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Samos semi-trekking self-guided 2024
Travel code: ASWM214I
Tour type: Hiking-medium
Travel type: Self-guided semi-trekking
Area: Aegean islands
Number of days: 8 (may be extended)
Day 1

Arrival in Samos (AS-01-A)

After your arrival at Samos airport a taxi will take you in about 1 hour to Karlovasi. This town on the north coast is often called the ‘ugly duckling’ of Samos referring to the abandoned warehouses and tanneries: remains of a rich trading history during the early 1900’s. But behind this façade there is a lively town with a unique character. The Aegean University contributes to the lively spirit.
Near your hotel is the neighbourhood of Meseo Karlovasi with a lovely village square to sit for food and drinks.

Day 2

Circular walk via Potami beach and Leka (AS-02-GR00192)

Leaving the port of Karlovasi behind you, you ascend via a beautiful paved track (so-called kalderimi) to Old Karlovasi, built well-hidden for pirates behind a hill top. You may have a Greek coffee at a local café, before continuing your walk. Through dense forest you reach the cave of Agios Antonios where you find a chapel deep inside the cave.
Next stop is at Potami beach from where you head inland, along the oldest Byzantine church of Samos, to the waterfalls. You may want to reach the actual waterfalls by walking inside the cold waters! The walk continues uphill through dense vegetation and vineyards to the tiny settlement Agios Panteleimonas with its refreshing spring. The view from the shaded town square in Leka over Karlovasi is overwhelming. You cross Old Karlovasi once more on your way back down to the coast.

walking time/distance: 4h / 11,5km
ascent/descent: 400m
start/finish: Karlovasi

Day 3

Circular walk from Potami to Seitani Beaches (AS-03-GR00193)

Todays walk starts in Potami beach that you reach by taxi or on foot. The coastal walk is via narrow trails, sometimes high above the sea. First you reach the pebbled beach of Mikro Seitani and then the sandy beach of Megalo Seitani, declared a Natura 2000 protected area.
After a refreshing swim the walk continues inland along numerous olive groves. From a view point you can admire the gorge that widens to the beach of Mikro Seitani. Back in Potami, you can relax on the beach and transfer back to Karlovasi, or even walk back all the way.

walking time/distance: 3,5h / 9,2km
ascent/descent: 380m
start/finish: Potami (optional: Karlovasi)

Day 4

To Kokkari, circular walk Vouliotes and Vronta monastery (AS-04-GR00194)

In the morning you travel by taxi or local bus to Kokkari. For more comfort you can prebook a taxi transfer.
The walk of today is the most famous and likely the most-walked hiking route of Samos. It is a great loop walk from Kokkari that crosses beautiful forest landscape with stunning views over Kokkari, Vathy and the Turkish coastline and passes through the picturesque village Vouliotes. Optionally you make a small detour to the historic monastery of Vronta, built in 1566, burned in 1999 and nowadays almost completely restored again.

walking time/distance: 4,5h / 13,0km
ascent/descent: 480m
start/finish: Kokkari

Day 5

Circular walk from Agios Konstantinos (AS-05-GR00195)

The route of today starts in nearby village Agios Konstantinos that you reach by local bus or taxi.
From the small port you ascend through the traditional village of Ano (Upper) Agios Konstantinos, where you head further south via a beautiful intact cobbled path. Via terraced fields, vineyards and olive groves you reach the village of Stavrinides. Further eastwards you come to one of the most picturesque villages of Samos: Manolates. After a refreshing drink in a local café, the route continues towards Vouliotes. Through dense vegetation and welcomed shade, you reach the chapel of Agios Spyridonas from where you have a spectacular view of Manolates. The walk concludes with a pleasant descent through olive groves and forest of pine trees to Agios Konstantinos.
By bus or taxi you head back to Kokkari.

walking time/distance: 4,5h / 13,5km
ascent/descent: 500m
start/finish: Agios Konstantinos

Day 6

To Pythagorion, circular walk to Ancient City walls (AS-06-GR00197)

In the morning you travel by taxi or local bus with a stop over in the capital town Vathy to Pythagorion. For more comfort you can prebook a taxi transfer.
There are several options to spend your afternoon. You may enjoy time on the lovely sandy beaches nearby, visit the archaeological museum in Pythagorion, go and explore the 1 km long Efpalinos aquaduct built in the 6th century BC or make a round walk over Mt. Kastro and the ancient city walls.

walking time/distance: 2,5h / 7,5km
ascent/descent: 250m
start/finish: Pythagorion

Day 7

Circular walk from Myli (AS-07-GR00196)

You take a taxi to the nearby village of Myli from where you start todays’ long hike, exploring the rural landscape around Myli. There is a remarkable ancient olive tree of about 2500 years old that has a trunk with a diameter of 3,5 meter! Luckily it was saved from the devastating forest fires of 2000 by the locals. It is impressive to see how this area turned to a lush green hillside in the past 2 decades!
Definitely worth visiting is the Byzantine Monastery of Megali Panagia near the village Koumaradei from where you have great views over the plain of Chora to the south. After your return in Myli, you take a taxi back to Pythagorion.

walking time/distance: 4,5h / 13,0km
ascent/descent: 340m
start/finish: Myli

Day 8

Departure from Samos (AS-08-V)

After breakfast you will be transferred to the nearby airport of Samos by taxi and your arrangement comes to an end.