Samos, Anthemis, Doryssa, Dryoussa… This special island has had different names in its history. Especially during the Ottoman period, it was known for its sesame trade, so it was called Sesame. Pythagoras the mathematician, Epicurus the philosopher and Aesop, famous for his fairy tales, were born on this island and walked the streets of this island. In fact, according to mythology, Hera, the queen of the Olympian Gods and wife of Zeus, was also born in Samos. Today, Samos is a place of peace and tranquility with its lush nature and tranquil life. They even say that Samos has the most unique nature among the Dodecanese Islands. The highest mountains of the Greek islands, vineyards covering the slopes, olive trees on the mountain tops, delicious food and sparkling beaches… There is everything you are looking for
How to get to Samos Island, which flavors to taste, what places to visit; all in this guide! Before we start our article, let us remind you: Don’t forget to download the Piri Guide mobile app to visit Samos step by step with your personal and digital tour guide!
Where is Samos?
Samos is located in the east of the Aegean Sea, west of Turkey. About 2 kilometers from the mainland of Greece, the island is just opposite Kusadasi in Turkey. It is also known as the closest Greek island to Turkey.
How to Get to Samos?
Getting to Samos Island is quite easy. The easiest way of transportation is by sea. You can reach Kusadasi from Samos Island in 30 minutes by ferry. It is possible to find a ferry every day. There are also ferries departing from Seferihisar as another way. The journey takes about 1 hour. The island has 3 harbors: Vathi, Pythagorion and Karlovassi. Don’t forget to check which port when buying your ticket. Ferries departing from Kusadasi arrive at Vathi and Pythagorion ports, while ferries departing from Seferihisar arrive at Karlovassi port. There are also ferries from other Greek islands.
Apart from that, if you prefer to come by plane, there are regular flights to Samos from Athens and Thessaloniki.
Best Season to Visit Samos?
Since Samos Island has a Mediterranean climate, summers are hot and dry and winters are mild and rainy. Especially between May and September is the ideal time for Samos.As of May, local businesses slowly start to revive. When the summer starts, everything gets lively. Especially in restaurants and bars, you can sit with your friends until late at night and have fun with Greek music. If you are looking for a sea vacation, the beaches start to come alive during these months and the sea reaches ideal levels. January to March is the quietest time on the island. Tourists leave and the islanders return to their daily lives. Therefore, if you want to spend a quiet vacation, you can choose these periods.
What To Eat in Samos?
The island has a flavor that has been famous since its history: sweet wine. Apart from this, thyme honey is among the flavors you should definitely try. Other local flavors of the island are as follows:
- Bourekia: a mixture of pumpkin, onion, feta cheese and olive oil in handmade dough.
- Boxadakia: beef roasted with tomatoes, peppers, sugar and onions.
- Tourlou: shrimp fried with zucchini, potatoes, eggplant, tomatoes, onions and peppers.
- Katimeria: a dessert made from crushed mastic and olive oil, served with syrup or cheese.
Kos Island Travel Guide
We’ve made a list of must-visit places in Samos. Yet, we should remind you that you can find more on the Piri Guide mobile app. Piri Guide detects your location, offers you the best travel routes, and starts telling you the hidden stories of wherever you are. All you have to do is to get your headphones or earbuds and follow the path at your own pace. Then, don’t set out for your trip before downloading the digital travel guide! 
Pythagorion
Pythagorion is undoubtedly the most beautiful place on the island. The archaeological and cultural character of the area has been recognized by UNESCO and declared a World Heritage Site. Pythagoras, known as the father of numbers in mathematics, was born in this lovely village. Today Pythagoreion is a marina town. The restaurants and shops around the harbor are one of the liveliest places on the island. At the same time, it has a sweet view with its houses with preserved historical texture.
There is also the Pythagorion Archaeological Museum in the town. It is possible to see the archaeological finds from the island and the surroundings of Pythagorion. Lycurgus Castle and Panagia Spiliani Monastery are also among the places you can see in the town.
The Cave of Pythagoras
The Cave of Pythagoras, located on the slopes of the Kerki Mountains, has an interesting story. It is said that the mathematician Pythagoras hid in this cave to escape the tyrant Polycrates who accused him of corruption. The cave is three kilometers from Kambos Marathokambos and can be reached by a long dirt road. You will encounter many slopes on the way. If you are traveling by private car, we recommend you to be careful.
Archaeological Museum of Samos
There are two archaeological museums on the island of Samos. The Archaeological Museum of Samos in Vathi is the oldest of these. The artifacts are exhibited in two separate buildings. The most important one is the 5 meter tall Kouros statue made of monolithic marble. Uncovered during the excavations of the Temple of Hera, this statue is also known as the largest surviving Kouros of Greek Antiquity. Other artifacts you can see are bronze and ceramic objects.
Vathi is also the largest settlement on the island, so if you want to visit the city, we recommend you to spend half a day. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants here. Don’t forget to drink your tiredness coffee 🙂
Heraion of Samos
The Heraion of Samos is one of the most important archaeological sites you can see on the island. According to mythology, Samos is known as the birthplace of the goddess Hera. Heraion is a sacred area dedicated to the goddess. It was used as a sacred temple especially from the geometric period until the Roman period. The temple took its current form during the reign of Polycrates. Herodotus called it “the largest and most impressive temple in Greece in its time”. Heraion is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The important findings from the temple and the area are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum of Samos.
Eupalinos Tunnel
The Eupalinos Tunnel, known as an engineering marvel, is one of the most visited places on the island. It is even referred to by many as the 8th Wonder of Antiquity, although it is not official. The tunnel was originally built to deliver water from Agiades to the Pythagorean city, which had difficulty finding clean water. The tunnel takes its name from its engineer. Engineer Eupalinos built the tunnel in exactly 10 years. At the time it was built, geometric knowledge was very limited compared to today. Moreover, it is the only tunnel in antiquity where both sections were successfully joined. The tunnel is one of the first architectural and engineering miracles of human history, especially considering that it was built without the use of modern measuring instruments.
Before you go: If you are claustrophobic, we advise you not to enter the tunnel. Also, if you are going as a family, it is forbidden for children under the age of 14. If you are going to the tunnel, make sure you wear non-slip shoes. Finally, entrances are paid and the last entry time is 14.30.
Bonus: Sunset in Kokkari
Kokkari is one of the must-see villages on the island. Tsamadou and Lemonakia, the most beautiful beaches of the island, are also located here. There are also beautiful restaurants in the village. Our recommendation is Meltemi, which is also the most beautiful restaurant on the island. Do not return from the island without watching the sunset from behind the mountains, accompanied by delicious food at the bottom of the sea at Meltemi.
If you are planning a visit to the Greek islands, you may also be interested in our Kos Island travel guide.
