Overview
A Greek island we visited for 2 days and 1 night in July. The island is a decent size with quite a lot to see, making it a great location for planning a longer trip.
If you're thinking of it purely as a beach holiday, summer months make sense, but for sightseeing it's a terrible idea because it's scorching hot. The heat was so bad we didn't dare visit any of the historical sites.
Where to Stay
Pythagoreion struck me as the most sensible place to stay. Kokkari isn't bad either but it's smaller. You can do day trips to the beaches from either.
Food & Drink
Portions have shrunk noticeably compared to classic Greek standards, which was a bit of a letdown. Probably picked up bad habits from being so close to Turkey.
Tips & Advice
The island is practically under Turkish occupation. You'll hear Turkish far more than Greek or English. But overall they like Turks here, the negativity you encounter in some other parts of Greece is completely absent on Samos.
My Place Reviews
Restaurants
Pergamonto RestaurantSep 2025★★★★★
One of the few places that has a good breakfast option. It has both traditional and new generation options.
RematakiSep 2025★★★☆☆
Their atmosphere is nice, but the food was a little bit disappointment. Little portions and regular flavors. Do not have big expectations.
Sunbeds have prices.
Ευ ΖηνSep 2025★★★★☆
Sunbeds are for free, however their menu is so limited as they do not have any seafood etc.
ChatziioannouSep 2025★★★★★
Really good wines. Especially really enjoyed Jackal.
Good owners. Tasting is a little bit expensive, but worth for the quality.
Do not have expectations for the tasting area.
To Kainourgio RestaurantSep 2025★★★★☆
Sea is really nice. Good for hangout all day. Family business. Sunbeds had price. Service is slow.
Cafes
P2 CafeSep 2025★★★★★
Good for a late night drink, they have good wine options, including glass ones.
Joy food&coffeeSep 2025★★★★☆
Nice view, good menu and food. But the service is really really slow.
Hotels
PegasusSep 2025★★★★★
Rooms are a little bit old, but not disturbing.
Owners are really nice and helpful.
Has really good location.
Good for the price.
Attractions
Samos Wine MuseumSep 2025★★★★☆
It is good as museum, however wines are in the form of table wines. So, no expectations for wines would be better for you.