Pappa Beach: like family

We start at Pappa Beach. And it’s no coincidence, because the owners and staff have become like family to us. I’ve experienced countless wonderful moments here. Especially in the period right after our move to Samos, when I sometimes felt lonely or down, a visit to Pappa Beach was enough to make me feel better instantly.

Pappa Beach is a beautiful pebble beach on Samos. The beach bar at Pappa Beach welcomes its guests with warmth and friendliness. Owner Maria and her team create a cozy atmosphere, excellent service, and a wonderful beach experience.

This charming beach, featuring two pebble and rock stretches in a row, is perfect for snorkeling. There are several terraces at different levels with numbered umbrellas, so you’ll always find a spot with a view. At the family-run taverna Pappa Beach, you can sit back and enjoy the surroundings. In short, it’s a place you definitely shouldn’t miss during your visit to Samos.

“Pappa” means priest in Greek. It’s literally the priest’s beach. Maria’s father was a priest, and when he stops by, he often still gives a beautiful sermon.

What stands out about Pappa Beach is how many guests return year after year. People whom Maria has known since they were babies now come with their partners and/or children. But it also works the other way around: some guests remember Maria from when she was a young girl. Another striking feature is the diversity of visitors — probably because everyone immediately feels at home here.

At Pappa Beach, you only pay when you leave: just give your umbrella number, and that’s it. You can also make free use of snorkel sets, water shoes, and inflatable toys, perfect for a day full of water fun. Be sure to try Pappa Beach’s tzatziki — in our opinion, the tastiest on Samos! They also sell products from their own land, such as olive oil and oregano. During peak season, it’s smart to reserve your favorite spot or arrive a little earlier to ensure a comfortable place.

For a warm welcome, a carefree day, and a spot where you immediately feel at ease, Pappa Beach is the perfect choice. The beach is just a five-minute drive from our B&B; you drive through Ireon and follow the signs, then encounter a short stretch of unpaved road. Don’t let that put you off: cars and bikes can easily and safely reach the beach.

Between Ireon and Potokaki lies Mare Deus Beach, a green oasis with a charming beach bar and comfortable sunbeds under tamarisk trees. We used to drive past it all the time, until a tip from our friend Irakles at Taverna Panorama led us to this hidden gem — and what a discovery!

The row of sunbeds right by the water is perfect for relaxing. The gentle sound of the waves is calming, and if you want a swim, the sea is literally just a meter away. Upon arrival, you’re greeted warmly, choose an umbrella, and can easily place your order using the button on the umbrella. The freddo cappuccino and smoothies come highly recommended!

During the renovation of our house in Mili, it was scorching hot! After a long day of hard work and sweating buckets, we jumped in the car heading to Mare Deus Beach. Luckily, the beach is nearby, so in no time we were happily cooling off in the water. And while we enjoyed the refreshing sea, our freddo cappuccino was already brought over — by now, they knew exactly what we would order.

In late July and early August, the heat was intense. Back then, we were still living in the village of Chora, and you really didn’t want to be there in the evenings before eight — way too hot. So often we stayed until around nine at the beach bar. Here by the sea, it was easily ten degrees cooler. The lights in the trees came on, the music changed, and the colors above the sea turned stunning shades of purple and orange. What an oasis in the heat!

At Mare Deus Beach, water shoes are recommended because of the stones at the start of the water. It’s the perfect spot to relax, swim, and enjoy a serene beach experience you won’t soon forget. If you’re seeking peace and quiet, avoid Sundays during peak season, when the beach fills with Greek families and groups of friends.

The route to the beach is simple: follow the road from Pythagorion to Ireon, and at the fork to Mili/Pagondas, a large sign points to Mare Deus. Friends of ours once accidentally took a farm track to the beach — also a fun little adventure! 😉

Mare Deus Beach is the perfect place to unwind, swim, and enjoy a peaceful beach experience you won’t soon forget.

Potokaki is a long stretch of beach near Pythagorion, about 4.5 kilometers in length. Along this coastline, you’ll find a mix of hotels, apartments, beach bars, and open, quiet areas. During our first holiday, after a pleasant walk through Pythagorion, we took a refreshing dip in the water — a perfect start to our beach experience.

We’ve visited several beach bars along Potokaki, though certainly not all of them. One favorite is a relaxed, small beach run by Tassos. It’s located right next to the large parking lot of Pythagorion, behind the school building. Here, you can stop by the cafeteria for a drink or a tasty lunch. The water is usually calm, shallow, and flat — perfect for swimming.

