Samos Island is part of the Eastern Sporades archipelago. For tourists from the CIS, this place is still quite exotic, but on the scale of world tourism, the island is considered a popular resort. Famous people such as Aristarkh, an astronomer who tried to prove that the Earth revolves around the Sun, Pythagoras and Epicurus lived here. The most fertile lands in all of Greece are located here.
General information
Among the numerous islands of Greece, Samos is one of the ten largest. Its area is approximately 477 km². The length of the island is 43 km, and the width is 13 km.
The vast majority of the territory is covered with vineyards. The locally produced Vathi wine is famous far beyond Greece. The largest flat areas are Pythagorio (southeastern part), Karlovasi (northwestern part), Marofokampos (southwestern part).
The fertile flat terrain is harmoniously complemented by the majestic mountain ranges of Ampelos and Kerkis. The highest point of the island is almost 1.5 km. The mountain ranges are a continuation of the Mycale ridge. Samos is separated from the mainland by the Mycale Strait. By the way, the island was once part of the mainland.
The island’s population is slightly over 34,000 people. The capital and largest port of the island is the city of Samos, which is also called Vathi, and sometimes Vafi.
Beaches of Samos
On the island of Samos in Greece there are both wild beaches and those equipped for comfortable recreation. Let’s consider some of them.
1. Potami Beach
It is located in the north of the island in a bay, not far from the port of Karlovasi. It is a popular place for recreation, as here you can fully appreciate the beauty of the local nature. In windy weather, the waves here are quite large, so it is better to visit the beach with children in calm weather. If you want to diversify your vacation, visit the picturesque waterfalls, which are located near the beach.
The beach is covered with sand and pebbles. There are several taverns on the shore, a toilet and a shower.
2. Gagu
This beach is usually visited by tourists who are passing through the island. Here you can hide from the heat. The beach is covered with pebbles and is only a 25-minute walk from the town of Samos. Its length is about 100 m. There is a restaurant-bar, paid sun loungers with umbrellas. It is worth keeping in mind that this beach is popular with refugees, they can be seen throughout the day.
3. Klima
The pebble beach is located in the southeast of the island and is distinguished by its privacy and tranquility. Despite the narrow strip of beach, you can relax in the shade of trees on free sun loungers on Klima. There is no fuss and noise here. Vacationers can enjoy nature, picturesque views and crystal clear turquoise water. You can have a snack after your vacation in a restaurant or bar, which offers mainly local cuisine. Klima Beach is shallow, and tourists with children come here with pleasure.
4. Psili Ammos
The beach is located in the south of the island, 1 km from the coast of Turkey. It attracts vacationers with white soft clean sand. The descent into the sea is gentle, the water here warms up well, there are no waves – accordingly, the beach will be comfortable for vacationing with children.
If you order something in a coastal cafe, you can use the sun loungers for free, or you can pay for sun loungers with an umbrella separately – 6 euros for 2+1.
5. Kerveli Beach
The beach is located in the east of Samos in a bay. The emerald water here is always calm and warm. The surface is small-pebbled on the shore and sandy in the water. The beach is small, so if you want to take a place in the shade, come to Kerveli early.
You can rent sunbeds for 3 euros per day, and you can sit in the shade of the trees for free. There is a restaurant with good cuisine on the beach.
6. Tsamadou Beach
Like many other beaches on Samos, Tsamadou is located in a bay, you can find it near the village of Kokari. It is surrounded by hills covered with pine trees. To get to the beach you will have to go up the stairs, from which you can see the beach itself, here you can also take beautiful photos of Samos.
Those who have been here recommend not to skimp and rent a sun lounger (8 euros for 2 pieces + umbrella), since the pebbles are quite large and it will be uncomfortable to just lie on a towel. The entry into the water here is quite sharp. It is also better to come to Tsamadu as early as possible, especially in high season – there are a lot of people. There is a restaurant on the beach with good cuisine and service.
The right side of the beach is a popular place for nudists to relax.
7. Megalo Seitani
The beach is wild, getting to it is not so easy – you need to walk for about 2 hours along the path or sail by boat. But the views are definitely worth it: a picturesque bay with turquoise-blue water surrounded by mountains covered with dense greenery. The beach is covered with sand and pebbles. In addition, there are almost no people on the beach, which is a big plus for many.
If you decide to go to Megalo Seitani, take a hat, food and water with you – there are no amenities on the beach.
Attractions and entertainment
Temple of Heraion
According to research, the first settlers appeared on the territory of the modern island of Samos in Greece about 5 thousand years ago. There are many legends associated with the island. According to one of them, the goddess Hera, the patroness of marriage, was born on Samos. Today, on the southern coast of the island, you can see the remains of a temple once erected in her honor.
The Heraion is the most significant landmark of the Greek island of Samos, located in the city of Heraion. The Temple of Hera is located here. Herodotus included this building in the legendary seven wonders of the world. Unfortunately, the temple has survived only partially, but even the surviving parts allow us to appreciate the scale and luxury of the temple, and enjoy the elements of the sculptures.
