Samos – The Best Underrated Island in Greece

We knew we wanted to honeymoon in Greece but with so many islands to choose from we felt adrift in the Med. I had already been to the big ones – Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, etc. – and we wanted to go somewhere neither of us had ever been. We also didn’t want to spend all of our time traveling to an island and not soaking it in. Enter Samos. From the moment we arrived we knew we were in the right place and that we may never want to leave.

Sam Who?

Samos is in the Eastern Aegean, east of Icaria, south of Chios, and close enough to Turkey to see the lights at night. Samos was home to Pythagoras (yes, the famous Greek mathematician who haunted my middle school Algebra nightmares) and has a whole town named for him. We explored two sides of the island, each with its own personality, and saw most of it during our drives.

Getting There

We had started our trip in Athens for 2 nights, then hopped a plane to Icaria for the first part of our trip. Icaria is one of the six Blue Zones in the world and it was just what we needed to start our trip – relaxing, beach-y, and laid back. From Icaria we took the ferry to Samos – only a couple of hours. There are 2 ports in Samos – Karlovassi (where we got off) and Vathy.

You can also fly in and out of Samos, which we did on the way home. A relatively inexpensive and short flight (only an hour) will bring you to or from the island, saving you travel time and allowing you more time to enjoy all that the island has to offer.

Kokkari Beach Life

Half of our time in Samos had us in Kokkari, on the North side of the island. The small village of Kokkari offers various shops, restaurants, and small inns and apartments for rent. Beaches stretch out down the coast from either side of the village and each has its own unique feel.

Lemonakia Beach

The view from the road above Lemonakia Beach is breathtaking on its own. Walking down the winding sidewalks to the beach itself offers a new view with every turn.

You can rent chairs and loungers. It was a bit windy on the day we were there and the chairs were pretty packed in but it didn’t take away from the teal green waters. Warm and not over-powering (waves-wise), we had a beautiful day in the sun.

Tsamadou Beach

If you’re traveling from Kokkari village, Tsamadou is the next beach in line. This was our favorite by far. The walk down from the road wasn’t taxing (though I was I happy our hilarious waiter was the runner up and down rather than me) and you can go straight (toward the Navagos Beach Bar) and carry on to the beach and rent chairs there or turn slightly right and find yourself at the nude end of the beach. Here you can rent chairs and a table, there’s a waiter and full menu to the restaurant up top, a shower to rinse off, and have a peaceful day by the gorgeous waves.

More Than Just a Beach Destination

While Samos is a dream for beach lovers, the island has so much more to offer beyond its sun-soaked shores. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or someone who loves a good adventure, there’s something to keep you entertained between dips in the Aegean.

Samos Wine – The Island’s Best-Kept Secret

I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting to be blown away by Samos’ wine and especially not by the Wine Museum. But let me tell you—if you’re a wine lover (or even just wine-curious), this island will surprise you. Samos is famous for its sweet Muscat wines, which have been produced here for centuries. Even if you don’t typically go for sweet wine, a visit to a local vineyard or the Samos Wine Museum is a must. The museum itself is set in a historic winery, and you can learn all about the island’s winemaking traditions before sampling a few varieties for yourself. If you visit, try the Samos Anthemis—a rich, aged Muscat that tastes like honey, dried fruit, and a little bit of sunshine in a glass. Aside from the beaches, this was one of the best parts of our trip.

Pythagoreio Offers Even More

The other half of our trip to Samos was spent in Pythagoreio, a coastal town on the Southeastern side of the island. The beautiful boardwalk along the marina offered restaurant after restaurant and the shops in between were welcoming and full of handmade crafts and more. As you walk from one end of the boardwalk to the other, happy hour cocktails and delicious fish dinners call to you while in the harbor the various-sized yachts keep you dreaming of what life could be.

