Private charterfrom US$462/group 6 hours Pythagoreio harbour 4.8 (56)
Samos: Private Boat Tours
- Private charter for up to 6 people
- Departs from Pythagoreio, near the airport and ferry
Getting to Samos — Flights, Ferries & Visas
How to get to Samos: flights from the UK and Europe, the ferry from Kusadasi in Turkey, and Schengen visa rules.
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Flights
Samos International Airport (SMI), near Pythagoreio, is served by direct scheduled and charter flights from the UK and northern Europe in the summer season. Outside summer, connections via Athens on domestic flights are the more reliable option.
Ferries — including from Turkey
Domestic ferries connect Samos (Vathy and Karlovasi) to Piraeus (Athens) and neighbouring islands such as Ikaria, Patmos and Chios. A separate international passenger ferry links Pythagoreio or Vathy to Kusadasi, Turkey — the crossing point for day trips to Ephesus — reflecting how close Samos sits to the Turkish coast.
Once you land
From the airport, most visitors head straight to their base — see our where-to-stay guide for which coastal town suits your trip, or the full Samos travel guide for money, safety and what to pack.
Visas and arrival
As part of Greece, Samos falls under Schengen entry rules. Requirements vary by nationality and can change — confirm with your nearest Greek embassy or consulate before booking rather than relying on a travel article. If combining Samos with a Turkey day trip, check separately whether your nationality needs a Turkish e-visa.
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Tours to book for your trip
See all toursPrivate charterfrom US$462/group
Full-day tourfrom US$69 8 hours Coastal hotels (pickup available) 4.9 (8)
Samos: Full-Day Island Bus Tour (Starting from West Samos)
- A guided loop of the island's main villages and viewpoints
- The easiest way to get orientated on day one
Frequently asked questions
Around 3 to 3.5 hours from most northern European hubs on direct summer routes. Outside the summer season, connections via Athens are more common.
See flight frequency by seasonGreece is in the Schengen area. EU/Schengen citizens need no visa. UK, US, Canadian and Australian passport holders can typically enter visa-free for short tourist stays under Schengen's 90-day rule, but always confirm current requirements with your nearest Greek embassy before booking.
Read the full Samos travel guideYes — a passenger ferry runs between Pythagoreio or Vathy and Kusadasi, on the Turkish coast, in around 1–1.5 hours depending on the route, making Samos a genuine base for a day trip to Ephesus.
Explore Pythagoreio, the ferry town