Tsamadou Beach | The Exotic Beach of Samos

🏖️ Tsamadou Beach near Kokkari, Samos

A famous organised pebbled beach on the northern coast, with deep turquoise waters, lush scenery and an established naturist section

Tsamadou Beach is located on the northern coast of Samos, west of Kokkari, in a long and narrow bay surrounded by pine trees, olive trees, low Mediterranean vegetation and steep natural slopes.

It is one of the best-known and most photographed beaches on the island. Its pale-coloured pebbles, intense blue and turquoise waters and dense vegetation descending towards the sea create one of the most characteristic landscapes of northern Samos.

A significant part of the beach is organised with umbrellas, sun loungers and seasonal service, while free sections remain available for visitors who prefer to use their own towels or equipment.

📍 Location

Tsamadou is located approximately 2 kilometres west of Kokkari and around 12.1–13 kilometres northwest of Samos Town.

Following the main Samos–Karlovasi road, the beach is reached after Kokkari and Lemonakia and before Avlakia and Tsabou.

The beach belongs to the wider area of the Municipal Community of Kokkari, the Municipal Unit of Vathy and the Municipality of East Samos. The area below the Tsamadou–Avlakia road section is administratively recorded within the Municipal Community of Kokkari.

🏝️ A Long and Narrow Natural Bay

Tsamadou is formed inside a long and narrow bay bordered by natural slopes and rocky edges.

The shape of the bay reduces the intensity of the waves to some extent compared with completely open shores. It is not, however, a fully sheltered beach, as it remains exposed to the northern winds of the Aegean Sea.

The western section generally experiences calmer conditions, while strong meltemi winds can create waves along the entire shore.

📏 Length and Width of the Shore

Tsamadou Beach is approximately 380 metres long and has an average width of around 8 metres.

It is therefore a long but relatively narrow beach. The available width is not the same along the entire shore, and in several places the sun loungers or towels are positioned quite close to the waterline.

The narrow shape becomes more noticeable during the peak tourist season, when the beach attracts a large number of visitors.

🏖️ The Shore and Pebbles

The shore consists mainly of small and medium-sized rounded pebbles, with larger stones in certain areas.

It is not a sandy beach. Moving across the pebbles can be tiring for very young children, elderly visitors and people with balance difficulties.

Water shoes are particularly useful both for walking along the shore and for entering and leaving the sea.

🌊 The Water and Seabed

The waters of Tsamadou are clean and transparent, with characteristic blue-green, turquoise and deep-blue shades.

The seabed is mainly pebbled and stony. The depth increases relatively quickly, and there is no extensive, uniform shallow zone suitable for very young children to play comfortably.

The slope of the seabed becomes noticeable within the first few metres in several areas. The beach is more suitable for visitors who feel comfortable in deeper water.

🌬️ Northern Wind and Waves

Tsamadou’s northern location means that it is affected by the meltemi and other northern winds.

When there is no wind or only a light breeze, the sea can be particularly calm, clear and suitable for long swimming sessions.

When the northern wind strengthens, waves develop and can make leaving the water more difficult. The waves move the pebbles beneath the feet and may affect balance.

The wind forecast should be checked before visiting, particularly by families, elderly visitors and less experienced swimmers.

🌡️ Water Temperature

The water is generally cool and refreshing, as is common at many beaches along the northern coast of Samos.

The relatively rapid increase in depth, water circulation and exposure to the northern Aegean contribute to the cool sensation.

During the warmest months, the water temperature is particularly pleasant, while at the beginning or end of the summer season it may feel noticeably colder.

☂️ Organisation and Sun Loungers

Tsamadou is organised across a significant part of the shore and not only in one small section.

During the summer season, umbrellas and sun loungers are placed in different areas, with service provided by seasonal beach facilities.

Free sections are also available, where visitors can use their own towels, chairs or umbrellas.

Prices, conditions of use and the exact size of the organised sections may vary from one summer season to another.

🍽️ Food, Coffee and Drinks

Seasonal beach bars, restaurants and other refreshment facilities operate on the beach and in the area directly above the shore.

Visitors can find food, coffee, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages and remain in the area for several hours.

These services should not be considered guaranteed outside the main tourist season. It is therefore useful to carry drinking water at all times.

🚿 Showers, Changing Rooms and Toilets

Showers, changing rooms and toilets are available in the organised sections.

These facilities are connected with the seasonal businesses and are not necessarily located at every point along the shore.

Their operation and condition may differ according to the section of the beach and the time of year.

🏖️ The Established Naturist Section

At the eastern end of Tsamadou, there is a section that has been used by naturists for many years.

This area is widely known among visitors and coexists with the other organised and free sections of the beach.

There is no natural or enclosed boundary completely separating this part. Visitors who prefer not to be close to the naturist area can choose the central or western section of the shore.

The most accurate public description is that Tsamadou has an established and widely recognised naturist section, without presenting the entire beach as exclusively naturist.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Suitability for Families

Tsamadou can be chosen by families when the sea is calm and the children are older or confident swimmers.

It is not, however, a consistently easy choice for families with babies or very young children. The rapid increase in depth, the pebbles and waves on certain days require constant supervision.

For calmer conditions, the western section and a day with light northern winds are preferable.

Permanent lifeguard coverage along the entire shore has not been confirmed.

🛟 Swimming Safety

Less experienced swimmers should remain close to the shore and avoid entering the sea when strong waves are present.

Particular care is needed when leaving the water, as the waves and moving pebbles may cause a loss of balance.

Children must be supervised continuously, even when the sea appears calm, because of the relatively rapid increase in depth.

The presence of organised sections should not be regarded as proof of daily lifeguard coverage.

