The second largest island of the Dodecanese, Karpathos, beyond the incredibly natural, virgin beauty, offers rich history and tradition throughout the years. It is an ideal destination for those who want relaxing vacations and feel the original traditional way of living.
Contradictions of a unique natural variety create a real paradise: wild mountains, deep caves, valleys, bays with beautiful beaches, places of rare beauty! Karpathos outstands and remains unforgettable to the visitors for its authentic, traditional character and history.
BEACHES IN KARPATHOS
Karpathos has wonderful beaches with crystal waters, sandy or pebbly, with shallow or deep waters, for all tastes. Others are more organized and others totally “natural” for the fans of calmness and isolation.
Note some of the best beaches of Karpathos:
Kyra Panagia: very popular and fully organized with umbrellas, tavernas and hotels. Golden sand and blue, deep waters. The homonymous church on one side with the rocks and the pines, complete the scenery.
Lefkos: here you can find three continuous beaches with crystal clear waters. You can admire the ruins of an ancient city and opposite there is a small islet called Sokastro that you can visit by boat. It also provides accommodation and taverns.
Ahatta: it combines pebble and sand with crystal deep waters. The rocks and the plantation around make the beach unique. There are sun beds and a cantina.
Agios Nikolaos (Arkasa): sandy with blue shallow waters. Ideal for surfing since it is always windy. You will find small taverns and bars and has unique view to Kasos Island.
Apella: multiple award-winning beach with white sand and crystal blue-green deep waters. The green scenery with the pines growing by the sea is amazing. You can find sun beds and a tavern and on your way to the beach you can admire the small church of Agios Loucas, curved inside the rock.
Amoopi: here you can enjoy your swim in beautiful, sandy, blue-green beaches with shallow waters, ideal for families. Fully organized and with water sports available.
Agios Minas: one of the most beautiful beaches, small and pebbly with crystal waters. You can reach it either by car or by boat from Pigadia.
Diakoftis: double, exotic beach with turquoise shallow waters and white sand. It is not organized but the natural beauty is beyond comparison.
In the end, you can also visit Afoti and Agrilaopotamos.
SIGHTS-SETTLEMENTS-ACTIVITIES IN KARPATHOS
Walk along beautiful Karpathos with the stone-built houses. Pigadia, as also called, is the capital and the port of the island. You should visit the ruins of the church of Agia Foteini, the cave of Poseidon in Myloi, a beautiful natural monument and of course to taste the cuisine of Karpathos. A beautiful touristic resort with all the comforts.
Visit Lefko to entertain yourself or to see the Roman aqueducts. Also visit the village Othos to admire the panoramic view.
Discover history and traditions of the island in the Archaeological museum, (Pigadia), Cultural museum Meneton, Historical and Cultural museum in Arkasa.
In the mountainous village Olympos, on the top of the hill, you will find white houses, windmills, excellent view to Aegean Sea and original local culture.
While driving around, visit the picturesque villages Mesohori and Spoa.
Wander around the picturesque alleys in Aperi village that looks like a painting on the hill!
At the beautiful village Arkasa you can admire important historical and religious monuments, taste local recipes and have a drink. You should visit the church of Agia Kyriaki close to Pigadia, the church of Agios Georgios in Lefko and the church of Kyra Panagia in the homonymous village.
If you are a fan of alternative tourism Karpathos has many climbing routings. You can also take mountain hiking, diving and wind surfing.
The islet Saria, opposite to the north part of Karpathos has many to offer: swimming at its wonderful beaches, admire ancient monuments and ruins of ancient settlements and watch rare bird species. Don’t miss a fiesta in Karpathos with a lot of fun, dancing and food. Ask the locals!
FOOD IN KARPATHOS
Taste makarounes and pseftomakarouna. The variety of traditional breads and pies will surprise you. Cheese is also a popular product like manouri, armyrotyri and meriani. Famous dishes are anterizia, vyzanti and ofto. You should also try the fresh fish, the sweets and the local wine that is delicious.
VACATIONS BY SHIP-CHEAP TICKETS TO KARPATHOS
Diafani and Pigadia are the two ports of the island. You can start your vacations from the port of Piraeus with regular departures. Choose the dates and book you ferry tickets to Karpathos with the best prices at ferrytraveller.gr. Check the schedules from the port of Piraeus here and the connections from Karpathos to Dodecanese, Crete or Cyclades.