Discover the island of Karpathos, a seaside and mountain destination for unforgettable vacations! Are you looking for an authentic, activity-packed destination for your vacation in Greece? Discover the island of Karpathos, located near Kassos between Rhodes and Crete in the Dodecanese archipelago. Still untouched by mass tourism, it offers a diversity of landscapes and experiences. Beaches, hiking trails and water sports, and deep-rooted cultural traditions. Mountainous to the north, seaside and touristy to the south, Karpathos has it all! If you’d like to visit this peaceful island off the beaten track, we’ve got all the advice you need, how to get there get around? where to stay in Karpathos? where to eat? with a few recommendations from Jean-François M., a loyal reader!
The natural treasures of the island of Karpathos
Like some of its neighbors in the Dodecanese archipelago, Karpathos is an island with two faces. To the north, a wild mountainous region; to the south, fertile land and seaside resorts that attract tourists.
A rich mountain landscape to the north
Northern Karpathos offers authentic immersion in local culture. You’ll be able to observe the traditions, customs and traditional lifestyles of the local people, who have managed to preserve their unique cultural heritage. North of the village of Spoa, the 1,200-metre-high mountain peaks are a marvel to behold. In fact, the cliffside villages are as authentic as ever. For nature-lovers, Karpathos is a true paradise. Hikers meander through fragrant pine forests, encountering the local wildlife . In the heights, the more athletic among them enjoy breathtaking panoramas!
A seaside destination in the southern half of the island
Karpathos also boasts some 50 sandy and gravel beaches and coves, inviting you to relax or get active. The west coast of the island boasts the beaches ofArkassa, Finiki and Lefkos, with the mountains in the background. Simply magnificent! On the eastern side, between Pigadia and Spoa, you’ll discover a multitude of small, secluded coves. Heading south, you’ll reach the tourist resort of Ammopi, ideal for family relaxation. Continuing on to the windy beaches of Chicken Bay, you’ll join the windsurfers!
Greek traditions preserved
Picturesque villages with deep-rooted traditions
Get ready for a journey to the heart of Karpathos’ cultural heritage, through a multitude of traditional villages such as the unmissable Olympos. Nestled in the mountains, this village has long remained cut off from the rest of the island, and has preserved its strong local traditions. To perpetuate local craftsmanship, women still weave carpets and fabrics. Menetes, perched on the slopes of Mount Profítis Ilías, is renowned for its musicians and lyre makers. During the festivities in August, you can hear traditional melodies.
An omnipresent religious and spiritual dimension
The Orthodox religion is deeply rooted in Greek identity. Throughout the country, even in remote mountain regions, churches and chapels can be found on every street corner. Religious festivals are an important part of Karpathos life. The locals celebrate various Orthodox feasts throughout the year, with processions, special masses and festivities.
There are around twenty on the island of Karpathos. Examples include :
- the Church of the Holy Mother in Pigadia : its traditional architecture and colorful frescoes make it a popular place of worship;
- the Church of the Transfiguration in Olympos: offering a panoramic view of the Aegean Sea, its interior is adorned with magnificent icons and frescoes;
- Saint Savvas chapel in Lefkos: a charming white chapel on a hilltop in a peaceful atmosphere conducive to spirituality;
- the Church of Panagia Karavas in Menetes: dating from the 13th century, it is famous for its well-preserved Byzantine frescoes.
Weddings in Karpathos are important events that highlight local traditions. Ceremonies are accompanied by dancing, singing and festivities, often lasting several days. Brides wear beautiful, ornate traditional wedding dresses, and guests take an active part in the celebration by dancing and singing.
A typically Greek culture of sharing
The local culture of Karpathos is also one of sharing, which can be found throughout the country. Festivals enliven the villages throughout the year. During these festivities, the locals dress up in their traditional costumes, dance to the sound of folk music and share their infectious joy with visitors. Music and dance play a central role in Karpathos culture. Traditional dances, such as the “Ballos” and “Kalamatianos”, are performed at festivals and social events. Traditional musical instruments include the “lyre” (a kind of small harp) and the “tsambouna” (a bagpipe).
Karpathos also has its own dialect called “Karpathian”. Although most inhabitants also speak standard Greek, the Karpathian dialect is still used in everyday conversation and is considered a symbol of the island’s cultural identity.
