Attractions, Beaches & Things to Do in Karpathos
Port of Karpathos, Pigadia
Small port of the island capital, offering routes to other Aegean islands & Piraeus, while it hosts day-trip boats that reach numerous beaches.
Archaeological Museum of Karpathos
It is open to visitors since 2005, and hosts exhibits from the prehistoric to post-Byzantine times.
Karpathos Town
«Pigadia»Built on the ancient city loction is a contemporary capital and the main port of the island.
Limniatis Beach, Pigadia
Largest and busiest beach of the island that belongs to the capital of Pigadia. Combining sand and small pebbles offers all kinds of facilities.
Ruins of Agia Fotini, Pigadia Karpathos
Remains of an Early Christian Basilica of the 5th or 6th AD built on the ruins of an ancient temple.
Ammopi Beaches, Lakki
Complex of small, sandy beaches with shallow waters which are ideal for families with kids. Lots of hotels and restaurants are available.
Achata Beach
Calm beach that combines small pebble and sand, has crystal clear deep waters, offers amenities (umbrellas, sunbeds), and has a taverna nearby.
Aperi, Karpathos
Just 8 kilometers from the main town of Karpathos it is the old capital of the island that is crossed by a seasonal stream.
Agricultural Museum of Pyles
Open air museum that depicts realistically all the aspects of the traditional life on the island.
Kira (or Kyra) Panagia Beach, Karpathos
Popular organized beach which offers a range of amenities like sunbeds and umbrellas.
Ecclesiastical - Archaeological Museum of Arkasa
An interesting combination of exhibits related to the religious and historic past of the island.
Arcesine, Karpathos
«Arkasa»Contemporary settlement situated very close to the archaeological site of the local ancient town.
Apella Beach
Probably the most beautiful but definitely the most famous beach on the island. Its crystal clear waters can be reached both by car and by boat.
Karpathos National Airport
Small airport with limited facilities that has an all-year-round connection with Athens, while it hosts many seasonal international flights.
Diakoftis Beach, Karpathos Airport
White sand beach with turquoise water. It is recommended that the visitors would come with their own equipment and food and enjoy the landscape.
Ag. Nikolaos (Spoa) Beach
Organized, sandy beach among the the most beautiful of Karpathos the surrounding tavernas add to the quality of the destination.
Mesochori, Karpathos
Typical island settlement with traditional architecture, built on a 135 meters high slope with an amazing view over the sea.
Olympos, Karpathos
Historical settlement where the traditional pace of life composes the sentiment that the time has stopped to another era.
Port of Diafani, Karpathos
The second island port, which also welcomes ferries that pass by Pigadia, and offers day-excursions to Saria island, coastal caves, & other beaches.
Diafani, Karpathos
Traditional coastal settlement and the second largest port of the island with unique architecture, nice food, and a beautiful pebbled beach.
Questions & Answers about Karpathos
Why Visit Karpathos?
- Second-largest island of the Dodecanese with untouched landscape & customs.
- Lifetime experience to participate in one of the local festivals (panigiri).
- More than 100 beaches and a network of 200 km paths.
What is Karpathos. Greece?
The Greek island of Karpathos is located in the middle of the Karpathian Sea between Rhodes and Crete and after Rhodes is the second-largest island in the island complex of the Dodecanese. It covers an area of 300 km² (~75,000 acres), it has a coastline of 160 km (100 miles) and the population of the island reaches the 6,511 residents. The capital of Karpathos is “Pigadia” (in Greek means Wells) and its population hosts approximately ~2,100 residents. It can be reached by boat from Piraeus, Crete, Kasos, and many other islands, while also has an airport of international standards that serves many domestic and international flights.
How is the landscape of Karpathos?
Karpathos island stands out for its significant geostrategic position that dominates the southeastern Aegean between Rhodes & Crete. In terms of geomorphology, the island is mostly rocky and consists of limestone. Although it was previously green, today hosts some smaller pine forests in the north and south of the island. Its highest peak is 1220 meters (4000 feet) and in general, the rugged terrain of the island creates a beautiful landscape. Some interesting caves found in the center of the island are full of stalactites and stalagmites. The rocky and rugged coastline hosts several species of birds, while the inland has many hiking trails. Finally, numerous small coves create beautiful beaches accessed relatively easily from the road.
What is the role of the sea and the tourism on the island?
A great number of beaches of Karpathos island have been awarded the blue flag. While the local tavernas offer a unique experience that includes the flavors of the island. In recent years, the island's economy opened good prospects in the tourism sector, but the sea has always played a major role in the lives of residents. Well-known are the Carpathian sponge fishermen and the sailors who contributed for centuries to the income of the island.
Which are the best beaches of Karpathos?
Busy or remote, organized, or completely natural, Karpathos island includes beaches for all tastes. Very famous and awarded with the blue flag are the beaches of Kyra Panagia and Agios Nicholas but the beauty of other remote beaches like Diakoftis and Psoraris is definitely noticed. Some other beaches, like Valias - Punta, and Argilopotamos, stand for the frequent winds that make them ideal for wind-surfing.