I spent a week on Samos in May 2025, visiting my wife who had decided to stay there for a month to combine vacation and remote work.

Samos in Greece is one of the North Aegean Islands, Samos is located north of the island of Kos and off the coast of Turkey. Samos is a green and mountainous island with fertile plains and an area of 478 square kilometers. The highest point is Kerkis with an altitude of 1433 meters.
Samos lies at the crossroads of two important migratory routes, making it a key stopover for birds traveling between Europe, Africa, and Asia. The island’s varied terrain, which includes wetlands, forests, mountains, and coastal areas, provides a range of habitats for different species throughout the year. The island’s diverse ecosystems create an ideal environment for birdwatching, allowing enthusiasts to spot a wide variety of species, from waterfowl to songbirds and even rare migratory birds.
As in most of Europe, the migration periods in spring (March to May) and autumn (August to October) offer the best birdwatching opportunities.

Here are some of the top locations on the island that I visited and where I saw a variety of bird (and butterfly) species:

1. Psili Ammos / Alyki Wetland
GPS: 37.708109, 27.013725. Best birding spot on the Island! Located on the southeastern corner of the island, close to Turkey, this seasonal lake is home to species such as the Ruddy Shelduck and occasional flamingoes. It is also a key staging post for many migratory birds, including various waders and other waterbirds. The lake is set beside the ruins of an old salt-works. 
If you follow the main road, you'll pass the lake on your left. From there, you'll have a beautiful view of the birds on the lake. Here I saw Greater Flamingo, Ruddy Shelduck, Black-winged Stilt and Little Stint. To the left of the lake runs a dirt road that takes you further inland, a little further from the lake. I saw many different songbirds here, such as Spotted Flycatcher, Eastern Black-eared Wheatear and Black-headed Bunting. Higher up, you have a beautiful view of the lake. You may also explore the shingle beach adjacent to the lake, where you may find maritime flora, among which you may well encounter Tawny Pipit, Lesser Short-toed Lark and Zitting Cisticola.

2. Glyfada Reservoir and Wetland
GPS: 37.691586, 26.926465. Located 2km west of near the village of Pythagorion on the southern coast, the Glyfada reservoir and its surrounding wetlands serve as an important stopover for migratory birds, especially during the spring and autumn months. Birdwatchers can spot species such as herons, egrets, and various waders in this area. I found here a Little Bittern!

3. Valley of Nightingales
This is a unique natural area located between the mountain villages of Agios Konstantinos and Manolates along the Kakorema stream. A beautiful area to go hiking and it is also the greenest area of Samos.
From Manolates (GPS: 37.785872, 26.825849) you can take beautiful walks in the green area, along streams or to the village of Stravinides. I really loved it here, also because of the many butterflies!

4. Heraion Archaeological Site
GPS: 37.673434, 26.888285. Located 5km west of near the village of Pythagorion. The Heraion Archaeological Site is not only rich in history but can also be good in birdlife. The combination of ancient ruins and natural surroundings attracts species like the Ruddy Shelduck and various waders. About 200 meters before the parking lot I saw a small building on my left with a Little Owl on the roof.

5. Mount Kerkis
GPS: 37.727039, 26.660430 (near Pythagoras Cave). As the highest peak on Samos, Mount Kerkis offers a unique birdwatching experience. Its rugged slopes are home to birds of prey, including the Griffon Vulture, Short-toed Eagle and the Common Buzzard. The alpine meadows and forests on the lower slopes also host species such as the rock bunting and the rock partridge. I climbed the rather steep stairs to the Pythagoras Cave, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It's a breathtaking place, and I was lucky to be there all alone.