Do you dream of a beach wedding abroad? If yes, Samos could be perfect for you.
You’ll find a treasure trove to choose from, secluded coves with soft sand to sink your feet into to more hidden away coves that you’ll only find if you choose to explore. Samos has beaches surrounded by forests that fall into the sea below, to rocky outcroppings with dramatic cliff faces, but what they all have in common is the amazing clear azure sea.
Samos is ideal for anyone searching for a lesser known island where you can still experience a authentic Greece, from traditional villages and towns, untouched surroundings, local cuisine and lashings of Greek charm. An island where the local’s can’t wait to welcome you to explore their rich, diverse island which is also one of the greenest in Greece.
When to have your wedding in Samos
Samos enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate. The island warms up in April, followed by consistent sunny and warm days in May. Heat peaks towards the end of June and throughout July/August, but Meltemi winds help to cool hot days and humid nights. September weather is much like June, and with the cooler days starting at the end of September. The month of October although still warm during the day, sees a return of cooler days and evenings and by November winter has arrived.
We plan weddings in Samos from late April to the middle of October.
How much is a wedding in Samos?
Weddings in Samos are very good value for money, mainly due to this being a relatively new island to weddings.
Private exclusive venues still have the expected price tag attached, but a traditional beach wedding with taverna style reception can be accomplished for 8100euros (around £6982)for 30 people, including venue hire, food, drinks and photographs, video, decoration, flowers, music and full wedding planning.
A wedding in Samos is unique no matter how small or big you choose to celebrate as this island is so new weddings, this is what makes is so exciting, you can really have a unique wedding here.
Who does it suit?
Weddings in Samos are suited to both couples and families, this is an island that favours those that like to explore off the ‘beaten track’ and really lose yourself in local tradition. The island has a fantastic infrastructure, whilst still retaining that ‘lazy day’ feel that we’d like to experience on holiday, yet is not always achievable on more popular islands
On Samos you can enjoy all the things you’d expect on holiday, from beach days, shopping, dining aplenty but also exploring the rich lush surroundings of its incredibly diverse landscape, from hiking, to exploring waterfalls, diving and horseback riding in the sea.
You wont need to worry about your guests getting bored here, even the thrill seekers amongst them, Samos offers a style of holiday for everyone, just a little less commercialised.
Samos Weddings Venues
Beaches
Samos has such a wonderful selection of beaches to chose for your wedding, and because there are so many it’s easy to find a secluded spot and two of our beach venues are completely private!
The island has both shingle and soft sandy beaches, along with dramatic scenery changes, from hidden coves to cliff faces that fall dramatically into the sea. We’ve carefully selected our beach venues to bring you the best Samos has to offer and to ensure smooth transition from Ceremony to Reception, ensuring that you have the most fun and relaxed Greek beach wedding experience.
Hotels
Our selected hotels each offer something different, one even has a village square, so you have the comfort and luxury of a 5 star hotel and the tradition of a local taverna style reception, with rustic furniture decoration.
Private Estates
For those wanting something that bit ‘extra’ then our 2 private estates could be exactly what you’re looking for. With sympathetic design and natural landscapes, you can enjoy all the mod cons and luxury comforts, whilst feeling at one with nature.
Each private estate has been created in consideration of its natural settings, building around ancient trees and in you can dine on what is the old village market. How romantic.
Eating Out
Our weddings in Samos come with fine local cuisine as standard, in both quantity and quality, here’s a bit more about what you can expect.
Samos is incredibly proud of its delicious local cuisine. Expect to find lots of local eateries offering fresh stuffed vegetables, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplants, onions and zucchini, filled with minced meat and/or rice, completed perfectly with local wild herbs and baked in the oven.
Watch out for the delicious Samian dish of courgette flowers stuffed with rice and “bourekia” patties made with pumpkin. Make sure you try the local cheese “dermatotyri”
Dishes are perfectly complimented by localy produced award winning wine.
Samos is an excellent producer of quality dry or sweet wine and “suma”, the local tsipouro, made from grapes of the aromatic variety Muscat. A visit to the many wineries is a real treat for wine lovers, to sample of this award winning wine.
For an updated list of the 10 BEST restaurants by Trip Advisor members, click here
Let’s get to know Samos better
Where to stay
Here are some of the main resorts that UK travel companies cater for, however don’t let this put you off exploring other destinations for you and your guests, our weddings in Samos are spread across the whole island, so let us know which venue you’re considering and we can advise the best locations to stay at, to ensure you have the holiday experience you desire whilst being conveniently close to your wedding venue.
