Samos City Guide

Local food includes seafood, souvlaki, moussaka, and Samos wine. Traditional Greek tavernas dominate. There are some international options and vegan/vegetarian dishes are common. Late-night food spots appear in tourist areas.

Nightlife is modest, centered in Pythagoreio and Vathy during summer. Bars, pubs, and some clubs offer Greek and international music. It's quiet compared to bigger party islands.

Coffee culture is strong with many cafes serving traditional Greek coffee and frappes. Specialty coffee shops are less common but found in bigger towns.

Tipping is appreciated but not required. 5-10% is normal in restaurants, more for great service. Taxi and hotel staff tips are small but welcomed.

SIM cards are sold in stores in bigger towns. Main providers are Vodafone, Cosmote, and Wind (Nova). ID is needed. eSIMs are available from some providers.

Tourist areas are mostly clean. Some less-visited spots may have litter. Recycling exists but is not very advanced.

24/7 options are limited. Emergency hospital services are always available; some pharmacies rotate late hours. Few stores or food outlets open overnight.

You can find international products in larger supermarkets like AB Vassilopoulos and Sklavenitis. Local markets offer fresh produce, cheese, and meat. Most supermarkets close Sundays and public holidays.

Cards are widely accepted in tourist areas like restaurants, shops, and hotels. Carry cash for small purchases and remote villages where card machines may not work.

ATMs are common in towns such as Vathy, Pythagoreio, and Karlovasi. Fees vary by bank and machine; small surcharges are normal.

No known English-based schools; most teach in Greek. Families may need private tutors or online options for kids' education.

The digital nomad scene is very small with few meetups or co-working spots. Most networking is informal in cafes or expat groups.

Samos is very green with forests, olive groves, and vineyards. Large urban parks are limited but natural green space is abundant.

Running is popular along coastal roads and trails. Safety is good during the day. Scenic routes are available in towns and nearby hills.

Gyms exist in main towns and some hotels have fitness areas.

A few hotels have tennis courts. Public courts are rare, and padel courts are unlikely.

No known padel courts on Samos.

Yoga studios operate mostly in tourist areas during summer. Classes typically include Hatha and Vinyasa styles and often have English-speaking instructors.

Limited martial arts facilities and classes. No notable options for visitors in common disciplines like BJJ or Muay Thai.

No skiing is available on Samos.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing are common at main beaches. Rentals and guided tours are available, especially in summer.

Samos is not known for surfing but has windsurfing and kitesurfing spots thanks to Aegean winds, suitable mostly for beginners.

Diving is popular with clear waters and diverse marine life. Several dive centers offer courses and rentals. Best from May to October. Sites for all skill levels.

Samos has a general hospital in Vathy and private clinics. English-speaking staff are more common in private and hospital facilities but not guaranteed everywhere. Pharmacies are plentiful in towns and villages.

Tap water in towns is safe and treated. Some prefer bottled water for taste or in rural spots, especially in summer.

The island has several family-friendly beaches and playgrounds in towns. Many cafes and tavernas welcome kids. Baby supplies are available in shops. Attractions like museums and caves suit older children.

Samos is generally welcoming though more traditional. Tourist areas are safer spaces. Legal protections apply. Pride events are scarce.

Some places accept pets but confirm ahead. Veterinary services and pet supplies exist in main towns. Open spaces work for walks.