Guide to Samos Town

'A quaint old town, fascinating museums and brilliant shopping - Samos' colourful and chic capital brings you the best of the island.'

Samos Town has an unforced charm that'll wriggle its way into your affections before you know it. Strung around a horseshoe-shaped bay, it's tailor-made for sampling all sides of Samos, whether you're set on enjoying the town alone or using it as a base to visit as many beaches, villages and rustic tavernas as you possibly can. The best starting-point is the bustling harbourfront. Here, authentic kafenion and seafood tavernas beckon you to watch the fishing fleet come in over a Greek coffee. Next up is Pythagorion square, further down the seafront. Linger at a shady cafe here over an ice-cold frappe and put the finishing touches to your plans for the day. If you're doing the sights, head for the old town, clambering over the hills behind. Its stepped streets, Venetian mansions and old-time tavernas make it lovely for meandering. Afterwards, bury yourself in the much-acclaimed archeological museum, brimful with fascinating archaic relics. For treasures of a different kind, pick up Samiot wine and honey at the market or shop till you drop at the countless elegant boutiques and gift stores. When you need space, the town's small pebble beach is a restful little haven. But for days out, take a bus to the sandy beaches at nearby Psili Ammos or Kalami. Alternatively, immerse yourself in Samos' lush interior, enjoying leafy mountain tavernas, peaceful fishing hamlets and magnificent walking terrain. Return to Samos Town by sunset and fall into the arms of a friendly waterfront taverna for an authentic, home-cooked Greek supper. Followed up with a metaxa at a companionable bar, it's the perfect end to a perfect day.

Find the cheapest late deals to Samos Town leaving in the next six weeks.

Recommended Samos Town hotels and apartments

Hotel Ino Village

Hotel Aeolis

Hotel Paradise

Samos Town hotels and apartments

Our hotels and apartments in Samos Town include Anthemis Apartments, Diana Apartments, Hotel Aeolis, Hotel Ino Village, Hotel Paradise, Hotel Plaka and Hotel Samos.

More Samos holiday destinations

Looking for holidays in Samos? Our Samos holiday destinations include Ireon, Kambos, Kokkari, Pythagorion and Samos Town.

Beaches

The town beach is pebble, but if you crave a sandy beach there are buses running to Psili Ammos (there is another beach which shares this name near Kambos) in high season. Nearby Kalami also has a nice beach.

Eating out

There's a good range of cuisine on offer, including traditional Greek mezes and fish. Many tavernas and restaurants can be found overlooking the town's perfectly horseshoe-shaped harbour.

Nightlife

Nightlife revolves around harbour cafes, lively music bars and a few discos.

Shopping

As Samos Town is the commercial centre of the whole island, there are numerous shops in which to browse. Wine, jewellery, and ceramics are popular purchases. Be sure to visit the busy pedestrianised bazaar area in search of a bargain!

Local information

Walking in Samos Samos' wonderfully varied scenery and history make it the ideal base for enjoying the delights of walking, and Thomson offer guided walking holidays to all our clients booking accommodation in Samos Town or Kokkari. For maximum enjoyment you should be reasonably fit and own a good pair of walking shoes or boots! Walks will take place up to 4 times a week subject to demand and prevailing weather conditions. The difficulty of the walks will vary with about half aimed at more experienced walkers and the rest being suitable for all. Walks are run on the following dates: 3 May - 6 June and 6 September - 12 October. Please note that if your 14-night holiday departs the UK on 31 May, 30 August or 3 October, you will still be able to book the walking package but walks will only operate in one week of your holiday. The charge for these walks varies depending on the transport costs to the pre-arranged starting point. This is payable in euros in resort but as a guideline we would suggest that you budget about GBP60 in euros for 3 walks. To secure your place on these walks, a GBP5 deposit is payable in the UK, just ask your travel agent to add the walking package to your booking.