The second largest island in the Dodecanese, Karpathos is located between Rhodes and Crete. The population numbers around 6,000 but increases in the summer when many visitors arrive on this beautiful Greek island.
Visit Karpathos in the long hot summer or during the mild winter. Stunning landscapes, Greek hospitality and the chance to explore charming small villages make Karpathos the preferred option for thousands of visitors from all over the world.
Want a perfect beach holiday or a more adventurous trip? With hiking, water sports, mountain biking and horseback riding all available, you will find Karpathos is ideal for fulfilling all your dreams. Visit Karpathos for pretty beaches ideal for families and some wild and windy beaches that are perfect for sailing and wind surfing.
The capital Pigardia is also known as Karpathos Town. It has a large natural bay and is 14 kilometres from the airport. Named after the many local springs (Piges in Greek), this is an ideal base from which to explore the rest of the island.
Hire a car when you visit Karpathos and see villages like Olympus built on a high hill offering unique views across the sea.
With windmills and bell towers, Olympus has been described as a living museum with many locals wearing traditional Greek dress. There is a folk museum and a traditional flour mill where you can see bread being made and then buy some.
Downtown Pigardia is filled with narrow streets and eye-catching old buildings including the town hall which houses the Archeological Museum. There is also an open-air theatre with performances throughout the summer season.
A few hundred metres from the town is the cave of Poseidon, another tribute to the myths of Greece. Karpathos has its own acropolis located in the west harbour and there are a further three in other parts of the island.
Many small monasteries are built on mountaintops with stunning views over the vast Aegean Sea. A fascinating secret pirate’s shelter, St Luke’s Cave Church dates back to the 13th century and is found next to Apella Beach.
So, if you love history and ancient ruins you will be in your element when you visit Karpathos.
During the summer season there are direct charter flights from all over Europe. Ferries run to Karpathos from other Greek islands.
When you visit Karpathos you can take a boat trip from the port. During the season there are day-long boat trips that visit the more remote and secluded beaches.
With a wide choice of accommodation, an array of restaurants and tavernas and the warm welcome from local people, a holiday on Karpathos will keep this Greek island in your heart for many years.
