Karlovasi Holidays

It’s a little and often situation when it comes to beaches here – you’ll find castaway-style tiny coves peppering the shoreline, and most are so secluded you can only reach them on foot. In the town itself, there’s a petite pebbly stretch next to the harbour. If you’re after sand, make a beeline for Psili Ammos Beach. It’s around an hour’s drive from Karlovasi, on the south side of the island.

For a small town on Samos’ rugged northern coastline, Karlovasi comes with more than its fair share of churches. And most of them are so big, they’re practically cathedrals. This came about when Karlovasi was formed, with four townships joining together to become one. The huge church of Agios Nikolaos takes the trophy for best looker – it’s more like a Moroccan palace. It sits at the end of a pretty, tree-lined walkway, and the roof’s made up of blue-and-white-striped domes.

You’ll find the island’s capital a 45-minute car journey from Karlovasi, in a snug, sheltered inlet. Samos Town’s bursting with traditional charm, from its pretty bakeries rolling out authentic Greek pastries to its bustling markets. After dark, the whole place crackles with activity. Bouzoukias – AKA nightclubs playing exclusively Greek music – are sprinkled around the web of winding streets, and late-night tavernas pour ouzo by the shot glass until the small hours.