Samos Town and Gagou beach

Samos Town, or Vathy as most Greeks say, is the capital, administrative centre and largest port of Samos. Around 6,200 people live here. The town is divided into two parts: Samos Town which is the newer part of the town and Vathy which is the older one.

Samos Town. The old part Ano Vathy is visible up among the hills.

At the beginning of the 19th century, many merchants in what was then Vathy moved closer to the coast, more and more buildings were built and finally the two communities grew together and formed what we call today the town of Samos. The old district is today called Ano (upper) Vathy. To experience the view below, one must come from Pythagorion and not from Kokkari. Before reaching the town, there is a ridge where you can stop and admire the view.

The view over Samos Town is magnificent.

It is quite a large town with beautiful houses and winding alleys, tavernas, ouzerias, cafes and shops. Tourism has not yet taken over here, as in Kokkari and Pythagorion. It is almost only along the seafront, where tavernas and souvenir shops are close, that any kind of tourist investment is noticeable. Samos Town is 10 kilometres from Kokkari, and 12 kilometres from Pythagorion.

Pythagoras Square in Samos Town.

The street life revolves mostly around the seafront, Pythagoras Square and along the narrow pedestrian street that stretches through almost the entire town. The harbour is the busiest area: ferries arrive and depart almost 24 hours a day. At the harbour, and at the end of the seafront, there are several travel agencies. The biggest attraction is the Archaeological Museum.

One of many tavernas inside the car-free alleys of Samos town.

Most people who travel to Samos stay in Pythagorion or Kokkari. The fact that the town of Samos - which is like Greece in a small nutshell - does not attract more tourists, I think, is because there are not that many beaches in the immediate area. The nearest beach is called Gagou (also spelled Gangou) and is just north of Samos Town. North of Samos Town and Gagou beach are the small villages of Kalami and Agia Paraskevi.

Gagou beach in Samos Town.

Gagou is a small pebble beach that is not bad at all. The only downside is that it usually gets crowded on the beach. The big advantage is that it is walking distance to Samos Town. The beach went viral a few years ago when a monk seal decided to take up residence on the beach. It used the sun beds as sleeping accommodation. :-)

Gangou beach seen from the sea.

ACCOMMODATION IN SAMOS TOWN

You can go to Vathy by charter from many countries. If you are travelling independently, finding accommodation is no problem. I have lived in Samos town once, but that was in the 1980's so unfortunately I have no recommendations to give.

Book hotel in Samos Town here »

Do not miss the Archaeological Museum, which you can read about here »

READ MORE ABOUT SAMOS