Attractions and things to do in Samos

Nestled in the eastern Aegean Sea, Samos is a Greek island that boasts a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a wealth of activities to delight any traveler. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or simply seeking relaxation on pristine beaches, Samos offers an array of experiences that will leave you enchanted. This enchanting island, birthplace of the famous mathematician Pythagoras, is a place where ancient history and modern charm coexist seamlessly.

As you step onto the shores of Samos, you’ll be greeted by the warm embrace of the Mediterranean sun and the gentle lull of crystal-clear waters. While you may be tempted to while away your days on the beach, there’s so much more to explore on this captivating island.

Venture into the heart of Samos Town, the island’s capital, where cobbled streets wind through quaint neighborhoods, lined with charming cafes and traditional tavernas. Sip on Greek coffee and savor local delicacies while you soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this charming town.

For history enthusiasts, Samos offers a treasure trove of archaeological wonders. The Heraion, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a testament to the island’s ancient glory. This sanctuary, dedicated to the goddess Hera, showcases remarkable architectural achievements dating back to the 6th century BC.

Nature lovers will find themselves in paradise as they explore the lush landscapes of Samos. Hike through dense forests, discovering hidden waterfalls and the mesmerizing Potami Beach. Marvel at the vibrant flora and fauna that call this island home, and don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Mikro Seitani and Megalo Seitani beaches, two of the most pristine and secluded spots on Samos.

As evening descends, Samos transforms into a haven for foodies and night owls. Indulge in a sumptuous seafood feast at a local seaside taverna, savoring the freshest catches of the day. Then, embrace the island’s vibrant nightlife, from laid-back bars where you can sip on ouzo to energetic clubs that keep the party going into the early hours.

Samos is not just an island; it’s an experience waiting to be embraced. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or a taste of Greek history and culture, this idyllic destination promises to deliver a memorable journey filled with endless possibilities. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover the enchantment of Samos, where ancient traditions meet modern pleasures.

Fill your days on Samos with wonderful walks through its densely forested mountainous countryside, explore its gorgeous hilltop villages and visit the island’s fascinating historic sites. Sadly, many tourists view Samos as a stepping-stone to nearby Turkey and fail to take the time to linger over its wealth of natural and man-made treasures.

1: Visit the picturesque Kokkari and its wonderful beaches

This tiny settlement just ten kilometers outside Vathi, the capital of Samos, exudes picturesqueness and beauty. Built on a small peninsula on the northern coastline, adorned with red tiled roofs and colorful boats, it is the perfect starting point for your journey.
On the two shores that form Mikra Lemonakia beach, the sea is drinkable and we bet you will have a hard time choosing which of the two to dive into.

You can however visit some others, equally beautiful, such as Lemonakia or Tsamadou right on the road or Tsabou a little further south.
Wander through the local cafes, shops and tavernas that dot the small narrow streets, or explore the countryside through well-maintained walking trails such as the one that leads to the top of Mount Ampelos.

2: Visit the Sanctuary of Hera

Of the island’s three ports, Pythagorio on the south coast has most to offer visitors. This attractive, cobble-paved town was the birthplace of the great 6th century BC mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras whose statue looks out to sea on the harbourfront. From 535-522 BC the ancient city was ruled by the tyrant Polykrates who ordered the construction of what came to be regarded as the three greatest engineering feats of Ancient Greece.

His most elaborate project was the vast and splendid Sanctuary of Hera, the ruins of which you can see today six kilometres south west of Pythagorio. Only one of the original 134 columns supporting the mighty structure remains but the foundations will give you an idea of the sheer scale of the temple dedicated to the wife and sister of the king of the gods, Zeus. The temple was the biggest ever constructed in Greece and was four times the size of the Parthenon.

3: Get to know the history of Samos in Pythagorion

It is impossible to leave Samos without getting to know the Pythagorean. Built on the ancient city of Samos, it encompasses everything that makes up the culture of the island. It was a naval and financial center during the 6th century BC. and the birthplace of two great personalities: The mathematician-philosopher Pythagoras, whose statue dominates the port, and the one famous for Aesop’s fables.

The great historian Herodotus also lived here a century later. Recognized as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, Pythagorion seems to be overflowing with history: From the fortified walls and the Archaeological Museum, to the Tower of Logothetis, the temple of Hera and the Eupalinio Aqueduct (the one-kilometer aqueduct that is considered the culmination of ancient of Greek engineering). Apart from all that, it is also a beautiful little port, with cobbled streets and a relaxed atmosphere.

4: See the Tunnel of Eupalinos

Polykrates’ second major undertaking was the 450-metre jetty of Samos. The remains lie beneath and beyond the smaller modern jetty on the opposite side of the harbour from the quay. The third and quite incredible project was the Efpalinio Tunnel, hand dug through the mountain by a thousand slaves using primitive tools and no measuring equipment. Two teams started at opposite ends of the tunnel and spent 15 years digging, finally meeting within a few metres of each other. You can walk about 150 metres into the tunnel which was built to channel mountain spring water to the city.

