Hotels in Kokkari
Kokkari is the fishing-village-turned-windsurfing-base on Samos's north coast, its stone captains' houses facing two pebble bays below the road to Vourliotes.
Hotels in Kokkari sit along a narrow strip between the coast road and the sea, with Tsamadou and Lemonakia beaches close enough to reach on foot from most rooms. The meltemi wind that shapes the north coast makes this the windsurfing and diving base of Samos, so expect a livelier, more active crowd than the family beaches further south. The old harbor, still used by fishing caiques, gives the village its working character, and the hills behind climb toward Vourliotes and the Ampelos range for anyone renting a car for a day.
Kokkari in numbers
Hotel Avlakia
Armonia Bay Hotel
Kalidon beach Hotel
Kalidon Panorama Hotel
Lemos Hotel
Sunrise
What to expect
- North-coast fishing village with two pebble beaches, Tsamadou and Lemonakia, within walking distance
- Best base on the island for windsurfing and diving thanks to the steady meltemi wind
- Working harbor still used by fishing boats, lined with tavernas rather than resort hotels
- Road up into the hills toward Vourliotes for a change from the coast
- Roughly a 20-minute drive from Vathy, the island's main town and ferry port
Local tips
- Pack for wind if you plan beach days, the same meltemi that draws windsurfers can make sunbathing breezy
- Tsamadou Beach gets busy with the watersports crowd, Lemonakia is the calmer option for swimming
- Rent a car if you want to reach Vourliotes or the Ampelos foothills, Kokkari itself has no bus link inland
- Book ahead in July and August, rooms here fill with the windsurfing regulars before the general tourist season peaks
- Vathy port and the airport are both a drive away, budget 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic through the coast road
- Evenings are for the harbor tavernas, the village has little nightlife beyond a few bars
Where to stay
FAQ
Is Kokkari good for beginners at windsurfing?
Yes, the steady wind and the presence of established schools make it one of the more approachable windsurfing bases in the Aegean, though conditions can turn brisk by afternoon.
What is the best beach near Kokkari?
Tsamadou draws the watersports crowd and has a naturist section further along, while Lemonakia stays calmer and suits swimmers who want to skip the wind.
How far is Kokkari from Vathy and the airport?
Vathy, the main port town, is roughly 20 minutes by car, and Samos International Airport sits a little further at around 25 to 30 minutes depending on the route taken.
What type of accommodation is available in Kokkari?
Mostly small family-run hotels and a handful of larger sea-view properties along the coast road, with few large resorts compared to the south of the island.
Is Kokkari suitable for families?
Families do stay here for the beaches and the relaxed village pace, though the wind and pebble shoreline suit older children better than toddlers looking for calm shallow water.
Can I visit Vourliotes from Kokkari without a car?
It is possible by taxi or occasional local bus, but a rental car gives far more flexibility for the mountain road up to Vourliotes and back.