The first time we had a look at Karlovassi was in the summer of 1998 when we travelled with a ferry from Vathi (Samos Town) to the Cyclades. The ferries that leave Vathi all make a stop at Karlovassi before they go on to the next destination. The boats were much slower than they are nowadays and it took us about 8 and a half hours to travel to Mykonos via the island of Syros. From what we could see then it didn't look too unattractive, but since we got to know Karlovassi on close up we realised that it is the kind of town that you have to explore several times if you want to get to know it better and see the nice things about it. Karlovassi is sort of like a "love at second sight" kind of place.

Karlovassi is a rather large village in the northwest of the island Samos. It has a small beach with a taverna and you can rent parasols and sunbeds. In the surroundings of the beach you will find most of the hotels. Karlovassi has the nevertheless more the character of a small town rather then of a spot where the tourists will go to be on holiday and lie on the beach. There are many modern shops and a couple of large churches, and also there are lots of banks. In the town you find many new buildings and lots of construction is taking place. Some of the beautiful old mansions in the town have been restored while others are falling apart. Along the beach of Karlovassi there are many large ruined buildings, factories from long ago. It is a working town with busy traffic and actually Karlovassi is the economic heart of the island of Samos. Karlovassi has also got a port where some ferries make a stop on the way to nearby islands like Ikaria, Thymena and Fourni and to islands further away in the Cycladic group.

With its approximately 5500 inhabitants Karlovassi is the second town in size on the island of Samos. The city has few tall buildings and stretches for miles along the shore. There is no real center in Karlovassi and it makes more the impression of being a couple of villages with different characters that have been glued together. In the west you find the port and here are also most of the hotels. Behind the port lie the wooded hills with a striking church on the top, the Agia Triada. This part is the old Karlovassi with authentic, small old Greek houses. It is probably the nicest (and most quiet) part of Karlovassi to go and explore. There are roads through the pine woods and there are nice small churches along the paths. There are nice views over the coastline and the town once you are up in the hills.

To the east of the port of Karlovassi are the larger homes of former merchants. The new part of town, Neo Karlovassi, is located in the east and is the most vibrant part of the town where the majority of shops and facilities are, and also the large episcopal church (for the Bishop) and the bus station. This is also a part of the town that you might want to have a look at. Many of the inhabitants of nearby smaller villages come to Karlovassi to shop or to buy the every day groceries, because it is much cheaper than in the villages where they live. Even further towards the east you'll find mostly deteriorated and abandoned factory buildings and warehouses dating from the last century. The other parts of Karlovassi, Ormos Karlovassi and Meseo Karlovassi have more the feeling of being small villages that being part of the town. Here there are also small and old houses, small shops and small supermarkets and bakeries.

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On the road to Potami there is an interesting church that overlooks the bay and the beach of Potami. Potami is one of the beaches on the north coast of Samos. You can reach the beach by car or on foot from Karlovassi. If you go to Potami and walk along the river from the main road (it is impossible to reach from the beach where the river ends) you will reach a small waterfall after a short walk. On your way you will run into the beautiful old Metamorfosis Sortiros Chapel. From the back here there is a steep path leading towards the ruins of an old castle. The church is interesting, but personally I thought that the river and the waterfalls were less impressive, and more like a nice walk instead of a sightseeing. The beach of Potami is a pebble beach but also with plenty of sand.

To Remetzo tavern is situated in the waterfront of Karlovassi, not far from the port and the beach. We order a chicken in sauce with french fries and a Greek salad. The chicken tastes very good and the service is very friendly

Our verdict: an 8 out of 10

This café is situated not very far from the harbour and there are comfortable seats. It takes quite some time before our cappuccino's are delivered to the table. It tastes good though and it is served with a glass of cold water and ice. The prices are normal.

Our verdict: an 7,5 out of 10

The traditionally built Hesperia Hotel is just 15 m from the beach in Karlovasi. It features self-catered accommodation with free Wi-Fi and balcony overlooking the Aegean Sea or the mountains of Samos. A kitchenette with cooking facilities, fridge and dining area is included in all the air-conditioned units at the Hesperia. Each has a seating area with satellite TV. Some accommodation types feature a separate bedroom.

Taverns, bars and shops are a 3-minute walk away. Karlovasi Port is within walking distance. Free private parking is provided at the property. Couples particularly like the location - they rated it 8.7 for a two-person trip. This property is also rated for the best value in Karlovasi! Guests are getting more for their money when compared to other properties in this city.

Check availabilities & prices and book Hesperia Hotel in Karlovassi on Samos - click here.

This property is 12 minutes walk from the beach. Located in Karlovasi, Marnei Mare has well-equipped accommodation featuring free WiFi, 1.5 km from Potami Beach and 3 km from Karlovassi centre. Complimentary private parking is available on site. All units at the villa feature a satellite TV, a private bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen. A terrace with sea views is offered in all units. Guests at Marnei Mare can enjoy a continental breakfast. BBQ facilities can be found at Marnei Mare, along with a children's playground. The nearest airport is Samos International Airport, 40 km from the property.

Check availabilities & prices and book Marnei Mare Villas, Potami beach in Karlovassi on Samos - click here.