Pigadia
Enhance your experience of Karpathos, by immersing yourself in the vibrant heart of its commercial and tourist life — Pigadia, the capital and main port. As the gateway to this captivating island, Pigadia invites you to embark on a journey that seamlessly blends modern amenities with the timeless charm of traditional Karpathian daily living.
Nestled along the seafront promenade, Pigadia unfolds its diverse style, creating an atmosphere that resonates with both excitement and tranquility. The rhythmic pulse of life along the waterfront persists day and night, offering an experience that is as dynamic as it is authentic.
Marvel at the fusion of contemporary comforts and the island's rich heritage as you explore Pigadia's bustling streets. The heartbeat of Karpathos echoes through the charming alleys, adorned with remnants of the island's history, coexisting harmoniously with modern establishments.
Immerse yourself in the lively energy emanating from the local shops, quaint cafes, and bustling markets that dot the landscape. From the moment you step foot in Pigadia, the captivating ambiance will capture your heart, creating memories that linger long after your visit.
As the main port, Pigadia provides a seamless connection to the island's wonders, making it the perfect starting point for your Karpathian adventure. Experience the best of both worlds in Pigadia, where tradition and modernity intertwine, leaving you with a profound appreciation for the soul of Karpathos.
Vrontis
Vrontis stands as the largest beach in Karpathos, conveniently situated near the capital. If you're lodging in Pigadia, a leisurely walk will lead you to its sandy shores. Spanning 4 km, the beach offers both equipped areas with beach chairs and umbrellas in the southern section and vast stretches of unobstructed sand, perfect for indulging in beach games. Nearby, you'll find a plethora of restaurants, taverns, and shops, making it an ideal spot for families seeking a day of swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation.
Achata
Location: Southeast coast near Aperi
Highlights: Pebbled beach with deep blue waters, surrounded by rocky cliffs. Ideal for snorkeling and cave exploration.
Facilities: Beach chairs, umbrellas and a charming restaurant.
Achata beckons with its tropical allure—a peaceful haven sheltered amidst craggy cliffs, offering a pebbled retreat bathed in the vibrant sunlight. Situated near the village of Aperi, this beach promises tranquility and natural beauty.
Afiartis
Location: Southwest coast near Airport
Highlights: A windsurfing hotspot with a long sandy beach and consistent winds, suitable for all skill levels.
Facilities: Windsurfing schools, restaurants, beach bars, and equipment rental.
Afiartis unfolds as a windsurfing paradise, where the golden sands meet the constant embrace of the wind. Whether you're a novice or an experienced surfer, this beach on the southwest coast, near the airport, offers an exhilarating experience.
Agios Nikolas Arkasa
Location: West coast near Arkasa
Highlights: Sandy beach with impressive waves, perfect for surfers. Adjacent to the ancient city of Arkesia.
Facilities: Beach chairs, umbrellas and a nearby restaurant.
Agios Nikolas stands as a well-organized haven, drawing surfers worldwide to its waves and history enthusiasts to the nearby ruins of Arkesia. This beach harmoniously blends exhilarating waters with captivating sightseeing opportunities.
Agios Nikolas Spoa
Location: North coast near Spoa
Highlights: Small secluded beach with clear waters, offering a peaceful escape.
Facilities: Beach chairs, umbrellas and beachside restaurants available.
A quaint, unspoiled haven, Agios Nikolas, invites you to immerse yourself in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. With well-organized surroundings and charming restaurants, it promises a serene retreat throughout the day.
Agios Minas
Location: Northeast coast before Olympos
Highlights: Secluded beach below the monastery of Saint Minas, featuring clear waters and large pebbles.
Facilities: Beach chairs, umbrellas and a restaurant. Limited facilities for a natural beach experience.
Agios Minas, a dreamy cove preserving Karpathos' authentic charm, welcomes those seeking privacy and natural beauty. With a small traditional chapel and endless sea views.
Agios Thoros
Location: Southern coast near Arkasa
Highlights: Small secluded beach with clear waters, offering a peaceful escape.
Facilities: Beach chairs, umbrellas and a restaurants above available.
A quaint, unspoiled haven, Agios Thoros, invites you to immerse yourself in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life.
Amoopi
Location: South coast near Menetes
Highlights: Series of small coves with sandy beaches, clear waters, and dramatic cliffs.
Facilities: Beach chairs, umbrellas, restaurants and cafes..
