If you want to see the island from a different perspective, try it from the water. With Sea Kayak Samos, you can join a tour — and it’s truly a must-do. Tours are organized at various spots around the island. The owner lets you know in advance which route will be taken, as weather, wind, and waves all influence the best path for the kayak tour.

We set off from Moutia Beach, where we met early in the morning for a half-day kayaking tour. Even before we hit the water, we received a calm and thorough explanation of the kayak and tips on how to navigate the sea. And then… you just get in and go.

Because we went in May, it was wonderfully quiet. Together with one other couple, we formed a small, intimate group. As soon as we left the coast behind, an almost magical silence enveloped us. The water lapped gently, the sun sparkled on the sea, and everything felt serene.

Along the way, the guide enthusiastically pointed out what we saw: how deep the water was, which plants grew beneath us, and — almost casually — he suddenly pointed out dolphins playing in the distance. We paddled past caves, navigated narrow passages, and reached spots that can only be discovered from the water.

After a while, my arms started to protest gently. Apparently, there’s a certain stroke you need to master, because our guide seemed unaffected. Luckily, we regularly stopped at small beaches to swim and catch our breath. I even held a sea urchin — a unique experience, feeling such a tiny sea creature slowly move across my hand.

To finish, a simple lunch awaited us on a secluded beach. Fresh, just right, and perfectly suited to a place where time seems to stand still.

An unforgettable experience — pure, relaxing, and so typically Samos.

Let’s stay on the water for a bit longer. One day, from Pythagorion, we rented a small boat at Potokaki Beach. Without any rush, we sailed along the coast, first heading toward Ireon, waving at Pappa Beach as we passed. The original plan? To cross over to the uninhabited island of Samiopoula.

We had already been advised to do this early in the day, when the sea is still calm. Along the way, we enjoyed hidden beaches, rugged cliffs, and the endless blue around us. Unfortunately, by then the wind had picked up, and the waves became too high to safely reach Samiopoula.

No complaints, though. We turned around calmly and followed the coastline back, past Pythagorion, Mykali, and Klima. From the water, Samos looks completely different — wilder, quieter, and perhaps even more beautiful.

Tip: Go out on the water when the wind is at force 1 or 2. At force 3 or 4, the waves can get surprisingly high. At times, I found it just a little too thrilling, but perhaps that’s part of the adventure.

VFor many travelers, this is the classic Samos experience: the Potami Waterfalls. And honestly? I completely understand why. The adventure begins with a short walk through a lush, shaded forest. You follow a babbling stream, cross wooden bridges, and wind along narrow paths. Even on hot days, it feels wonderfully cool here.

If you’re looking for extra refreshment, that’s when it gets really adventurous. The final stretch has to be done by swimming through the fresh – read: ice-cold – water. Our tip: bring water shoes; it makes everything much more comfortable.

We were lucky to meet a mother and son on the way, also heading to the waterfall but not wanting to leave their belongings unattended. We agreed to watch each other’s things, and it worked surprisingly well. A small moment of trust that made the trip even more special.

Swimming to the waterfall was quite thrilling, but once we arrived, I knew immediately: it was completely worth it. The water, the greenery, the sound of the falling stream – simply magical.

Back on dry land, you climb a steep wooden staircase. It’s a bit of a scramble, with uneven and wobbly steps, but at the top, a cozy restaurant awaits with a beautiful view. From here, you can retrace your steps or take the path down along the parking area (yes, you can also drive here).

And if you’re not ready to end the day, a beach and a few nice beach bars are nearby — perfect for finishing with a refreshing swim in the sea and a drink in the sun.

We visited the Potami Waterfalls twice: once in July/August and once in May. And you really notice the difference. In summer, swimming to the waterfall is wonderfully refreshing, but in May, I personally found it far too cold. Robert and my dad didn’t agree — they just went straight into the water.

I stayed behind on a rock, enjoying the peace around me. The forest was quiet, nature at its most beautiful, and colorful butterflies fluttered everywhere. That’s also Samos: doing nothing for a while, simply being.

Not long after, a young couple arrived at the water, preparing for the same swim. Soon, it turned into a little scene. The young woman screamed that the water was freezing, that she couldn’t feel her legs, that she was scared — and that she really didn’t want to go. Her boyfriend tried to reassure her, which mostly came out as: “You’re overreacting.”

I couldn’t help but laugh quietly to myself. Scenes like that? Not my thing. So I stayed on the edge, feet on the rock, sun on my face, surrounded by greenery and silence.

Delightful — I love wine. And even more, I love tasting wine. So we spontaneously decided to visit Vakakis Winery — without really knowing what to expect.

The winery turned out to be nestled in a beautiful valley, on a flat stretch of land surrounded by grapevines and silvery-green olive trees. In the middle of this landscape stood a charming little stone building. Outside, under the olive trees, a few tables were set up. And then there was the practical question: where to park the car? Oh well, just on the grass.

