Karlovasi on Samos Island

Today we would like to take you for a trip to Karlovasi on Samos Island.

Karlovasi is a good destination for a couple of days trip and, what's even better for Chiosans or us- expats living here- it is reachable by direct ferry from Chios town! The trip lasts about 4 hours one way. 

An unusually planned town, it is divided into five sections: Old, New and Middle Karlovassi, the Bay and the Harbour. A stroll around the town will provide ample evidence of past glories, with mansions, large and impressive churches, and deserted tanneries.

There are about 1,000 active students living in the town throughout the year so be prepared for fairly vivid cultural and nightlife.

Karlovasi is a town with a rich history in culture and in commerce, being a flourishing tannery and tobacco manufacturing centre in the early 1900s. Many magnificent neoclassical mansions can be seen from that period as well as the remains of the large stone-built factories at the "Ormos" seaside. If you would like to get to know more about its past, we advice you a visit in Karlovasi Folk Museum.
The museum documents life, fashion and customs in Karlovasi 100 years ago, when the busy port flourished as a leather-tanning and tobacco-trade centre. Exhibits cover the time period from 1870 until 1955 and document the everyday life of the thriving urban population, as well as the life of the rural populations of the island. The museum contains exhibits of porcelain decorative objects of great value, carved mirrors, couches and impressive outfits that the ladies of the upper class used to wear.

If you prefer to relax in the open outdoors, then the Potami Waterfalls is a must. These waterfalls form two small lakes with crystalline waters, ideal for swimming. If you follow the road west from Karlovassi that leads towards the harbor, you will end up in Potami beach. The area receives hundreds of visitors during the summer to admire the magnificent beauty. The access to these waterfalls is relatively easy through a nice path. At the end of this path, you will meet the smallest of the two waterfalls. From there, you need to climb several steps (about 50 to 60) in order to reach the other waterfall. On your way there is a lovely beach and a beautiful forest. The area is one of the most worth- visiting places on Samos. Just take some snacks and water shoes and enjoy nature beauty at its best.

You can also enjoy yourself on some of Karlovasi beaches. Especially nice is Mikro Seitani- small and secluded so while being there you can forget about all the world. This beach is perfect for swimming and even snorkeling is possible.
Karlovasi is a nice play to visit so see you there!