Cycling on Samos gives you a completely different perspective. You explore the island at your own pace, breathe in the scent of the orchards, and feel the rhythm of the landscape. It’s the perfect way to truly experience Samos.

You can rent e-bikes from several bike, car, and scooter rental shops on the island. We always rented ours from E-thagorio in Pythagorion. A day out costs about €15 per bike.

The cycling routes below vary: short, longer, for beginners, advanced, and experienced e-bike riders. There’s something for everyone, really. You can also combine them if you like. All routes are on paved roads. If you want to explore your own route or start from a different location, use Google Maps to plan your journey.

Our tips: Save battery on your e-bike to make it last longer. Going downhill? We always switch it off — it saves energy. Always bring water, a fully charged phone, a hat for the sun, and sunscreen.

Our longest ride ever? From Pythagorion to Mykali Beach, Psili Ammos, Paleokastro, Klima, Samos Town, and back to Pythagorion. Quite a stretch, but absolutely worth it!

28 km | Beginner | Mostly flat

Cycling on Samos — especially e-bikes — is still somewhat of a novelty. It’s not very popular on the island yet, and you rarely see locals on bikes. Makes sense, as there aren’t many dedicated bike paths (except the stretch along Potokaki). But it’s catching on. This year, for example, Robert led his first cycling tours with tourists through E-thagorio, and it was a big hit.

The route they rode is a great introduction to the island: from Pythagorion to Chora, via Milli, along Ireon and Pappa Beach, then back to Pythagorion via Potokaki. In total, it’s 28 kilometers — a relaxed yet active way to explore the island. This route is mostly flat and doable for all ages. Only in Chora do you need to watch out for traffic. Otherwise, you’ll cycle through fragrant olive and orange groves and charming, quiet villages where time seems to stand still.

After a visit to Milli, home to the oldest olive tree on Samos, you continue along the route toward Ireon—an ideal spot to stop for lunch in the village or at places like Pappa Beach, where you can also enjoy a refreshing swim.

On the way back, you cycle via Potokaki, where a bike path along the sea offers beautiful views. Don’t forget to stop at the small wooden bridge—if you’re lucky, you might spot turtles! The chances are especially high in June. From there, the route continues past the airport and back to Pythagorion.

It’s a beautiful circular route, and with a leisurely lunch or swimming break, you’ll be out for about four hours. Keep an eye on the temperatures: in summer, it’s perfect to be active in the morning and then cool off by the sea or in the shade afterwards.

45 km | Advanced | Climbs and descents

From Pythagorion, you can cycle via Potokaki toward Ireon and then continue to Pagondas. Alternatively, you can skip Potokaki and head directly from Pythagorion toward Ireon via the main road, taking the turnoff to Pagondas from there.

To reach Pagondas, you follow a paved road that gradually takes you higher through a long series of winding bends. The views over the valley, with the airport in the distance, the sea, and even Turkey, are breathtaking.

Once in Pagondas, turn left toward Spatharei. Here too, the road continues to climb steadily. You’ll be ascending for about 14 kilometers, but with an e-bike, the climb is very manageable. Along the way, you’ll want to stop now and then to enjoy the scenery.

Eventually, the road levels out—you’ve reached the top. Two benches mark the spot. You park your bike, and trust me: this is one of the most beautiful viewpoints on Samos. In the distance, you can see the islands of Fourni and Patmos, and closest of all, the small island of Samiopoula.

You can then cycle a little further to reach Spatharei, where you’ll find a small roadside taverna (Anna).

After this climb, you turn around and enjoy a long, exhilarating descent.

45 km | Experienced | Climbs and descents

This is one of our favorite routes. We’ve ridden it three times already—and once in reverse, just for fun. We cycle again via Pagondas toward Spatharei, then continue straight on to Pyrgos. The ride remains stunning, following the coastline, and eventually you even catch sight of the impressive Mount Kerkis and the bays of Marathonkampos. This section is mostly flat with some downhill stretches, making it a very enjoyable ride.

Once you arrive in Pyrgos, the road climbs slightly again. From here, you follow the route toward Koumaradei. Upon reaching Koumaradei, you have the option to stop for a proper lunch at Balcony or Panorama—both traditional Greek tavernas offering delicious local food and beautiful views.

After this stop, you follow the road back toward Pythagorion.

23 km | Beginner | Light climbs

From Milli, you start cycling uphill. Eventually, you reach the Megali Panagia Monastery. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful monasteries on the island, and I always enjoy taking some time to look around. It feels like stepping into a completely different world, and it’s wonderfully peaceful.

After this stop, you can choose to cycle back downhill or continue a little further uphill toward Koumaradei. This is an ideal route to try out an e-bike: you’re climbing, but not for too long, making it very manageable and enjoyable.

14 km | Beginner | Flat with light climbs

From Pythagorion, you cycle via Chora toward Mytilini on an easy, relaxed route. In Mytilini, you’ll find several lovely small squares—perfect for stopping for a great cup of coffee.

If you feel like continuing a bit further, you can ride straight on from here. Along the way, you’ll pass the open-air cinema CineRex and Bee Love Samos, where everything revolves around locally produced honey.

20 km | Beginner / Experienced | Mostly flat, light climbs

This route heads in the opposite direction. We cycle toward Mesokampos via the main road toward Samos Town. During the season, this road can be a bit busier. Drivers and buses are used to cyclists, and you’ll notice they generally give you plenty of space when passing.

That said, cars tend to drive at around 70 km/h, so it’s important to stay alert and keep this in mind while riding.

After about 5 kilometers, take the exit toward Mesokampos—you’ll find the turnoff near a small garden center along the road. From here on, the ride becomes wonderfully quiet and peaceful again.

Follow the signs toward Mykali (the road eventually ends there, so you’ll need to turn back), or continue straight on to Psili Ammos. This section is especially beautiful, as it takes you past a protected nature reserve with walking trails and a large lake that is home to a group of around 40 flamingos—a truly stunning sight.

If you continue all the way to Psili Ammos, reward yourself with a refreshing swim or a cool drink at one of the seaside tavernas.

52 km | Experienced | Mostly flat with plenty of climbs

Follow the route as described in Route 6. Cycle via Psili Ammos and then continue on to Paleokastro—truly a stunning ride. From Paleokastro, the route continues to Klima Beach, with plenty of climbs and beautiful natural scenery along the way.

Once you reach Klima Beach, you can enjoy a refreshing swim, a hearty lunch, or a cool drink.

35 km | Advanced | Plenty of climbs and descents

Follow the route as described in Route 5, continuing straight on. Cycle out of Mytilini toward Samos Town. You’ll pass a small asylum seeker center along the way, but it’s completely safe. This section involves a lot of climbing as you make your way over the mountain to reach Samos Town.

Once you reach the highest point, you’ll see Samos Town spread out below. From there, enjoy a thrilling descent along a winding road—perfect timing for a coffee stop at the harbor in Samos Town!

You can choose to cycle back the same way, but it’s quite a climb. If you’d rather avoid it, you can return via Paleokastro → Psili Ammos → Mesokampos instead.

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