On hot days, we love walking along the water from this beach, passing all the small beaches and hotels. It’s a great way to combine movement with cooling off — an ideal way to spend a warm day. Only the last time, it turned into an expensive little adventure. Robert’s brand-new Nike sneakers didn’t quite fit in the backpack, and during the walk through the water, we lost one. Robert retraced the path three times and even told a jet ski rental company about the missing shoe, but unfortunately, we never found it.

Further along the coast are the beach bars Doryssa and Asterias, both wonderful places to spend a day by the sea. With relaxed music, comfortable sunbeds, and a laid-back atmosphere, you immediately feel at ease.

At Asterias, we’ve had lunch and dinner several times. The menu is surprising and flavorful, featuring dishes from salmon tartare and octopus in a delicious dressing to pizza with prosciutto. Everything is beautifully presented and tastes fantastic.

It’s not just the food that makes this place special: the combination of sea views, a relaxed atmosphere, and friendly service makes you want to linger here. It’s an ideal spot for lunch, dinner, or simply a refreshing drink on the beach. Occasionally, they also host beach parties with a DJ. We haven’t experienced one ourselves yet, but now that I follow their Instagram pages, I know exactly when the next amazing party will take place.

Further along the coast, there are plenty of other charming beach spots, like Phil, a combination of apartments and a beach bar run by friends of ours. Phil’s philosophy is simple yet unique: everyone is welcome, you can be yourself, and friendship is at the heart of everything. Since 2025, they’ve been running this apartment complex with its beach bar, and it’s clear they are involved with love and care. The little beach is always peaceful, the atmosphere is friendly, and the owners are exceptionally welcoming. It’s the perfect place to escape the crowds and enjoy a relaxed day by the sea.

Mykali Beach is just a 10-minute drive from Pythagorion and consists of several lovely little beaches with calm, clear water. Along the coast, you’ll find great tavernas, and it’s a spot many locals also enjoy — always a good sign.

Our favorite place is Kalypso, a taverna with comfortable sunbeds right on the beach. It’s perfect for relaxing by the sea and then enjoying a leisurely lunch in the shade of the tamarisk trees.

Our favorite dish at Kalypso is papoutsoukia. The name literally translates to “little shoes,” probably because they resemble tiny shoes. Papoutsoukia are stuffed eggplants filled with spiced minced meat and topped with a creamy béchamel sauce.

Mykali Beach is the perfect combination of peace, good food, and an authentic Greek atmosphere.

Psili Ammos Beach The name literally means “sandy beach”, and it’s located near Mykali, a short distance from Pythagorion. Good to know: there are two beaches on Samos called Psili Ammos. This one is on the south side of the island, close to Pythagorion; the other is on the west side of the island.

Psili Ammos near Mykali is a large sandy beach with plenty of tavernas, hotels, and apartments. The water is shallow and usually calm, making it especially suitable for families with young children and for anyone who prefers a sandy beach over pebbles.

For us personally, this isn’t our favorite beach, mainly because it can often get crowded. Still, it’s a nice spot if you enjoy sand between your toes, calm waters, and plenty of nearby amenities.

Balos is an emerging holiday destination in the south of Samos. It’s located about 7 kilometers east of Ormos Marathokampos and 30 kilometers west of Pythagorion. Along the long pebble beach, you’ll find several restaurants and tavernas, and there are a few accommodations right by the sea. Balos is especially popular for its tranquility and open space.

The main attraction of Balos is its long pebble-and-sand beach, which has been awarded the Blue Flag eco-label. If you find Votsalakia Beach too crowded, Balos is a wonderful alternative. Only a small part of the beach — mainly near the tavernas — is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas. Most of the beach is free to use, making it perfect to lay down your towel and quietly enjoy a book.

We spent a fantastic day by the sea at Esperos Light. Comfortable sunbeds, attentive service on the beach, and crystal-clear water made our stay extra relaxing. The view is impressive: you can see out over the sea toward other islands, with the massive and rugged Kerkis mountain in the background, which gives this part of Samos its unique character.

Notably, on this side of the island, the sea is always much cooler than in the north or east of Samos. It’s a perfect spot to unwind and fully enjoy the sun, sea, and nature.

