The village of Karlovassi is located in the northwestern part of the island of Samos, was annexed in 2011 to the municipality of Samos, according to the Kallikratis Program and has almost 10,000 inhabitants.
Karlovassi is a pretty town located in one of the most fertile areas of Samos, a few kilometers from Turkey. From the coast you can see the small bay of Sigacik, in Turkey, which is less than two kilometers from Samos at the closest point.
The Karlovassi area can be divided into three parts: the old city (the port area), the central part and the new city. Karlovassi is adorned with 19th-century neoclassical buildings and elegant buildings that testify to its glorious past.
A bit of history
According to the findings, the area of Karlovassi was already inhabited in 1570 by Ottoman families who moved to the island of Samos. Traces of settlements of inhabitants of the nearby island of Chios have been found, who settled in the area of Alonaki, a small hill not far from the city center, whose ruins are still visible. Ancient Karlovassi, called Palaio, was one of the first inhabited areas and the temple was built here in honor of the god Dionysus. It is also the city where the first Samos newspaper was published.
The abandoned tanneries are witnesses of a time when the textile sector and trade flourished and brought wealth to the inhabitants of Karlovassi. Today most of the inhabitants of the small town are employed in tourism and fishing.
What to see in Karlovassi
Among the most interesting places in the town of Karlovassi we find the imposing Church of the Holy Trinity (Agia Triada) which stands on the top of the highest hill in Karlovasi and dominates the settlement. Then the beautiful Church of Agios Nikolaos, in neoclassical style with pinnacles and domes colored in white and blue. Do not miss the main square of the town with the town hall and the Aegean University School of Science.
Karlovassi offers many other attractions, such as the ruins of the Byzantine castle, the Potami waterfalls, reachable via a peaceful path through the woods. If you want to deepen your knowledge of the tradition and culture of Samos do not miss the folklore museum, the tanning museum and the ceramic workshops.
Do not miss a romantic sunset walk in the heart of the city, from here you can also reach one of the delightful small villages that are located a short distance from Karlovassi.
Beaches
Karlovassi beach is located 33 kilometers northwest of Vathi. It is a small sandy beach mixed with small pebbles, bathed by a splendid, clear and calm sea that will immediately make you want to dive. It is very popular in the area and offers sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, as well as equipment for practicing various water sports. Behind the Karlovassi beach there are pine trees where you can shelter from the sun, without having to rent an umbrella.
To reach the beach you have to take the road that goes down to the harbor from the center of Karlovassi. With a short walk you will arrive in this little paradise!
There are also other beautiful beaches near Karlovassi: the best known is certainly the Potami beach, with crystal clear water and pebbles. Immersed in unspoiled nature there is then the beach of Megalo Seitani, with clear sand and clear waters, really enchanting ..
Near Karlovassi there are several taverns where you can stop for a lunch break on the beach such as the Hippy's Bar which is located on Potami beach. Walking through the streets of Karlovassi, in the port area you will find the Rendezvous 2000, which serves delicious fish dishes, but also Mediterranean, Greek cuisine, vegetarian dishes and pizza.
You just have to discover Karlovassi with your own eyes, with all it has to offer.