Summary of the Best Things to Do in Karpathos
In the southeastern Aegean, Karpathos is a secluded island that has successfully preserved its unique dialect, traditional attire, and local customs. These cultural attributes are notably displayed during the Panagias Festival on August 15 and at weddings in communities like Olympos and Menetes, with festivities lasting for an entire week during the summer.
These picturesque villages in the Karpathian interior boast stunning landscapes and are intentionally positioned on high, rugged cliffs to guard against pirate attacks during the Middle Ages.
Most visitors typically enjoy their stay along the east coast of Karpathos, characterized by idyllic beaches framed by jagged cliffs and crystal-clear waters. The southern region features bays in a relatively flat landscape swept by the Meltemi wind.
Let us delve into the top attractions in Karpathos:
1. Menetes
Perched amphitheatrically at an elevation of 300 meters on rugged cliffs, the white and pastel-colored houses of Menetes represent one of the island’s most photographed vistas.
The most picturesque views of the village and the broader Pigadia area can be captured from the terrace of the Kimissi tis Theotokou, located to the north.
This church, established in 1845, was constructed using repurposed stones from the ancient settlement of Arkesia. The marble columns found within were sourced from the early-Christian basilica of Agia Anastasia, dating back to approximately the 400s. The church serves as the focal point of a significant celebration on the Assumption (August 15). As you stroll through the flower-adorned streets, you will be treated to splendid views of the surrounding rocky landscape. Additionally, there is a folklore museum featuring traditional lacework, relics of historical trades, and musical instruments like the laouto and lyra.
2. Olympos
Situated precariously on a spectacular mountain ridge in northern Karpathos, Olympos remained isolated until recently with the construction of a new road.
Prior to this inclusion, the only means of reaching it was via boat to the port of Diafani, positioned five kilometers down the slope.
This deliberately secluded site was established as a refuge in 600 AD, during a period of frequent pirate invasions. Its isolation allowed the village to preserve its ancient Doric dialect, traditional costumes, and customs over the centuries.
Olympos is now an outdoor museum adorned with colorful homes framed by bougainvillea, making it an attractive destination, especially during the Assumption festivities (August 15), which we will discuss later.
3. Apella Beach
Possibly the most renowned beach on Karpathos, Apella is located 18 kilometers from Pigadia and can be somewhat challenging to access by road.
However, the scenic route is undeniably rewarding, featuring breathtaking views of the coastline from the cliffs before the road descends to the beach.
Alternatively, visitors may choose to embark on one of the regular boat trips from Pigadia directly to Apella.
Upon arrival, you are greeted by a magnificent sandy and pebbly beach, encircled by towering mountains and cliffs that protect it from the northern Meltemi winds.
The sea at Apella boasts a postcard-perfect turquoise hue, and its crystal-clear waters are ideal for snorkeling if you have the appropriate gear.
The beach is bordered by pine trees, offering a spot to relax in the shade or you may opt to rent sun loungers and parasols for added comfort.
4. Amoopi Bay
Located six kilometers from the port at Pigadia, the resort of Amoopi is situated on the south coast.
This area is conveniently serviced by an hourly bus, which brings eager sunbathers to the scenic beaches.
Instead of one expansive beach, the rugged coastline of the bay features seven distinct beaches, each with its own unique character.
Among the more popular destinations is Megali Amoopi (Great Amoopi), which offers a crescent of golden sand accompanied by tavernas and beach bars, all bordered by a gently lapping, clear sea.
If you prefer greater privacy, alternative options include the smaller sandy beach at Mikri Amoopi and the pebble-cove beaches of Votsalakia and Kastelia, nestled among low cliffs.
5. Achata Beach
Another hidden gem along the eastern coastline of Karpathos, Achata Beach lies marginally closer to Pigadia than Apella, yet is equally captivating.
The primary distinction is its compact size, as Achata is nestled within a small cove flanked by cliffs that are replete with numerous caves.
For those with an adventurous spirit, you can spend time exploring these caverns from the water, with one extending 30 meters in length.
On the beach, the surface is predominantly pebbly, although you can rent sun loungers for added comfort, and a single taverna is conveniently located nearby.
Like Apella, the water clarity at Achata is exceptional, allowing you to see horizontally for up to 40 meters.
6. Mesochori
Similar to Olympos, Mesochori was not easily accessible until the construction of a new road in 1960; prior to that, it could only be reached by foot or by boat.
The village is perched on a plateau at an elevation of 200 meters, offering stunning views of the sea from the northwestern foothills of the Profitis Ilias mountain.
Outdoor enthusiasts adore Mesochori for its mountainous landscapes, and it serves as an excellent starting point for hiking excursions; many choose to embark at dusk to witness breathtaking sunset views.
The church of Panagia Vrysiani is a revered pilgrimage site, constructed over a natural spring.
Locals believe that if a single woman drinks from its waters, she is destined to marry soon thereafter.
7. Lefkos Beach
The western coastline of Karpathos can be somewhat windswept, frequently exposed to the full force of the Meltemi wind.
Nonetheless, at Village Beach in Lefkos, one encounters a delightful horseshoe-shaped bay that faces south and is nearly entirely sheltered from the open sea by surrounding rocks.
The beach features soft sands alongside a natural swimming area of shallow waters, making it particularly suitable for families with young children.
Dining options are plentiful, as there are over ten tavernas and bars located on the beachfront or within the adjoining streets.
