Karpathos Travel Guide / Tips, place to visit

For all Greece lovers who can’t wait for their next vacation in Greece, but don’t feel like mass tourism, the island of Karpathos is a little insider tip. / Karpathos Travel Guide

Although it is rather unknown, it is the largest island in the Dodecanese archipelago alongside Rhodes and therefore has a lot to offer.

The untouched nature of the island with green forests, rough rocks and caves as well as the endless dream beaches and bays with white sandy beaches and turquoise water make the hearts of all Greece fans beat faster.

There are also charming villages with inviting taverns and exciting relics from antiquity. There is a lot to discover here – you can find out more in these Karpathos tips.

Karpathos Island (Kerpea), located in the Dodecanese group, is one of the most ideal Greek islands for a holiday in Greece. Karpathos island is one of the Greek islands close to Turkey. So, where is Karpathos, how to get there, where to stay, where to eat, places to visit, nightlife, beaches, which are the beaches you can reach from this page.

A wild and untouched beauty carved by the winds in the Dodecanese, with centuries-old traditions and customs. If you’re planning a relaxing Greece vacation, Karpathos Island (Kerpea) is the place to be.

Karpathos, the second largest island of the Dodecanese, is unique. You can find traces of the past in its ancient acropolis, caves, churches and even in traditional clothes. Despite being beaten by wild winds, the word stunning is not enough for the environment where you can observe the Aegean in the villages on the mountain slopes, which are always on the lookout with their untouched and stunning views. While on Karpathos Island, you will discover the unspoiled Greek spirit of the island with its traditional life, friendly people, local musicians and mystical festivals that cannot be darkened by modern madness.

The Greek island of Karpathos is between Crete and Rhodes in the Aegean Sea. The island of Kerpe covers an area of more than 300 km² and is the second largest island of the Dodecanese in the Greek archipelago. It is ideal for those who want to spend a quiet holiday, as it is a natural, untouched island of the South Aegean and the tourism sector is not developed compared to other islands.

Arrival to Karpathos

The second largest island in the Dodecanese lies between the neighboring islands of Crete and Rhodes in the southern Aegean Sea. Getting to Karpathos is easy thanks to the island having its own airport.

From there you can either travel on by plane or by ferry. There are regular ferries to Karpathos from the port of Piraeus.

A little Karpathos tip: If you like island hopping in Greece, you can also combine this with the journey here. For example, island hopping via Rhodes is great. Here, too, you can either fly there or arrive by ferry and, after a stay on the beautiful neighboring island, continue by ferry to Karpathos.

Sights on Karpathos / Karpathos Travel Guide

Although the island of Karpathos is relatively small and not as touristy and busy as other Greek islands, there is still a lot to discover and see here.

If you don’t want to spend the whole day on one of the dream beaches, you have the opportunity to explore great places and villages that are spread over the island. I will introduce you to the best sights on Karpathos.

Karpathos town

If you arrive on Karpathos by ferry, you will see the pretty island capital of Pigadia, also known as Karpathos town. The beautiful, lively place is of course also one of the most beautiful sights on Karpathos, because here you can spend a great time and discover a lot.

Stroll along the harbor promenade, enjoy a gyros pita, let yourself be carried through the alleys, buy something in a cute shop or eat a delicious meal in one of the numerous taverns. In between, it is also possible to jump into the cool water, because there is a small beach right at the port.

In the city you can also discover beautiful churches, such as the Nikolauskirche, the Panormitits or the Agii Kirche. For those interested in culture there is also an open-air theater and an archaeological museum.

Village of Olympus / Karpathos Tips

As well as the beautiful island capital, there are also some charming villages just waiting to be explored. In the north of the island lies the village of Olympos, the highest village on the island and one of our favorite Karpathos tips.

Here you feel transported back to another time. Anyone who would like to get to know the original and traditional Greece is in the right place in the mountain village. Only about 600 inhabitants live here, the women still dress in traditional robes.

Strolling through the small village, you will smell the smell of freshly baked bread and the traditional macaroons. You should definitely try the handmade pasta with cheese and roasted onions. You can also find many handmade souvenirs.

Sights in Olympos also include the parish church of Kimisi tis Panagías and an old traditional windmill that is still in use and grinds the flour for the delicious bread.

More picturesque villages on Karpathos

Besides the island capital of Pigadia and the village of Olympos, there are other picturesque villages on Karpathos that are definitely worth visiting.

For example, the two holiday resorts of Amopi and Lakki or the fishing villages of Lefkos or Finiki are beautiful destinations on Karpathos. Dreamlike bays await you in Lefkos in particular.

Also not to be missed are the coastal town of Arkassa and idyllic Mesochori. But that’s not all, because there are numerous small villages on the island such as the old capital Aperi, the northernmost village of the island Awlona, ​​Menetes, Othos, the mountain village Pyles and many more.

Most beautiful beaches on Karpathos

The beautiful beaches on Karpathos are definitely among the most important sights and most popular points of interest on the small island.

No wonder, because here one beach is more beautiful than the next and there is a really large selection, as I will show you here in the Karpathos tips.