🌳 Natural Shade

Pine trees, olive trees and other vegetation provide natural shade behind the shore and at individual points along the beach.

The shade does not cover the entire coast and changes according to the time of day.

Organised umbrellas offer the most reliable protection from the sun. In the free sections, visitors can use their own umbrellas, provided they are secured carefully among the pebbles.

🌿 Natural Landscape

The natural surroundings are among the most important features of Tsamadou.

The green slopes, pine trees, olive trees, pale-coloured pebbles and turquoise waters create a landscape dominated by intense contrasts of green and blue.

Despite its organised facilities, the beach does not resemble a densely developed seaside resort. The vegetation and natural relief remain the dominant elements of the scenery.

🌿 Seaweed and Natural Materials

Winds and sea currents may occasionally bring seaweed, small pieces of wood or other natural marine materials onto the shore.

Their concentration changes according to weather conditions and may vary considerably from one day to another.

Their presence does not by itself indicate that the water is unsuitable for swimming.

🤿 Swimming and Snorkelling

The exceptional clarity of the water creates good conditions for swimming with a mask and snorkel when the sea is calm.

The rocky edges and areas with larger stones are the most interesting for observing small fish and the shape of the seabed.

Snorkelling should be avoided when there are waves, strong water movement or reduced visibility near the rocks.

🏄 Sea Activities

A permanent organised water-sports centre or equipment-rental service has not been confirmed.

The main activities are swimming, snorkelling and relaxing on the shore.

Using a SUP board or kayak requires experience and careful checking of the wind, as conditions along the northern coast may change.

🚗 Road Access

The area is reached from the main Samos–Karlovasi road by car, motorcycle, taxi or bus.

Vehicles do not reach the shore itself. From the parking area and the main road, visitors follow a descending path and steps for approximately 200–250 metres.

The route is short, but in places it has a noticeable slope and uneven ground. The return to the road is uphill and may be tiring for elderly visitors, young children or people with mobility difficulties.

🅿️ Parking

Free parking opportunities are available near the national road and the points where the paths to the beach begin.

The parking area is not directly on the shore. After leaving the vehicle, visitors must descend towards the sea.

During July and August, the closest spaces may fill quickly. Vehicles should be parked without restricting traffic or blocking entrances to nearby establishments.

🚌 Access by Bus

The area is served by the public bus line following the Samos–Karlovasi route.

The stop is located in the wider area of the main road and not directly on the beach.

The frequency and operating times change according to the season. The current summer timetable should be checked before departure.

♿ Accessibility

Road access as far as the parking area is relatively easy.

The final approach to the shore is more difficult because of the descending path, steps and distance of approximately 200–250 metres.

Movement across the beach is further complicated by the pebbles. A dedicated accessible pathway, ramp or independent sea-access system has not been confirmed.

🏘️ Close to Kokkari

Tsamadou is located very close to Kokkari and can easily be combined with a visit to the village.

Kokkari has a seafront, a small harbour, shops, cafés and numerous dining options.

The short distance allows visitors to combine swimming with a walk or meal in the village.

🚶 Combining the Visit with Nearby Places

Lemonakia and Kokkari are located to the east.

Farther west are Avlakia and Tsabou, while Vourliotes and Manolates can be visited in the interior of the island.

Tsamadou’s location makes it a suitable stop on a route along the northern coast of Samos.

🌅 Afternoon Atmosphere

The afternoon light highlights the turquoise shades of the water and the vegetation covering the slopes.

Because the shore is narrow and surrounded by hills and trees, certain sections begin to fall into shade earlier than more open beaches.

When the sea remains calm, the afternoon hours are particularly suitable for relaxing and enjoying food close to the shore.

🤿 What Is Worth Doing

Swim when the northern wind is light and the sea is calm.

Use water shoes for easier movement across the pebbles.

Explore the rocky sections and the edges of the bay with a mask and snorkel only under safe conditions.

Choose the western section when looking for generally calmer water.

Use an organised section for a sun lounger, shade and basic facilities.

Photograph the bay from the higher points along the access path.

Combine the visit with Kokkari, Lemonakia or Avlakia.

💡 Useful Advice

Check the northern wind before setting out.

Wear water shoes because of the pebbles.

Do not expect an extensive shallow zone.

Supervise children and less experienced swimmers continuously.

Allow for the descending approach and the uphill return along the 200–250-metre route.

Bring drinking water and sun protection even when planning to use an organised section.

Choose the central or western section if you prefer not to be close to the naturist area.

Do not approach the rocky edges when waves are present.

Do not leave rubbish on the shore or along the access path.

⭐ Beach Characteristics

✅ Famous organised beach near Kokkari.

✅ Located on the northern coast of Samos.

✅ Approximately 2 kilometres west of Kokkari.

✅ Approximately 12.1–13 kilometres from Samos Town.

✅ Around 380 metres long.

✅ Average width of approximately 8 metres.

✅ Long and relatively narrow shore.

✅ Small and medium-sized pebbles.

✅ Pebbled and stony seabed.

✅ Relatively rapid increase in depth.

✅ Clean blue and turquoise waters.

✅ Cool sea.

✅ Bay that reduces but does not eliminate wave action.

✅ Generally calmer water in the western section.

✅ Possible waves with northern winds.

✅ Rich vegetation with pine and olive trees.

✅ Organised and free sections.

✅ Umbrellas and sun loungers during the summer season.

✅ Beach bars and dining options.

✅ Showers, changing rooms and toilets in the organised sections.

✅ Good choice for snorkelling when the sea is calm.

✅ Established naturist section at the eastern end.

✅ Free parking near the main road.

✅ Descending path and steps for approximately 200–250 metres.

✅ Bus access in the wider area.

✅ No Blue Flag for 2026.