Making the most of Samos
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The harbour and Samos-city, also called Vathí, stand at the head of a deep bay. Passengers tender into town, although smaller vessels can berth here. A duty-free shop is available.
Carry a printable map.
Vathy village, Samos: the island capital is called Samos or Vathy, the name of its harbour, and occupies the north-east of the island, rising amphitheatrically around a bay. Its population is about 9000 and continues to grow. Old Venetian and neoclassical buildings blend with newer ones to create attractive scenery. Lively Samos town contains visitor facilities, accommodation, bars and nightclubs, while Vathy harbour is one of the island's three principal ports.
Samos' capital contains many interesting sights, including Agios Spyridon church, the Byzantine Museum and the exceptional Archaeological Museum.
Getting around
Samos town is best seen on foot. Turn right on leaving the cruise terminal; after about 200 metres, an attractive square filled with pavement cafés and surrounded by shopping streets appears. Be aware that most shops close after 2 PM for the siesta.
Nearby places
Samos was home to mathematician Pythagoras, philosopher Epicurus and astronomer Aristarchus, the first to believe that Earth revolved around the sun.
Named for Pythagoras, the Pythagoreion is an ancient fortified Samos harbour. Today, this pleasant, tranquil town relies mainly on charter and yacht tourism. Its three ports include a new marina and a berth for ferries and passenger boats travelling to other islands such as Pathmos, as well as mainland Greece and Turkey. Greek and Roman remains include the famous ancient Tunnel of Eupalinos, or Eupalinian aqueduct. In 1992, the Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos were jointly registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Food and shopping
Samos offers shoppers an impressive range, from leading designer labels and exquisite jewellery to fine antiques and high-quality leather goods. Shops open Monday, Wednesday and Saturday 9 am-3 pm, and Tuesday and Thursday 9 am-8 pm. Tourist shops trade 9 am-10 pm, 7 days a week. Purchases associated with Samos include Wine, Ouzo, Woven goods and Folk art.
Money
The currency is Euro.
Staying connected
Many island residents speak decent English.
Opening Hours and
Public Services open Monday–Friday, 8.00am–2.00pm. Retail Stores & Speciality Shops trade Monday–Friday, 9am–1.30pm and again 5pm–9pm, plus Saturdays 9am–2pm. Supermarkets open Monday–Friday 9am–9pm and Saturdays 9am–6pm. Most Tourist Shops and Convenience Stores have no official hours and usually trade from dawn until well after midnight in summer.