Also note that transport can be arranged to and from your wedding for you and your guests, so as long as you don’t mind travelling, staying in the same area as your wedding venue isn’t a must.
Karlovasi
This is the best location of beach lovers as you’ll find the coast line dotted with tiny secluded beaches, most accessible only by foot. The red roofs of the towns houses contrast against the clear blue water of this coastal town. It’s also closest to the very popular ‘Hippy’s Beach’.
They’res an abundance of churches in this small town, one worth a visit is the church of Agios Nikolaos, it’s spectacular facade is much more like a Moroccan palace and is accessed by a pretty treelined avenue.
Samos Town
On the Northeast Corner of Island is Samos Town, a chic town filled with stylish boutiques, a wonderful bustling market and plenty of charming local bars and tavernas along its narrow and colourful streets. This is a lively yet traditional village, for those wanting a beach you’ll find a small bay in the village itself.
Kokkari
Kokkari is a pretty fishing village on the northeast coast of Samos, the landscape is dotted with charming terracotta-roofed houses and villas that stretch along the length of the triangle-shaped peninsula. At the end of the peninsula sits the tiny harbour with a row of local bars and restaurants on the edge of the Aegean Sea.
The tree capped peaks of Mount Karvouni provide a magnificent backdrop.
Phythagorion
The southeastern village of Pythagorion Town is by far the most popular area for visitors, the perfect mix of an ancient city with many archaeological museums, temples and UNESCO sites alongside a plethora of wonderful beaches and a charming harbour. With water sports for those looking for a more active holiday, a day out shopping in the bustling harbour town or a day at the beach, this area really offers something for every visitor.
Hotels in Samos
Samos is home to many heavenly hotels and accommodation, with enough variety to cover every taste and budget. Here is just a few of the many hotels that the island has to offer.
Hotels on Northern West Samos, Karlovasi Town, Near Hippy’s Beach
- Samian Mare Hotel Suites and Spa
- Erato Hotel
Northern Samos Kokkari Village – this is a beautiful fishing village.
- Arion Hotel
- Semeli Boutique Hotel
Southside West Samos- Marathocambos – the best long stretches of fine sandy beaches are located here.
- Southern Samos Balos Seaside Village- a quaint village for complete relaxation along a coastline.
- Princess Tia Hotel
Currency
The currency in Samos is Euro.
Attractions and Must Visit Locations
Whist your priority is understandably your wedding in Samos, it’s good to know what else there is to do, especially when considering pre and post wedding activities.
Village Hopping
With the islands culturally rich villages dotted between lush pine trees or alongside beautiful beaches and fishing ports, a trip to explore some of these offers an authentic experience of this gorgeous island.
Why not pair a visit to one of the quaint hillside villages with a trek along one of the many hiking trails, before finishing the day with a dip in one of the many secluded bays.
The sleepy fishing ports, the charming village squares, the traditional architecture and multiple wineries, show how diverse Samos is and has something to delight every visitor.
Boat Trip to Samiopoula
Samiopoula (little Samos) is less then a nautical mile from the coast and allows you to step back and really enjoy Greece of yesteryear. With only a small bay, a church and spectacular views back to Samos, it’s the perfect escape and the chance to shut off from the world.
The island is accessible by a traditional small boat called a Kaiki, it’s a real treat to hear the captains stories on the short journey across.
Sea Kayaking
One of the best ways to enjoy Samos is by sea. Enjoy tumbling forests that cascade into the sea and delight in the hidden coves that you may not see from any other vista.
You can explore alone, or take a guided tour around the island along with a beach picnic, a real treat for those with families that need to burn off some energy.
Winery
Discover how the island has won so many international awards for it’s locally produced wine by visiting one of the islands wineries. Either visit alone or with one of the many tour operators on the island to enjoy an organised day of wine tasting. We especially love the Vakakis winery, and SamosOutdoors.com organises some great tours.
Potami Waterfalls
Walk through the magical woodland before happening on the magical Potami Waterfalls, for those brave enough to face the fresh water bring along your swimsuit. The waterfalls are around 3km from the Kastania River and after the 1km pretty riverside walk you’ll find yourself at the first waterfall. For the brave and VERY fit you can scale the cliffs to reach the second and bigger waterfall. Or for those that prefer there is a woodland walk up some steep steps to bring you to the same location. There’s even a tavern to stop and enjoy the views and enjoy a cold beer before you set back.
If you want to experience the true tranquility of a wedding in Samos, contact us on weddings@thebridalconsultants.com or call 01244 316772 to discuss your dream wedding.