Where to Stay in Samos: Best Areas & Hotels

Samos Accommodation Guide: Where We’d Stay Again

Kuşadası and the Dilek Peninsula National Park are just 1.5 kilometres from Samos. The island seems to wink at you from across the water, like an old flame. So a guide on where to stay in Samos was only a matter of time.

Samos is known as one of the calmest Greek islands. Spend a few days there, though, and you’ll see there’s much more to it. Its nature, turquoise sea and gorgeous beaches bring the calm. Its warm-hearted locals, cafés and tavernas bring the fun. And then there’s the history. This is the birthplace of Pythagoras, the philosopher Epicurus and, according to myth, the goddess Hera.

Olive groves, vineyards behind its famous wine, ancient cities and stunning nature… Samos quickly became our favourite island after Rhodes.

The capital Samos Town (Vathy) and the second-largest town Karlovasi are the main bases. Then there’s Pythagorio, a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with the nearby Heraion. The seaside village of Kokkari and the mountain village of Manolates are lovely options, too. Whatever your budget, you’ll find a place to stay in Samos. Choose from hotels or family-run guesthouses.

Here’s a quick look at each area and the places we’d book:

Best Areas to Stay in Samos

Samos Town (Vathy)

The island’s capital is a 90-minute ferry ride from Kuşadası. Its tourism infrastructure is good, and prices for rooms and food are reasonable. The most popular beaches around town are Livadaki and Gagou. Beaches are well regulated here. You usually don’t pay for sunbeds, just for food and drinks. Don’t miss the Archaeological Museum and the Wine Museum.

Our picks for where to stay in Samos Town (Vathy):

Mirini Hotel

This is where we chose to stay in Samos Town. The family-run hotel is just 15 metres from the sea. Every room looks out over the Gulf of Samos. It’s close to the harbour, with the famous Gagou beach right next door. The place is spotless and had everything we needed. We’d happily recommend it.

Here’s the link: Mirini Hotel

Samos Bay Hotel by Gagou

Its biggest draw is the location, right on Gagou beach. The centre is a 15-minute walk away. Breakfast is a buffet, and dinner is available if you want it. Every now and then, there are Greek nights with live music.

Here’s the link: Samos Bay Hotel by Gagou

Aegean Front Gem Stylish Home

If you’re tired of hotels, come and check out a holiday home!

This holiday home is 700 metres from the beach. It has two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen. Clean and comfortable, it’s ideal if you’re travelling as a group.

Here’s the link: Aegean Front Gem Stylish Home

Pythagorio

Pythagorio is named after the mathematician Pythagoras. This ancient harbour town has rightly earned its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Highlights include the Pythagoras statue, the Temple of Hera and the ancient theatre. There’s also the Tunnel of Eupalinos, dug to keep water flowing into the city during sieges. Add Logothetis Castle and a harbour engineered in the 6th century BC. The whole town feels like an open-air museum.

Café-bars, restaurants and souvenir shops line the harbour, and the town has its own beach. It’s a must-see part of the island. While you’re there, pick up a Pythagoras cup as a souvenir for friends and family!

Rooms and food cost a bit more here than in the capital. Still, it’s one of the most popular areas to stay in Samos. Here are our picks, and booking.com has plenty more.

Kouros Seasight Hotel

This beachfront hotel is 800 metres from the centre, and breakfast is included. There’s a main pool plus a children’s pool. The rooms are clean, bright and comfortable. It works well for families with kids, too.

Here’s the link: Kouros Seasight Hotel

Samia Seavilla Pythagorio

Want a more local experience? Stay in a detached villa right in a Samian neighbourhood. Three different beaches are within walking distance. We recommend this three-bedroom villa for groups.

Here’s the link: Samia Seavilla Pythagorio

Kokkari

Let’s say it upfront: We loved Kokkari!

Kokkari sits in lush greenery, with pretty houses and the famous Tsamadou and Lemonakia beaches. It’s packed with places to eat and drink. For us, it’s one of the best places to stay in Samos. In fact, it’s worth going back to the island for Kokkari alone. Next time, we’re trying Tarsanos, Zakoe BBQ, Cafe Kalimera and Meltemi…

Narrowing down this list was really tough…

Arion Hotel

This 4-star hotel is very close to Tsamadou and Lemonakia beaches. It has a pool, breakfast is included and the rooms have great views. Cafés and bars are within walking distance.

Here’s the link: Arion Hotel

Sylvia’s House

Forget everywhere you’ve stayed before: this is a house right on Kokkari beach! The two-bedroom home is also just steps from the cafés and bars.

The link is here: Sylvia’s House

Kokkari Beach Hotel

A 3-star hotel next to Kokkari beach, with breakfast included. The rooms look out over the Aegean, Mount Ampelos and Kokkari itself. Add the short walk to cafés and bars, and it easily made our list.

Here’s the link: Kokkari Beach Hotel

Karlovasi

Samos’ second-largest town climbs up the hillside in three levels. A church crowns the top, and authentic tavernas line the middle slopes. Down below, you’ll find cafés, tavernas and shops. It’s a relaxed place to stay in Samos, away from the crowds. Potami beach and the Potami waterfalls are also close by…

Here’s where we’d stay in Karlovasi:

Samaina Port Hotel

This hotel sits right on Karlovasi harbour, a short walk from the cafés and restaurants. Guests love its clean, spacious rooms and harbour views. Samian Mare beach is just 50 metres away…

Here’s the link: Samaina Port Hotel

Karlovasi Studios

This complex, consisting of clean and spacious studio apartments, is situated overlooking the harbour. Its view of the old city is highly praised.

Here’s the link: Karlovasi Studios

Anema By The Sea Guesthouse

This family-run guesthouse sits between the mountains and the sea, close to the harbour. The price includes a buffet breakfast made with local produce. It’s real value for money.

Here’s the link: Anema By The Sea Guesthouse

Manolates

A quiet, peaceful mountain village with stunning views, charming houses, narrow lanes and tiny shops. There’s a taverna at the very top, and the restaurants are excellent. It reminded us of the villages on Mount Ida (Kaz Dağları) back home. We loved it!

As it’s a small mountain village, unfortunately, accommodation options are almost non-existent. Day trips are the most common activity.

Still, if you’d like to stay in Samos’ green hills, we found one lovely option:

Manolates 360 View Sea And Mountains

This house sits just outside the village, surrounded by vineyards and fruit trees. It’s perfect if you want to fully switch off. Just note that the village is a short walk away.

Here’s the link: Manolates 360 View Sea And Mountains

So, Where Should You Stay in Samos?

So, which area should you pick? If it’s your first time, Samos Town (Vathy) is the easiest base. Prices are fair, and the ferry port is right there. For history and a lively harbour, go for Pythagorio. Kokkari was our favourite for beaches and a laid-back village vibe. Karlovasi suits a quieter, more local stay. As for Manolates, it’s best as a day trip unless you want total peace.

Planning to hop to another island? Here are the Greek islands you can visit with a visa on arrival. That’s it from us for now 🙂

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