Driving towards Samos Airport, just before returning the car we rented from Avis, we reflected on the amazing time we had on this Eastern Aegean Sea island. Abundant in greenery, with a rich wine-making tradition, stunning beaches, and some of the most scenic driving routes in all of Greece, Samos is a perfect destination for summer vacations and beyond. To properly explore an island of this size (spanning approximately 480 square kilometers), it’s essential to have a reliable car. This need was perfectly met by renting a car from Avis.
On the Avis website, we discovered offers across all car categories: SUVs, premium, electric, and more. Using the quick pass, we completed the online check-in and picked up the car at the scheduled time from the Avis station at Samos Airport. After the courteous staff explained all we needed to know about the vehicle, we set off on our trip feeling very confident about our choice.
We had planned to stay in the area of Vathy, also known as Samos, which is the island’s capital and its largest town. To get there from the airport, we drove approximately 15 kilometers on a route that traverses the island and highlights its unique natural beauty. As we drove, we were amazed by how verdant and naturally vibrant it was.
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Vathy is a town that combines architectural beauty with the advantage of its geographic location. Looking down at the natural bay from the city’s highest points is an unforgettable experience. Besides its many wonderful photographic angles, this area offers a calm and sheltered sea for relaxed swimming. Gagkou beach, very near to Vathy, is a perfect example of this. Of course, it is not the only charming beach near the island’s capital; our favorite beach during our stay in Samos was Tsamadou, about 13 kilometers from Vathy, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters and surrounding greenery.
Another highlight came upon visiting Potami, a uniquely beautiful beach with a gorge and waterfalls. We reached it by following a 35-kilometer coastal route that showcases the northern coast’s beauty. It’s worth noting that Potami is north-facing and exposed to the wind, so it’s best visited on a calm day.
Idyllic Drives
For wine lovers, driving to the vineyards of Samos is a must. This awe-inspiring landscape spans approximately 16,000 acres, laid out in terraces. Most of the 25 vine-growing villages of Samos are located in the northern part of the island, with the slopes of Mt Ampelos forming a vast amphitheatrical landscape filled with vineyards. The majority of vineyards are nestled in mountainous and semi-mountainous areas, ensuring perfect drainage and slow, steady ripening of the grapes.
The vineyard scenery is breathtaking. This marvel comes from the (hard and dedicated) work of the dynamic Union of Winemaking Cooperatives of Samos (EOSS), established in 1934, which encompasses 25 local cooperatives representing all the island’s grape growers.
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Eighty percent of the annual production of seven thousand tons is exported, which is quite a significant figure. The cooperatives’ two wineries are open to visitors, and since 2005, the Wine Museum has also been operational, offering visitors a glimpse of the island’s viticulture.
Another interesting route to take leads to the semi-mountainous village of Pyrgos. The route that starts from Pythagoreio, passing through the villages of Pagondas and Spatharaioi, and ending at the Tsopela beach—albeit via a challenging road network—is also highly recommended.
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For those with a four-wheel-drive vehicle, reaching the summit of Mount Ampelos, at 1,155 meters, is worthwhile. The route is a little challenging, but the view is extraordinary. Here you’ll reach the Church of Prophet Elias, where an annual festival is held on July 20th.
A drive that highlights Samos’s rural character is the 12 kilometers connecting Karlovasi with Kontakaiika. If you could visit only one village on the island, we believe it should be Mytilini. This amphitheatrically built village on the hills of Ampelos has a wonderful natural history museum that’s well worth visiting.
Samos is undoubtedly a paradise for nature lovers and those who love exploring by car. If you fall into this category, visit avis.gr, check out the continuously updated offers, and get ready for an adventure in the eastern Aegean.
Tips for a Trip to Samos
One reason Samos is a year-round destination is its winemaking tradition. Traveling there in the fall, during harvest season is a memorable experience.
Samos probably has the largest network of marked hiking trails among all regions and islands in Greece. In total, there are 260 kilometers of marked trails across 40 routes.
Samos is well-connected by boat with the Dodecanese, Ikaria, and Fourni with multiple weekly routes. So, if you’re vacationing for an extended period, you can easily include these in your itinerary.
Given the size of the island, if you want to explore it thoroughly, be prepared for numerous car trips. At avis.gr, you will find many excellent vehicle options to suit your travel needs.
Read also:
Road trip to Parga, Epirus’ Coastal Treasure
Road Trip to Ermioni: Experience the Island Aura in Argolida
Road Trip to Monemvasia, a Majestic Greek Fortified Town
