more) to take home.
Vakakis winery
At Potami, as mentioned in the heading, there is the possibility of a short hike through the forest to the Potami Waterfalls. The forest is very lush and somewhat “troll-like.” When you reach the first waterfall, you must walk/swim in the cold river water for the last stretch to get all the way under the largest waterfall. The fall is not very high, perhaps 2–3 meters, but the nature is fantastically beautiful. You can climb/hike further up along the river, where there are several smaller falls.
From Karlovassi across the mountains to the interior of Samos and the south coast
From Karlovassi on the west coast, the journey continues across Samos’ lush interior and onwards to the sunny south coast. The drive offers beautiful mountain landscapes, green valleys, and a more authentic side of the island, where the pace is slower and nature and traditions still play a major role.
Along the way, you pass the wine-producing mountain village of Platanos, known for its cozy atmosphere and traditional Greek village life. On the village square, you can sit in the shade of the impressive old plane trees and enjoy the calm and local atmosphere. Platanos is an ideal place to take a break and enjoy a good meal – here, The Leon Taverna serves classic, authentic Greek food made from local ingredients.
After visiting Platanos, the trip can continue towards the village of Koumaradei, which is famous throughout Samos for its long-standing tradition of pottery. There are still active potters here, and a visit gives a unique insight into local craftsmanship and is a perfect opportunity to buy beautiful, locally produced ceramics as souvenirs. Behind the pottery shop is a cozy taverna with a fantastic view over the beautiful nature of the island’s interior.
The journey through the interior of Samos is more than just a means of transport – it is an experience in itself, where nature, culture, and genuine Greek everyday life come together before continuing towards the south coast’s beaches and coastal towns.
The south coast – history and tranquility
On the south coast you will find:
- The Tunnel of Eupalinos – an impressive ancient engineering work, a tunnel that in antiquity was used to lead water to Pythagorion.
- Timiou Monastery, located high in the mountains behind Pythagorion, offering a fantastic view over Pythagorion and the distant coast of Turkey.
- Panagia Spiliani Monastery – the cave monastery Monastery of Panagia Spiliani, which has a cave dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It was founded as far back as 1586, and 95 steps lead down into the peaceful cave, which has a small church at one end.
- Ireon – a cozy town with a beach and tavernas.
Further west you will find:
- Ormos – a small fishing village without mass tourism. A perfect place to stay if you want peace and authentic Greek atmosphere.
- Votsalakia – a classic holiday town with a long beach and good facilities.
- Balos Beach – fantastically beautiful and long beach with plenty of space. Cliffs and caves at the far end.
- Pythagoras’ Cave
Further west lies the small beach Kaladakia, with a beautiful cave you can swim into. An exciting place to swim/snorkel.
In this part of the island, we particularly like Pefkos and especially Balos Beach, where there is plenty of space and fantastic water. There are also several places to eat with views over the beautiful sea. It is especially beautiful in the late afternoon, when the sun sits a bit lower over the sparkling water. Taverna Stella at the far western end is said to be something special. However, we have never eaten there, as it is only open in the evening.
Speaking of caves, on the southern part of Samos you can also explore Pythagoras’ Cave, where he is said to have lived for a time after fleeing from Polycrates. It requires a bit of climbing along a carved path to reach the fairly large cave.
Continuing west, you arrive at the holiday town of Votsalakia, which is quite popular. It is a proper holiday town with a long, lovely beach. Plenty of holiday apartments, places to eat, and supermarkets. Although it is a tourist area, you will also find genuine tavernas where there is no menu, but instead you are invited into the kitchen to see what is being offered that day. Everything you need for a holiday is here, and if you want to rent a vehicle to explore further away from the town, this is also possible. From the airport to Votsalakia it is about a one-hour drive.
Further west from Votsalakia there are several beautiful beaches, such as Psili Ammos (one of Samos’ two “real” sandy beaches), which is a lovely sandy beach, and further on Limnionas.
If you are still adventurous and continue further west, there are suddenly very few tourists to be seen. Here you are alone with the beautiful nature of Samos. There are several lovely swimming spots and beautiful viewpoints.
Years ago, you could drive to the beautiful and unique place “End of the World,” which was a very remotely located taverna called Kohili Taverna, with the most fantastic view and a lovely small beach below. The primitive road to the place starts immediately after Limnionas Beach.
I have heard rumors that the place is permanently closed, but I do not know for sure. The taverna owner’s brother built a large house right next to the taverna a few years ago, so some of the special atmosphere disappeared. If it is possible, it is a place we would definitely like to experience again.
The west coast heading north – Drakei
When driving north along the west coast, you are met by some of the most beautiful and lush nature on Samos. Here you will find the remote mountain village of Drakei, which is car-free.
The priest often welcomes visitors, and there are several small tavernas. We chose to eat at an elderly woman’s place without a menu – she simply lifted the lids off the pots.
After lunch, you can walk along small paths with fantastic views and possibly take the path down to Megalo Moutia Beach.
Notice the local boat builder, who still builds large wooden boats in the village.
After that, it is the same road back.
Why we love Samos
We have visited Samos almost every year for over 20 years and still discover new places. The island has a perfect size, allowing you to quickly move from tourist areas to untouched nature and quiet beaches.
Samos is also an excellent base for island hopping by ferry to, among others, Fourni, Patmos, Ikaria, Lipsi, Kalymnos, and Leros. We often stay a couple of nights in Pythagorion, which is close to the airport and has many ferry connections.
Out of the more than 30 Greek islands we have visited, Samos is right at the top and has a special significance for us. In recent years, it has become the island where we end the summer with one final holiday in September.
It is difficult to choose favorites among the more than 30 Greek islands we have visited, but Samos will definitely be among the very top and holds a special place for us. In recent years, Samos has become the place where we end the summer with a final holiday in September.
See more photos from lovely Samos and many other Greek islands on Instagram.