Karpathos has a real Greek soul, where islanders proudly retain age-old customs on the second largest island of the Dodecanese. Sandwich in between Rhodes and Crete, a customizable island hop can be arranged through our reservations team!
Destination Profile
Step back in time to find village festivals and celebrations, where musicians play locally crafted lyre and lauto and sing just as their ancestors would have done centuries before.
Legend has it that Prometheus and his Titans were born on Karpathos, a 300 sq km island where visitors can explore the wild and rugged landscape to find early churches, ancient Vroukounta and Arkesia, the castle and the acropolis at Aperi, the Roman cistern at Lefko, the beehive tombs at Karpathos town and Arkasa.
Traditional villages dot the rugged hillsides in dramatic settings. It is well worth visiting time-forgotten Olymbos, which balances on a remote ridge where houses spill to the sea.
There are wonderful sandy beaches, so choose a different stretch every day to swim in turquoise waters. The award-winning Apella Beach is exceptionally beautiful and considered one of the best in the Med, while Ammopi, Kyra Panagia, Ahata, and Lefkos should not be missed either!
Karpathos enjoys mild weather from mid-March to May and sunshine from June to mid-September. The Meltemi, a north-west wind, blows from the middle of May and reduces the intensity of the heat, but be sure to always wear plenty of sun protection.
Make the most of the breeze to try watersports, from windsurfing to kitesurfing. Kitesurfing schools are scattered around the island, a great way to learn a sport close to the locals’ hearts.
For a more leisurely day out, take a boat from Diafani to the uninhabited island of Saria, a large, unexcavated city. Birdwatchers can look for Elenora’s falcons, which breed on the rocky, volcanic island.
Where to stay in Karpathos
Arkassa is a coastal town in the southwest of the Greek Island of Karpathos.
Afiartis is a large area in the southeast of Karpathos. In this area you will find the most spectacular beaches.
Finiki is a quaint fishing village on the island of Karpathos that enchants visitors with its picturesque harbor, traditional tavernas and stunning views of the Aegean, capturing the essence of Greek island charm.
Nestled along the southeastern coast of Karpathos, Pigadia enchants visitors with its crystal clear waters, a lively promenade and rich blend of ancient history.
