Palia Vlachata

Palia Vlahata is located just above the village of Karavomylos near Sami. The ruined village was abandoned in 1953 following the earthquake (7.2 Richter) and the residents moved down mostly to Karavomylos. The village was very badly damaged. Facades of buildings, walls, streets, wells, old cisterns and stone ovens is what left to give the visitors a glimpse into the past. Before the earthquake, the village had around 800-900 inhabitants, two schools, three churches, several shops and an olive press. Now, it is a peaceful, poignant place to wander through with great photography opportunities. It is definitely worth a visit.

Each year a three-day art and music festival called Sariasta Festival is organized here. The festival fills the empty village with music, dancing, exhibitions and all manner of creative expressions. Seeing the ruins artistic decorated and wonderful illuminated is a totally different perspective. The festival attracts large number of people from all parts of the island. If you are lucky to be on the island, on one of the 3 days that the festival takes place, do not miss it.