Panagia Spiliani Monastery – A Quiet Escape with Stunning Views

High above Pythagoreio sits the Panagia Spiliani Monastery, a peaceful retreat with panoramic views of the island and the sea beyond. This 16th-century monastery is built over a cave, which houses a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Stepping inside, you’re greeted by flickering candlelight and a sense of serenity that makes the short uphill trek worth it (though you can drive if you want – we sweated it out with a walk). If you’re lucky, you might have the place all to yourself—just you, the cool cave air, and the scent of burning incense.

Tunnel of Eupalinos – A Masterpiece of Ancient Engineering

If you appreciate a little math and history (or just love cool underground tunnels), the Tunnel of Eupalinos is a must-visit. This 6th-century BC aqueduct is one of the most impressive engineering feats of the ancient world. What makes it truly fascinating is that it was dug from both ends at the same time using precise geometric calculations—mind-blowing when you think about the tools they had back then. The guided tour takes you through a section of the tunnel, and while it’s not for the claustrophobic, it’s an incredible experience to walk through a passage that has existed for over 2,500 years.

Hidden Hikes and Villages – Another Side of Samos

Samos isn’t just about beaches and coastal towns—its mountain villages and hiking trails are worth exploring too. If you have a rental car, take a drive inland to the village of Manolates, a charming little spot tucked into the hills. The narrow stone streets, colorful flowers spilling from balconies, and family-run tavernas make it feel like a different world from the beaches below. Stop for a long, leisurely lunch at one of the tavernas and order the local goat stew—it’s slow-cooked to perfection and pairs beautifully with a glass of Samos wine.

For hikers, there are several trails winding through the island’s forests and mountains. One of the best is the hike from Kokkari to Vourliotes, which takes you through olive groves and pine forests with incredible views of the coastline. It’s about a 2-hour trek, so bring plenty of water, but the peacefulness and scenery make it well worth it.

Where to Stay

Pythagoreio –

Doryssa Lithos Hotel:

• This was our hotel in Pythagoreio and it was perfect for our stay. It was a short walk down the stairs to the boardwalk or to a path leading to the monastery. The woman who owned and managed the hotel was so welcoming and happy to have us. When we checked in we had to wait a few minutes for her to finish up with someone else and she was effusive in her apologies for the inconvenience (which is wasn’t) and offered funny jokes, flexible accommodations, and made us feel immediately welcomed.

Hotel Artemis:

• This family-run hotel is just a short walk from Remataki Beach and the main harbor. It’s budget-friendly, clean, and offers friendly hospitality with a great location for exploring the town on foot.

Doryssa Boutique Hotel:

• If you’re looking for a stylish stay right in the heart of Pythagoreio, this boutique hotel is perfect. It’s steps away from the waterfront, with elegant decor, a cozy courtyard, and easy access to restaurants, shops, and historical sites.

Kokkari

Arion Hotel:

• We stayed at this resort just outside the village. Our stay here was lovely, with a pool, restaurant, morning brunch, and perhaps the best part, the beach shuttle bus. We could take the bus in the morning and it made stops in the village and at every beach in the area. And then, it would pick us back up again at the end of the day. While not particularly fancy, it made us feel bougie for a few days as we drank our Aperol Spritzes (and learned that we don’t like Aperol Spritz).

Sunrise Beach Hotel:

• Perched on a cliffside just steps from Kokkari Beach, this hotel has breathtaking views of the Aegean. The private balconies, seaside breakfast, and peaceful setting make it a great option.

Olympia Village Hotel:

• Right in the heart of Kokkari, this charming hotel is close to the waterfront, tavernas, and local shops. The traditional Greek hospitality and quiet atmosphere make it a hidden gem.

Kalidon Panorama Hotel:

• Located near the center of Kokkari, this hotel provides easy access to local beaches, restaurants, and shops, making it convenient for travelers.

You’ll Love Samos

Greece has so many islands to choose from, it’s hard to go wrong. But if you are looking for a place without the crowds, with a laid back style, and beaches for day, Samos is where it’s at!

Which is your dream Greek isle? Drop your choice in the comments!

Need to know what to pack for a trip to Samos? Check out my post on packing for a month in just a carry-on.