Samos is a fantastic destination for full-day tours because it offers a mix of seaside adventures, cultural sights, and authentic local experiences—all within easy reach. Whether you want to cruise along the coast, visit ancient temples, or explore charming villages, Samos has a tour to match. We’re particularly fond of the Full-Day Boat Cruise with Lunch because it combines a relaxing day at sea with a delicious onboard meal, making it a perfect escape from the land-based hustle. Plus, the chance to snorkel in crystal-clear waters and visit Samiopoula makes for memorable moments. If you prefer exploring the island’s interior, the guided bus tours provide insight into Samos’ monasteries, waterfalls, and traditional industries, giving a well-rounded view of the island’s culture and landscape. For a personalized experience, the Private Sightseeing Tour offers the flexibility to tailor your discoveries at your own pace, ideal for those seeking exclusivity.
Below, we introduce the six best full-day tours in Samos—each offering a different way to experience the island’s beauty, history, and flavor. Whether you’re on a budget, traveling with family, or craving a bespoke adventure, our guide will help you choose the perfect excursion.
1. Samos: Full-Day Boat Cruise with Lunch (and bus transfer)
At number one, this full-day boat cruise stands out for its mix of sea, sun, and good food. Starting from Pythagorion, the small boat takes you to Samiopoula, a tiny island with a lovely sandy beach. The boat sails along the southern coasts of Samos, offering plenty of time to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe in the clear waters, with the crew setting up a barbequed fish or meat lunch onboard.
What makes this tour special is the relaxed vibe combined with the chance to explore less accessible beaches by boat. The crew’s onsite cooking and the fresh fish lunch add a personal touch rarely found on larger tours. Ratings are high at 4.5/5 based on 159 reviews, with travelers praising the peaceful environment and friendly staff. It’s perfect for those who want a hassle-free day at sea with great scenery.
Practical details include the 8-hour duration and a moderate price of $55 per person. The tour is ideal for beach lovers and sea swimmers, especially if you enjoy a laid-back day with good food and stunning coastal views. The only caveat might be the weather dependency—bad weather can disrupt plans.
Bottom Line: A relaxed, fun-filled day on a boat with fantastic swimming and a tasty onboard lunch, suited for those seeking sea and sun without the crowds.
2. Samos: Full-Day Island Bus Tour ( starting from east Samos)
Number two on our list is the full-day bus tour starting from east Samos. This guided journey takes you to some of the island’s most noteworthy cultural and natural sights without the hassle of driving yourself. The tour includes visits to the Megali Panagia Monastery, the ancient Temple of Hera, a traditional pottery shop, waterfalls, and a winery where you can enjoy tastings.
The tour’s appeal lies in its rich itinerary and local flavor. The guide shares insights into Samos’ history and traditions while you explore the waterfalls and sample local wines. With a 4.2/5 rating from 45 reviews and a price of $65, it provides good value for travelers interested in both culture and nature.
This tour is suited for those who want to see a diverse slice of the island—religious sites, scenic waterfalls, and local industries—without losing too much time on transportation. It’s a full, active day, making it perfect for curious travelers who prefer guided experiences.
Bottom Line: An engaging blend of history, culture, and nature, ideal for travelers wanting an in-depth look at Samos’ inland treasures.
3. Samos: Full-Day Island Bus Tour (Starting from West Samos)
Number three is the full-day bus tour starting from west Samos. Also priced at $65, this guided trip visits similar highlights as the east-side tour but includes unique stops like Koumaradei at a pottery workshop and the Kondeika waterfalls outside the village of Kondeika.
Rated 5/5 from just three reviews, this tour’s small sample size suggests it’s a personalized experience. It offers all the key attractions—the Monastery of Timios Stavros, the Temple of Hera, and a family-run oil factory—plus a more intimate look at the island’s craftsmanship and rural life.
The tour is well-suited for travelers who prefer less crowded groups and want to explore off-the-beaten-path spots. The itinerary emphasizes local industries and natural beauty, making it a great choice for culture and nature lovers.
Bottom Line: A highly-rated, small-group experience that delves into Samos’ artisan traditions and scenic waterfalls, perfect for those who like a personal touch.
