Samos Beaches
The coast of Samos has many beautiful beaches to enjoy as it is
a large, lush island. There are at least 20 beaches that tourists
and locals recommend. Mykali beach, south of Samos town, is covered
in white pebbles and lapped by emerald waters and is one of the
most popular beaches on the island. On the mountainous northwest
coast of Samos, visitors will find the secluded Megalo Seitani
beach, which can only be reached on foot and richly rewards those
who make the extra effort. There are a few other beaches on the
island that are inaccessible to cars and these tend to be the most
private and secluded. The Vlendza beach, just outside the town of
Avlakia, has good amenities including sunbeds and umbrellas, as
well as a small tavern. Tsamadou beach lies just outside of Kokkari
Town and is the only official nudist beach on the island. The best
beach on Samos for children is Psili Ammos beach, as kids love to
play in its warm, shallow waters and build sand castles on the
shore. It is a very safe beach with calm waters. This long sandy
strip also attracts migrant flamingos each year in December and the
pink flocks are a delightful sight. There are also a couple of
taverns nearby to enjoy. Psili Ammos beach is 35 miles (56km)
southwest of Vathy.
Samos Beach
MattSims
Temple of Hera
The largest Greek temple ever built, the Temple of Hera was one
of the essential sanctuaries of ancient Greece, and is now a great
sightseeing attraction. It was built near the mouth of the Imvrasos
river for worship of the goddess who, according to myth, was born
and lived there. Only half of one of its 115 columns stands today,
but the bases of the columns and other temple foundations are still
visible so it is possible to imagine what the giant temple looked
like. The Temple of Hera was constructed over a long period of
time; it was added to, renovated or completely rebuilt a number of
times over the centuries when it was destroyed by earthquakes or
other means. The oldest building phase identified by archaeologists
is the 8th century BC. The very large temple, the ruins of which we
can see today, was known as the 'Polycrates Temple'. One of the
giant statues from this site can still be seen in the Samos
Archaeological Museum, which is a good complement to a trip to the
temple ruins as it provides context and information. Unlike many
other archaeological sites in Greece, however, there is some
information given at the temple and visitors receive a free guide
leaflet upon entry. This temple is not to be confused with the
Temple of Hera at Olympus, where the Olympic Flame is lit for each
Olympic Games.
Temple of Hera
Ori~
Pythagoras Cave
One of the great attractions on Samos is the cave where
Pythagoras lived and worked as a philosopher, mathematician,
astrologer, doctor and musician. Very little is actually known for
sure about Pythagoras but legend has it that he used the caves as a
refuge from the tyranny of Polycrates. We know his teachings were
mystical as well as mathematical as he was the founder of an
esoteric religious movement known as Pythagoreanism. Although some
tenets of this religious and philosophical movement are known, for
the most part it too is somewhat shrouded in secrecy. Most of the
caves are now open to the public. The site is made up of two caves
and two chapels, with 'holy water' dripping from their stalactites,
and was used for prayer and teaching as well as shelter. The cave
is located on Mount Kerkis, an extinct volcano that forms the
second-highest peak in the East Aegean, and although it is located
near the base the climb may still be a bit difficult for some. The
views from the cave are beautiful and there are some great photo
opportunities. It is advisable to bring a bottle of water and
sensible shoes for the rather steep walk.
Pythagoras
Galilea
Ancient Theatre of Pythagorion
The Ancient Theatre of Pythagorion sits just below Panagia
Spiliani monastery's ruins. Its stage and some seats are all that
remains. Still, these remnants hint at how grand the venue must
have been in its time. Today, performers use the site for plays, as
well as concerts and modern recitals. Historians and culture buffs
should check the calendar for events. Otherwise, Pythagorion is the
perfect Mediterranean escape, with a pretty harbour, gorgeous
beaches, and the Mediterranean's oldest manmade port standing out
as the town's highlights. Attractions in and around the port
include the statue of Pythagoras, the Castle of Lykourgos, the
Church of Metamorphosis, the Ephpalinos Tunnel and Roman Baths.
Visitors who wish to explore a bit further can enjoy sailing
excursions to other cities, villages, beaches and ancient sites.
The town also has a vibrant nightlife.
