Samos is a fantastic destination for those who want more than just beaches and sightseeing. Its diverse landscape, from rugged coastlines to lush mountains, makes it ideal for unique tours and experiences. Whether you’re after a relaxing boat trip, a cultural excursion, or a scenic island adventure, Samos has something to offer. We particularly enjoyed the Full-Day Boat Cruise with Lunch, which combines beautiful scenery with a tasty homemade meal—perfect for a leisurely day at sea.
Many of these tours deliver authentic experiences, like visiting historic monasteries or exploring local pottery and wineries. If you’re looking for a way to see the island from a different perspective, the Full-Day Island Bus Tours stand out for their cultural insights and scenic stops. And for a taste of history beyond Greece, the Day Trip to Patmos offers a meaningful connection to biblical sites and stunning village views. Read on to find the perfect tour for your travel style.
1. Samos: Full-Day Boat Cruise with Lunch
At number one, this Full-Day Boat Cruise with Lunch is a standout for its relaxed pace and scenic highlights. Departing from Pythagorion, the small boat takes you to Samiopoula island and the southern coasts of Samos. It’s a classic way to combine sailing, swimming, and local food into one memorable day.
The trip offers plenty of time to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters, sunbathe on the boat, and enjoy a freshly prepared barbequed fish or meat lunch. The crew goes out of their way to make this enjoyable, providing simple snacks and drinks throughout. The highlight is the visit to Samiopoula, with its quiet beaches and lush surroundings, ideal for a laid-back escape. While some reviews mention that the boat can get crowded and noisy, most visitors appreciate the friendly atmosphere and stunning scenery.
This tour is perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of Samos from the sea without much hassle. It’s a great choice if you enjoy a relaxed day with good company and a homemade meal on board.
Bottom Line: A scenic, laid-back cruise that combines swimming, sunshine, and a tasty lunch. Ideal for travelers wanting a full-day sea adventure.
2. From Votsalakia : West Coast Boat Cruise with Lunch
Next on our list is the West Coast Boat Cruise, a four-hour trip that explores the dramatic northern coast of Samos. This cruise offers a different perspective—highlighting small deserted bays, caves, and the towering peaks of Mount Kerkis.
During the trip, you’ll get to jump into turquoise waters at Limnionas, a spot praised for its natural beauty. The boat glides past sea caves and offers fantastic views of the mountain scenery. A key feature is the included sandwich lunch, which keeps travelers fueled for exploration. Some reviews note that the lunch could be better—mentioning a “terribly dry baguette”—but most find the overall experience worth it for the scenery and swimming.
This cruise is well-suited for travelers who want a shorter, scenic outing that combines boat time with water activities. It’s especially fitting if you love crystal-clear waters and dramatic coastlines. Keep in mind, it’s less about a full day and more about a quick, scenic escape.
Bottom Line: A compact, scenic cruise perfect for a quick escape to the rugged west coast and caves.
3. From Samos: Day Trip to Patmos Island
For a meaningful cultural and spiritual experience, the Day Trip to Patmos ranks high. This nine-hour journey takes you across the Aegean to explore the island famous for the Monastery of Saint John and the Cave of the Apocalypse, where Saint John is said to have received his visions that became the Book of Revelation.
The tour includes visits to the charming village of Chora and the town of Skala with its busy harbor. The tour guides are praised for their storytelling and their ability to share both history and local color. While travel time can be lengthy—about 2.5 hours each way—most reviewers find the trip worth it for the chance to step into biblical history and enjoy the island’s picturesque streets.
Vera, the guide, is often highlighted for her enthusiasm and knowledge, making the long day engaging. Some mention it feels a bit rushed, especially in the caves or when trying to see everything, but generally, this trip offers a rich blend of history and scenic beauty.
Bottom Line: Ideal for history buffs and those interested in biblical sites, willing to accept the travel time for a meaningful experience.
4. Samos: Full-Day Island Bus Tour (starting from east Samos)
The Full-Day Island Bus Tour starting from east Samos offers a comprehensive look at the island’s cultural and natural highlights. Costing around $65 per person, this 8-hour guided trip takes you through key sites, including the Megali Panagia Monastery and the ancient Temple of Hera.
The tour also features visits to a pottery workshop, a family-owned oil factory, a winery with tastings, and the waterfalls of Samos. The guide provides insights about local traditions, making it appealing for travelers interested in authentic local culture. Reviews praise the tour for its well-organized itinerary and knowledgeable guide.
This tour is best suited for visitors who want a balanced mix of history, culture, and scenic nature without the hassle of independent planning. It’s a good option if you prefer a full day with varied stops rather than focusing on one activity. Keep in mind, some guests note that the tour might be a bit rushed at times, but overall, it offers excellent value for history and culture enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded day trip perfect for those wanting to explore Samos’ heritage and landscapes with an expert guide.
