Samos Island Walking Holiday

Samos Island is a true haven for walkers, offering a blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. The island is expansive and mountainous, with its highest peak over 1,400 meters. You'll traverse lush woodlands, rocky hillsides, and peaceful sandy beaches on this journey. Near Pythagorion, you'll find fascinating archaeological sites, including the remarkable Efpalinos Tunnel, an engineering marvel from Ancient Greece. Your adventure begins in the north-west, in the coastal town of Karlovasi. From here, you'll hike to the picturesque Potami Beach and explore the dramatic waterfalls in a narrow canyon nearby. Continuing along the coast, you'll reach the tranquil and unspoiled Mikro and Megalo Seitani beaches, some of the island's most idyllic spots. In the charming seaside resort of Kokkari, you'll embark on two memorable hikes through the famous Nightingale Valley, one of the greenest regions of Samos. The journey also takes you through the quaint mountain villages of Manolates and Vourliotes, where cozy taverns offer a perfect opportunity to relax. Your trip concludes in the south, in Pythagorion, named after the island's most renowned son, Pythagoras. On foot, you'll explore the olive groves and citrus orchards around Myli. In the area surrounding Pythagorion, you'll walk along ancient city paths and may visit the impressive 6th-century BC Efpalinos Tunnel. Finally, you can unwind at one of Pythagorion's lively cafés, enjoying a glass of the island's famous local wine to cap off this unforgettable holiday.

Highlights:
♦ Exquisite beaches and turquoise waters at Potami and Seitani
♦ Idyllic mountain villages in the nightingale valley
♦ The aqueduct of Efpalinos
♦ Waterfalls in a canyon
 

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Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival in Samos     

Upon your arrival at Samos airport, a taxi will take you to Karlovasi in approximately one hour. Located on the north coast, this town is often called the 'ugly duckling' of Samos due to its abandoned warehouses and tanneries—remnants of a prosperous trading post in the early 1900s. However, beneath this exterior lies a vibrant town with a distinctive charm. The presence of the Aegean University adds to the town's energetic atmosphere. You'll find the neighborhood of Meseo Karlovasi near your hotel, where a charming village square offers a perfect spot to enjoy food and drinks. Accommodation in Karlovasi. -/-/-                                   

Day 2. Round walk via Potami beach and Leka  

Leaving the port of Karlovasi behind, you begin your ascent along a beautiful paved path known as the Kalderimi, leading you to Old Karlovasi. This historic town, tucked away behind a hilltop, was strategically built to protect it from pirates. Take a moment to enjoy a Greek coffee at a local café before continuing your journey. Your path then winds through a dense forest, bringing you to the Agios Antonios cave, where you'll discover a chapel hidden deep inside. From there, head towards Potami Beach and venture inland past the island's oldest Byzantine church en route to the stunning waterfalls. If you're feeling adventurous, you can wade through the cold waters to reach the falls. Otherwise, continue your hike uphill through thick vegetation and vineyards, leading you to the small village of Agios Panteleimonas, where a refreshing spring awaits. The panoramic view of Karlovasi from the shaded town square in Leka is breathtaking. On your way back to the coast, you'll pass through Old Karlovasi once again, completing a memorable loop. Accomodation in Karlovasi. B/-/-     

(11,5 km, ascent +400m descent -400m 4h)

Day 3. Round walk to Seitani Beaches   

Today's walk begins at Potami Beach, which you can reach by taxi or on foot. The coastal route takes you along narrow trails, sometimes perched high above the sea. First, you'll arrive at the pebbled Mikro Seitani Beach, followed by the sandy Megalo Seitani Beach, a Natura 2000 protected area. After a refreshing swim, the walk continues inland, passing through abundant olive groves. From a viewpoint, you'll be able to admire the gorge that opens up to the beach of Mikro Seitani. Returning to Potami, you can unwind on the beach before transferring back to Karlovasi or choose to walk the entire route back. Accomodation in Karlovasi. B/-/-

(17,5 km, ascent +740m descent -740m 6h)

Day 4. To Kokkari and round walk           

You'll travel by taxi or local bus to Kokkari in the morning. For added convenience, you can pre-book a taxi transfer through your agent.
Today's hike is one of the most famous and popular routes on Samos. This beautiful loop trail starts in Kokkari, leading you through scenic forest landscapes with breathtaking views of Kokkari, Vathy, and the Turkish coastline. Along the way, you'll pass through the charming village of Vouliotes. For an added experience, you can take a short detour to visit the historic Monastery of Vronta, built in 1566, which was tragically burned in 1999 but has since been almost completely restored. B/-/- 

(13 km, ascent +480m descent -480m 4,5h)                                                                                                                                                                                          -

