Welcome to Karpathos Island
Karpathos Island - Nature’s gem in the southeastern Aegean Sea!
The majestic Karpathos Island winks invitingly from a sea portion of its own, more or less halfway between Rhodes and Crete. In Karpathos, the southern Mediterranean spirit is vital, warm, and passionate. Here the traditional values still hold; beauty as well as love.
Its mighty nature, turquoise waters, and welcoming landscapes are excellent reasons to visit Karpathos. It is no coincidence that it is one of the most exciting islands on the Aegean.
If you love trekking and walking, Karpathos is a true paradise!
If you are fascinated by history and anthropology, you will have the chance to gaze through the folds of time and understand the long story behind Karpathos.
If you love the sea, you will set out to discover all the island’s magnificent beaches.
Karpathos is all these and even more. It is the ideal destination for an unforgettable holiday experience!
Pigadia
A charming small center in the Mediterranean
Travelers gain their first impression of Karpathos Island when they drop by Pigadia: a simple, straightforward landscape that serves as the main port, the administrative center, and the island’s capital. Everything happens here. Yet, at the same time, it is an amiably peaceful and pleasant place.
Situated at the foot of the mountain Kali Limni on the southeastern side of Karpathos, Pigadia is built on the ruins of the ancient city of Poseidon. Travelers can still feel its long historic vibrations by visiting the remnants of the ancient citadel and the Cyclopean Walls, located at the top of the hill.
Today, Pigadia is the most popular town on the island of Karpathos, boasting an endless array of traditional restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightclubs. During summer, the main promenade is closed to traffic, and the rear of the town, although full of shops, is never congested and chaotic, thus offering unique chances for relaxing walks.
Calm and sunny, silent and nostalgic, easy and vibrant-nothing seems to disturb the quietness of this southern town.
Exciting Things to Do in Karpathos
In the northern part of Karpathos, Olympos stands nearly isolated on a breathtaking, mountainous peak. Until the road connecting it with the rest of the island was completed, the only way to get there was through water from the port of Diafani, five kilometers down the slope.
This difficult-to-reach settlement was a haven in 600 AD when Karpathos was often raided by pirates. Its undisturbed seclusion allowed the village to retain its centuries-old Doric character, dialect, and customs.
Its multicolored houses garlanded with bougainvillea render Olympos an outdoor wonder in a spectacular landscape.
Apella is an amazing pebbled beach surrounded by cliffs and mountains that keep the north winds (“Meltemia”) at bay. It is probably the most famous beach on Karpathos island.
Situated 18 kilometers to the north of Pigadia, it can be hard to reach by road. Nevertheless, the route there is beautiful and there is a spot on the cliffs offering panoramic views of the coastline. Then, the road meanders its way down to the sea. Another way to reach this magnificent beach is by taking one of the regular boats from Pigadia to Apella.
However you wish to get there, turquoise waters, pine trees, and the necessary modern comforts (loungers and parasols) await at the end of your journey to reward you with absolute moments of relaxation.
Sun-seekers will have a blast at Amoopi Bay, located on the southern coast, six kilometers from Pigadia. Amoopi Resort has seven beaches, each with its unique character.
Megali Amoopi has a crescent of golden sand with tavernas and beach bars in the background. The sea there is transparent and inviting. If you want more privacy, choose the smaller sandy beach at Mikri Amoopi or the pebbled coves at Votsalakia and Kastelia encircled by low cliffs.
On the east coast of the island, lies Achata Beach, a secluded, beautiful cove walled by cliffs that boast several little caves. There, a pebble-surfaced beach leads to staggering clear waters, while a small tavern serves the visitors with local delicacies.
Mesochori couldn’t be reached on foot until 1960 when the road was completed. Its seclusive surroundings in combination with its narrow alleys are ideal for carefree walks. The village is precariously situated on a plateau, 200 meters high, with a spectacular view of the sea and a magnificent sunset from the northwestern foothills of the Profitis Ilias mountain.
New and delicious flavors await you at Karpathos’ traditional taverns and restaurants. The local cuisine is rooted in centuries-old recipes that have passed through generations.
Dishes like the handmade pasta “macarouni’, an endless variety of fresh fish that you can only savor in Karpathos, like skaros and menoula, the local goat cheese “manouli”, stuffed pumpkin flowers, spicy onion bread, a traditional recipe called “ofto meat” (goat stuffed with liver, rice and herbs) and a number of traditional desserts like baklava will offer your palette exciting experiences.
During the summer season, boats depart regularly from the port at Pigadia to the most famous beaches, like Achata and Apella, as well as the village of Olympos in the northern part of the island.
Many boats also stop at Saria on the northern coast of Karpathos, a magnificent volcanic islet enveloped by cliffs and impressive rock formations. On the shore, you can find the remains of houses believed to have been built for pirates when they used the island as a base.
During the summer, Karpathos swells with festivals and local celebrations where you can get in touch with the island’s cultural heritage. People gather together as members of an extended family to celebrate special religious occasions, exchanging traditional delicacies and dancing to folklore music until the sweet hours of dawn.
Hiking
Red- and blue-marked trails wend through the island’s coniferous and rocky settings. In the greenest side of the island, eight kilometers from Pigadia, lies the village of Aperi which is a great starting point to begin your hiking excursions. Surrounded by mountanous farmland, white chapels and olive groves, this trailhead offers the best walks.
Diving
Diving goes into Karpathos’ bucket list as the incredibly clear waters and rich sea bottom offer unique experiences. There is only one diving center in Pigadia that provides all the courses in the PADI curriculum, whether you’re an amateur diver or working towards technical certification. Karpathos has 18 diving sites ranging from wrecks to reefs, underwater arches, and caves. Diving trips are also arranged to Saria whose protected waters are rich in colorful wildlife.
Windsurfing
The winds in Karpathos are at their best during summer (from June to September), so the windsurfing and kite-surfing seasons coincide with the touristic period. The windsurfing capital is Afiartis and has three main locations: Chicken Bay, Gun Bay, and Devil’s Bay, each named for its level of difficulty. There are guesthouses in Afiartis to accommodate windsurfers and the two windsurf centers will provide you with everything you need.