5. From Votsalakia Port: Samiopoula Boat Cruise with Lunch
The Samiopoula Boat Cruise is a fantastic way to spend eight hours on the water. Departing from Votsalakia, this trip takes you to the peaceful island of Samiopoula, known for its quiet beaches and welcoming atmosphere. It’s perfect for those seeking relaxation and a break from busy sightseeing.
Throughout the day, travelers can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the homemade lunch served on board, which adds a personal touch. The boat is a small tourist vessel, making for a more intimate experience. The highlight is the chance to have a relaxing day swimming in clear waters, with some reviews mentioning how perfect the beach is for unwinding.
The only drawback noted is that the boat can get crowded and engine noise can be loud, but most find the serene setting and homemade meal outweigh these issues. This trip suits travelers wanting a laid-back, scenic day on the water with good company.
Bottom Line: A peaceful, relaxing cruise with homemade lunch, ideal for those who want to unwind on a quiet island.
6. Samos: Full-Day Island Bus Tour (starting from West Samos)
At number six, this Full-Day Island Bus Tour beginning in west Samos offers a similar but slightly different experience. For $65, you’ll visit the Megali Panagia Monastery, the ancient Temple of Hera, and explore the waterfalls of Samos. The tour also includes stops at a pottery workshop and a family-run oil factory outside Kondeika.
What sets this apart is the focus on different starting points—it’s tailored for travelers staying in the west—and the opportunity to explore specific local crafts and traditional industries. The guide is praised for their knowledge, providing a meaningful insight into local traditions.
Ideal for travelers who want a full day of cultural and natural sights without overextending their schedule, this tour balances the historic sites with scenic nature spots. It’s especially suitable if you want to focus on local crafts and rural settings. Some reviews note that the pace is comfortable, making it suitable for most fitness levels.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those based in west Samos who want a culturally rich and scenic day.
7. From Samos: Full Day Tour to Ephesus and Kusadasi
Our next pick is an immersive Full Day Tour to Ephesus and Kusadasi. This nine-hour trip crosses into Turkey, allowing you to see one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world—the ruins of Ephesus—and explore the lively bazaars of Kusadasi.
The guided tour of Ephesus highlights well-preserved Roman ruins, including the theater, Library of Celsus, and the Agora. The tour is enriched by informative guides, with many reviews praising the storytelling and historical insights. The trip also includes some time for shopping and wandering in Kusadasi, giving a taste of Turkish culture.
However, travel involves crossing borders, which means passports are required, and some travelers note the stop at government-sponsored leather shops can feel a bit forced. Overall, it’s a rewarding experience for history lovers and shoppers alike. Just be prepared for a long day and some crowded tourist spots.
Bottom Line: A fascinating full-day experience for history and shopping enthusiasts willing to handle border crossings.
8. From Samos: Half-Day Kasonisi Boat Trip
Lastly, the Half-Day Kasonisi Boat Trip offers a shorter, yet equally delightful, escape. In just five hours, you sail out to the unspoiled island of Kasonisi, renowned for its pristine nature and crystal-clear waters.
Guests enjoy feeling the sea breeze as they cruise along the coast, with an opportunity to swim in clear waters and explore the uninhabited island’s natural beauty. Reviews mention that drinks, fruit, and mini sandwiches are served, making this a comfortable and enjoyable outing. The only downside mentioned is the captain’s microphone communication—hard to hear at times—but this does little to detract from the overall experience.
This tour is perfect if you’re short on time but still want a quality water excursion. It’s suited for travelers looking for a relaxing, scenic half-day with plenty of swimming and a taste of unspoiled nature.
Bottom Line: A quick, scenic boat trip ideal for a relaxing half-day adventure on Samos’ east coast.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Samos
When deciding which tour best fits your trip, consider your interests, schedule, and budget. If you love sailing and beaches, the full-day boat cruises and Samiopoula cruise are excellent options. For those interested in history and culture, the Patmos day trip and the full-day island bus tours offer immersive experiences. Finally, if you’re short on time but want to experience the coast, the half-day Kasonisi trip proves perfect.
Think about your fitness level—some tours involve long walks or boat rides— and whether you prefer a full day of sightseeing or a shorter escape. Booking early is advisable, especially for popular trips like the Patmos or Ephesus tours, which fill quickly.
In summary, Samos offers a range of tours that cater to diverse interests: relaxing boat cruises, cultural excursions, and scenic island adventures. If you want an authentic sea day, the Full-Day Boat Cruise with Lunch is hard to beat. For a mix of culture and scenery, the full-day island bus tours provide a comprehensive look at local life and landscapes. History buffs should consider the Patmos day trip, while those short on time can enjoy the Kasonisi half-day. Whatever your preference, booking ahead will ensure your spot on these memorable experiences.