Samos

Late May to early October is the best time for beaches and swimming. July and August are hot and dry, and strong north winds (the meltemi) are common. June and September are warm and less busy. In spring, the hills are green and good for walking.

Winter is mild but wet. Many hotels, restaurants and boat trips close from November to April, and ferries run less often.

• Pythagoreion is the ancient harbour town on the south-east coast. It was the island's capital in the 6th century BC, and parts of its walls and harbour still stand. Today the modern village of the same name has a pleasant waterfront.
• Eupalinos Tunnel is a water tunnel of about one kilometre, dug through a hill in the 6th century BC. Workers dug from both ends and met in the middle. Parts of it are open to visitors. It is closed on Tuesdays, so check opening days before you go.
• Heraion of Samos was the island's great sanctuary of the goddess Hera. One tall column still stands in the marshy site, which is a short drive from Pythagoreio.
• Castle of Pythagorio is a stone tower above the harbour of Pythagoreio. It dates from the Greek War of Independence and gives a good view of the bay.
• Archaeological Museum of Vathy is in the main town. Its best-known piece is a very large ancient statue of a young man (a kouros), found at the Heraion.
• The Real Pythagoras Cave is a cave on the slopes of Mount Kerkis. Legend says Pythagoras hid here. It is reached on foot along a path, so wear sturdy shoes.
• Megali Panagia Monastery and Moni Timiou Stavrou are monasteries in the hills. Dress modestly when you visit.

• Wine tasting: Taste Muscat wine at a local winery or cooperative. The sweet wine comes from Muscat grapes grown on terraced mountain vineyards.
• Boat day trip: Take a summer boat from Pythagoreio to the small islands and beaches offshore.
• Walk to the Potami waterfalls: A forest path near Karlovasi leads to waterfalls and pools. The water is lowest in late summer.
• Village feast (panigiri): In summer, many villages hold an evening feast for a saint's day. There is food, music and dancing. Ask locally for dates.
• Hike on Mount Kerkis: This is the highest peak on the island. Start early, because summer afternoons are hot.

Samos is an island, so every day trip needs a boat. Check the timetable first, because service is limited outside summer.

• Kusadasi and Ephesus, Turkey: about 1 to 1.5 hours by ferry, with daytime sailings only and fewer from October to May. Ephesus is a large, well-preserved Roman city a short drive from Kusadasi. Take your passport.
• Patmos: ferries run from Pythagoreio and Karlovasi, but not daily, so check the timetable before planning a day trip. The Cave of the Apocalypse and the hilltop monastery are UNESCO-listed.
• Ikaria lies to the south-west. It is a quiet place with hot springs and a relaxed way of life. Ferries take 1 to 3 hours and run only a few days a week, so an overnight stay is often easier.

Samos is part of the North Aegean region. The closest island destination with its own guide is Ikaria, which lies to the south-west.

• By air: Samos International Airport (SMI) is on the south coast, near Pythagoreio. Flights from Athens take about an hour. In summer there are also charter and seasonal flights from other European cities. Taxis and rental cars are the main way to reach your hotel.
• By ferry: Ferries from Piraeus (Athens) take roughly 9 to 13 hours, depending on the ship and port, and run less often in winter. The main ports are Vathy (the main town, north-east) and Karlovasi (north-west). Pythagoreio is a smaller port with seasonal links.
• From Turkey: Seasonal ferries run to Kusadasi from Vathy and Pythagoreio.
• Between islands: Ferries connect Samos to Ikaria, Patmos and other Aegean islands. Timetables change by season.

• Car: A rental car is the easiest way to see the island. Book ahead in July and August.
• Bus: Public buses link the main towns and some beaches. They run less often in winter and at weekends, so check timetables.
• Taxi: Taxis are useful for airport transfers and for trips to villages that have no bus. Agree the price before you start.
• Scooter: Scooters and small cars are common rentals, but mountain roads are narrow and steep.
• On foot: Pythagoreio and Vathy are easy to explore on foot. Distances between towns are too long to walk.

• Is a car worth it? Yes. Beaches, villages and monasteries are far apart, and buses are limited.
• Roads: Mountain roads are narrow with many bends. Drive slowly and watch for goats.
• Parking: Parking is easy outside towns. In Pythagoreio and Vathy, use the car parks near the harbour in summer.

Samos is known for sweet Muscat wine, olive oil and honey. Fish and grilled meats are on most taverna menus. Many dishes use herbs and vegetables from local gardens.

For eating, go to the harbour front in Pythagoreio and Vathy. Also try the village squares in the hills. They serve simple local food at fair prices.

Samos is very safe for visitors. Petty crime is rare. Use normal care with bags in busy ports in summer.

• Heat and sun: Summer is hot. Use sunscreen, and drink plenty of water.
• Wildfires: Dry summers bring a risk of forest fires. Follow local alerts, and never light fires outdoors.
• Wind and ferries: Strong summer winds can delay or cancel ferries. Keep a spare day before a flight home.
• Water: Tap water is generally drinkable, but many visitors prefer bottled water for taste. Avoid water from rivers and unfamiliar countryside sources.
• Medical care: A hospital is in Vathy. Serious cases may need transfer to Athens.

Samos was one of the richest Greek city-states in the 6th century BC. Under the ruler Polycrates (about 540 to 522 BC), Samos gained a great harbour, the huge temple of Hera at Heraion of Samos and the water tunnel at Eupalinos Tunnel. You can see the remains of all three today at Pythagoreion and nearby.

The island gave the world several famous thinkers. Pythagoras was born here around 570 BC. Epicurus was born here in 341 BC, and Aristarchus proposed that the Earth moves around the Sun.

Later, Samos came under Ottoman rule. In the 19th century it became a self-governing principality. It joined Greece in 1912.

Quick practical facts for Greece at a glance: