Best Hiking Trails in Samos, Including Mount Kerkis

Samos has some of the best hiking in the Aegean, and the trails are varied enough to suit very different fitness levels and time budgets. Here's how the main options compare, so you can match a trail to the day you actually want.

Mount Kerkis is the serious option: at 1,434 metres, it's the island's highest peak, and reaching the summit is a full, demanding day, with poorly marked sections in places and little water available on the trail. It rewards experienced hikers with genuinely spectacular Aegean views; it isn't a casual afternoon walk. See our full Mount Kerkis guide before attempting it.

Manolates and the mountain villages offer an easier, more scenic alternative: waymarked paths connect Manolates to nearby villages through pine and plane-tree forest, manageable in a half-day at a relaxed pace, with tavernas at either end for a reward.

Potami waterfalls is the low-effort, high-reward option: a short, largely shaded walk along a gorge to a series of waterfalls and swimming pools, suitable for most fitness levels and a good choice on a hot day.

When to go: spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the best months, cool enough for a full day out with wildflowers still visible in spring. In summer, start early to avoid the worst of the midday heat, especially on Mount Kerkis where shade is limited.

What to bring: proper closed hiking shoes, more water than you think you'll need (especially on Kerkis, where there's little along the way), sun protection, and a phone with the trail downloaded or a paper map, since signal and waymarking can both be unreliable in places.

Frequently asked questions