Did you visited Potami-watervallen and want to relax by the sea afterward? Potami Beach is the perfect base. This large beach is about 4 kilometers west of Karlovassi and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on Samos

Potami — which literally means “river” — is located in a unique spot where a river flows into the sea. The surroundings are green and natural, giving the beach a special character. There are several tavernas and beach bars. We often go to Hippy’s Potami, where you can enjoy comfortable sunbeds and order snacks and drinks. Across the road, you’ll also find Sunset Restaurant and Café Del Mundo.

Lunch is also great at Hippy’s. But don’t order Chorta. On the menu, it said “steamed vegetables,” which sounded perfect — just some vitamins. What I got was a plate with what felt like a kilo of boiled spinach or something, with a lemon on the side. I found it awful. Now I know better. Chorta literally means “grasses.” It’s a plate of wild green vegetables. Our friend Irakles recently pointed it out in our garden, very enthusiastically. I saw the horse-stalks I used to feed to my rabbit. Sometimes it’s served as a side dish, and with plenty of lemon and salt, it’s actually okay. Luckily, the next time I ordered at Hippy’s, I went for a delicious quinoa salad!

For guests, umbrellas and sunbeds are available, and from the Agios Nikolaos Church, which sits atop a low hill along the road, you can enjoy a stunning view of the beach and the sea.

Behind Potami Beach, a dirt path leads into the woods toward an impressive gorge. Here you’ll find the Potami Waterfalls, making this beach a perfect combination of nature, adventure, and relaxation.

Klima beach is about a 30-minute drive from Pythagorion and is one of those places where you immediately feel at peace. This bay radiates pure serenity and is perfect for completely unwinding.

The view is stunning: on a clear day, you can see out across the sea toward Turkey. Klima Beach is quiet and unspoiled, yet still comfortable. There’s a cozy beach bar and a restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious lunch with your feet almost in the sand.

It’s an ideal spot for anyone who loves tranquility, nature, and relaxing by the sea.

In the past, we often lounged here at the beach bar and enjoyed a wonderful lunch on the beach. I vividly remember Robert and me sitting there, thoroughly enjoying ourselves. We were in the mood for a beer and ordered two Mythos. Then, suddenly, we heard a familiar voice. It was Dimitri, whom we already knew quite well from a restaurant in Pythagorion. We started chatting and met his wife and their two children. They were about to have a long Sunday lunch, something they do together as a family every week. Dimitri couldn’t resist and shared some treats from their table with us. Robert will never forget watching Dimitri suck the head of a shrimp — he still talks about it to this day.

After this delightful encounter, we were invited to join them for Sunday lunch, which we of course did. Over time, a wonderful friendship developed.

Nowadays, the owner focuses mainly on guests staying in his villa. You can still get coffee or a beer (if the owner is in the mood, usually during the high season), but now you have to pay to set up the sunbeds on the beach yourself. Perhaps his approach will change again someday, because it used to be one of our favorite spots — and one of Dimitri and his wife’s as well — and in many ways, it still is.

Kokkari: charming seaside resort

Kokkari is a lively and tourist-friendly village on the northern side of Samos, popular with water sports enthusiasts due to its strong winds and good waves. It is located about 10 kilometers northwest of Samos Town (Vathy) and is one of the island’s most popular seaside destinations.

The former fishing village has a picturesque harbor and two lively waterfront boulevards, where you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars with sea views. During the day, it’s a cozy village with friendly locals, charming tavernas, kafenions, and beach bars; in the evening, the village really comes alive with a warm, relaxed atmosphere.

When you park in Kokkari at the large parking lot, you have a few options. If you walk toward the town center and then turn right, you’ll follow the boulevard along the sea, leading to a small, charming beach by Taverna Basilico – a lovely spot to stop and relax for a while.

If you turn left from the parking lot instead, you’ll reach a longer beach lined with several small hotels and tavernas. Here you’ll also find sunbeds by the sea, perfect for a leisurely beach day with all amenities close at hand. Whether you come for the beach, water sports, or simply to enjoy Greek village life, Kokkari has it all.

In the past, Robert and I didn’t visit much, usually only when passing through. Kokkari didn’t really capture us. But last summer, 2025, that changed. Robert’s friends (and now also my friends) were on vacation there with their daughter. We made some wonderful memories together, and because of that, I now see the village as very charming, with beautiful beaches and great restaurants.

Mikro Seitani Beach is located on the northern coast of Samos, about 4 kilometers past Karlovasi. It is a small beach of unparalleled natural beauty, with crystal-clear, deep blue water, surrounded by steep cliffs.

