With the beach town of Kokkari, the seaside village of Pythagorio and the small villages typical of authentic Greece, there are many places to stay in Samos. The island has something to offer all types of travelers, including those who seek modern amenities, bustling nightlife and archaeological sights.
Unlike other Greek islands that have been overrun by tourists, Samos remains a place to recharge in peace.
Vathy
Vathy, Samos’ capital, is a vibrant nerve center teeming with a bustling populace. It shelters the primary port from which most cruise ship passengers will disembark and teems with a plethora of shops, bars, restaurants and a superb assortment of hotels and rental rooms.
A popular choice for many is the quaint pebbly enclave of Gagou Beach, where sun loungers are neatly lined up and usually shielded from winds. Nearby, the town’s roadstead is dotted with a wide variety of tavernas and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal on a terrace overlooking the sea.
The most beautiful and impressive sight in Vathy is its elongated waterfront promenade where people stroll during the day and evening. It is adorned with a number of well-preserved old houses that showcase the island’s architecture from the different eras. Other notable sights include the finely restored cathedral dedicated to Agios Georgios (Saint George), which has an impressive wood carved iconostasis, and the house where Odysseas Androutsos, a Greek hero of the War of Independence, was born.
Samos is also home to some of the best beaches in the Aegean, such as Psili Ammos and Gidaki. The former is a family-friendly beach with an excellent infrastructure, while the latter is a beautiful yet isolated beach. For those looking for a more tranquil setting, the village of Marathokampou offers a peaceful retreat with a few hotels and small pensions.
Pythagorio
Located at the heart of Samos, Pythagorio is a cosmopolitan town where past and present weave together seamlessly. It’s also one of the best places to stay in Samos for a taste of its unique beauty. Here, the mountains cling to the azure sea and the streets are lined with bars, restaurants, and hotels that cater to every need.
Those seeking relaxation will be tempted by the beaches of Votsalakia, Limnionas, and Psili Ammos. These beaches are ideal for sunbathing and enjoying the crystal waters of Samos. In addition, they attract a diverse crowd of tourists and naturists alike. There are also a number of taverns where you can savor some local fare.
The most notable attraction is the Temple of Hera, a sanctuary dedicated to the Greek Goddess. You can also visit the ruins of the Eupalinian aqueduct. It is considered to be a miracle because Eupalinos, the man who built it, was able to calculate how to dig a tunnel through the mountain.
There are a number of hotels where you can stay in Samos including the Lithos Hotel and Naftilos. These hotels are situated on the outskirts of the city and offer beautiful views. You can also find independent properties that are rated high by customers such as Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa, La Vista Boutique Hotel & Spa, and Fito Aqua Bleu Resort.
The best place to stay in Samos depends on your preferences and what you want from your trip. The main port of Vathi is a busy town with lots to see and do while Karlovasi, the formerly industrial town, offers an interesting contrast in scenery. If you’re a beach lover, Kokkari is the perfect place for you and if you like hiking, head to the Oros Kerkis massif.
Kerveli
Kerveli is a secluded beach with crystal clear waters. It is located 7 km south east of the capital Vathy, on a small hill overlooking the sea and surrounded by tall pine trees. The beach has a unique landscape where the sand gradually changes to white shiny pebbles as you move down the shoreline.
It is a favorite among those who are looking for peace and tranquility. This is an ideal place to stay for honeymooners and families with kids. This beach is also a popular choice for hiking and jogging enthusiasts as the scenery offers wonderful views of the mountains, valleys and the sea.
The evocative monastery of Panagia Spilliani, suffused with heavenly peace, is an attraction to visit in the area. Other noteworthy attractions are the pristine beaches of Psili Ammos and Potami, the coastal taverns (tabakika) of Karlovasi and the standout structures of the Porphyras School of Karlovasi, Hatzigiannis Library and the leprosarium.
Samos is a big island with lots of things to do and see. It’s easy to explore with the help of a car rental, though renting one for a day or two is recommended if you are only staying for 5 days so that you don’t get too exhausted with long drives between places. You can book a rental from various companies online including budget options and the luxury brands like Ramada Resort by Wyndham Kusadasi, Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa and Fito Aqua Bleu Resort. Use momondo’s filters to narrow down your choices by price, star rating and amenities such as free cancellation, breakfast and enhanced health & safety options. You can then compare the best deals and book through their secure booking system.
Proteas Blu Resort
Located in the lovely cosmopolitan coastal town of Pythagorio overlooking a sheltered cove with two naturally secluded beaches this hotel complex stands out for its unique architectural personality and elegant accommodation. It offers magnificent views of the blue marine seas and combines high level facilities with impeccable personalized service dedicated to the needs of today’s higher end traveler.
The hotel has 92 rooms all with balcony looking to the sea and are equipped with modern amenities to ensure an enjoyable and comfortable stay. Guests can enjoy a variety of deluxe services and amenities, including free beach sun beds and umbrellas, plus access to the indoor pool, sauna, and hot tub.
Rooms feature refrigerators and LCD televisions, as well as private balconies that provide ocean and sea views. They also include bathrooms with shower/tub combinations and makeup/shaving mirrors. Guests can relax at the full-service spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. The property also has a coffee bar and a restaurant that serves Greek dishes, among other things.
The onsite Simplicity restaurant serves Greek cuisine, while buffet meals are available at the Panorama Restaurant. There is also the open-air P2 Theory gourmet restaurant that is a great place to sample international flavors and enjoy endless blue vistas. Guests can also try their luck at the casino, or play a round of golf at the nearby course. The resort is also within walking distance of Glicorisa Beach and Samos Archaeological Museum.
Petra Mare Village
If you’re looking for luxury hotels in Samos, look no further than the Proteas Blu Resort. This hotel in Pythagorio has a private beach, a restaurant serving scrumptious meals, and 112 rooms with their own unique decor. Each room has a fabulous balcony where you can take in the breathtaking Greek landscape.
The hotel has a children’s playground, an outdoor pool, and free parking. It is also within walking distance of Profitis Ilias and Mykali Beach. The staff is multilingual and offers express check-in and luggage storage. You can also request a roundtrip airport shuttle for an additional fee.
A variety of restaurants and bars are located in the area, including the charming Taverna Kypros and the cozy Psili Ammos. The tavernas in Kokkari are also worth a visit, but be sure to book ahead as they tend to fill up quickly. For those who enjoy the finer things in life, you can also visit the nearby town of Karlovasi, which is a bustling commercial hub with its own special charm.
While it’s not as popular with tourists as some other Greek islands, Samos is a gem worth visiting, especially for its mesmerizing beaches and verdant expanses. From the co-capital of Vathy and Pythagorion to the cosmopolitan beach town of Karlovasi, there’s a lot to see and do on this beautiful island.
To find the best places to stay in Samos, use momondo’s search tools and filters. These include simple options such as star rating and location, as well as more advanced ones like hotel amenities, price range, free cancellation, and enhanced health and safety features. With more than 3M+ properties compared, you’ll have no trouble finding exactly what you’re after.