Samos by Region & Nearby trips
Explore Samos as we do. We divided Samos into 8 regions, to make it easier for you to experience the whole of the island. This is how we travel the island anyway.
Click on the region you would like to explore and you will be navigated directly there, where you can see some of our favorite places.
As 70% of the time, there is a northern wind, if you like calm waters head South or East of the island. When it is southern wind, take advantage and visit all the northern beaches, including some of the water caves you can find there.
Additionally, if you would like to take it easy, contact us for a customized regional tour that matches your specific requirements and preferences. We do specific regions (1 to 8) or set sides (North or South).
Click here to book a tour
Samos North Side
Regions 1-4
Region 1 - Samos Town
Accommodation:
Alsani Mansion, Traditional Samos Town House
Things to Do:
Check out the open Cinema in the Samos town. Take a stroll at Pano Vathi (the oldest part of the town) and follow the signes towards the theatre of ¨Ai Gianaki¨, where you can enjoy a scenic view of the whole towne. If you are feeling adventurous take a hike or a walk to the Monasteries of Agia Zoni & Zoodoho Pigi or even the beaches of Laka.
Must See:
Visit the Archaeological Museum and see the largest Kuros of the Ancient Greek World. Go to the Wine Museum and taste the wine from a winery of over 150 years old history and hundreds of excellence awards. Go for a dive at the crystal clear waters of Mourtia beach.
Beaches:
Malagari, Gagou, Bay Beach, Livadaki, Nisi, Agia Paraskevi, Galazio, Mourtia, Mikri & Megali Laka.
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Region 2 - Kokkari
Accommodation:
Stay at Aetos Apartments (360, sunset, sunrise, Villa Kokkari) for some spectacular views of Kokkari.
Things to Do:
Explore the town of Kokkari, wake up early for a stroll and take photos of all the cats and plants in this scenic village. Go for a dive in the small beaches facing south if it is northern wind. For the more adventurous, the mountains over Kokkari host many hiking paths, which are perfect for walks or cycling off the beaten path.
If you want a cool beach bar go to Kedros beach, where you can have a go at kitesurfing.
Must See:
Visit the churches of San Nikolaos, and Agios Fanourios just outside Kokkari.
Beaches:
Coming from Samos Town:
Kedros, Kokkari, east & west Lemonakia, Tsamadou, Avlakia, Mikri Tsambou, Megali Tsambou.
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Cafe - Snack Bar:
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Beer Lovers:
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Traditional Bakery:
Region 3 - Agios Konstantinos
Accommodation:
Villa Mir. This villa gives you the best access to beach and mountains. Only 70m from an unspoiled small pebble and sand beach, which faces the north and the sun sets, while behind this property is located one of the best mountainous region of Samos. From here you can explore pretty much all the north side of the island, either hiking or cycling. Over 60 paths are located around this region.
Things to Do:
the walk from Vourliotes to Manolates is breathtaking. Equally, take a walk from Platanakia towards Manolates (hike) through the forest of Plane and cherry trees, towards Manolates vilage. Have an ice cream from Kypseli and watch the sunset. Walk to the road up to Manolates and try the spring water, half way up. Engage with the local artists of the village.
Must See:
Platanakia, Profitis Ilias (Church overlooking Kampo), Vrontiani monastery over the village of Vourliotes, where you should try some of the product the monks make.
Beaches:
Svala Beach for a swim and, if you are looking for beautiful pebbles, go to San Nikolaos.
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Region 4 - Karlovasi
Things to Do:
Karlovasi is a University town. The University of Aegean hosts its Mathematics and Statics departments here, so take the chance to visit the buildings, some of which are housed in classical mansions. Karlovasi town is divided in 3 parts. Old (Palio), Middle (Meseo) and new (Neo). Walk from Palio Karlovasi to Agia Triada (top of mountain). When in Potami visit the old church on the way there and explore the waterfalls. For a view to die for, a steep hike of 10 mins will take you to the ruins of the ¨castle¨ at the start of Potami. If you feel active, hike for an hour to the beaches of Micro (Small - 30 mins)) and Megalo (Large - 60 mins) Seitani.
On the way to Marathokambos visit the village of Kastania, enjoy the view and taste the fresh spring water at the edge of the square.
