A few words about Karlovasi
Karlovasi is the second largest town of Samos and hosts the School of Sciences of the University of the Aegean, giving a distinct academic pulse to the area.
Visitors can tour the city and admire the impressive Neoclassical Town Hall, as well as the church of Agios Nikolaos, from where the view of the harbor is magnificent.
The city has a rich industrial history, with the old tanneries (tanning plants) and abandoned factories being living examples of its economic prosperity of the past.
Notable points of interest are the Archaeological Museum of Karlovasi, the Public Historical Library and the Folklore Museum, which highlight the cultural heritage of the region.
Just outside the city, nature lovers can discover the impressive Potamia waterfalls and visit the historic Monastery of the Great Virgin Mary, one of the most important religious destinations on the island.
How to get to our city
By ferry:
Karlovassi has an organized port with a ferry connection to the port of Piraeus.
The duration of the trip is approximately
8-10 hours, depending on the route.
By air:
The nearest airport is
Samos National Airport “Aristarchos of Samos”, located in the
Pythagorion area.
The distance from the airport to Karlovassi is approximately
35 kilometers, with a travel time of approximately
45 minutes by car.
By road:
Travel within the island is via the provincial road network, which connects Karlovassi with Vathi, Pythagoreio and other areas of Samos.
There are regular KTEL routes that serve the main routes of the island.
Ways to access the event venue
The location where the event will take place is close to the center of Karlovassi, which makes it easily accessible in various ways:
🚶♂️ On foot: From the city center, you can reach the event venue in approximately 10-15 minutes walking, depending on the starting point.
🚌 By bus: The Samos City Bus operates routes within Karlovasi, with stops near the School of SciencesThe ticket is affordable and available reduced prices for students and other categories.
🚕 By taxi: Local taxis are available all day, and the journey from the port or from the centre takes approximately 5 minutes.The charge is low due to short distances.
🚗 By road: If you arrive on the island by car, you can drive to Karlovasi and follow the coastal road until you find Campus signage.There is parking space near the event venue.
📍 Location on the map:
Accessibility of spaces for people with disabilities
The conference venue in Karlovasi is on the ground floor, with easy access for people with mobility problems.
There are ramps where needed to facilitate access, ensuring that all participants can move around the space comfortably and without obstacles.
Comfort and accessibility are a priority for the organization.
Useful Information
Useful Phone Numbers
- Police: +30 22730 32444
- Port Authority: +30 22730 30888
- Samos Airport: +30 22730 61219
- Samos Hospital: +30 22730 83100
- Health Center: +30 22730 32222, 32266
- Fire Department: 199, +30 22730 30195, 30199
- Post Office: +30 22730 35444
- Samos Bus Station: +30 22730 30777, 27272
- Tourist Police: +30 22730 81000
Guided tour of the "treasures" of Samos
Architecture and the Straits of Karlovasi
Karlovassi stands out for the variety of its architecture, a result of the industrial and commercial boom it experienced in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Walking through the narrow alleys of the old settlement and the "Paleo" neighborhood, you will come across neoclassical mansions, old tanneries, warehouses, and stone-built houses that show the local architectural tradition.
The atmosphere is nostalgic, with hidden courtyards, arches and details that marry island style with vibes from Europe and Asia Minor.
Karlovasi Tannery Museum
The Tanning Museum in Karlovassi offers a vivid picture of the artisanal heritage of Samos.
It is housed in a restored industrial building and presents the process of producing leather products, from the processing of the skin to the final production.
Exhibits include tools, photographs, and objects related to the history of tanning in the area.
Eupalinian Tunnel – A Miracle of Ancient Engineering
The Eupaline Tunnel , 1,036 meters long, is one of the most impressive achievements of ancient engineering. It was built in the 6th century BC by Eupalus, under the guidance of Pythagoras, and served as an underground aqueduct for the city of Samos.
Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it was dug from two opposite directions and the two galleries met precisely, without the use of measuring instruments. It was declared an International Engineering Landmark and is a UNESCO monument.
Heraion of Samos – The Temple of Goddess Hera
A few kilometers outside Pythagorion, lies the Heraion, one of the most important temples of antiquity dedicated to the goddess Hera. Samos was considered her birthplace, and the temple was the epicenter of worship for centuries.
It was so impressive for its time that Herodotus described it as “the greatest temple he had ever seen.” Today you can see the ruins and feel the magic and significance of the place.
Important People
Pythagoras – The Philosopher of Samos
Samos is the birthplace of the legendary philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, the man behind the famous Pythagorean Theorem that we all learned in school. But his contributions don't stop with mathematics.
Pythagoras founded a philosophical school based on harmony, reincarnation, and respect for nature and numbers. He believed that everything in life had a numerical structure, and he viewed numbers almost as deities.
Today, Pythagorion, the city that bears his name, hosts his statue and many places that honor him, while the whole of Samos bears the weight and glory of his wisdom.
Yannis Ritsos – The Poet of Hope
Yiannis Ritsos, one of the greatest Greek poets, lived for a time in exile on Samos during the post-war period.
Despite his political isolation, Samos was a source of inspiration for him. He wrote many poems there full of images of the island, the sea, the light and the love for humanity.
His presence left an indelible mark on the cultural profile of Samos, with events and tributes honoring his work and memory.
Historical Review
Hegemonikon of Samos – The Palace of the Hegemony
During the 19th century, Samos had a special status as a Hegemony under Ottoman rule but with autonomy. The Hegemonikon, the administrative center in Vathi, was the seat of the Hegemons and a symbol of local authority.
This building was renovated and functions as a historical reference point, offering a glimpse into the island's most recent political history.
English 
Greek