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Samos is an island with a town of the same name in Samos Prefecture in the North Aegean Sea. The island lies very close to the Turkish mainland and is a popular stopping off point for travellers between the two countries as it lies on the route between Athens and Izmir. High season in Samos, when you can expect much higher prices, begins the first week of May.

[edit] History

Samos was the birthplace of Pythagoras although he left before beginning his explorations into mathematics. Consequently, the island is littered with various things named after him from the town of Pythagoreion, the ancient capital, to hotels and tavernas.

[edit] Get in

From the second week of May, two daily ferries from Kusadasi in Turkey. The trip takes two hours and costs €35 one-way. Ferries depart at 0830 and 1730. In low season, one ferry only departing Kusadasi at 0830 and returning from Samos at 1630.

You can fly into Samos from Athens and other Greek islands. Flights arrive near the old capital of Pythagoreion.

Ferries frequently arrive at the two main port towns of Samos and Karlovassi.

[edit] Get around

The island has buses although these will not operate on some public holidays e.g. May 1st. There are numerous rental agencies near the port in the city of Samos which rent out cars, motorbikes, scooters and quadbikes. Many of these are open late and so it is possible to rent a motorbike from early morning until 9 or 10PM for €10 per day. With your own transport, you could explore much of the island in a day or two. There are also taxis.

The main town of Samos can easily be explored on foot although there are some steep roads/steps away from the sea front as the town reaches the foot of the hills.

[edit][add listing] See

• The Tunnel of Eupalinos can be visited from the town of Pythagoreion. This is a 10-15 minute walk from the centre of town and is well signposted.
• Temple of Hera (Heraion of Samos), (6 km southwest of the ancient city), [1]. The Heraion of Samos was a great sanctuary in the southern region of Samos, 6 km southwest of the ancient city, in a low, marshy river basin near the sea. The Late Archaic Heraion of Samos was the first of the gigantic free-standing Ionic temples, but its predecessors at this site reached back to the Geometric Period of the 8th century BCE,[1] or earlier.[2] The site of temple's ruins, with its sole standing column, was designated a joint UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Pythagoreion in 1992.  edit

[edit][add listing] Do

• There are beaches, both sandy and shingle, all around the coast so swimming and sunbathing are popular activities. The water is very clear but cold up until May. The nearest major beach to the town of Samos is Gagkou Beach, a fifteen minute walk with the sea on your left from the ferry port. This is a pebble beach but there are areas of sand in the water. You can rent sun loungers and there are bars/cafes on the seafront although you may not be able to consume their food and drink on the beach itself.

• Walk the coastal path from Gagkou Beach (see above for directions) through beautiful flora and see the crystal clear coves. From Gagkou beach head over to the half-finished concrete building. Head up the steps of this, cross the first floor and you'll see a path off into the heather from here. You can follow this path for a couple of kilometres until it leads you back to the road. It's a great place to watch the sunset and you can get down to one or two deserted although very small beaches via this path.

• Samos has excellent watersports facilities to be found on the long pebble beach at Potokaki which are open all season. Including waterskiing, inflatables and jetski hire.

[edit][add listing] Buy

[edit][add listing] Eat

• The Garden restaurant serves good value Greek and western food and is very close to the centre of Samos. It's on, Manolis Kalomiris Road, the second street back from the sea front and is well-signposted. The restaurant is outdoors under vine leaves with a fountain and some songbirds and traditional Greek music to add atmosphere. Children will enjoy being photographed on the concrete donkey in the corner too. The Greek Salad for two is good value at €6 and a generous glass of wine is the cheapest drink on the menu at €1.50. Be aware that the bread placed on your table (toast in the evening) is not included in the order and will be charged for at €0.5 per person.

• The seafront has a range of restaurants with typical Greek fare as well as pizzeria.

[edit][add listing] Drink

• There are numerous places to get a drink along the seafront and these get very busy in the evenings.

• The main square of the town has open air cafes where you can get a coffee and enjoy the sun.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Off season (i.e. Oct-May) you can bargain rooms down to as little as €20 for a double.

• Arion Hotel, (Kokkari), [2]. The hotel consists of 108 rooms, divided between the main building and a bungalow complex. Their large verandas overlook the deep blue Aegean Sea and the lush green surroundings.  edit

• Kokari Beach Hotel, (Kokkari), [3]. A friendly family run front beach hotel.  edit

• Saint Nicholas Hotel, (Psili Ammos), [4]. Situated directly on the crystal clear beach of Mykali.  edit

• Virginia Samos villas [5] in Samos Island are located in the North Coast of Samos, conveniently built on a cliff overlooking the beautiful Nisi bay. The Villas are ideal for families and couples interested in quality accommodation and seeking a relaxing holiday in one of the most picturesque locations of Samos.

• Pythagoras Hotel out of town towards Gagkou beach and opposite the hospital is a dated concrete slab, although this may be where you can get the cheapest room in high season. Be prepared for negligible service though and make a note that although they claim breakfast, lunch and dinner can be served "anytime," the Internet is unavailable between 10:15 and 11PM while the owner has his evening meal. Rooms facing the hospital are cheapest at €22 per night in low season without breakfast. During high season, rooms with two single beds facing the harbor are €30.
• Armonia Bay Hotel, Kokkari, [6]. A wonderful, small hotel with stunning views, infinity pool and lovely staff  edit

• Stratos Hotel [7] Budget hotel located in Pythagorion.
• Olympia Beach (Olympia Beach), Kokkari beach (It is on the main beach road of kokkari going towards tsamadou, it says olympia beach on it . You cannot miss it), ☎ +30 22730 92420 / 92324, [8]. checkout: 12:00. Olympia Beach Hotel is situated on Kokkari's main beach. It is a two floor building, built in the traditional architectural style of Samos. Its twelve spacious double rooms feature en-suite bathrooms, satellite TV, fridge, controllable air-conditioning, hairdryer and telephone. Cleaning and change of linen is daily. All rooms have balconies offering an unobstructed view of the Aegean Sea. The spotless beach and magnificent sea are ideal for sunbathing, swimming, windsurfing, sea kayaking and other sea sports. Since 1981 Olympia Beach Hotel offers to its guests the warmth of traditional Greek hospitality along with all modern day comforts. tel +30 22730 92420 / 92324 €60. (37°46'43.11N,26°53'17.50E) edit

[edit] Contact

[edit] Get out

Ferries to other Greek islands are numerous including many to Piraeus (for Athens). Usually, there's an overnight ferry leaving at 2230 and arriving in Piraeus 9 hours later via Ikaria and possibly Mykonos. Prices for Piraeus start at €42.50 on the comfortable Hellenic Seaways boats. Travel agents clustered around Samos port can sell you tickets.