Must See:
Walk or drive through the Mansions near the church of San Nikolaos in the Paleo Karlovasi. Visit the University of Aegean, and the school near the taxi plaza. Go to a concert of folklore music (season pending).
Beaches:
Karlovasi beach, Potami, Mikro & Megalo Seitani.
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Samos South Side Regions 5-8
Region 5 - Marathokambos
Things to Do:
Go for dinner at Orizontes (take a camera) and watch the sunset as eat.
Drive or walk through the village of Marathokampos, visit the soap factory, which still goes strong and visit Elia olive oil refinery. Elia is one of the best extra virgin olive oils worldwide and made with passion and love by the owner.
Must See:
Take a hike to both Pythagoras Caves (yes, there are two). Visit of Agio Ioanni at the southern corner of the island and taste the fresh tomatoes. The priest there shares those with the visitors. Take a dive into the water reservoir. Go to Psili Ammos for a night swim or a walk/run on the sand.
Beaches:
Go to the beaches of Velanidia, Ormos, Kampo/Votsalakia, Aspres to see stone structures, Xrisi (or Psili) Amos, the biggest sand beach on the island).
A bit further south-west you will find Limniona, Agios Ioannis (Katerga), Plaka, Kedros, Valsamo, Agios Isidoros where they still make the traditional boats of ¨trates¨ and ¨varkes¨, like they used to make for thousands of years.
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Region 6 - Pyrgos
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Things to Do:
Visit the village of Spatharei, and stop by to watch the sunset. One of the most spectacular views of the whole island. Go to the village of Mavrageous, but before you arrive, visit the monastery, just before the village.
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Must See:
Visit the monastery of Timio Stavro, have a coffee in Spathareous. Take a breath as you enjoy spectacular views of the South side of the island.
Beaches: Kaladakia and the cave there, Mpalos, Pefkos, Tsopela (one of our favourites).
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Region 7 - Pythagorio
Accommodation: Hereon & Mavrageous village
1. Bohemian apartments in Hereon. Those lovely apartments are only 50m away from the beach and, 500m from the ancient temple of Hera, The building consists of five lovely apartments, located at the center of Heraion, a seaside traditional village North-East of Samos with archaeological importance. The Heraion of Samos was a large sanctuary to the goddess Hera, in the southern region of Samοs.
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Things to Do:
This region includes a number of cultural gems. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site in Heraion, Walk around Pythagorio, there is a street painted white, see the castle, visit the monasteries of Spiliany & Timio Stavro.
Must See:
Visit the museum of Pythagorion. You can see some of the treasures found on the island as it used to be a place of offerings to Goddess Hera. In Pythagorean, see also the Castle of Logotheti, Efpalinos Tunnel and the Paleontological Museum in Mitilinious village.
The Open Air Cinema at Mitilinioi is a must. It is not just the cinema, it is the experience and the ¨loukoumades¨ something like Greek doughnuts. They come during one of the half times. You can also order food.
Beaches:
(Left of Hraion) Papas beach, Aspres Kavos, Hraion,
(Right of Hraion) Potokaki, Dorisa Area, Pythagorio, Glikoriza, Agia Eleousa
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Region 8 - Paleokastro
Things to Do:
This is an amazing piece of land on the east side of Samos island, in the area Kerveli. The land has amazing views towards the bay of Kerveli, fat mountain and to the east, Asia.
Must See:
When in this region of Samos go for a dive on the beach of Kasonisi. If you have children with you, go for a swim in the beach of Psili Amos. This shallow, sandy beach is ideal for fun for all ages.
Beaches:
Kerveli, Klima Posidonio on one side and on the other, Mykali and Psili Amos and Kasonisi.
Travel outside Samos
Samos is very close to a few Greek islands. We chose a few which can be visited on a day trip or a tree day trip.
Fourni and Samiopoula are very small. Being inhabited by only a few people (Fourni one person) will give you a unique prospective to life. Both are unspoiled with harldy any roads, so get ready to walk. A day trip will give you the opportunity to see an other side of Greece, one that we love.
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Ikaria is almost as big as Samos and famous worldwide for its longest living inhabitants. You only have to visit a Panigiri or the natural Spa´s and you will know why. If you can stay for more than one day. It will be worth it.
Patmos is only a couple of hours away. It is the island where Apostle John wrote the Book of Revelation, the Apocalypse. Although it is a small island, it is unique dues to its Christian history, so we recomend 2/3 day trip.