You can also sample the delights of local cuisine, from meat dishes simmered in wood-fired ovens to flour-and-water-based pastas such as makarounes and chylopites, which resemble gnocchi. The goat cheeses are a delight, and the caramelized onion pies are not to be missed!
And even more ideas for visits to Karpathos in 7 must-sees in Karpathos.
Practical information for visiting Karpathos
Looking to visit Karpathos but wondering how to get there, how to get around, where to sleep? For a carefree vacation, here are some of our tips for preparing your stay on Karpathos.
How to get to Karpathos
Karpathos has its own airport and port, so there are plenty of options.
By plane
Karpathos has an airport (AITA code: AOK) served by international and domestic flights. You can search for flights from your point of departure to Karpathos and book your plane tickets based on your travel dates on AEGEAN flight company. From Athens, you can fly with Greek airlines such as Sky Express and Olympic Air. Allow around 1h15 for the flight. There are also links to the neighboring island of Rhodes.
By ferry
Karpathos has 2 harbors: the main port, Pigadia, is to the south of the island, while the second, smaller port, Diafani, is to the north. From Athens, there are ferry connections from Piraeus that will take you to Karpathos in at least 15 hours by boat (mainly overnight trips). You’ll find all the possibilities for boat connections on the FerryHopper website, a site that brings together the offers of different companies, in French and at no extra cost.
Where to stay?
Karpathos is a medium-sized island; as a guide, it takes around 1h15 by car to drive from the port of Pigadia in the south to Diafani in the north. So you can opt for a central drop-off point to cover the whole island. Karpathos and Diafani are good places to stay, as is Kato Lefkos on the seafront or Aperi on the higher ground.
Karpathos offers a variety of accommodation options, from hotels and resorts to apartments, studios and villas for rent. Depending on your budget and preferences, you can search for and book accommodation to suit your needs.
We recommend the Booking which offers a wide range of accommodation, from hotels to privately rented villas. We’ve also spotted but not tested these accommodations:
- The villa Petra House in the town of Karpathos, with its sober decor and private swimming pool.
- The villa Diafani Eirini offers superb views and excellent value for money.
- We’ve also fallen in love with the accommodation En Lefko and Alisachni Villas ideally located in Lefkos.
- Or the Casa Metropolis for an unforgettable family vacation
- As well as the brand new Thalasidi Luxury Suites opening in 2023 and located on the seafront near Arkasa.
And here are 3 accommodations recommended by Jean-François M., a faithful reader of Live-Athens :
- Roses Studio in Pigadia, a group of independent studios with balcony. Ideal for exploring the south of the island
- Aphrodite Hotel located in Olympos in the north of the island: a simple hotel with an idyllic sea view.
- Nikos Hotel in the small but peaceful tourist resort of Diafani, an ideal location 100 meters from the beach and breakfast included.
Where to eat in Karpathos
Here are a few tried-and-tested tavern addresses. First, here are some suggestions from Jean-François M. :
- Taverna Milos in Olympos. Housed in an old mill, you can enjoy fine food and an exceptional view.
- Parthenon in Olympos, run by the owners of the Aphrodite hotel: traditional Greek food at low prices. As an added bonus, on certain evenings traditional Olympos music is played.
- Taverna Avlona in the village of Avlona is run by a lady who speaks only Greek…and serves you the day’s freshly prepared food. We don’t choose…!! But it’s the assurance of fresh, local cuisine.
Other good addresses:
- Manolis in Pigadia, a grill house overlooking the port.
- Meltemi in Lefkos, excellent psarotaverna (fish and shellfish taverna)
Getting around Karpathos
To explore Karpathos, you can rent a car, scooter or mountain bike, allowing you to discover the various beaches, villages and attractions at your own pace. Car and motorbike rental services are available at the airport and in the main towns. We usually use RentalCars for this, a comparator that gives you a quick overview of the different offers available. Good to know, there are only 4 service stations located on the outskirts of Pigadia.
You’ll also find cab services, and of course you can explore the island of Karpathos on foot thanks to its many hiking trails!
So, you’ve decided to opt for the island of Karpathos for your next vacation? Excellent choice! Find out more so you don’t miss out on this unspoilt Greek gem.
Ingrid S.
