Samos is an incredibly stunning island to visit in Greece. It might not have the popularity of other Greek islands like Santorini, Zakynthos or nearby Rhodes – but that’s all part of its charm. Not only that, there are heaps of the best things to do in Samos dotted all across the island.
Now, if you’re unfamiliar with Samos, then let me tell you, we spent a whole week exploring this relatively small Greek Island and absolutely loved it. It has a much slower pace than islands like Mykonos, which can be a hive of activity. Samos is more chilled, more relaxed and very Greek. Everyone is honestly so chilled and laid back. The whole island feels so friendly, which is what we loved most.
So, to help you get the most out of your visit to Samos in Greece, I’m sharing our top places that we loved and some hidden gems you can’t miss on the island. Oh, and as always, pop us a message if you need any more tips on visiting Samos.
Have fun exploring Greece.
1.) Kokkari
Kokkari might be a relatively small town by international standards (with only a few hundred people calling it home), but it is so beautiful to visit and one of the key places in Samos to explore as you head across the island.
Now, Kokkari is probably most recognisable for its bay and natural harbour. Here, you’ll find the tiny little rocky cape that is attached by a small slither of land. It’s probably one of the most photographed areas of Samos, and you can see why. It’s stunning.
Visits to Kokkari will only take a few hours, but you can spend all day here and spend some time on Paralia Kokkari (pebble beach) or stroll around the harbour where you’ll find heaps of little tavernas.
It’s a great place to stop for lunch, and we loved Cavos Cafe Bar Bistro for their souvlaki or even just a frappe before you continue exploring Kokkari. Also, just on the other side of Kokkari Beach is the Alfa restaurant. Their prawn saganaki is so good, and they’re made fresh-to-order.
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2.) Pythagorion
Pythagorion, named after the island’s famous resident, Pythagoros, was one of our favourite towns to visit in Samos. Not just because it has heaps of Tavernas, but also because it’s really conveniently located close to the Tunnel of Eupalinos (Google Maps pin is here). You see, it’s an almost 3,000-year-old underground aqueduct. Now, if you’re claustrophobic, I would give it a miss, but it’s worth visiting if you’re interested in the history of the island and learning more.
After leaving the Tunnel of Eupalinos, head on over into Pythagorion itself, specifically around the harbour and the castle, for a little ramble.
Once here, you’ll get to wander the waterfront and stop off at all the little Greek tavernas and grilled fish restaurants along the way. Mass tourism isn’t a big problem in Samos, so you won’t find any real tourist traps when it comes to restaurants. We have a soft spot for the Four Seasons Restaurant (not to be confused with the hotel brand) for their grilled seabass. Also, nearby Remataki is great for their tzatziki and calamari. So good.
For a nearby beach, head to Pithagorio Beach. It’s right next to the airport on Samos and really easy to visit if you’re based around Pythagorion.
Then, head over to Panagia Spiliani Monastery, which is a hilltop monastery that you can visit and stroll around. You’ll also get to see the underground elements of the monastery and it’s well worth visiting for 45 minutes. Just take comfy shoes – the ground is uneven.
Oh, and don’t forget to book this boat trip around Samos to the lovely island of Samiopoula. It’s a great way to see the wider coastline around Samos and you’ll even get a BBQ lunch of grilled fish, meat and Greek salad. It’s so good. The traditional caique boat leaves from Pythagorion port. On time… not Greek time (aka, late).
Just be sure to book this boat trip before leaving for Samos. Tickets sell out as it’s only a small boat.
3.) Karlovasi
On the north coast of Samos is the coastal town of Karlovasi. It’s a perfect stopping point for lunch after traversing the mountain roads from the south of Samos. You might even need a stiff drink after the drive… some of the roads have sheer drops on the sides (which you’ll not doubt see).
Once here, make sure to visit the Church of the Holy Trinity, which overlooks the town. Also, take a 5-minute stroll around the old Tannery to see one of the ancient crafts of the island. It might be a fleeting visit, but it’s one of the best things to do in Samos if you want to get under the skin of the island’s history.
For lunch or dinner, stop by Rendezvous 2000. It’s right on the waterfront and they serve up traditional Greek dishes, which were so tasty. I have a soft spot for Moussaka, and this one, here, was so good.
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4.) Samos Town
As you drive around Samos, don’t forget to visit Samos Town itself. Again, it might be small but it’s certainly worth visiting while exploring the island.
Once here, make sure to spend some time at the Samos Wine Museum. It’s a great place to visit, with a small entry fee, where you’ll learn all there is to know about masceration, wine techniques and the unique tastes of wine from Samos. It’s really interesting and you’ll even get to try a tipple or two.
