Holidays to Samos
Not mythical but definitely legendary, Samos holidays are all about Aegean beaches, harbourside cocktails and a dash of ancient Greek history.
Shore thing
Set against a backdrop of lush hills, the beaches are Samos’s star attractions. Pick from spots like Lemonakia, with its loungers and beach bar, or Mykali, a pebbly stretch with crystalline water.
With shallow, calm waters, Livadaki is perfect for families. Enjoy a lazy swim, grab a mask and snorkel, explore by kayak or simply enjoy the view.
Beyond the beach
When the time comes to stretch those legs, give them a wake-up call with a bit of inland island exploration. Mount Kerkis is the highest point on Samos and the hike is definitely steep – but the sweat-athon is worth it for the views up top!
The walk to the Potami Waterfalls is less taxing and you get to take a refreshing dip when you reach your destination. Win!
Goddess vibes
Greek mythology has it that the goddess Hera was born on Samos, so she features quite a bit. Case in point? The ruins of Heraion. There’s enough of it left for you to imagine what the massive sanctuary built for the queen of the gods might have looked like in its heyday.
To get there, you can walk along the Sacred Way – a road that leads from the old city (now Pythagoreio) to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the ancient altar, headless statues and ongoing excavations.
Chill nightlife
Samos’s nightlife scene isn’t rowdy or wild, but there are plenty of hotspots where you can enjoy a few bevvies.
The main towns on the island, like Samos (aka Vathy), Kokkari and Pythagoreio, have wine bars and coffee shops that stay open until late.
Sneak Peek
Best for... A chilled beach holiday with ancient attractions🏺
Go... In June or September for summer conditions without mid-season crowds 😎
You have to... Visit the ruins of Hera’s huge temple, a Samos holiday highlight 🏛️
Top destinations in Samos
Pythagorion
Samos Town
Details
Currency
Euro
Language
Greek
Time difference
GMT +2
Cost of a beer
Around €4
3-course meal
€30-40
Flight time
3 hrs
Peachy beachy
Potami is one of Samos’s prettiest beaches, with the Agios Nikolaos chapel overlooking the bay from the clifftops. Livadaki Beach – a sheltered cove just a short drive from Samos Town – is another corker. Expect shallow water that’s ideal for wee ones and a beach bar for the grown-ups.
More you say? Sure! There’s also Mikro and Megalo Seitani beaches. These sandy coves are surrounded by cliffs that are only accessible on foot or by boat. If you like quiet, you’ll like these two.
Myths and maths
Fancy a bit of Greek history? Get a ton of it at the Archaeological Museum of Pythagoreion, in Pythagoreio, a town that is indeed named after the mathematician Pythagoras (he was born on Samos). All you can think about now is triangles and secondary school maths, right?
Nearby, don’t miss the kilometre-long Tunnel of Eupalinos, dug into the mountainside many moons ago to secure a water source for the ancient city (sensible shoes are absolutely needed for this one). The cave-based Panagia Spiliani monastery is near the tunnel’s exit too.
Greek eats
Samos has been in the business of winemaking for many, many years, so the people here know what they’re doing when it comes to the ol’ vino. Swing by Vakakis Winery to sample a few vintages and the Samos Wine Museum to learn about the process.
For food, chow down on local grub like stuffed goat, rice-filled onions, and tiganites – deep-fried dough topped with honey. You can find authentic dishes like these in most traditional tavernas.
When to go to Samos
Summer is peak season, which means Samos can get busy and often swelteringly hot. If that sounds like the last thing you want, aim for early June or late September when the heat is more bearable and the tourists less numerous.
For comparably cheap Samos holidays, look to visit the island in either spring or autumn. Dips in the sea are still possible for the latter season, but it’s more of a hiking and sightseeing kind of vibe. May and October are also worth looking into for more pocket-friendly breaks.