For further exploration, additional beach options such as Middle Cove and the more exposed North Cove are just a minute or two away.
Middle Cove, flanked by west-facing cliffs, provides a romantic setting to enjoy a sunset with a companion.
8. Kyra Panagia Church
A few kilometers southeast of Apella Beach, the Church of Kyra Panagia boasts an exceptionally scenic coastal setting.
This traditional church, completely whitewashed, features blue accents around its doors and windows, complemented by a bright red dome.
Photography enthusiasts will find it irresistible to capture the building from multiple angles, while a shaded terrace in front offers a stunning view of the small beach beneath the promontory, framed by dramatic cliffs.
Surrounded by this picturesque environment and refreshed by transparent waters, the beach presents a serene location to leisurely spend an afternoon.
9. Diakoftis Beach
Located in a natural reserve south of the airport, Diakoftis Beach can be accessed via a dirt road that leads to a secluded bay lined with dunes.
This pristine beach remains untouched by tourism, embodying the essence of a tropical paradise.
With its fine, pinkish-white sand and enchanting light blue waters, Diakoftis Beach is a hidden gem.
It is advisable to check the weather forecast before planning your visit, as Diakoftis is most enjoyable on calm days; otherwise, conditions may become rough, although experienced windsurfers may find it thrilling. When the weather is perfect, it stands out as the premier beach on the island.
Additionally, due to the limited facilities, visitors should bring a picnic and parasol, as there is only one snack bar and a few limited sun loungers that tend to fill quickly on sunny days.
10. Michaliou Kipos Beach
Located near the airport on the south coast of Karpathos, Michaliou Kipos serves as an ideal retreat for visitors seeking to escape the tourist crowds.
This beach offers no bars or restaurants, thus requiring visitors to bring their own supplies.
Nonetheless, your efforts will be richly rewarded as you enjoy a day at this idyllic bay, enveloped by rugged cliffs and unique rock formations, including an outcrop with natural arches.
Similar to Diakoftis Beach, it is crucial to choose a calm day for your visit, as weather conditions significantly affect the experience.
11. Panagias Festival
The Assumption (August 15) is an exceptional period to be present in several villages on Karpathos, particularly in Olympos.
During this time, the village experiences an influx of descendants of emigrants seeking to reconnect with their Karpathian heritage.
These visitors have the opportunity to reunite with extended family members, particularly women, who adorn themselves in vibrant outfits embellished with double rows of gold coins as a traditional demonstration of wealth.
Numerous church services occur, during which women bring bread in flower-adorned baskets as offerings to the Virgin Mary.
These services culminate in a grand communal feast, accompanied by folk music played on the laouto and lyra, whilst dancing continues until dawn in Plati, the village’s central square.
12. Boat Trips (Kasos)
Throughout the summer months, tourist boats depart from the port at Pigadia at various intervals during the day.
If you are staying in Karpathos without a vehicle, this represents the most convenient method to reach top beaches such as Achata and Apella, as well as the northern village of Olympos.
Several tours also include stops at Saria, located off the north coast of Karpathos.
This stark volcanic isle, encircled by imposing cliffs and unusual rock formations, is sparsely populated by goats and serves as a breeding ground for Eleanora’s falcons.
Along its shores lie remnants of structures believed to have been built for pirates who once utilized the island as a base.
13. Hiking
For those inspired by the rugged and pine-laden landscapes of Karpathos, a wealth of trails awaits exploration, primarily marked with red or blue paint.
The village of Aperi, located eight kilometers from Pigadia, serves as an excellent departure point, situated in the island’s most verdant region.
Surrounded by mountainous farmland, dotted with white chapels and crisscrossed by drystone walls, this area features terraced olive groves.
This site is the starting point for two of the island’s premier hikes.
The first trail descends through a canyon filled with caves leading to Achata Beach, five kilometers distant.
Alternatively, you may opt to remain in the uplands and embark on an eight-kilometer hike westward to Pyles, passing charming Karpathian villages such as Stes, nestled in a lush valley with vineyards, olive groves, and vegetable patches.
14. Diving
With exceptional water clarity and fascinating geological features present in the Aegean around Karpathos, diving is an experience not to be overlooked.
The island’s sole diving center, located on the main promenade in Pigadia, provides a comprehensive range of courses from the PADI curriculum, catering to both recreational divers and those pursuing technical certification.
There are 18 dive sites surrounding Karpathos, featuring wrecks, reefs, underwater arches, and caves, such as the stunning St Peter’s Cathedral, where shafts of light beautifully illuminate a vast chamber.
Trips are also organized to Saria, which hosts a rich variety of marine life in its protected waters.
15. Windsurfing
During the summer, Karpathos experiences the brunt of the Meltemi wind, which may be less noticeable on the sheltered east coast but can be quite intense in the flat southern region surrounding the airport.
This wind reaches its peak intensity from June to September, coinciding with the influx of tourists for windsurfing and kite-surfing.
Afiartis is recognized as the windsurfing hub, featuring three primary locations: Chicken Bay, Gun Bay, and Devil’s Bay, each categorized based on its difficulty level.
Chicken Bay is ideal for beginners and children, while Gun Bay offers the perfect conditions for “blasting” and freestyle activities.
In Afiartis, there are guesthouses specifically designed for windsurfers, alongside two windsurfing centers ready to equip you with the necessary gear.
