Cheap holiday Samos

When is the best time to go?

June, September and early October are ideal on Samos: temperatures of 24 to 28 degrees, a warm Aegean sea and significantly less crowding than in peak season. July and August are the most popular (up to 32 degrees) but also the busiest and most expensive. In May the oleanders bloom and Samos is truly quiet, with all tavernas already open and the water at 21 degrees.

Best villages on Samos

• Pythagorion The UNESCO World Heritage town on the south coast, with a colorful fishing harbor, Venetian and Ottoman facades and the famous Eupalinos Tunnel nearby. The most picturesque place to stay on the island.
• Kokkari Charming fishing village on the north coast with a small beach promenade, good tavernas and a lively nightlife. Popular with windsurfers.
• Vathy (Samos Town) The capital and ferry port with the most shops, banks and bus connections. Behind the harbor lies the picturesque Ano Vathy with whitewashed houses.
• Marathokambos Quiet village on the southwest coast with access to Votsalakia and Psili Ammos beach. More suited to families and those seeking peace.
• Karlovasi Busy west-coast town with a rugged, authentic feel and the best bakeries on the island. Great base for a day trip to pristine Mikro Seitani.

Top 5 things to do on Samos

• Pythagorion and the Eupalinos Tunnel The UNESCO harbor town is an open-air museum: walk past the Logothetis Castle, the Pythagoras statue and the ancient Greek theater. The Eupalinos Tunnel (5th century BC) is a marvel of ancient engineering. Entry around 10 euros, closed on Tuesdays.
• Heraion (Temple of Hera) The largest temple of the ancient world in its time, now a solitary column in a meadow by the coast. Entry around 6 euros, closed on Tuesdays. Bring plenty of water: there is no shade.
• Day trip to Ephesus (Turkey) From Pythagorion, a ferry runs twice daily to Kusadasi in 45 minutes. From there, Ephesus is 20 minutes by taxi. Organized day trips cost around 110 to 135 euros per person including guide and entry; apply for a visa on board (around 10 euros).
• Seitani Beach The most remote and beautiful beach on Samos. Mikro Seitani is a 45-minute walk from Potami, Megalo Seitani another 45 minutes further. No road, no parking, no bar: just pristine nature and loggerhead sea turtles. Bring water and snorkeling gear.
• Vakakis Winery Samos is famous for its Muscat dessert wine. At the small Vakakis estate at the foot of Mount Ambelos you can do a tasting for around 8 to 12 euros. An insider tip that most tourists miss.

Flights + transport from the Netherlands

Transavia flies several times a week direct from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Samos (SMI) in about 3 hours 20 minutes. Return prices start at around 89 euros but average 150 to 220 euros in summer. There are no direct flights from Eindhoven; the shortest alternative route is via Athens with KLM or Olympic Air. Locally, KTEL buses run from Vathy to most villages and beaches for 1.80 to 3.50 euros. A rental car is strongly recommended for Seitani Beach and the west coast. Book via DiscoverCars for a rental car at Samos Airport, typically 20 to 40 euros per day.

What does a holiday in Samos cost?

Studios and pensions (2026) from 55 euros per night, mid-range hotels 80 to 140 euros. Food: souvlaki 3.50 euros, fresh squid at a taverna around 18 euros, dinner 20 to 30 euros. Heraion 6 euros, Eupalinos Tunnel 10 euros, combo around 14 euros. Day trip to Ephesus around 110 to 135 euros. For 7 nights including a direct flight, budget around 640 to 850 euros per person.