Ancient theatre of Pythagoreio
Tomisti
Potami Waterfalls
Children love to visit these beautiful waterfalls on the
northeast coast of Samos Island, although it is certainly not
necessary to have children along to enjoy this scenic island
attraction. Visitors should follow the road west from Karlovassi
that leads towards the harbour, which will bring them to the
pristine Potami Beach; just over a mile (2km) further visitors will
reach a forest and lake, beyond which there is a series of
waterfalls. The rambling walk along the river soon becomes an
adventure through the forest leading to the waterfall. Swimming in
the small lake is a great way for kids to cool off and there are
lovely spots for the folks to sit and relax, or perhaps enjoy a
picnic lunch. There are rock valleys and several lovely little
pools and waterfalls to explore. There are some beautiful old
trees, interesting rock formations and small bridges and visitors
may even be lucky enough to spot some turtles or other animals. For
the snap happy, this enchanting little forest provides many photo
opportunities as well as fun for the whole family. There is no
entry fee; visitors simply ramble into the forest from the beach
and enjoy the waterfalls.
Potami Beach
Najots
Lykourgos Castle
The castle of Lykourgos Logothetis is a magnificent example of
defensive architecture. It is situated to the southwest of the port
of Pythagorio, and was built at the beginning of the 19th century,
playing a vital role in the Greek Revolution against Turkish rule.
The castle was built, with the help of many locals, out of the
remains of ancient buildings and monuments, to help repel the
invaders and it became the headquarters of the revolutionary
movement in Samos and the main asset in their defence against the
Ottoman navy. It is named after the local leader of the revolution.
There is a temple next door to the castle that commemorates the
victory of 6 August 1824 when Samos successfully resisted an attack
by the Turks. The anniversary is still celebrated at the church
annually. Lykourgos has wonderful views and many interesting
architectural features. The hill on which the castle is located may
be the oldest acropolis in Samos, as a number of prehistoric
artefacts have been discovered there, making the whole area
captivating and rather mysterious. Kids will probably enjoy
exploring the castle as much as adults, so it makes a good
excursion for the whole family.
Castle of Lykurgos
Macedon-40
Though Samos receives plenty of sunshine during summer,
temperatures remain comfortable with the help of cool northern
winds called 'meltemia'. Rainfall is heavy, but most of it falls in
winter. From mid-April until mid-October, the weather is almost
completely dry. Summer is indisputably the peak tourist season,
when beaches, restaurants and clubs are packed full. Late spring
and early autumn are good times to visit for travellers who want to
avoid crowds. The island is at its most lush in May, after the
rainy season. Water temperatures are also warming up. September has
many of summer's virtues, such as warm seas and balmy weather,
though it's not as hot.
Samos Aristarchos International Airport
Location: The airport is two miles (3km) west of
Pythagorio.
Time: GMT +2
Getting to the city:
There is a public bus stop in front of the terminal building.
Tickets can be purchased from the bus driver.
Car Rental:
Car hire companies at Samos Airport include Hertz, Thrifty,
Budget, and Avis.
Airport Taxis:
A taxi service runs all day, all week from the airport, and is
available outside the terminal building. The fare to Samos is
approximately €25.
Facilities:
The terminal contains two restaurants, duty-free shopping,
baby-changing facilities, a Greek tourism office, and tourist
information services.
Parking
There are parking facilities adjacent to the terminal.
![]()
Pythagorio, Karlosvassi and Vathy are the island's three major
ferry ports. Most ferry connections to Samos are via Turkey. Local
KTEL buses provide transport for visitors, stopping at most
villages and cities on the island. Taxis are also available. Car
and moped rental offices are in Samos town. Many of the large
hotels also arrange motorcycle and car rentals for guests. On a
cautionary note, Samos' steep, winding roads can be stressful and
accident rates are quite high. The island is renowned for its
natural beauty and there are many lovely walking trails to
enjoy.
Gorgeous coasts and sublime natural scenery define Samos Island.
White-pebbled Mykali, secluded Megalo Seitani, and nudist Tsamadou
are among its best beaches. Potami is another favourite location,
where beach lovers can enjoy forests and waterfalls near the ocean.
Kids usually enjoy Psili Ammos Beach's warm, shallow waters. Beyond
its glorious beaches, Samos is home to the Temple of Hera, which is
a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's certainly a must-see. Visitors
can also explore Pythagoras Cave for an historical and
philosophical perspective on the island. The Ancient Theatre of
Pythagorio offers cultural insights and perhaps a show, while the
castle of Lykourgos Logothetis is a magnificent example of military
architecture. Situated southwest of Pythagorio Port, it played a
vital role in the Greek Revolution against Turkish rule.
Samos Beach
MattSims
Temple of Hera
Ori~
Pythagoras
Galilea
Ancient theatre of Pythagoreio
Tomisti
Potami Beach
Najots
Castle of Lykurgos
Macedon-40
