The uninhabited Samiopoula island opposite the southern coast of the main island offers authenticity and escape in big measure. Take a traditional wooden kaiki for the short crossing to this islet and explore its two tiny beaches, lone church and smattering of goats.
The top spots for accommodation are around Pythagorio, Kokkari & Kampos Marathokampos (main resorts) and Ireon and Karlovasi. There are also many lovely traditional villages scattered across the mountains and along the coastline.
1. The Samiopoula
Less than a nautical mile off the southern coast of Samos, the islet of Samiopoula (meaning “small Samos”) offers authenticity and escape in big measure. Here, you’ll find tiny beaches and churches, a handful of goats—and the feeling that you’ve truly escaped the rat race.
The island also has excellent beaches, such as Psalida Beach, which is the most famous on Samos with its fine sand and crystalline waters. During the summer, this beach gets crowded with day trip boats from Pythagorion and Limanaki. But during the winter, when the sun is behind a cloud and the wind has dropped, this beach is virtually deserted. It’s the perfect spot for a quiet swim and relaxing on a lounge chair.
2. Aeolos Villa
Aeolos Villa is a new constructed holiday villa offering the most enjoyable vacation for you and your family. Located just in front of the beach of Koumeika, this 5 bedroom villa is built to meet your expectations of a relaxing & memorable holiday enjoying a spectacular sea view from both sides & the majestic sun set colouring the clear sky.
This villa features a spa, a library, and a terrace. It also provides complimentary WiFi in public areas, an airport shuttle, and a BBQ. Tour or ticket assistance, a rooftop terrace, and multilingual staff are available for your convenience. Additionally, this property offers a complimentary food/drink shopping service and wedding services.
3. Karin & Nikos
Situated within a short walk of Moni Megalis Panagias Monastery, this hotel provides an ideal base while visiting Ireon. It is also within a short drive of Pythagoras Statue and Temple of Hera. Guests can enjoy a range of fun activities such as hiking and diving during their stay at this 3-star property.
Karin & Nikos offers sea-view rooms in the heart of Ireon, only a short distance from taverns, the bus stop and the nearest beach. All are equipped with TV and private bathroom facilities.
Free WiFi is available in all the guest rooms at Karin & Nikos. Each have a refrigerator, a kettle and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities. They are also air conditioned. The staff are multilingual and can offer tips on what to do during your stay in Samos. The front desk is open around the clock.
4. Friendly Studios
Samiopoula (meaning Small Samos) is a gorgeous little island opposite the southern coast of Samos. It’s easy to visit by organized boats leaving from Pythagorion and Limanaki all day. The main beach is Psalida, with lovely white sand and crystal clear waters.
The Friendly Studios are situated in the area of Ireon and offers guests accommodation with a furnished balcony overlooking the sea and mountains of Samos. The studios come with air conditioning and a kitchenette with fridge. Taverns and bus stops are within walking distance of the property. There is also free private parking on site.
5. Panemorphe Souita Episkepton
Located in Ormos Koumaiikon, Panemorphe Souita Episkepton is just a short stroll from Balos Beach Marathokampos. It offers a bar, free private parking and sea view rooms. The property is also within walking distance of Folklore museum of Karlovasi and Moni Megalis Panagias.
The accommodation is equipped with a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator and a seating area. The bathroom is fitted with a shower and bath.
Guests are also provided with a kitchenette, a refrigerator and a microwave. Those staying at the property can dine in the restaurant, which serves local cuisine. In addition, there is a café bar. For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, there is a barbecue on-site. A range of popular activities are available nearby, including hiking and snorkeling. Samos’s most visited attraction is Pythagorion, where you can see UNESCO-listed sites like Heraion, Eupalides Tunnel and the Ancient Theater.
6. Marialena Pension
Located within walking distance of Paralia Megali Ammos and Windmills of Kato Mili, Maria Elena – Suite Home provides housekeeping services and Wi Fi in all rooms. The guesthouse features six delightful rooms that are equipped with a flat-screen TV together with a mini bar.
The property’s onsite restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Drinks and coffee are also available at the bar. Taverns and shops are within a 2-minute walk.
Guests can also take advantage of the free private parking on site. The scenic village of Pithagoreio is a 10-minute drive from the guesthouse. All air-conditioned rooms are fitted with a TV, a fridge and an electric kettle. They each offer a furnished balcony. All have a private bathroom with either a bath or shower. The property offers a daily room service.
7. Hotel Matina
Hotel Matina offers spacious and comfortable rooms that are perfect for a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a business trip. Its amenities include a restaurant, a bar, and an outdoor pool. In addition, it provides a 24-hour reception and laundry service.
It is a great choice for those looking for a hotel in Kamari, with the beach and promenade just a 2-minute walk away. The hotel is also close to shops, restaurants and a bus stop.
The rooms at Hotel Matina feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a fridge. They have a balcony and private facilities, and some offer stunning views of the surrounding area. You can enjoy your breakfast at the in-house cafe. For a memorable evening with your friends and family, try the bar at the property. Guests can also enjoy a drink at the poolside bar.
8. Orange Tree Pagondas
At Orange Tree Pagondas, guests are invited to relax and recharge in their spacious resort suites that sleep four. Each suite features a kitchenette, separate bedroom with deluxe bedding and a comfortable whirlpool tub. Guests can enjoy their meals in the dining area or on their private balcony or patio. The resort is also home to the Orange Deck, a versatile outdoor space for relaxation and wellness.
Located in Samos, Orange Tree Pagondas is a 10-minute drive from Moni Megalis Panagias and less than one mile from Natural History Museum of the Aegean. It is also a short car ride from Panagia Spiliani Church and Folklore Museum of the Nikolaos Dimitriou Foundation of Samos. The property offers free private parking on site. Guests can enjoy a range of on-site fitness activities, including yoga and jogging. The hotel also provides complimentary shuttle service to nearby attractions.
9. The Old Bibliotheca
Samiopoula is a beautiful island close to the southern coast of Samos. Its name means “small Samos” and it’s a lovely beach destination, although it gets crowded in summer. It’s easy to take a day trip here from Pythagorio and Limanaki, or on organized boats leaving from Kerveli or Marathokampos.
You can also visit the famous waterfalls at Potami, which are a spectacular sight inside a forest with Corinthian stone columns. Then, explore UNESCO-listed Pythagorion village where Samos’ ancient capital used to be. Here, you’ll find neoclassical and Venetian-era buildings.
Taking a cruise from the pretty port of Pithagorio is one of the most popular things to do in Samos. From here, you can enjoy a relaxing morning sailing through the Mycale Strait to secluded beaches and rocky coves, before arriving at Samiopoula. Home to only five residents, this is a place of authenticity and escape.
10. Samian Thalia Apartment
Less than a nautical mile off the south coast of Samos lies this tiny island, which is home to a handful of houses, a church and one family-operated taverna. It’s also a sanctuary for goats that graze carefree on its verdant hills, which are covered in cypresses, pine trees and wild bushes.
The islet’s main attraction is Psalida Beach, which has fine sand and crystalline turqoise waters. It’s a popular daytrip destination from the villages of Pythagorion and Marathokampos, from where most of the small wooden boats sail. It can therefore get quite crowded during the peak of summer. It’s best to bring a packed lunch and plenty of water. The boat trip takes about an hour and is included in many of the tours to Samiopoula. You can also book a private yacht for the day.