Samos: Main Facts

Geographical Location of Samos

Samos is one of the north-eastern Aegean Islands and is the most southern island of the group. It is situated near the islands of Ikaria and Chios, very close to the Turkish coast from which it is separated the Mykale Straits, which are only 3km wide at one point.

Land/sea boundaries

Samos is situated in the north-east Aegean Sea, right across the shores of Turkey. A channel of only 3km wide separates them. North of Samos is the peninsula of Erythrea and north-west of it Chios, while west and south-west of the island is Ikaria and the island complex of Fourni. South of Samos are the Dodecanese islands; Agathonisi, Arki and Patmos are the closest to Samos.

Languages of Samos

Greek is the national language, but English is widely spoken, particularly in the more touristy areas.

Currency of Samos

The Euro (€) is the official currency of Samos. There are coins of 1, 2,5 ,10, 20, 50 cent and €1 and €2 and banknotes of €5, €10, €20 , €50 , €100 and €200. Foreign currencies can be changed into Euros at any local bank, most hotels and many of the travel agencies. Banks and bureau de change are widely available and traveller’s cheques and major credit cards are widely accepted in the beach resorts. Bank opening hours are 08.30-14.30, Monday to Friday.

The following banks are available in Samos Town: Commercial Bank; National Bank of Greece; Alpha Bank; Agriculture Bank; Piraeus Bank. These banks also have branches in the main tourist resorts on the island. Credit cards are still not widely accepted away from major towns and resorts, so don’t rely on them as your main source of travel money. Samos Town, Pythagorio, Karlovassi have ATMs – there are few ATMs away from the larger tourist resorts.