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Karpathos is the second-largest island of the Dodecanese, lying between Rhodes and Crete, a long, mountainous island with wild landscapes, turquoise beaches and some of the best-preserved traditions in Greece. Its capital and main port, Pigadia, sits on a wide sandy bay in the south-east and is the island's liveliest town, with tavernas, cafés and hotels along the waterfront. The east coast is lined with spectacular beaches, many reached by boat or by winding roads: Apella, often named among the finest in Greece, Kyra Panagia, Achata and Ammoopi are famous for their clear water and white pebbles or sand. In the north, the village of Olympos clings to a mountain ridge and has kept its own dialect, customs, music and colourful traditional costumes, which women still wear daily; it is reached by road or by boat to the small port of Diafani. Karpathos is also one of the top windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations in Europe, thanks to the strong winds at Afiartis near the airport. Mountain villages such as Menetes, Mesochori and Othos add character. The island has an airport with flights from Athens and Europe, and suits nature lovers, windsurfers and travellers interested in local culture.
Quick facts
LOCATION
Dodecanese Islands
KNOWN FOR
Olympos traditions & Apella
BEST FOR
Traditional, Beach, Watersports, Green & nature, Off the beaten path
Transportation
Karpathos Airport
Port of Karpathos (Pigadia)
Port of Diafani
Beaches
Apella Beach
Achata Beach
Kyra Panagia Beach
Damatria Beach
Amoopi Beach
Lefkos Beach
Diakoftis Beach
Agios Nikolaos (Arkasa) Beach
Religious Sites
Church of Agia Sofia (Pigadia)
Museums & History
Archaeological Site of Paleokastro (Arkasa)
Archaeological Museum of Karpathos
Other
Olympos Village
Menetes Village
Mesochori Village
By air
Karpathos Island National Airport, in the south near Pigadia, has flights from Athens, Rhodes and Kasos, and direct charter flights from Europe in summer. Pigadia, the main town, is about 15 minutes away; Olympos in the north takes over an hour.
By ferry
Pigadia is the main port, with ferries to Rhodes, Kasos, Crete (Sitia and Heraklion) and Piraeus a few times a week. Diafani, in the north, also has some ferry calls and day boats from Pigadia to Olympos. Connections are limited, so plan ahead.
Getting around
Recommended. Karpathos is long and mountainous, and buses from Pigadia reach only some villages and beaches. A car lets you explore the south and centre; for remote Olympos, take the day boat to Diafani or drive the now-paved mountain road.