White sandy beaches, blue, crystal-clear water and impressive landscapes characterize the beaches of Karpathos and invite you to spend a long day bathing and soaking up the sun. Whether popular beach sections for families or lonely and hidden bays, everyone will find their dream beach on Karpathos.

Apella Beach

One of the most popular beaches is Apella Beach on the east coast near the island’s capital, Pigadia. After a drive along a narrow coastal road you will reach the beautiful bay with an absolute dream beach.

Surrounded by rocks and pine forest, this is a great backdrop. Add to that the glorious white sand and bright blue water. No wonder the bay is one of the most popular photo opportunities on the island.

Achata Beach / Karpathos Travel Guide

Also near Pigadia is the great Achata Beach, which is also located in a bay. Although it is a bit smaller than Apella Beach, it is of course no less beautiful.

Here you will find a quiet, clean pebble beach with a few trees and loungers that provide some shade. There is also a small tavern here.

A small highlight here are caves and gorges in the water, which can be discovered while snorkeling. The perfect activity on a hot day!

Amoopi Beach

Amoopi Beach is also one of the most beautiful beaches on Karpathos. This is particularly suitable for families. The bay is sheltered from the wind, the water is gently sloping and the sea is very calm. Perfect for families with young children!

In addition, the popular beach attracts with soft sand, sparkling water, taverns, loungers and a great view.

Lefkos Beach

Another dream beach is located in the small, idyllic fishing village of Lefkos in the west of the island. There are several beautiful bathing bays here.

Lefkos Beach looks almost paradise with its white sand and turquoise water! In summer the beach is well frequented, in the surrounding taverns and beach bars you can strengthen yourself in between and enjoy the view.

Agios Nikolaos

Last but not least, the Agios Nikolaos beach should not go unmentioned. The beach in a small bay is a true surfer’s paradise thanks to the high waves during the day.

In the evenings you can enjoy fantastic sunsets in the beach bar and end the day with a cocktail.

Activities on Karpathos

If you just want to relax, laze on the beach and soak up the sun during your holiday in Greece, of course you can. Karpathos has beautiful beaches that offer ideal conditions for a nice beach holiday.

But if you want to do something every now and then and explore the island and the surrounding area, you also have some options, because there are great activities that you can do on Karpathos, which should also be interesting for you in these Karpathos tips.

Hiking on Karpathos

Hiking fans and active vacationers get their money’s worth on Karpathos. There are numerous hiking routes and opportunities to discover the island and its coves on foot.

If you fancy a longer hike, you can, for example, climb the highest mountain on the island, the Kali Limni. After the strenuous ascent, you will be rewarded with a fantastic view on the 1,215 meter high mountain.

Once back down, you can stop at the Kali Limni tavern at the foot of the mountain and reward yourself with a refreshing drink and a delicious meal.

Another special destination is the cave church of Agios Ioannis Vrikountas, whose visit can be combined with a hike across the bay of Vourgoúnda. The bay can only be reached on foot or by boat. From the outside, only a cross with a bell indicates the church, which is hidden in a cave at the tip of the western headland of the island.

Surfing on Karpathos / Karpathos Travel Guide

Due to its geographic location, Karpathos has ideal conditions for numerous water sports. Especially in midsummer it gets windy in the south of the island, so the wind can whiz around your ears with up to 8 wind forces.

A true paradise for windsurfers, surfing on Karpathos is now almost no longer an insider tip among connoisseurs. In the three bays of Afiartis, they can pursue their hobby here and surf the whole day with a good wind in their sails.

Of course, sailors will also get their money’s worth here. The landscape here is rather barren and rugged, so they are not really a tourist magnet. So you can enjoy the perfect conditions for water sports in peace and quiet.

Excursion to the neighboring island of Saria

In the north of Karpathos lies the small neighboring island of Saria, a real highlight and another of our Karpathos tips. The two islands were once connected in ancient times, but the land bridge was separated by an earthquake.

In 1420, due to pirate attacks, most of the inhabitants left the island of Saria and founded the village of Olympos on Karpathos. Today the approximately 20 km² small island is as good as uninhabited.

Boats bring tourists to Saria for day trips, the two islands are only 100 meters apart across a strait. Here on the deserted island you will find pristine beaches, wild landscapes, ancient relics and a lot of peace and quiet. Perfect for a day at a secluded beach or to explore the island on a hike.

Culinary on Karpathos / Karpathos Tips

The cuisine on Karpathos is characterized by Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. Fresh fish, wine, oil, cheese, honey, garlic and spices such as oregano and thyme are staples here and served up in delicious dishes.

On the island there are many small and welcoming taverns that prepare authentic Greek food and will welcome you with open arms and the typical hospitality, whether in a small village in the middle of the mountains with a great view or right on the water.

A real Carpathian specialty of the island and another Karpathos tip are the delicious Makarounes. These are handmade pasta with grated cheese and roasted onions. The irresistible scent will enchant you in the small alleys in the mountain village of Olympos.

You should definitely try Makarounes on your holiday in Karpathos! Also typical for the island are filled zucchini blossoms. The beautiful flowers are filled with rice and delicious spices and are ideal as a meze, i.e. an appetizer.

Ikaria Travel Guide: Icaria Tips
Milos Travel Guide: Milos Tips
Skiathos Travel Guide: Skiathos Tips