Samos Airport Mini Guide
What is there to see and do on Samos?
Samos is a great little island, very close to the coast of Turkey and with a long and glorious history of famous residents. Pythagoras was born there and so was the philosopher Epicurus. You have the famous Tunnel of Eupalinos, a kilometre long aquifer dug into the mountain to supply water in times of siege. There’s also the Heraion of Samos, a huge temple complex dedicated to the wife of Zeus and natural splendours such as the coastal path on the west of the island, perfect for watching the sunset above unspoilt coves.
How do I get to Samos?
Samos has an international airport also called ‘Aristarchos’ which is near the old capital of Pythagoreion. The airport accepts dozens of seasonal chartered flights from across Europe including from Gatwick and Manchester. There are all year round flights but they tend to be from
Athens,
Cyprus and other Greek islands in the vicinity. The airport is a little distance from Samos Town, the island’s capital.
What is the airport Like?
It’s quite modern, the new terminal having been built only ten years ago, and is very busy handling over half a million passengers a year. The old terminal is now converted to an expo centre showcasing Samos and its art scene so, if you have time to spare, it’s very much worth a look.
What can I expect when I arrive?
It’s busy but efficient. Once you’ve collected your luggage you’ll enter the arrivals hall and if in need of information, there’s a help desk in the middle of the hall. There, they’ll be able to assist with general airport enquiries and with onward transport information. The help desk is also the point of contact for passengers with mobility restrictions and you should try to give 48 hours’ notice for full assistance. There are separate tourist information desks which can also help with transport if the help desk is busy and they can also suggest places of interest and arrange accommodation for you. Transport from the airport includes a local bus into Samos Town, a plethora of taxis vying for your business and the availability of car hire from the desks in the arrivals hall. There are no banks at the airport and surprisingly no means of public communication so a mobile phone is advantageous.
And on the day of my departure?
Check in is efficient there and you’ll soon be through security. There are no restaurants at the airport, just two small food outlets euphemistically called ‘luncheonettes’. There, you can expect a small range of light snacks including pizza and rolls together with a range of drinks. There’s a reasonably sized duty free outlet selling Greek spirits together with a range of other labels, tobacco products and perfumes and gifts. Apart from this there is a small kiosk selling mainly Greek newspapers, drinks, water and snacks. The airport doesn’t have Wi-Fi facilities.
Samos is an island ‘Who’s who?’ Born here were the mathematician Pythagoras, the philosopher Epicurus and Aristarchus who first proposed that the earth went round the sun. The Archaeological Museum on Samos chronicles their exploits as well as those of the people who built Samos up to become a powerful nation.
Hire a car and visit the amazing Eupalinian aqueduct, a one kilometre underwater aquifer and only the second tunnel in history to be successfully bored from both ends. Whilst here you should also visit the Heraion and the Pythagoreion, both unique UNESCO World Heritage sites.