Ferry Services From Sığacık To Samos
With coorperation between Teos Marina and Samos Star Agency, Sığacık-Samos ferry services have carried tens of thousands of people every year since 2015. To get to ferry service harbour, turn towards Teos Marina Dry Dock Area and park your car at parking lot which is just a few steps ahead. Boarding cards will be given at Sığacık Border Crossing Point before getting on board. We kindly remind you to buy international departure stamp at the desk, in case you haven’t paid the departure fee in advance. Visitors usually choose 2 days and 1 night tours, although one may also prefer to make a day trip to Samos, one of the most beautiful and green islands of Greece with its splendid nature and rich cuisine. İDF Duty Free Shop is also in service on the ferry days in Teos Marina.
Click here for up-to-date information on sailing days, departure times, and tickets.
An island history full of occupations and uprisings
In ancient times, Samos was an important cultural center. The first settlements on the island date back 3,000 years to the Neolithic period. Samos, which forms the coastline of Asia Minor (Anatolian lands), was separated from the mainland due to geological movements. For this reason, its soil structure and vegetation differ from other Greek islands.
According to mythology, Samos is the birthplace of the goddess Hera. The island was inhabited by Ionian people during the first millennium BC. When the Persian Empire conquered the island, it was temporarily depopulated. Samos joined the Ionian city-state rebellion against the Persians and later became a member of the Athenian Delian League after the Persian Wars. When Samos revolted against Athens, it was subsequently conquered by the Macedonians, Ptolemies, and Romans.
Between 275–270 BC, Samos served as a naval base for the Egyptian fleet and later acknowledged Seleucid rule. In 189 BC, the Romans transferred Samos to the Kingdom of Pergamon under the Attalid Dynasty, a Roman ally. During the Byzantine Empire, Samos became part of a military administrative region.
After the 13th century, like Chios, Samos came under Frankish and Venetian rule before passing to the Genoese. With the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the island came under Ottoman rule. Many inhabitants left Samos and migrated to Chios. In the 16th century, Ottoman efforts led to the re-settlement of the island. Migrants from Midilli (Lesbos), Urla, and many other regions were settled there.
The name Karlovassi is not unfamiliar to us because it comes from the Turkish word “Karlıova.” When the Ottoman fleet approached Samos, they named it after the snow-white almond trees covering the plains, which resembled snow. The name Kokkari is derived from the Turkish word “kokarcık,” meaning small onion in local dialect.
One of the most beautiful mountain villages of Samos, Vourliotes, with a population of around 500, was founded in the 16th century by settlers from Urla. Because it supplied sesame to the Ottoman Empire for many years, Samos was also known as “Sisam Island.” The island remained under Ottoman rule until 1922.
10 reasons to visit Samos
1. VERY EASY ACCESS
Getting to Samos is much easier compared to many untouched Greek islands. You don’t need to own a boat. Samos is the closest Greek island to the Turkish coast. You can reach it by ferry. No visa is required for green passport holders, and visa-on-arrival is available for short stays.
2. FAMILIAR FLAVORS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES
Greek cuisine and Aegean meze dishes are very similar to Turkish tastes. Seafood that is considered luxury in Turkey is much more affordable in Samos. In family-run restaurants, seafood and ouzo are reasonably priced.
3. SMALL FAMILY-RUN HOTELS
Instead of large concrete hotel complexes, Samos mostly has small, natural-style accommodations. Prices are generally lower than mid-range hotels in Turkey. Beaches are open to everyone without restrictions.
4. TURQUOISE SEA AND BEAUTIFUL COVES
Samos is famous for its crystal-clear sea and beautiful coves. Lemonakia and Tsamadou are among the most well-known beaches.
5. AN ISLAND OF PEACE AND QUIET
Samos is generally a quiet island. It offers a peaceful holiday atmosphere rather than loud nightlife.
6. RENT A CAR AND EXPLORE THE COVES
Since the island is not very small, renting a car is the best option. This makes it easy to explore all the remote coves and beaches.
7. HOMELAND OF PYTHAGORAS
The famous mathematician Pythagoras lived on this island. The ancient city of Pythagorion is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
8. EXPLORE ALL THE BEACHES
Every beach on Samos has its own unique beauty. Kokkari, Lemonakia, Tsamadou and many others are worth visiting.
9. MOUNTAIN VILLAGE OF MANOLATES
Manolates is a small, traditional mountain village surrounded by nature and worth visiting.
10. WATERFALLS IN THE FOREST
The waterfalls in the Potami region can be reached after a short hike and offer a unique natural experience.