Afterwards, head for sunset drinks at ISLA Seaview kitchen bar. It’s right on the waterfront and totally beautiful as the sun goes down.
5.) Veletza Beach
If you’re something of a beach bum, then you’ll want to get over to Veletza Beach. It’s one of the best things to do in Samos and really easy to visit as you drive east along the northern coast from Karlovasi.
The beach is quite pebbly, so make sure to take some water shoes with you. Though you might be surprised that water shoes are some of the only clothes that beachgoers are wearing here. It’s something of a nudist beach (though not exclusively). Oh, and it can get blustery on some days, which can make a Parasol kinda pointless as they fall down. Though it’s a lovely beach and a great place to visit for a little dip.
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6.) Ephesus, Turkey
Samos is only a few miles off the coast of mainland Turkey. This means it’s really easy to visit for a day trip and to explore some of the incredible history that the western fringes of Turkey have. One such place is Ephesus. You see, Ephesus is an ancient city, slightly inland on the Turkish coastline.
It has a rich Roman history and thousands of years of history that can be explored by walking around this incredible site. You ll get to see the remains of the library, theatre, and so much more in this protected site.
Now, one of the easiest ways to get here from Samos is by booking this day tour. It’s incredible and they organise all the transfers for you – all you need to do is turn up with an eager smile. The trip takes around 8 hours in total and is so worth it. Just be sure to book these tickets before arriving in Samos. Tickets sell out fast in the height of summer.
Book: Tickets to visit Ephesus from Samos
7.) Marathokampou
On the south coast of Samos is Marathokampou. It’s something of a mouthful to say, but it’s the coastal areas of Marathokampou that include the beach, harbourfront and the town itself.
It’s a great place to visit in Samos if you’re stopping for lunch before visiting some of the bays along the south coast.
For nearby beaches, we loved the tiny little Chrisopetro Beach. It might be small and have no amenities, but it’s pretty lovely on a warm summer day. Also, you have nearby Chrisopetro Taverna that serves up some of the freshest seafood on this side of Samos. It’s also a pretty amazing place, and the staff are all so friendly.
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8.) Ormos Agiou Isidorou
So, Ormos Agiou Isidorou isn’t the kind of place you’ll spend heaps of time – but that’s okay. It’s a traditional shipbuilding area of Samos and well worth stopping for a few minutes stroll before heading to nearby Paralia Varsamos. This is one of my favourite beaches on Samos, and pretty private and quiet as most visitors don’t tend to travel this far west.
Just make sure to take lots of snacks, water and SPF with you. There are no amenities at the beach.
9.) Marathokampos
Marathokampos is a hilltop town that overlooks huge areas of Samos. Again, it’s quite hilly and relatively small, so take a good pair of comfy shoes here.
Like lots of places in Samos, they are chilled, relaxed and most activities centre around good food and local wines. One great spot here is Allothi Restaurant. Their grilled lamb is so good, and they even have live music playing on some weekends.
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10.) Lemonakia Beach
On the north coast of Samos, just shy of Koakkari, is Lemonakia Beach. Now, the great thing about the beach here is that there are ample tavernas and parasols to make it a really comfortable place to spend a day by the sea on this pebble beach. You can rent sunbeds and even snorkel in the waters here.
Stop off at the Lemonakia Restaurant or Andreas Place. Both serve up cool, crisp beers, and it’s lovely on a warm day in Samos.
11.) Tsamadou Beach
Just shy of Lemonakia Beach is Tsamadou Beach (this is the Google Maps pin). Just one cove over. Now, we loved Tsamadou Beach for the Navagos Beach Bar. Here, they have sun loungers, music, really good food and enough cocktails to keep you watered whilst at the beach.
Again, like a few beaches in Samos, you might see a few nudists enjoying the beach. It’s optional, so don’t feel like you have to take your kit off!
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12.) Kerveli Beach
East of Samos Town, facing Turkey, is Kerveli Beach. Visiting is one of the best things to do in Samos, where the water is crystal clear. Now, for a bite to eat, you can stop off at Charavgi. Their grilled octopus is everything! They also have limited sun loungers and chairs on the beachfront.
13.) Potami
Right on the north coast of Samos is Potami, a small town that has quite a few reasons to stop. One big reason is the Potami Waterfall. Here, you can follow the trail through the wooded area towards Potami Waterfall itself. It’s not an endurance test, and the trail is quite easy. Though the heat can have an impact on hiking in summer.
Oh, and watch out for snakes. We saw loads of black coloured snakes when driving around the island and sunbathing on the roadside. Keep an eye out for your step and always tread carefully.
Afterwards, stop off at Agios Nikolaos chapel, which overlooks the sea and take a dip at Potami Beach. Again, pebbly, but a goodie!
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