Note: the beach is exposed to northerly winds, and the waves can get high when the wind blows. Stay away from the rocks on the right side of the beach to stay safe. I vividly remember Robert just coming out of the water after snorkeling when the sea suddenly changed. In the blink of an eye, everything transformed: the rock he had just been floating above was suddenly fully exposed as the waves violently pulled back into the sea.

The name “Seitani” comes from the Turkish word Seytan, meaning devil. This refers to the impressive Kakoperato Gorge behind the beach, which produces strange sounds during strong winds. During the Turkish occupation, sailors who moored here believed that the devil lived in this gorge.

The beach can be reached on foot from Megalo Seitani Beach. The walk takes about 30 minutes and requires careful attention, as signage is limited or nonexistent. The path winds through forests, olive groves, and rocky terrain, but the effort is more than rewarded. The combination of the dramatic landscape and the island’s most beautiful beach makes the hike unforgettable.

For those seeking a real adventure, you can also drive a jeep along the route to this small beach. After that, it’s just a short walk. Note: only attempt this with a jeep whose 4×4 is truly reliable.

We had a jeep, and I was behind the wheel. It’s quite a challenging off-road route, but by now I trust both the Jimny and myself as a driver. Only this particular jeep had a tendency to slip at the back — something I’m not used to with this type of vehicle.

At the end of the route, most of the driving is downhill, but the return requires climbing narrow hairpin bends. With a slipping rear end, that’s not a pleasant thought. I could see trouble coming, so Robert took over the wheel. The trick was to keep the jeep constantly rolling and never come to a stop, which is tricky when you’re navigating sharp hairpins.

But it was an incredible route, everything worked out, and we added another adventure to our collection.

Mikro Seitani is completely secluded, with no facilities, making it perfect for a peaceful, relaxing swim far from the crowds. There are no food or drink options, so bring your own water and snacks. It’s not uncommon to encounter campers or naturists on the beach.

Navagos Beach Bar: luxury and lounge near Kokkari

Near Kokkari you find Navagos Beach Bar. The beach is divided into several terraces, creating a uniquely atmospheric effect, while lounge music plays in the background, perfectly complementing the setting.

Fancy a day of luxury and relaxation by the sea? Navagos is the perfect spot to enjoy the view, comfortable sunbeds, and a relaxed, chic atmosphere. They even have a swimming pool!

From the road, a large sign immediately catches your eye, pointing the way to the beach bar. You can park your car here, but from the parking lot, you hardly get a glimpse of this special place.

To reach the beach bar, you can choose between a steep slope or the stairs leading down. Once you arrive, you’ll see how beautifully everything is built among the olive trees – a perfect blend of nature and design that makes the beach extra atmospheric.

I found it the perfect spot to relax on sunbeds under an old olive tree with a bottle of bubbles. Personally, I love lounging at Navagos because it looks so stunning. The only downside is that sometimes the staff can be hard to spot.

Limnionas: away from the crowd

We parked the car and walked all the way to the end of the bay. From a small taverna came unique, soothing music. The taverna is called Seapark, and to be honest, I didn’t think the name quite fit — but that didn’t take away from the experience. Yannis, the owner, welcomed us warmly, while his wife created various pieces of art and jewelry behind us. Inside, several musical instruments were displayed, which made the atmosphere even more special.

From Mili/Pythagorion, Limnionas is always a bit of a drive for us — about 1.5 hours — but it’s more than worth it. During our first holiday on Samos, this was the second beach we visited. I was driving a jeep on the island for the first time and we took a few scenic off-road paths along the way (which aren’t necessary to reach the beach). By the time we arrived, I was completely exhausted, but what an oasis we had discovered!

We enjoyed a delicious Greek salad and two cold Mythos beers. Since that first visit, we’ve returned several times — not only to swim in the beautiful bay but also to see Yannis. Each time, he plays a different kind of music, from African rhythms to classical piano melodies. It’s clear that he is a true music lover, someone who enjoys traveling and sharing his passion with everyone who visits this special place.

And there are many more beautiful beaches to discover on Samos. Think of Livadaki Beach, Lemonakia Beach, Tsopela Beach (a hidden gem, accessible only off-road or by boat), Mourtia Beach, Posidonio, and Kerveli. And that’s not even the full list… it’s up to you to explore the rest.

Which beach is your favorite on Samos? Leave a comment!