Samos International Airport serves as Greece’s gateway to a small island in the Aegean Sea. The facility handles flights from major cities across Europe and beyond during peak travel seasons. Runways accommodate both domestic and international routes, with connections linking travelers to Athens, Thessaloniki and other hubs. The terminal provides basic amenities including ticket counters, baggage claim and a small café. Located near the town of Thermi, it offers quick access to Samos’s beaches, archaeological sites and local tavernas for visitors seeking authentic island experiences.
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 3/5
Cashless payments are becoming more common, especially in urban areas. However, many small shops and rural locations still prefer cash payments.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is customary in Greece. In restaurants, 5-10% is typical, though rounding up is also common. Tipping taxi drivers is customary, and small tips for hotel staff are appreciated. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally allowed in Greece, especially in designated areas or during festivals. However, it’s prohibited in some areas like public transport or near schools. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places. There are designated outdoor smoking areas in most restaurants and public buildings. |
| Easter (March/April) |
Easter is a significant religious holiday, and many businesses close. Popular for family gatherings and church services. |
|---|---|
| Assumption of Mary (August) |
A national holiday with parades and festivities. Expect crowded tourist areas and higher accommodation prices. |
| Christmas (December) |
Christmas celebrations take place in many towns and cities, with lively events, though many businesses close for the holiday. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Beat, TaxiBeat, Uber |
| Other: | Greece is a popular tourist destination, particularly in summer, so be prepared for high demand for accommodation and services during peak months. |
Samos International Airport boasts a compact, single-terminal layout with a short runway that challenges pilots due to nearby mountains and the sea. Despite its size, the terminal offers essential services, including duty-free shops, a small café and comfortable waiting areas.
Named after the ancient astronomer Aristarchos of Samos, the airport has undergone renovations to increase its capacity and improve passenger experience, yet it remains one of Greece’s more intimate airports. The seasonal influx of tourists can cause short lines, but the overall atmosphere remains relaxed.
Its location provides visitors with spectacular views of the sea and surrounding landscapes, but travelers should note that the airport runs limited operating hours and has no jet bridges – the small walk to the planes adds to the charm but may be inconvenient for some.
The climate is typically Mediterranean, meaning hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The island also experiences periodic strong Meltemi winds during summer, which can make landings a bit dramatic and occasionally cause slight delays.
Most visitors choose to stay in the nearby towns of Pythagorio and Vathy, ranging from cozy boutique hotels and traditional guesthouses to well-equipped resorts. Accommodation options cater mostly to mid-range budgets, with a few higher-end choices for those seeking luxury.
To Pythagorio:
Pythagorio town is only about 5 kilometres from the airport and can be reached by taxi in roughly 10 minutes. Several local buses also service this route but may run infrequently. Taxis are the most convenient, especially for travellers with luggage, costing around €10 – 15 (£8.42 – 12.64).
To Vathy:
Vathy, the island's capital, is approximately 20 kilometres from the airport. It is accessible by taxi or local bus, with the taxi ride taking about 25-30 minutes. Public buses are cheaper but may have limited schedules, so planning ahead is advised.
To Kokkari:
Kokkari, a popular resort village on the northern coast, can be reached by taxi or car hire from the airport in around 30-40 minutes. Public transport options are sparse, so private transfer or hire car is recommended.
+1
+1
+1
