Kasonisi Samos: Turquoise Coves and Boat Trip Guide

Kasonisi is a small islet off the south coast, with clear turquoise water and rocky coves that are ideal for swimming. It is a boat destination rather than a place you drive to, so the practical plan is a day trip from Pythagoreio's harbour. Go for the swim stops and the sea; don't expect facilities, and bring your own shade.

What to see and do

1. 1Swim stops in clear water: the reason to come: sheltered, turquoise coves and easy snorkelling.
2. 2A day trip by boat: boats leave from Pythagoreio harbour, so the day starts and ends in town.
3. 3Quieter coves: a private charter can reach spots the group boats skip, on your own schedule.
4. 4Sea views back to the coast: the south-east shoreline looks very different from the water.
5. 5Other boat trips: Kasonisi is one of several sea outings from Samos. Compare the options before choosing your day on the water.
6. 6More places to swim: If you would rather stay on land, the island's beaches offer plenty of alternatives.
7. 7The harbour it leaves from: Pythagoreio is the island's southern port. Vathy takes the Piraeus ferries and Karlovasi the north-west routes, while Pythagoreio handles the Dodecanese and Kuşadası excursions, with up to 64 crossings a week.
8. 8The south-east coast: Posidonio, Kerveli and Klima are reached by leaving the Vathy–Pythagorion road at Paleokastro. From Posidonio you look across the Mycale Strait, about 1.5–1.6 km wide at its narrowest.
9. 9Swimming on the south-east shore: The south-east Psili Ammos, near the hamlet of Mykali, is a fine-sand beach about 10–12 km from Pythagoreio. Three Samos beaches share the name, so check which one you mean.

Before you go

Kasonisi is reached only by boat, so your day depends on the trip you book from Pythagoreio. Think of it as a sea day: swim stops, time on deck and views back to the coast of Samos. There are no facilities on the islet, so pack water, sun protection and your own shade, and wear something you are happy to swim in all day.

Boat days to the islet start from the harbour at Pythagoreio, which is also a ferry port for the Dodecanese, Ikaria and the Turkish coast. Daily Kuşadası services run from 1 April to 31 October, with several departures a day; Meander Travel has organised them since 1977. These ferries are a separate service from the boats that visit the islet, and their crossing times tell you nothing about a trip to Kasonisi. To compare the sea outings on offer, see Best Boat Trips in Samos.

Measured from the port of Pythagoreio, the Eupalinos Tunnel is about 2 km away and the Temple of Hera about 6 km. Samos International Airport is about 3 km from Pythagoreio. The ancient town and the Heraion have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1992. By road, Pythagoreio is about 14–15 km from Vathy, roughly 20 minutes, and Marathokampos is 35 km, about 1 h, via Psili Ammos and the Heraion. These markers help you fit a boat day into a stay on the south-east coast.

Boat trips to Kasonisi

Both boats are verified on GetYourGuide; the East Coast trip is the best-reviewed group option and the private charter leaves from Pythagoreio harbour.

Top pickfrom US$58

6 hours Coastal hotels (pickup available) 4.8 (26)

Samos: East Coast Boat Trip with Lunch and Drinks

• Samos' best-reviewed boat trip on GetYourGuide
• Lunch and drinks included, swim stops along the east coast

Best for: First-timers, anyone who wants one easy, well-reviewed day out

See prices & availability

Private charterfrom US$462/group

6 hours Pythagoreio harbour 4.8 (56)

Samos: Private Boat Tours

• Private charter for up to 6 people: set your own itinerary
• The way to reach the quieter coves the day-trip boats skip

Best for: Small groups, families, anyone who wants their own schedule

See prices & availability

Frequently asked questions

Practical details (opening times, prices) change. Verify before you go. Last updated September 2026.