Day 5. Round walk from Agios Konstantinos   

Today's route begins in the nearby village of Agios Konstantinos, which you can reach by local bus or taxi. From the small port, you'll ascend through the traditional village of Ano (Upper) Agios Konstantinos, then continue south along a beautifully preserved cobbled path. As you pass terraced fields, vineyards, and olive groves, you'll reach the village of Stavrinides. Heading east, you'll arrive at one of the most picturesque villages on Samos: Manolates. After a refreshing drink at a local café, the journey continues toward Vouliotes. You'll reach the chapel of Agios Spyridonas through dense vegetation and welcoming shade, where you can enjoy a stunning view of Manolates. The walk concludes with a pleasant descent through olive groves and pine forests, returning you to Agios Konstantinos. Accomodation in Kokkari. B/-/-                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

(13,5 km, ascent +500m descent -500m 4,5h)                                                                                                                                                                                           

Day 6. Travel to Pythagorion. Short walk to Ancient City walls     

In the morning, you'll travel by taxi or local bus, stopping in the capital, Vathy, before continuing to Pythagorion. For added convenience, you can pre-book a taxi transfer through your agent. You’ll have several options to enjoy your afternoon. You can relax on the beautiful nearby sandy beaches, visit the archaeological museum in Pythagorion, explore the one km-long Efpalinos Aqueduct, built in the 6th century BC, or take a circular walk over Mt. Kastro, following the ancient city walls. Accomodation in Pythagorion. B/-/-      

(7,5 km, ascent +250m descent -250m 2,5h)                                                                                                                                                                                         

Day 7. Round walk from Myli        

Take a taxi to the nearby village of Myli, where you'll begin today's long hike through the rural landscape surrounding the area. Along the way, you'll encounter an extraordinary ancient olive tree, estimated to be around 2,500 years old, with a trunk measuring 3.5 meters in diameter. Fortunately, locals saved this remarkable tree from the devastating forest fires in 2000. It's fascinating how the region has transformed into a lush, green hillside over the past two decades.
A highlight of the hike is the Byzantine Monastery of Megali Panagia, located near the village of Koumaradei. From here, you'll enjoy stunning views over the Chora plain to the south. After completing your hike, return to Myli and take a taxi back to Pythagorion. Accomodation in Pythagorion. B/-/-                                             

(13 km, ascent +340m descent -340m 4,5h)         

Day 8. Departure B/-/-

You will be transferred to the nearby airport of Samos by taxi and your arrangement comes to an end.                                                                                                  

Practical information:    

Activity characteristics: The walks mostly follow rocky footpaths, dirt roads, and occasionally cobbled footpaths (kalderimia). Though the island attracts tourists in the summer, the paths are very quiet and you will only meet a few hikers during the walks, except for the popular waterfalls in Potami. Some mountain villages are lively with local cafés and taverns, while other villages don’t offer any facilities. Most days, you can have lunch in such a village, or you can have a picnic lunch with yourself. The 3 locations of stay are all on the seaside, offering plenty of opportunities for a swim in the Aegean Sea. 

Arrival and departure: There are charter flights from most European countries and domestic flights from Athens. Check out the website of Samos Airport for details. Samos is served by several ferries to Karlovasi (start location of this trip), Vathy and Pythagorion. From Piraeus to Karlovasi port is app. 10 hours (cabins on board). Itineraries in low season app. 3 times per week and in high season almost daily. There is no connection from Pythagorion to Piraeus. Ferries from Pythagorion are to Patmos, Kusadasi (Türkiye) and some nearby islands only. There are ferries from Vathy to Piraeus, 3-4 times per week. Duration of the trip is app. 10 hours and there are cabins on board.

Accomodation: Karlovasi (from Day 1 to Day 3): Tourist class: Hotel Astir or similar (Option B: Samaina Port); Upgraded: Hotel Samaina Inn or similar (Option B: Samian Mare); Kokkari (Day 4 and Day 5): Tourist class: Hotel Athena or similar (option B: Venus Hotel); Upgraded class: Hotel Arion; Pythagorion (Day 6 and Day 7): Tourist class: Hotel Samaina or similar (no breakfast included!); Upgraded class: Hotel Lithos or similar (Option B: Doryssa Boutique)

Travel Insurance: Good travel insurance is mandatory on this tour. You can check the options with our partners at IATI here.

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Price Includes:
7 nights' accommodation in local hotels (en-suite)
meals according to the description (B-breakfast; L- lunch; D-dinner)
Transfer from Samos airport to Karlovasi
Transfer from Pythagorion to Samos airport
Digital detailed route notes and maps in English
24-hour telephone assistance

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Not Included:
international and domestic flight tickets
meals not listed above
personal expenses such as gratuities and souvenirs
overseas health insurance (mandatory)
Tourist Tax

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Additional Services:
Solo Traveller Supplement: on request
Additional night/s can be booked at any of the standard accommodations along the way: on request

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Gallery

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