Samos is one of the most beautiful islands in the eastern part of the Aegean Sea, just a hop away from Turkey.

About
Samos Island

The area of the island is 478 km2, and has a population of 33,814, making it the 9th most populous Greek island.

Climate/weather: Samos has a Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and relatively short, mild winters. It is a perfect tourist destination due to the prolonged warm temperatures during most of the year.

The average annual maximum temperature in Samos is 21°C (rising to an average of 29°C in June and peaking at 31°C in July and August).

Natural endowments: Samos is characterized by a fabulous nature: steep mountain ranges, sandy beaches, azure sea water, olive groves and green pine forests, the scent of which permeates the entire island.

It is also the home of many herbs and spices, in addition to the fact that there are many vines on the island, from which excellent Greek wine is made.

Thanks to its mountainous regions (Ampelos and Kerkis), it is a gem for nature walkers and hikers.

Transport

Flights

Samos island can be reached by plane from Athens and several European cities. The only airport on the island of Samos is Samos International Airport (SMI) which sometimes goes by the name Aristarchos.

The airport of Samos receives flights from Athens all year round. Due to tourism, in summer the airport of Samos gets busier and receives direct flights from Thessaloniki, other Greek airports and from abroad.

Overall, most international travellers come to Samos from other European countries, with the UK, Germany and Nordic countries (e.g. Scandinavia) being the leading inbound markets to Greece (both before and after the pandemic).

Ferry

You can get to the island by plane, but as the island is very close to the Turkish coast, there are daily ferries between Turkey and Samos.

Furthermore, the island is connected to the port of Piraeus in Athens, but also to Fourni, Lesvos, Ikaria, Chios and many others.

The most popular ferry routes to Samos are from the ports of Piraeus (Athens), Patmos and Mykonos.

History

Ancient times

In antiquity, Samos was a particularly wealthy and powerful city-state , especially famous for its vineyards and wine production.

It is home to the Pythagoreion and the Heraion of Samos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the Eupalin Aqueduct, a marvel of ancient engineering.

Samos is the birthplace of the Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, for whom the Pythagorean theorem is named.

Aristarchus of Samos , the first known individual to theorise that the Earth revolved around the Sun.
Samos wine was well known in ancient times and is still produced on the island today.

UNESCO

According to mythology, the goddess Hera, the wife of Zeus, was born on the island, in whose honor the sanctuary of the goddess Hera (Heraion) was built here, which can still be admired today. This island was a favorite place (of Romeo and Juliet of the ancient world), Antony and Cleopatra, and newlyweds often visit it to this day.

The Pythagoreion is the archaeological site of the ancient town of Samos in Samos, Greece. It is located in the area of the modern town of Pythagoreio, from which it has got its modern name. The archaeological site contains ancient Greek and Roman monuments and a famous ancient tunnel, the Tunnel of Eupalinos or Eupalinian aqueduct.

About the city

Ano Vathy

The town of Samos is the capital and the main port of the island and it is situated at the northeastern end of the island, within the safe bay of Vathy. It has a population of about 9000 inhabitants, most of whom are engaged in tourism.

Vathy is built amphitheatrically on the hill slopes, overlooking the town of Samos, two settlements which are actually connected. It is one of the oldest villages of Samos. The enchanting landscape where houses are built creates an attractive scenery.

On the other hand, Samos town is a lively place, extremely developed with many facilities, accommodations, bars and restaurants.

One of the most well known cultural activities of the town of Samos is the Festival of Samos, taking place in summer in honor of the eminent Greek composer and musician Manolis Kalomiris, whose origin was from Samos.
Another popular summer event is the Wine Festival, which attracts many people.

Tourists

The number of tourists on the Samos island is growing phenomenally.

In summer months, the numbers are even higher, with high capacity expected until the end of September. Overall, all Greek islands have higher rates of accommodation than before.

Beaches

Kedros Beach

One of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in Samos is Kedros. Samos is generally gifted with a wonderful landscape of vast vegetation with tall pine trees and fresh air. It is located 5km north west of Vathi, the capital of Samos. The beach is mostly unorganized, thus quite isolate and calm.

However, the best feature of Kedros is the blue crystal waters that remain clean throughout the whole summer. The white pebbles are dragged through the depths of the sea, but there is sand after some meters.

Kedros is situated between Vathy and the village of Kokkari and it can be reached by a dirt road. There are some traditional taverns around the area and various types of accommodation due to the short distance from the capital. It is easily reachable by all means of transport.

You don’t need special shoes, but it is useful. The sharpness of entering the water is quite normal. This beach is suitable for different categories of people, lonely travellers, relaxation getaway lovers etc. Suitable especially for families with kids. It is partially crowded during the high season.

Kedros beach coast is free for all. It has no amenities, only nature.
In addition to swimming and sunbathing, you can also take part in other activities.
This beach is easily accessible, it is located very close to road.

Length of the beach 400 m.
Average width: 12 m.
Kedros beach is the alternative destination for those who love the sea. It is very likely to come across kite surfers or windsurfers to roam the sea. When you stay up late in the afternoon, enjoy the sunset.

Activities: snorkeling, kite surfing, windsurfing, fishing.
Facilities there: sun beds and umbrellas, showers, restaurants, restrooms, changing rooms, snack bars.

Kokkari, Lemonakia, Mykali Tsamadou

Samos beaches are famous for their green environment and crystal water. Kokkari, Lemonakia, Mykali, and Tsamadou are among the most beautiful beaches in Samos Greece.

Interesting informations

Since ancient times Samos has been famous for its natural riches, possessing everything that a land can offer: abundant water, wood, the purest oil in the Greek world and all kinds of agricultural products.

The relief of Samos is dominated by two large mountains, Ampelos and Kerkis.

It’s very quiet, we can count the number of people on one hand. There are much possibilities to hide in various places in one of the many small coves between the huge rocks.

The Greek islands are famous the world over for their fabulous sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.

Samos was the birthplace of the philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras.

Many hiking paths cross the green forests in the center of the island, leading to waterfalls and secluded coves.

It offers something for everyone: from large seaside resorts to rustic villages, forests and interesting hiking trails in the mountains. Furthermore, as an island with a long history, Samos has many ancient sites.

For those who love exploring: one is the Panagia Spiliani Monastery above Pythagorion. There you’ll find a mysterious cave church where the holy icon of the Virgin Mary is said to have been found.