Take a ferry to Vathy and get ready to be amazed by this magical place with the outstanding beaches, the lush vegetation and the beautiful natural landscapes!
Vathy, also known as Ano Vathy, located on the north eastern part of the island, is the capital of the island of Samos and a suburb of Samos Town, built on the hill slopes of the town. The population of Vathy in combination with the population of Samos Town and most of them are involved in the tourism industry. However the economy relies mainly on the agricultural products that the island produces (olives, vegetables). Before 1958, the town of Samos was known as Kato Vathy. Therefore you might still hear many islanders refer to the town as Vathy.
Vathy is one of the oldest villages of the island, built on the slopes of the hills of Koutsomilos and Varela, overlooking the bay of the town. The village preserves elements of the local traditional architecture with a Venetian and Byzantine influence. The picturesque houses of the village are built close to each other, as a defense mechanism against attacks, creating a beautiful maze of enchanting narrow streets.
So book your tickets in advance and enjoy one of the most beautiful and magical natural landscapes, the delicious local cuisine and its interesting history.
Ferry Port Vathi (Samos)
How to reach Vathy
Vathy is easily approachable either from the mainland or other islands of the Aegean sea like Syros, Mykonos and Ikaria. Depending on the port of departure, sailing durations and frequency may vary from season to season.
Piraeus to Vathy: there is a conventional ferry running between the main port of Athens, Piraeus and Vathy all year round. There are at least 3 routes available per week and the duration of the sailing is approximately 11 hours.
Kavala to Vathy: travelers can also reach Vathy from the port of Kavala, in northern Greece. There is a passenger/ car ferry connecting the mainland with Samos throughout the year with at least 1 route available per week. The ferry duration is 16 hours.
What to do and see in Vathy
Vathy is one of the first settlements of Samos and its population grew in the middle of the 18th century during the conquest of the Peloponnese by the Turks as Greeks were looking for refugee and safer places to settle. By the end of the 19th century Vathy had more than 900 houses, one school, 6 churches and an economy based on sailors, merchants and farmers.
The village of Vathy along with Samos town is a lively place, with many restaurants, bars and tourist facilities. Up the hill you will find plenty of traditional and neoclassical buildings and many places to have a coffee at the city center.
For your convenience please find below some of the best locations we recommend you visit:
- Visit the Museum of Samian Wine and the Archaeological Museum of Vathy that hosts architectural parts of the Iraion Temple
- Enjoy the view of the Asia Minor Coast from the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi
- Visit the impressive two story Church of Ai Giannakis with its four domes and enjoy the panoramic view of the natural bay of the city
- Follow the hiking trail through a pine forest and visit the Monastery of Agia Zoni
- Visit the neoclassical building of Vatheos Municipal School that was built in 1901
- Walk through the maze of the small streets and admire the beautiful traditional architecture of the houses
- Try some of the local products that Samos produces like olive oil, wine and honey and ask for one of the many traditional dishes of Samos, the so-called yiaprakia with flowers or the stuffed goat or the chickpea balls
- Admire the beautiful frescoes of the Church Agia Matrona, that was built in the late 16th century and the murals that tell the story of Creation and the Fall
Hotels in Vathy, Samos
Due to the beauty of the town and the picturesque scenery, Vathy is one of the most popular choices in terms of accommodation. Either you choose a hotel, a studio or an apartment all of them are well equipped and close to tourist facilities like restaurants, cafes and supermarkets. As the town is built amphitheatrically extending from the level of the sea up to the end of the hill all of the buildings offer amazing views of the bay and the sea.
Please find below some of the best rated hotels & accommodations :
- Ino Village
- Anthemis
- Samos Hotel
- Aeolis Hotel
- Aria Hotel Vathy
- Paradise Hotel
- Samos Sun Resort
- Scorpios Hotel & Suites
Vathy beaches
The island of Samos is popular and offers many small creeks with exotic crystal clear waters and bright blue colors surrounded by a breathtaking green landscape. The beaches in Samos and around the village of Vathy are surrounded by lush vegetation and a breathtaking landscape. There are many choices for beach lovers that will satisfy every need. Only a few of them are partly organized, ideal to enjoy calmness and privacy.
Some of the best rated beaches of Vathy:
- Gaggou: located 3.6 km away from Vathy. An organized pebbled beach with calm and shallow waters, ideal for families with children
- Mikri Lakka: located 10 km away from Vathy. One of the most beautiful beaches of the island with lush vegetation that reaches the level of the emerald water
- Tsamadou: located 12 km away from Vathy. A lovely soft pebbled organized beach located in a bay surrounded by lush greenery
- Glikoriza: located 9 km away from Vathy. A sandy and pebbled organized beach, sheltered from high winds with shallow crystal clear waters
- Mourtia: located 9 km away from Vathy. A secluded non organized beach with many boats and yachts that create a beautiful graphic picture
- Mykali: located 7.4 km away from Vathy. A small pebbled organized beach with tourist facilities and the possibility to try various water sports
Island Hopping from Vathy
Vathy is a perfect starting point for some island hopping during your stay in the eastern Aegean Sea, as the location of the island of Samos is ideal. Choose one of the many direct and frequent ferry routes, book your ferry tickets and don't miss the opportunity to visit one of the neighboring beautiful islands:
- Syros
- Mykonos
- Ikaria
- Chios
- Limnos
- Mitilini