The village of Pythagorio
Pythagoras was born and lived on Samos, and many landmarks are associated with the scientist’s name. A settlement, Pythagorio, is named after him. This is the ancient capital of the island, where literally every stone is an ancient landmark and can tell many amazing stories.
Pythagorio used to be a fairly large trading center, but today the settlement is more reminiscent of a small village with a Greek flavor.
Visit the ruins of the castle that witnessed the sensual and passionate love of Cleopatra and Mark Antony. Their union is still considered significant and marked the beginning of a new era not only for Egypt but also for the entire Roman Empire. The palace in its heyday was an amazing mansion built according to the latest technological advances, of course, we are talking about the period of approximately 50-30 BC.
In the territory of the town of Samos there are interesting for tourists ruins of a fortress built during the Middle Ages. In the distant past, the fortress structure was a building made in the Venetian style, and reliably protected the city from invaders.
Samos has survived hundreds of battles, and at different times it was ruled by representatives of different cultures, nationalities and religions. At the same time, many famous scientists and creative people were born and lived in the city. That is why Pythagorio is famous for its cultural heritage and a huge number of attractions. The history of the city is an integral part of the fascinating, heroic history of all of Greece.
Museum
Be sure to visit the Paleontological Museum. This institution is considered a treasure trove of ancient monuments. The exhibits will tell visitors the amazing history of the city and the island.
Many tourists like to simply stroll around the island, as there are many palaces, monasteries, estates and buildings of military significance. A few kilometers from the city of Samos, there are ruins of a castle located in Paleokastron. Even from the ruins, one can judge how luxurious and amazing the castle was in its heyday.
Temples and monasteries
The island is home to numerous monasteries and temples. The most popular is the Triple Chapel, built in the 17th century. The chapel is well known among tourists as Tris-Exilis. Pilgrims often come here to pray in close proximity to ancient and undoubtedly valuable artifacts.
Another attractive place for tourists is the Zoodochas Pihi Monastery. Its name sounds like the Life-giving Spring. The reason for visiting is the graceful, majestic architecture. According to many tourists, the atmosphere of the monastery makes you tremble, there is a feeling that some great power built the building. The monastery served as a refuge for many monks.
In addition to Zoodochas Pihi, thousands of pilgrims visit Timiou Stavrou and Megali Spiliani every year. The temples have been active for several centuries.
Samos city
The capital has a large number of attractions, but there are also many shops and souvenir shops.
Here you should definitely visit the Archaeological Museum, where priceless artifacts are kept. These are mainly finds from archaeological excavations that were carried out on the territory of the island.
You can feel the special flavor of the city at the local market. It is the largest in Samos. This is a great way to get acquainted with the culture, traditions and culinary preferences of the locals. The products of local artisans are presented here in abundance, their art and craftsmanship amaze and delight. If you are a true connoisseur of art, visit the art exhibition, which contains the best works of artisans.
The village of Kumaradei gives the impression of a fairytale, incredibly cozy place. Here tourists love to just walk. It is located in the southern part of Samos. The settlement is called the village of craftsmen, since there are numerous craft workshops, so travelers are sure to visit Kumaradei to buy an exclusive souvenir. Samos is famous for its amazing pottery.
If you prefer to enjoy beautiful nature, visit the village of Karlovasi. Its main symbols are waterfalls and lakes. Convenient routes are laid out on the territory of the village, hiking tours are held, during which you will not be bored.
Climate and weather
Samos has a traditional Mediterranean climate. Winters are mild, with a lot of precipitation. The average temperature is +15 degrees. Summer is quite hot, but the sea breeze softens the heat. The average temperature is from +30 to +35 degrees. Residents note the freshness and purity of the air on the island.
The minimum water temperature is +16 degrees (January-February), in summer the sea warms up to +27 degrees (August).
Transport links
Airplane
A few kilometers west of Pythagorio is the international airport “Aristarchus of Samos”. The airport is built near the sea, so all flights fly over the heads of vacationers.
The airport receives flights from Athens, Thessaloniki and the island of Rhodes, as well as from some European countries.
If you are traveling on your own, you should always have Samos Island on the map. It is better to download the map to your phone in advance so that it works offline.
Ferry
There are two ports on the island – in Samos and in the village of Karlovasi. Ferries from neighboring islands regularly arrive here. You can get there from the capital of Greece, but keep in mind that the travel time from Athens to Samos is 9-10 hours, and the ticket costs about 50€ per person. Such an investment of time and money makes sense if you are traveling by car.
Ferry schedules and prices can be found at www.ferriesingreece.com. What to see in the port of Piraeus (near Athens), if you are passing through, see here .
Ferry from Turkey
There is another option to get to Samos Island – by ferry from Turkey. Flights depart from the ports of Kusadasi, historical Bodrum , Foca, Ayvalik, picturesque Marmaris . The ferry schedule must be clarified on site. Travel time, for example, from Kusadasi is only 2 hours, so the journey will not be tiring – you can go to the island on an excursion.
The Greek authorities have organized a visa-free visit to Turkey, which is valid only during the holiday season – from June to the end of September.
Come to the island of Samos and enjoy harmony, tranquility, and escape from everyday worries.
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