Travel to Samos

Travel to Samos

In Greek mythology, Samos is the birthplace of Hera, the wife of Zeus and the queen of the gods. Today, its the most visited island in the northeastern Aegean and blends beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and green mountains with modern thrills such as water sports and an avid nightlife. In the summer of 2000, a catastrophic fire destroyed some of the island, but Samos still retains much of its impressive scenery.

Transportation to Samos

Samos can be reached either by air or sea. Samos International Airport is located in the Pithagorion region, with daily connections to a number of countries. However, the easiest way to reach Samos by air is to fly first into Athens and then catch a connecting flight to Samos. The island also has three major ferry ports: Pithagorio, Karlosvassi and Vathi. The latter port gets the most traffic and is the main port of entry for Samos. Most ferry connections to Samos are made via a stop-over in Turkey.

The public transportation system on Samos is very thorough, making getting around the island very convenient. The bus network is of a high quality and connects all of the major regions and cities as well as the popular beaches. Some use ferries to reach certain beaches on the island as well as to venture out to the neighbouring islands. Taxis can also be hailed in most places and fill in the gaps when public transportation appears to be unavailable.

What to see

Several brands of architecture permeate the island of Samos, manifested in Venetian buildings, whitewashed houses, neo-classical mansions and Byzantine churches. Exploring the island on foot is rewarding, especially in the capital city of Vathy, where the roofs have been made using red tiles and many of the walls are painted bright colours. Narrow, winding streets meander through this hodgepodge of architecture. The Monastary of Panagia Vrontiani is Samos oldest, founded in 1476 and located near the village of Vouriotes on the western side of Samos. It is hemmed in by a thick forest and has become famous for its spectacular iconostasis. Several other churches and monasteries are also located on the island.

Samos boasts several interesting museums. The Archeological Museum of Samos is located near the Town Hall in Vathy and has artefacts that date back to the Hellenistic and prehistoric periods. The Fossil Museum of Samos is the only museum of paleontology in Greece. Here you will find artefacts depicting ancient remains found on the island including the three-toed small horse of Samos, which dates back 13 million years. In Pythagorio, there is another archeological museum located in the Town Hall.

Daytrips

There are a number of beaches around the island that can be easily reached via public transportation. In many cases, these are the touristy destinations of the island and have plenty of facilities including hotels, restaurants and bars. There are also just as many unspoiled beaches with secluded coves, greater privacy and natural beauty.

Activities and leisure

Windsurfing and other water sports have become very popular at some of the beaches on Samos, particularly at Kokkari Beach, because the area is so windy. Other tourists take advantage of the impressive diving and sailing opportunities. The white sand and blue waters only enhance any activity undertaken on the beach. Many visitors also enjoy simply walking on the nature paths or the old, winding streets of the cities, where the history of the island is still very much a part of the contemporary scene.

Safety issues

On the whole, Samos is a very safe travel destination. However, driving conditions can sometimes be tricky and anyone considering renting a car is advised to exercise superfluous caution. Participating in water sports can also pose some risk, and we strongly advise that you consider a travel insurance plan to protect yourself and your family.