Karpathos: The Authentic Island of the Dodecanese
Karpathos, an island full of contrasts, awaits your exploration! Perched on the southeastern edge of the Aegean Sea, between Crete and Rhodes, Karpathos harmoniously combines the wild beauty of its mountains with turquoise shores and a rich tradition, renowned for its folk music and dances. It's also an ideal destination for hiking, climbing, sailing, and diving.
Here, time moves slower, the people are welcoming, and authenticity reigns.
Archaeological Sites:
Karpathos boasts a rich history, with traces from antiquity.
- Acropolis of Arkesia: One of the four municipalities of Karpathos during the Classical period. The Acropolis of Paleokastro preserves fortifications from the Archaic period, as well as towers from the Classical and Hellenistic periods.
- Vroukounta: Ruins of an ancient city on a rocky promontory. Part of the 4th century BC defensive wall survives, along with chamber tombs.
- Early Christian Basilica of Agia Fotini: In Pigadia, the ruins of Agia Fotini have been uncovered, featuring impressive marble interior decoration.
- Aperi: On Koraki hill, the probable acropolis of the ancient city of Karpathos, ruins of a castle from the Kornaros era remain.
Attractions:
- Olympos: One of the most picturesque villages in Greece, built at an altitude of 400 meters, with traditional architecture, windmills, and vibrant customs.
- Diafani: Picturesque fishing village with traditional houses, cobbled streets, and a beautiful beach.
- Menetes: The largest village in Karpathos, built on a mountainside in the south of the island at an altitude of 315 m, with panoramic views of the capital, Pigadia.
- Cave of Poseidon: In Pigadia, with stalactites and stalagmites.
Beaches:
Karpathos is famous for its beaches, with crystal clear waters and sandy shores.
- Apella: One of the most famous beaches, with fine sand and turquoise waters.
- Kyra Panagia: Picturesque beach with pebbles and crystal clear waters.
- Agios Nikolaos: Organized beach with sand and a beach bar.
- Achata: Small and secluded beach with wild beauty.
- Diafani: The beach of the village with the same name, ideal for relaxation.
Food:
Karpathian cuisine is delicious and based on fresh, local produce.
- Makarounes: Traditional pasta, usually served with cheese and syrup.
- Fish and seafood: Fresh and grilled.
- Meat: Delicious, usually cooked in a pot (kokkinisto goat) or grilled.
- Handmade appetizers: Zucchini balls, dolmades, fava, zucchini flowers stuffed with myzithra cheese.
- Xerotygana: Sweet pastry with honey and walnuts.
- Karpathian baklava: Different from classic baklava, more like diples.
Entertainment:
Karpathos offers many entertainment options, from quiet bars to clubs with live music.
- Pigadia: The capital has the widest variety of bars and clubs.
- Olympos: For traditional music and dance.
- Diafani: For quiet evenings by the sea.
Accommodation:
Karpathos offers a variety of accommodation options, from hotels and studios to rented rooms and villas.
- Pigadia: The capital has the largest concentration of hotels.
- Olympos: For an authentic experience in traditional guesthouses.
- Diafani: For a quiet stay near the sea.
Ports and Ferry Schedules:
Karpathos has two ports, Pigadia and Diafani:
- Pigadia: The main port and capital of the island, with tourist infrastructure and picturesque scenery, connected by ferry to: Diafani, Athens - Piraeus, Santorini, Anafi, Heraklion, Sitia, Kasos, Rhodes, Halki, Symi, Kos, Kalymnos, Leros, Lipsi, Patmos.
- Diafani: The second port of Karpathos, quieter and more picturesque, with a traditional character, connected by ferry to: Pigadia, Athens - Piraeus, Santorini, Anafi, Heraklion, Sitia, Kasos, Halki, Rhodes.
The website www.Ferries.gr is the perfect way to find information on all ferry routes from / To Karpathos. You can search for routes based on the date of departure and destination, and learn about all the companies that depart and the prices of tickets.
