Getting from Mykonos to Samos

Samos sits closer to Turkey than it does to Athens, separated from the Anatolian coast by a strait less than two kilometres wide at its narrowest point, and that proximity has shaped the island in ways you can feel when you are there. It is lush and green, mountainous in the interior, with a coastline that varies from busy tourist beaches on the northern coast to quiet fishing villages and pebble coves in the south and east. Samos is the birthplace of Pythagoras and Epicurus, the site of one of the great engineering feats of the ancient world in the Tunnel of Eupalinos, and an island with enough substance to reward visitors who go beyond the beaches.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry between Mykonos and Samos. The connection goes via Piraeus and the total journey by sea is around 8 to 10 hours depending on the service. Samos is well connected to Piraeus with regular departures through the summer season so finding a sailing is straightforward. The overnight ferry is a reasonable option if you want to save on accommodation and arrive fresh in the morning.

What about flying?

Both Mykonos and Samos have airports so flying is the practical choice on this route. The journey goes Mykonos to Athens and then Athens to Samos, with total travel time around 3 to 4 hours door to door depending on your connection. Samos Airport is on the northern coast between Vathy and Karlovasi and well connected through the summer season. Book ahead as seats fill up quickly in peak season.

Your best option

Fly. The Athens connection is easy and gets you to Samos without a full day at sea. Hire a car when you arrive and give yourself at least four or five days. Drive the coastal road around the southern tip of the island, visit the Heraion sanctuary and the Tunnel of Eupalinos, and find one of the quiet coves on the eastern coast for an afternoon. Samos is an island with more depth than its reputation suggests and it rewards the people who take the time to find it.