One of the reasons Samos is so popular with visitors are the glorious beaches all over the island. Greener than its neighbours, Samos benefits from a beautiful backdrop of pine trees while dark high peaks soar over the coastline. Although many of the beaches are organised, intrepid travellers can make their way down dirt trails or hike clifftop paths to find secluded coves. The seas are known for their clarity and colour, their lime green depths shimmering and sparkling under the Aegean sun.
Lemonakia
In a sheltered bay north of Vathi, Lemonakia is pretty and popular, the pine covered headland, soft white sand and clear water adding up to an island favourite for many. There is a beach bar with umbrellas and loungers while access is from a path off the main road where there is a bus stop.
Heraion
The nearest beach to the ruins at Heraion and at the end of Potokaki is sometimes known by the name of the beach bar there, Mare Deus. Pebbly with coarse sand, there are umbrellas and loungers outside the bar but there is plenty of room either side for those who prefer their own space. Ideal for combining with a trip to the temple, the beach is sheltered from the north winds.
Kerveli
Calm, tranquil waters wash the shore of sand and pebbles that is shaded by pine trees at secluded Kerveli. A quiet escape from the more popular beaches, the drive here through dappled pine forest is one of the loveliest on Samos. Unorganised, the water shelves gently and there is a jetty to dive from. There are tavernas next to the beach and parking nearby.
Livadaki
Lovely Livadaki is at the end of a dirt road north west of Vathi and the approach is stunning with azure waters lapping against soft white sands under the shade of palm trees. Reminiscent of the tropics, the water is warm and shelves slowly and there is even a swing in the shallows for photo opportunities. Two islets, and the north coast loom opposite protecting the sea from the winds. A beach bar has umbrellas, beds, good food, parking and a nice relaxed atmosphere but the beach is small and can fill up quickly.
Kokkari
Loved as one of the best pebbly beaches on Samos, Kokkari is long and organised. North of the village, it can get busy in summer but there is usually room for everyone and there are many tavernas, cafés and restaurants along the shoreline for refreshments. Generally windy, there are watersport rentals that offer windsurfing tuition, SUP’s, Kayaks and mountain bikes for exploring the trails around the area.
Mikro and Megalo Seitani
With fine pebbly sand, bright jewel-like seas and lush vegetation all around, the unspoiled beauty of these two beaches attracts nature lovers and visitors who appreciate seclusion. Completely unorganised, there is some shade at both from trees but there is nothing else near so come prepared. Megalo Seitani is a half an hour walk down a dirt trail and can be wavy so check the forecast before you leave.
Mikro Seitani is smaller, just 25 metres wide, but its imposing surroundings with steep cliffs give a wild beauty unmatched in Samos. A favourite with skinny-dippers, don’t be surprised to see naturists here. Mikro Seitani is a further 2 kilometres on from Megalo and similarly vulnerable to the north wind.
Mykali
A long pebble beach with an awe inspiring setting – opposite, seemingly in touching distance, are the straits of Mycale, and beyond the great hunk of Asia Minor, another country and another continent away where great battles were fought in ancient times. Extending east of Psili Ammos for 3 kilometres with a few umbrellas in front of bars and tavernas, Mykali is largely unorganised and it is easy to find seclusion. The water is clear, wave-free but sometimes cold due to the currents flowing through the narrow straits.
Potami
A long pebbly shore near to Karlovasi on the northern coast, Potami is one of the more attractive beaches in Northern Samos. Surrounded by steep cliffs with pine trees and green scrubland, a river flows into the sea and the waters are deep, sapphire-blue and somewhat cold. Partly organised with umbrellas and sunbeds, there is a beach bar, and overlooking the bay is the chapel of Agios Nikolaos with panoramic views. On the northern coast it can be exposed to the wind but access is very easy from the main road.
Potokaki
Pythagorio and Pototaki beach are one long stretch of beach separated by the airport. Pythagorio is smaller with pebbles and sand and is nearer to the town while Potokaki is the long pebble beach to the west. The views from both are across to Turkey and of the surrounding mountains, and the water is clear and wave free. The hotels and restaurants that line the coast keep the beaches in good order, and there are watersports for those who want to explore the sea. Potokaki, being further from town, tends to be quieter and more family-oriented with tamarisk trees for shade.
Psili Ammos
Not to be confused with the small beach of the same name in the southwest corner of the island, Psili Ammos is 11 kilometres outside Vathi. Psili Ammos means fine sand and the beach doesn’t disappoint with a long stretch beautifully set against clear turquoise waters. Protected by cliffs, the sea is almost never wavy and the shallow waters are loved by families. There are a couple of tavernas and a snack bar, with umbrellas and sunloungers, but there is shade from trees and nudists tend to congregate at the eastern end.
Tsabou
On the north coast and in a small bay, Tsabou is pebbly with clear waters that can get buffeted by the winds, so check the forecast before you set out. There are umbrellas and beds outside the beach bar and the pebbles can be uncomfortable to walk on so bring water shoes. The waters are a deep blue and shelve quickly so are not ideal for young children. There is limited parking next to the beach.
Tsamadou
One of the prettiest beaches on Samos, white pebbles shelve quickly into a bright green sea in a sweeping curve of a bay with luscious forested headlands to each side. Organised with a beach club and a couple of other dining options nearby, there are beds and umbrellas and a nudist area to the far east. There is free parking at the top and then a series of steps to reach the beach.
Votsalakia
In the far south west corner, Votsalakia is a 2 kilometre stretch of sand that is also known as Kampos as the two villages run into each other. To the east the beach is quiet and unorganised with some trees for shade, while travelling westward there are tavernas and umbrellas and sun loungers. Generally sheltered, the sea is a sparkling azure blue and the backdrop of mighty Mount Kerkis is impressive.
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