Samos is a lovely island situated in the eastern Aegean Sea with many wonderful beaches and picturesque villages. It is the island of Pythagoras, the ancient mathematician, and it features villages such as Kokkari, Pythagorion, Karlovassi, and Heraion. Samos also has a very rich nature and raw landscapes, as well as mesmerizing waterfalls near Potami for the adventurous type of visitors.
In addition, it has many sights to explore, including the Tunnel of Eupalinos, the Castle of Lykourgos Logothetis, the ancient Heraion Sanctuary, the Cave of Pythagoras, and the Roman baths. It is very close to Turkey and is considered ideal for daily boat trips to Kusadasi. There are plenty of archeological and folklore museums to discover the island’s rich history and wineries to taste the local fine wine.
Here’s a complete guide on how to get from Athens to Samos.
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Getting from Athens to Samos
1. Fly from Athens to Samos
To get to Samos, you can book a flight from ATH International Airport and fly there with domestic flights all year round. Samos International Airport (SMI) is located 15 km from Vathi, the capital.
The route is mainly serviced by Aegean Airlines, Olympic Air, and Sky Express. There are about 41 direct flights to Samos from Athens weekly, with prices starting as low as 44 Euros, depending on how well in advance you book your plane tickets. The average flight time is about an hour.
However, you can also fly to Samos directly from European airports in the summer months when it’s high season.
2. Take the ferry from Athens to Samos
The commonest way to get to Samos from Athens is by ferry. There are ferry routes available throughout the year. The distance between Samos and Athens is 159 nautical miles.
You can find 8 weekly crossings from Athens to Samos. The ferry company that operates the line is Blue Star Ferries, departing from the port of Piraeus.
Depending on vessel type and weather conditions, the trip has an average duration of 8.5 to 11.5 hours. Prices start at 20€ for a single ticket but can be significantly higher according to availability, seasonality, and seat selections.
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your tickets directly.
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Private Transfer from ATH airport to Piraeus Port
To reach the port in place from the ATH International Airport, you can book a private transfer. The airport is approximately 43 km from the Port of Piraeus, and commuting there might not be the best solution during summertime. Similarly, if you plan to depart from the center of Athens towards the airport, the best option is to take a private transfer.
Welcome Pickups offer airport pick-up services with English-speaking drivers, a flat fee but pre-paid, and flight monitoring to arrive on time and avoid delays.
In addition, this private transfer is Covid-FREE, as they provide contactless payments & services, frequent airing and disinfection, and all the required safety measures by the book!
Find more information here and book your private transfer.
3. Take the Dolphin from Patmos
If you want, you can go to Samos by island- hopping. There are lines servicing Patmos to Samos all year round, but more frequently during the summer. The two islands have an overall distance of 33 nautical miles.
There are two companies operating the line Patmos to Vathi: Blue Star Ferries and Dodekanisos Seaways. The latter offers the fastest crossings, which last about 2 hours and 15 minutes, while the crossing with a regular ferry can last up to 4 hours. Ticket prices usually start at 32.50 Euros for a single ticket and can go as high as 42 Euros, while there are also options for vehicle transportation.
You can also take another line from Patmos to Samos (Pithagoreion), serviced by Dodekanisos Seaways, Saos Anes, and ANE Kalymnou. Single tickets for this line can go up to 17 Euros, and the fastest crossings with Dodekanisos Seaways last about an hour and 45 minutes.
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your tickets directly.
How to get around the island
Rent a car/motorcycle
A good choice would be to rent a car to explore more places around the island of Samos. There are many secluded spots you can’t reach easily without your own car/motorcycle.
Avoid the fuss of transportation by booking your vehicle online.
I recommend booking a car through Discover Cars, where you can compare all rental car agencies’ prices and cancel or modify your booking for free. They also guarantee the best price. Click here for more information and to check the latest prices.
Take the public bus
The cheapest option to move around Samos is to hop on the public buses. There are daily routes to many destinations. You can visit the central stop in town or check their Facebook page for more information.
Taxis/Private Transfers
It is an expensive option but may be needed to go places where the bus doesn’t reach or if the schedule isn’t convenient. Book a taxi in Samos by calling 22730 28404,697 8046 457 or find one in central spots such as the port, the airport,3, or Chora.
Organized tours
For daily excursions to some popular destinations such as the Cave of Pythagoras or Samiopoula island, you might want to consider going on an organized tour. With the expertise of local guides, you will get the most out of this experience in Samos.
Planning a trip to Samos? You might want to check my guides:
Things to do in Samos
Best beaches in Samos
A Guide to Pythagorion Samos
Heraion of Samos: The Temple of Hera.
FAQ About your Trip from Athens to Samos
For Samos, the optimal stay would be 5 to 7 days to get a good glimpse of the island because it is big and has lots to see. A full week will allow you to visit most of the landmarks and the stunning beaches. Of course, you can enjoy Samos for 3 days, but you’ll get to see less of it.
There are beaches for all tastes in Samos, including Tsamadou, Psili Ammos, Tsabou, Limnionas, Kokkari, Potami, and many more.