We opted for a tasting of five different wines and settled at one of those charming tables in the shade. Small boxes hanging in the olive trees softly played Greek music. The atmosphere immediately felt relaxed, as if time slowed down just a little here.

And the wines? Every single one was delicious. My absolute favorite quickly became Vakakis’ semi-sweet rosé. But the heavier red wine — almost port-like — also captured my heart. So much so that by the end of the tasting, I couldn’t resist ordering an extra glass.

Hiking on Samos is also a real treat. There are several marked trails, all listed on Samos Hikes. One of our favorite routes was undoubtedly the hike from Kokkari to Vourliotes. Not an extremely challenging hike, but just enough to get moving and stay active. In about two hours, you’ll reach Vourliotes — just in time for lunch, which is always a good goal.

Like many hikes, this one started as a little adventure right away. We had barely entered the forest when a wild boar appeared, rummaging about. I immediately panicked. Robert frantically searched for a stick, while I advised him to just stand behind a tree. Apparently, they can’t see you there. (At least, that’s what I told myself.) Luckily, the boar quickly decided to go its own way, and we could continue our walk.

To get from Kokkari to Vourliotes, you hike over a mountain. The paths are well-marked and easy to follow, so it’s all very doable. Once you reach the top, it’s absolutely worth stopping to look back. What a view… sea, mountains, and greenery as far as the eye can see.

In Vourliotes, a charming and authentic village, follow the signs toward the main square. Here you’ll find a few cozy tavernas. Walk a little further, and you’ll discover a smaller, quieter taverna — perfect for a relaxed lunch.

The return journey (you can do it as a loop) felt a bit less exciting to me personally. So next time, I’d just take the same route back. It’s more beautiful, more fun, and simply feels better.

We do this walk often, and yet it’s always enjoyable. Simple, familiar, and each time giving that unmistakable Samos feeling. From the crossroads in the town center, turn left and walk past the museum. At Hotel Athina, turn left again and follow the road.

By the school, turn left once more, and from there, the climb slowly begins. Walking up the asphalt road, you gain height as you head toward the monastery. And believe me — this spot is impressive. I sometimes sit on a bench here, with the sea in view, simply enjoying the peace and the moment.

Afterward, we walk back down at a leisurely pace. The route is perfect to end with a cup of coffee, or you can pause briefly and then wander through the small streets. And of course… head toward the blue street, where you’ll naturally feel like strolling on further.

A few more walks that I enjoy time and again start right at our B&B in Mili. One of my favorites heads toward Pagondas. It’s about an hour and a half uphill along a quiet road that steadily climbs. Step by step, the views unfold — and yes, here too, they are breathtaking.

But there’s more. You can also wander through Mili itself, past the old olive press and through a beautiful natural area. Or go the other way: uphill from Mili toward Koumaradei, where the landscape slowly changes and silence takes over.

I do these kinds of walks weekly. As natural to me as a morning cup of coffee. And Samos Town, Manolates… you name it. On Samos, you never really run out of trails. There are paths everywhere, waiting to be discovered.

If you want to cover longer distances while staying close to nature, cycling trips are also highly recommended. You can read my tips about that in another blog.

On Samos, you don’t just walk past history — you walk through it. Near Ireon, on the island’s south coast, lie the impressive remains of the Hera Temple, dedicated to Hera, the protective goddess of Samos. As early as the 8th century BC, a sanctuary stood here, and the later temple became one of the largest in ancient Greece. Today, you can still see the monumental foundations and a solitary column standing proudly — surrounded by reeds, water, and silence. It’s a place that naturally slows you down.

In lively Pythagorion, the past takes on even more faces. The archaeological museum tells the story of the island through statues, votive offerings, and finds from the Hera sanctuary. Here, you learn how important Samos was as a trading and seafaring island, and how art, religion, and everyday life were intertwined.

Within walking distance are the archaeological ruins of Pythagorion, once a powerful city-state and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. You wander past city walls, Roman baths, an ancient theater, and parts of the old harbor. With the sea on one side and mountains on the other, it’s easy to see why this place has attracted people for thousands of years.

At the eastern foot of Samos’ highest mountain, Kerkis, you’ll find a surprisingly large cave in the rock face: the Cave of Pythagoras. The site captures the imagination because it’s said that the famous mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras of Samos once lived here. Whether that’s historically true remains a mystery, but the allure of the place is undeniable.

A small parking area lies beneath the cave, and from there, you climb several dozen steps to reach the entrance. Once above, a simple yet impressive space awaits — cool, quiet, with views of the rugged mountain landscape. It’s the kind of place where you pause, not to do anything, but simply to soak in the atmosphere.

At the edge of Pythagorion’s harbor stands the statue of Pythagoras, gazing out over the sea. Right where fishing boats bob and cafés slowly fill up, the island’s most famous son is remembered. Pythagoras was born here around 570 BC and went on to become one of the most influential thinkers of antiquity.

Want to discover more things to do on Samos, like boat trips with a barbecue or bus tours? Check out GetYourGuide or TripAdvisor.