Hello, I'm Giorgos. In this blog section of Samos Outdoors, I'll attempt to write a few articles providing useful information for all travelers to Samos Island. Today, I'll offer some tips to know before visiting the top attraction for travelers on Samos Island: the waterfalls.
I've been working as an outdoor guide in Samos and at the Potami waterfalls since 2011, and I've been visiting this place since 1995. Over the years, I've visited this location more than 200 times, and almost every time, I encounter similar questions, issues, problems, and little adventures with the visitors of the area. Well we've gathered some information and compiled a list of visiting the potami waterfalls tips that will ensure that you fully enjoy.
Best time to visit, how long the adventure takes
Typically, the visit lasts between 40 minutes and 3 hours. You'll need to walk on the trail for 20 minutes to reach the swimming area. If you wish to climb all the waterfalls, it will take an additional hour for the round trip. Finally, you'll need to return on the same trail to the car, which will take another 20 minutes, plus time to change clothes and acclimate to the cold water.
If you want to enjoy the crystal clear water and avoid the croud, try to arrive a few minutes before 9:00. Later in the day, as more people walk in the water, the sand mixes with the water. For those planning to visit later, late afternoon is a good time (just ensure you're back at your car at least an hour before sunset).
How to get to Potami waterfalls
The first mistake visitors make before even reaching the trail. We all love GPS and Google Maps. However, sometimes these apps can make errors in "small" places like Samos, leading you with your rental car onto gravel roads in the mountains instead of the main road to Potami Beach, which is the trail's starting point. The best approach is to first navigate to the town of Karlovasi and then follow the coastal car road to Potami.
*I will try to write more about navigation adventures with rental cars in Samos in another article.
Unfortunately, public transportation doesn't operate in the area, but don't worry! During July and August, a municipal bus starts from Karlovasi. Plus, the big tour operator includes Potami in their schedules, although they allow only a limited time for visits.
If you're eager to experience this tour with an outdoor guide and arrange a transfer from your hotel, feel free to contact us! We offer exciting group and private tours to the Potami waterfalls all year round.
What to bring & what do not bring with you.
Before starting your hike, it's best to leave all valuable personal belongings in the car. The rest of your clothes and the towels you can drop off after the 20-minute hike at the beginning of the area where you will enter the water. It's important to walk as lightly as possible since you'll need to swim for 10 meters, even during the dry summer months. Without a dry bag, it will be difficult to keep your phone safe from water.
People always ask, "Can I see the waterfalls without swimming?" The answer is no, as the area is heavily covered by dense forest and surrounded by steep cliffs. The closest you can get is the second waterfall by taking the stairs of the restaurant above, but again this does not provide a direct view of the waterfall.
You can see people to enter the water barefoot, but this isn't advisable for everyone as it can be uncomfortable. It's better to wear water-shoes, sandals, or sneakers that you don't mind getting wet. Flip flops aren't practical because they can be easily lost or cause an ankle sprain.
What to bring with you
Water-shoes, sandals, or sneakers
Dry-bag for your phone
Some Cash for the restaurant
Towel
*There's no need to reapply sunscreen upon arrival or to carry sunglasses and hut, as the entire trail is shaded by rocks and trees.
What to expect about the whole experience.
The first 20 minutes of the hike are mostly easy on the trail along the side of the water stream. After that, the adventure begins. At the end of the hike, you will find a crossroads with some handmade wooden stairs on the left side that lead to the restaurant, and on the other side, another uphill trail that continues to a nearby village. If you want to see the first and smallest waterfall, the only thing you have to do is leave your stuff behind and continue through the water for 5 minutes.
-->If you want to continue to the second waterfall, it will be necessary to climb, and you will find it just in front of you (it is almost double the size of the first).
-->If you want to see the third waterfall, you have to continue your water trekking, climbing, and swimming for another 20 minutes; the last waterfall is the biggest. You can return the same way or take the stairs up to the restaurant that you will find before the second waterfall and the stairs down to find your starting point again.
Regarding the difficulty of the climbs, I have to say that it doesn’t require special skills but certainly requires being in good shape. Of course, if you feel uncomfortable climbing, it is not necessary to take unnecessary risks. When we are moving in nature on our own, we always have to remember that we are moving at our own risk. In case you need help, it is good to know that in most parts of the area, there is no coverage from the mobile provider.
The Restaurant at the top of the stairs.
For us, the Greek people, hikes are always strongly connected with good food. So, for the Potami Waterfalls day, I highly recommend taking a break at the restaurant that is placed on a hill above the valley, offering an unlimited view of the wild nature of Samos. To go there, you have to continue for 5 minutes with your adventure and climb the handmade wooden stairs. It will not be the easiest stairs of your life, but I'm sure you will not regret it in the end. I visit this place again and again because of the traditional food they make every day in the wooden oven.
Conclusion: Is it worth it to visit Potami Waterfalls?
If you expected to see massive waterfalls or prefer not to move much, Potami might not be the ideal place for you. The largest waterfall is less than 9 meters, and you'll need to walk, challenge yourself by climbing, swimming, and embracing the cold water. However, if you're eager to immerse yourself in the island's nature and seek the adventure, this is your place!
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