Home > Europe > Greece > Samos

Samos

• Guide
• Photos
• Discussion

Have you been to Samos, or plan to go there? Discuss your experiences or plans in our forum!

Just off the coast of Turkey lies a 27 mile long Greek island, in the north Aegean Sea. Although this island was inhabited before the 5th century B.C, this was when its economy had grown to be impressive and one of the leaders in the region for trading textiles. Today the economy is typical of a small Greek Island with the main industry being tourism, followed by farming and production of foods such as olives, figs, honey, wine, grapes and citrus fruit.

Samos possesses that wonderful balance between mountain ranges on its Western side and beautifully relaxing beaches on the Eastern shores, which brings in thousands of visitors every year. The vineyards are a huge part of Samoan life, with many residents earning a living by making wine. The fact that the climate on the island is ideal for making wine is a big indicator for visitors that the weather will be just what they are looking for.

With just one airport and a population of over 30,000 there are many other forms of transport included on the island such as well established road systems, ports and harbors for ferries and boats to come and go. The people of this island which lies just off the Ionian coast are laid back and keen to welcome visitors onto their breathtakingly beautiful land. There are many attractions, sights and activities for people of any age or persuasion so it's worth a look around and doing some research before you visit to really get the most out of your stay.

Areas

The Eastern coast

The eastern coast of Samos is where visitors will find most of the idyllic beaches, bays and coastal towns. This is where most of the islands hotels are situated and the tourism amenities are never far between.

The South-Western areas

The western area of Samos is taken up mostly by mountain ranges reaching up to 4705 feet above sea level. Visitors to these mountains often choose to take the hiking trails (mainly in the south) or even take part in some rock climbing here. The weather and staggering views make these pastimes so worth while.

Inland

The center of the island is often where the vineyards are situated. With a few hills and mountains this part of the island is not quite as densely populated than the coastal regions, yet the small rustic villages are very much worth a visit.

Weather

This western Greek island sees a fresh yet sunny climate, especially in the summer months when temperatures reach a maximum of 30ºC yet the level of humidity is low. Much like any other location in Greece, it's recommended that you travel during May to June to avoid the hottest weather and the crowds, yet still catch a lot of hours in the sun.

Getting There

Samos is a remote island so getting there by train or driving from another country isn't possible. There are great transport links via plane and boat however...

By Plane

The SMI (or Samos International Airport) is located near the south-eastern bay, not far from the town of Pythagorio. To fly here you will need to take a flight to Athens or one of the larger islands and get a connecting flight from there. Once you arrive there are several buses going from the airport, or car rental companies offering their services so that you can get to your specific destination.

By Boat

A ferry costing 35 euros leaves from the coast of Turkey (Kusadasi) twice daily during the peak tourist season; one in the morning and one in the mid-afternoon. Therefore if you fly to Turkey and catch a connecting ferry from there to Samos then this is a simple and cheap way of making the journey.

Getting Around

By rental vehicle

Although the island of Samos is one of the larger Greek islands, it is still possible to travel around all of it in around two days. Of course this means that you will need transport and many rental companies in the larger towns and villages will lease out motorbikes, mopeds, scooters and cars for quite a cheap price. The road systems are well established so you should have no problems getting to where you want to visit. Just stay alert and drive safely!

By Bus

Catching a bus to the different sights and attractions on the island is a great and environmentally friendly way of getting around. The only days these services don't operate on are public holidays, and they are very regular so you don't need to worry too much about working a schedule around them.

By Boat

Traveling to the neighboring islands is incredibly easy via ferry or hydrofoil. Simply visit one of the larger town's ports (e.g. Samos town) and catch one from there. These journeys usually cost fewer than 25 euros.

On Foot

If you are staying in a hotel on the east or southern coast then taking a walk to a nearby town or attraction could end up being a very enjoyable day out. There are a lot of hidden treasures on this island, particularly on the coast and you may miss out on some of them if you're not walking around.

Sights & Activities

Tunnel of Eupalinos

In the sixth century B.C the Greeks built a 1036 meter long aqueduct on the island of Samos. At its widest point the aqueduct measures no wider than 3 meters so this attraction is not for the claustrophobic! There is a lot of history attached to this site however and it makes for a very interesting family day out.

Pythagoreion

This Southern town was named after the famous Greek mathematician Pythagoras who was born on the island of Samos. Here visitors will find an ancient port, a museum, a castle, church, a statue of Pythagoras and Roman baths. This is the ideal town to visit if you are looking to explore the culture and history of the island.

Nightlife

While Samos is generally a quiet and peaceful island, there are a few towns offering exciting nightlife in the form of tavernas, bars, restaurants and pubs. Samos town, Pythagorio and Karlovassi are the best places to visit for a good night out, and you should definitely ask to try some authentic Ouzo and Samian wine during your stay.

Celebrations

Feasts are a common occurrence on this island and what better was to celebrate your stay with a Greek slap up meal? Together with live music, dancing, drinks and parades a Samian festival is truly something to behold. One such feast occurs on the 15th August each year, when the feast of Virgin Mary is celebrated.

The Beaches

Samos is blessed with having a range of different types of beaches. Some are sandy, some have pebbles and are on all sides of the island. Most beaches offer sun lounger rental along with cafés and restaurants nearby. Just make sure that if you are traveling during the hotter months that you use a high factor sun cream as the sun at Green beaches is extremely hot.