Potamis waterfalls Samos
When one thinks of a Greek island, the first thing that comes to mind are stretches of sand bathed by wonderful waters, archaeological sites and postcard villages, but Samos in particular is not only this, it hides many surprises given its luxuriant nature and its constant mountains throughout the island where you can go mountaineering for example and which have created streams, rivers and spectacular waterfalls.
Today we want to introduce you to the Potami natural waterfalls (Potami in Greek means river). We find them not far from Karlovasi in the northwest part of Samos behind its wonderful beach. Here Mother Nature has been particularly generous and despite fires and earthquakes, she has always managed to recover, transforming and enriching the whole territory at times.
They are one of the most interesting attractions on the island and can be visited by everyone, the difficulty in reaching them is minimal at least up to the first level. The waterfalls form two small lakes with extremely clear waters, even if a little cold, where you can enjoy a regenerating swim after the walk. You will cross a wooded area of unimaginable beauty, just to give you an idea if you have been to Rhodes in the Valley of the Butterflies you will find many similarities apart from the presence of butterflies, among secular trees, native plants, flowers and small animals that inhabit this type of habitat , a real fairytale forest. The path along the river has wooden bridges which make some parts very easy. In this regard, we recommend suitable clothing, no flip flops, better a pair of sneakers or even more suitable trekking boots to be safer and obviously under a swimsuit and a bath towel if you want to go for a swim.
How to get to the Potami Waterfalls
The certainly shortest way is to reach Potami beach by car or scooter, leave the vehicle near the coast and then enter on foot. From here the route is exactly like coming from Karlavasi on foot just after the Metamorphosis Church.
If, on the other hand, you love walking, you can starting from Karlovassi from the road that leads to the port towards the old settlement of the city by a stone paved path where, among other things, from above being the highest part you can take unforgettable photographs of the panorama that can be seen from here. Follow the path and you will arrive at the Agios Antonio cave where a small church was built inside until you reach the oldest church on Samos, that of the Metamorphosis dating back to the 11th century. Pursuing between the signposts, you will arrive at the Potami Waterfalls. More or less it's about six kilometers but you won't even notice there are so many interesting things to see that you will meet on your way.
And so here you are at the smallest waterfall with a height of about two and a half meters which forms a delightful lake where if you love cold waters you can enjoy a swim. To continue, however, it will be necessary to enter the water that reaches up to the chest for about fifty meters. Visitors usually stop earlier because not everyone wants to wade through the waters which are practically frozen. If you are intrepid you can also climb the waterfall but be very careful it is only recommended for those with a certain agility and experience in these things.
If you have energy to spare, instead before the canal on the left there is a wooden staircase with about sixty steps that leads to a tavern in the middle of nowhere which however blends harmoniously with the environment. Here you can catch your breath and eat something but remember if your final goal is the second waterfall, be light because getting there is demanding and as you know Greek cuisine lunches can be a bit heavy. Take advantage of the refreshment point on the way back rather we are sure that you will certainly not be hungry.
Finally, always following the river and leaving the tavern behind you, here is the second waterfall. Four meters high at the end of its gushing another even colder lake where you can immerse yourself and enjoy so much benevolence. Here the water becomes as high as five meters so if you are not expert swimmers avoid it. There will certainly be no shortage of fun, you can dive, swim or if you have a mask and snorkel with you, explore the seabed. For those who don't feel like it, there is always the opportunity to wander around looking for some strange plant or simply look at what you will have around you, free your mind and breathe healthy air. Finally, you can rest from your efforts on the beautiful beach and stock up on precious vitamin D
An activity to be included among the things to see and do on Samos, for a day in contact with nature and where you can discover another corner of paradise.