5: Relax in an exotic setting at Livadaki

With all this wonderful nature and beautiful coastline, would you expect anything less from the beaches of Samos? Join us in Livadaki, a secret we kept for you last. Follow the coastal route north from Vathi for 12 kilometers and … lo and behold.

An exotic little beach, sandwiched between two long narrow strips of land that stretch to the sea. This sandy organized beach with blue-green waters is ideal to spend your whole day.

Some touches here will even remind you of something from the Maldives! It’s shallow up to a point – and it drives the kids crazy – but if you continue a little deeper you’ll find amazing snorkeling spots.

6: Take the boat to Samiopoula

Certainly some of the places you will visit in Samos touch perfection, but if you want to see an uninhabited and unadulterated landscape, then you must go to Samiopoula, the isolated islet opposite the southern coastline of Samos. Organized tours depart from Pythagoreio to land you on the verdant, almost flat island with its turquoise waters and the central Psalida beach with its white sand, perfect for sunbathing.
Some boats also have snorkeling equipment, but if you have your own, be sure to bring it along.

7: Visit the archaeological museum in Vathy

The capital of Vathy, in the north east corner of the island, lacks Pythagorio’s charm but its fascinating archaeological museum containing finds from the Sanctuary of Hera is well worth a visit. The star exhibit is a five-metre “kouros” (statue of a male nude) dating from 580 BC. It’s the largest free standing statue of its kind to have been excavated from the countless archaeological sites throughout Greece.

At Mytilini, 12 kilometres west of Vathy, you can see animal fossils dating back 15 million years at the village’s palaeontological museum. The collection includes the bones of ancient hippos, rhinos and the 13-million-year-old fossilised brain of a horse.

8: Visit the mountain villages

Make time to visit the delightful hill towns of Manolates, Vourliotes and Stavrinides in the Platanakia district inland from the village of Agios Konstantinos on the north coast. Wonderful walking trails link the villages taking you through a verdant countryside of lush valleys, cascading streams, dense forests and vineyards.

There are over 30 inhabited villages in Samos where you can feel the authentic pulse of the island. We definitely recommend Ampelo and Manolates, 35 minutes from Vathi. Built at the foot of Mount Ampelos, they have about 100 inhabitants each and offer a unique view of the Aegean.

9: Taste the long tradition of winemaking

Samos is known worldwide for its wine. It had a long tradition in winemaking since ancient times, but the big leap happened when the “Moschato” grape variety came to the island in the 16th century. Samos Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains (as is its official name) is grown on the slopes of Mount Ampelos, on traditionally built levels called terraces.

A tour of a winery and vineyard is a must, as is a tasting of the rich flavors and aromas of Samos wines. Only then will you understand why they managed not only to win the demanding markets of Germany and France but also to win many important international awards and distinctions. Also don’t miss the Samian Wine Museum on the outskirts of the capital, which has traditional wine-making equipment, photos and lots of information.

10: Hike on mount Kerkis

Hardened hikers will be keen to tackle the slopes of Mount Kerkis in the west of the island. Rising to 1,437 metres it’s the second highest peak in the Aegean after Saos on Samothraki. Mount Kerkis, also known as Mount Kerketeus or Kerki, is the highest mountain of Samos. Rising to an impressive height of 1,434 meters (4,705 feet) above sea level, this majestic peak dominates the island’s landscape and offers a wealth of natural beauty and outdoor adventures for visitors to explore.
:
Mount Kerkis is situated in the western part of Samos, near the village of Marathokampos. It is part of the larger Aegean mountain range that extends throughout the Greek islands. The mountain’s remote location and rugged terrain make it a challenging but rewarding destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers.

11: Combine unique beaches and incredible water sports

Enjoy water sports at Mykali beach, 8 kilometers south of Vathi, it will impress you whether you are a professional surfer or not, while at the same time it is suitable for kitesurfing. If you still like calmer activities, you can rent SUP boards here. Alternatively, head to the south of the island to dive with a wetsuit and oxygen bottles or just a mask and snorkel.

12: Hike to the enchanting Little and Big Seitani

Samos has a lot of green and even more hills, and for adventure lovers this means one thing: hiking. If we had to choose just one route, it would definitely be the one that starts from the village of Potami and ends at two beaches, Mikro and Megalo Seitani. The degree of difficulty is low, but the setting is almost cinematic.

You will cross for an hour and a half a forest of plane trees until you face the beaches and you will see that the trees reach to the sea! You will first reach a pebbled cove and a little later the second, larger, sandy beach.

Choose the one you like the most or take an introductory walk to both. In any case make sure you have plenty of water and food with you, especially if you want to have a picnic on the beach as there are no facilities here.

Another, shorter route, starts again from the River and passes through bridges, streams and torrents that end up in something unique: Waterfalls with natural pools ideal for the adventurous who want to dive into the magic of nature!