Samos

About 10 kilometres north of Vathy lies one of the island's most pristine beaches, Livadaki. The waters are crystalline, the sand is soft, and both are warm and welcoming. It is even possible to borrow free kayaks and umbrellas to find protection from the sun.

Lemonakia Beach is less windy and has calmer waters than other beaches in the area. There are several options for food and drinks (Andreas Place is the most popular restaurant in the area), and there are also showers, toilets, and playground areas.

If you can only visit one beach during your stay on Samos, be sure to make it Mikro Seitani. This small and secluded beach is reachable only on foot or by boat, and it is well worth the hike. Surrounded by large rock formations and lush vegetation, it is by far the most scenic beach on the island.

Tsamadou Beach is, perhaps, the most popular beach on the whole island of Samos, and it's not hard to see why. The water is at once crystal clear and a vibrant shade of blue-green that has to be seen to be believed. There is a restaurant nearby and plenty of sunbeds, but it tends to be quite busy.

Balos Beach is a more relaxed and less frequented beach on the south side of the island of Samos, but it is by no means less picturesque than some of the more popular beaches.

An additional 30-minute walk beyond Mikro Seitani, the even more secluded and idyllic Megalo Seitani is maybe the most beautiful beach on Samos. The white pebbles and azure water are framed by lush green hills in every direction.

Another beautiful and relaxing beach, Psili Ammos, on the south side of the island of Samos, boasts calm, clear waters and a soft sandy beach.