Karpathos is a narrow, long island that is divided by a string of mountains with an altitude of 1200 meters. Karpathos is unique for its wild beauty, magnificent beaches, and traditional hospitality. Unlike islands like Santorini and Mykonos, Karpathos is not heavily visited because it is farther from the mainland.
In the south of Karpathos island, you will find Pigadia, the island’s capital. This is the most modern part of Karpathos because after World War 2, locals left to other countries, mainly the USA. When their children returned to Karpathos one generation later, they invested in this area. The northern part of the island, on the other hand, is dotted with quaint villages and keeps its traditional feeling.
One beautiful part of Karpathos is that local traditions are still alive and well. One example of this tradition is the Karpathian wedding and the 15th of August celebrations for the Virgin Mary.
Getting to Karpathos
To get to Karpathos, you can leave from the port of Piraeus in Athens, by the ferry lasts 18 hours. It’s best to go by plane to Karpathos or to take a ferry from a nearby island. Karpathos’s international airport has flights to Athens which last about 1 hour. Karpathos is connected by ferry to Milos, Santorini, Rhodes, Anafi, and Kasos. Rhodes, for example, is only 5 hours away.
In the summer, the airport also receives flights from Germany and The Netherlands. When you arrive, be sure to set up a taxi for transfer, because the airport is 14 kilometers from Pigadia.
Towns in Karpathos
Pigadia (Karpathos City)
Pigadia is the largest place to stay and it has plenty of accommodations. It also has bars, shops, restaurants, and and long sand beach with umbrellas. The ferry arrives to this port. Even though it is the biggest town on the island, it keeps its charms and is a great place for walks along the boardwalk.
Arkassa
Arkassa is a smaller town on the west coast of the island, where there are both locals and tourists. It is one of the best places to stay because it is centrally located and is a good place to visit other villages on the island. Of course, there is also access to beaches nearby.
Amoopi
Amoopi is on the southeast coast of the island, and contains both sand and rocky beaches which you can walk to from the village center. There are a few tavernas in the village center, and Pigadia is only 5 minutes away. The beaches can get busy in high season, so this is a nice place to stay either before or after the height of the summer.
Beaches in Karpathos
Diakoftis Beach
Diakoftis beach is one of the best known beaches on the island. It includes 2 beaches which are sandy and the water is a beautiful turquoise color. It is also an ideal spot for snorkeling. There is some noise from the nearby airport, but otherwise it is calm and quiet. Be aware that you typically need to pay if you want a sunbed.
Amoopi Beach
There are a few beaches in the little town of Amoopi. The 2 sandy beaches are called big Amoopi and little Amoopi. They are a great spot for families and can get busy in high season during the summer. The best time to go is in May or after the high season ends in September. Beach beds are also available for rent.
Finiki Beach
Finiki Beach is found in the village of Finiki. It has a few lovely tavernas, a harbor, and a small village center. The beach is on a gentle slope, so it’s a good place for families. One of the best places for a cocktail is the Malibu beach bar.
Windsurfing in Karpathos
Most activities in Karpathos are found in the sea. Karpathos is a hub for windsurfers, who come to the bay of Afiartis. There is even an international windsurfing competition here every summer. If you are a beginner, there is an organized windsurfing club with classes for all ages. Here, you can also rent any required equipment.
Diving in Karpathos
For divers, there are many popular dives in the marine park between the islands of Karpathos and Kassos. Since laws changed to give more accessibility to divers in Greece in 2006, more divers have come to the area.
More on Karpathos
For more details on how to get to Karpathos, accommodations, best restaurants, and other activities, consult The Karpathos Guide. Written by Dutch couple Athina and Vincent, it is the most comprehensive source for the ultimate Karpathos experience.