4. Samos: Full-Day Guided Island Bus Tour
Coming in at number four, this full-day guided tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Samos’ highlights. It includes visits to the Temple of Hera, a traditional winery, picturesque fishing villages, and the 15th-century monastery. The tour combines archaeology with regional flavors, including tastings of local wines and regional products.
Rated 4.5/5 from four reviews, it provides a balanced mix of cultural, historical, and culinary experiences. The tour also includes a walk through the Valley of Nightingales and a leisurely stop for coffee, giving you a glimpse of daily life on the island.
This tour is especially suited for travelers wanting an educational, all-encompassing day with plenty of opportunities to taste and see. The $79 price reflects the extensive itinerary and guide-led experience—making it a good value for those who want a well-rounded day.
Bottom Line: A solid, all-in-one tour for culture, history, and local flavors, perfect for first-time visitors who want to cover a lot in one day.
5. Samiopoula and Kakorema Full-Day Tour with Lunch
Number five is the Samiopoula and Kakorema boat tour. Led by the local captain Andreas, this trip combines a swim on Samiopoula’s sandy beach with a private, boat-only reach to Kakorema, a secluded beach reachable only by sea. The itinerary features a transfer from Pythagorio, a stop on Samiopoula for an hour, then four hours at Kakorema with sunbeds and a barbecue lunch prepared by the crew.
Rated 4.0/5 from 10 reviews, this tour emphasizes authentic, small-scale experiences. Travelers praise the peacefulness of Samiopoula and the barbecue, with comments like, “The boat trip was a nice way to see the southern side of the island,” and the staff’s attentiveness making the day special.
The tour’s highlight is the private beach experience—perfect for travelers craving solitude away from crowded spots. It costs $60.13 per person and is best suited for those comfortable with a day at sea and looking for a quieter escape.
Bottom Line: An intimate, boat-based day with excellent swimming and a homemade barbecue, ideal for those seeking tranquility and a personalized touch.
6. Samos: Full-Day Private Sightseeing Tour
The final tour on our list is the private sightseeing experience. For $373 per group (up to four people), it offers the ultimate flexibility—your own vehicle, guide, and itinerary. This tour hits the major sights such as Manolates village, Potami waterfalls, and the Temple of Hera, with the chance to customize your day based on your interests.
Rated 4.3/5, reviews mention the guide’s local knowledge and the comfort of the private vehicle. While some note the vehicle isn’t luxurious, the personalized service and ability to tailor the day make it a standout choice for travelers wanting an exclusive experience.
This option is best for those who want to avoid group tours, have specific sights or activities they wish to include, or simply prefer a relaxed, bespoke day.
Bottom Line: The best choice for travelers wanting full control over their day and a private, comfortable experience exploring Samos at their pace.
$373 per group up to 4
How to Choose the Right Full-Day Tour in Samos
When picking your perfect tour, consider your budget, interests, and physical comfort level. For a laid-back day on the water, the boat cruise (Samos: Full-Day Boat Cruise with Lunch) offers a relaxing escape. If you’re eager to see inland sights, the guided bus tours (East or West) give rich cultural insights.
For personalized experiences, the private tour (Private Sightseeing) is unbeatable, especially if you want to skip the group dynamic. Meanwhile, the Samiopoula and Kakorema boat trip (Samiopoula and Kakorema Full-Day) is ideal for peaceful beaches and swimming enthusiasts.
Booking early is always wise, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred tour and date. Think about whether you value cultural sights, beaches, or a mix—then pick the tour that best matches your style.
Final Thoughts
Samos offers a diverse range of full-day experiences, from relaxing boat cruises to insightful guided tours and exclusive private excursions. If you’re after a leisurely day on the sea, the Full-Day Boat Cruise with Lunch is a winner. For a cultural deep dive and scenic exploration, the guided island bus tours deliver a well-rounded experience. And for those seeking tailored adventures, the private sightseeing tour provides ultimate flexibility.
No matter your style or budget, these tours help you make the most of your time on Samos. Book early, plan around your interests, and get ready for a memorable day exploring this beautiful Greek island.