One of the largest Greek islands in the Eastern Aegean at almost 500 square km, Samos sits just off the coast of Turkey and is home to a population of between 40,000 and 50,000 souls (depending who’s counting!).
Samos island has enjoyed domestic tourism for many years but, over the last couple of decades, has increasingly attracted international tourists. This is despite the fact that most beaches are pebbled rather than pure sand. Island life has not been assisted by major forest fires: the most recent being in 2000 when upwards of 20% of Samos island’s forestry was destroyed with an inevitable impact on succeeding years’ tourist numbers.

The only plus side (for visitors anyway) has been significantly cheaper accommodation prices over the last few years (at least for those making their own arrangements). In addition to its spaciousness, Samos presents as a fertile and hilly island and most resort areas lack the claustrophobic effects of over-development associated with certain other Greek islands. There is significant package tourism but Samos island copes with the numbers remarkably well and has successfully avoided downmarket drift. This means that Samos is not awash with night clubs and karaoke bars but this is not to say that there aren’t plenty of places to eat and drink or that it is completely devoid of entertainment.

Somewhat unusually, Samos island has three reasonably significant ports. Even more unusual, its major port (Vathi or Samos Town) is not a significant tourist destination. The second major port (Karlovassi) is even less attractive to tourists and it is the third-placed port, Pithagorio, which actually offers the nicest tourist environment. With a relatively new marina, it also attracts a significant level of independent sailing aficionados.
As traditional hostility with neighbouring Turkey recedes, there is opportunity to visit mainland Kusadasi – only a few kilometres away by sea. Those in search of classical antiquities will also be well pleased as Samos possesses some fine examples that have been carefully excavated over the last century or so. More recent history is also clearly evident and the island enjoys a significant collection of museums and various other cultural offerings too. Samos airport too has been extended so that it can accept a selection of European charter flights, and there are also scheduled departures to Athens and Thessaloniki. Ferry services link with mainland Piraeus and even Thessalonica and there are lots of other Aegean islands of Greece on the extensive itineraries offered for the determined island hopper to enjoy.

The north of Samos island (with the exception of the area around Karlovassi) tends to be less exploited and the interior of the island remains more rugged. There are bus services but independent transport is worth considering.
On the south coast, tourism has had a greater impact although little is of significant detriment and much provision is high quality and attractive. The most notable resort is probably Pythagorio and here it’s far from unusual to see people dressing for dinner and their evening stroll along the promenade. Samos is well worth visiting as long as extensive golden-sand beaches are not a prerequisite and a high-burn nightlife does not feature high on your "to do" list.

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