Amoopi unfolds a collection of picturesque inlets, each surpassing the other in beauty. From Mikri Amoopi to Votsalakia, these beaches, within a short walk or swim from each other, offer sheltered, crystalline waters ideal for a family beach day.
Apella
Location: Northeast coast before Spoa
Highlights: Crystal-clear turquoise waters, golden sand, surrounded by lush green hills.
Facilities: Beach chairs, umbrellas, and a beachside restaurant.
Apella, a perennial favorite among Greece's top beaches, captivates with its turquoise waters and a backdrop of verdant pine trees. This idyllic spot invites sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving in its calm, emerald waters.
Christou Pigadi
Location: Central-west coast before Airport
Highlights: Quiet pebble beach surrounded by nature, fed by a freshwater spring.
Facilities: Beach chairs and umbrellas, with tamarisk trees providing natural shade.
Christou Pigadi offers a refreshing retreat with its cool waters fed by a freshwater spring, creating an ideal haven for warm summer days. Tucked away in nature, this beach promises tranquility and a touch of rustic charm.
Damatria
Location: Central-west coast before Airport
Highlights: Quiet pebble beach in the Afiartis area, also known as Poseidon.
Facilities: Beach chairs, umbrellas, and a charming beachfront restaurant.
Damatria, also known as Poseidon, unfolds as a scenic coastline dotted with enchanting small beaches. Perfect for those seeking seclusion, the turquoise beauty of the Aegean surrounds this hidden gem.
Diakoftis
Location: Southwest coast close to the airport
Highlights: Wide sandy beach with shallow waters, ideal for families. Offers stunning sunset views.
Facilities: Beach chairs, umbrellas, and beachside restaurant.
Diakoftis, the epitome of exotic beauty, unveils golden sands and sparkling waters, creating two amazing beaches on a captivating cape. Families will appreciate the shallow waters, while everyone can bask in the mesmerizing sunset views over the Aegean Sea.
Kyra Panagia
Location: East coast after Aperi
Highlights: Pebbled beach, transparent waters, and a picturesque chapel on the hill.
Facilities: Beach chairs, umbrellas and beachside restaurant.
Kyra Panagia, the most photographed beach on Karpathos, showcases a captivating blend of turquoise waters, golden sands, and lush greenery. The charming chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary adds to the allure, creating a picturesque setting for a day of tranquility.
Lefkos
Location: West coast before Mesochori
Highlights: Soft sand and shallow waters, suitable for families. Charming restaurants and cafes in the surrounding area.
Facilities: Beach chairs, umbrellas, and seaside dining options.
Lefkos, a small fishing village, unveils three enchanting beaches, each with its unique charm. Gialou Horafi, the main beach, caters to families, while Panagias Limani offers seclusion, and Fragolimnionas provides splendid views of Sokastro, especially during sunset.
Highlights: Soft sand and shallow waters, suitable for families. Charming restaurants and cafes in the surrounding area.
Facilities: Beach chairs, umbrellas, and seaside dining options.
Lefkos, a small fishing village, unveils three enchanting beaches, each with its unique charm. Gialou Horafi, the main beach, caters to families, while Panagias Limani offers seclusion, and Fragolimnionas provides splendid views of Sokastro, especially during sunset.
The villages
This collection of charming traditional villages in Karpathos showcases the island's enduring allure, where ancient traditions harmonize with breathtaking natural beauty. Exploring these gems provides a glimpse into the island's rich cultural heritage, offering an immersive experience into the heart and soul of this enchanting Greek island.
Aperi
Aperi was the former capital of Karpathos, a village inhabited since the Middle Ages when its remote location shielded its people from pirate attacks. Colorful and playful architecture, narrow alleys and numerous freshwater springs give Aperi its unique character, complemented by the beautiful mountainous scenery surrounding it. The Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, is located in the center of the village. The area's primary, and secondary schools are located next to the cathedral. A traditional taverna offering authentic Karpathian cuisine if above the cathedral. The village covers a large area with each area having its own beauty. The road to the beaches Achata and Kira Panagia and Mertonas are accessible from Aperi.
Volada
Traditional Dodecanesian architecture with colorful buildings, whitewashed stone-paved alleys, blooming plants and flowers everywhere and ample island charm. Volada is beautiful and welcoming, with a mountainous scenery filled with ancient castle ruins and panoramic views to the island’s capital that refreshes all visitors. From Volada you can hike to the Lastos plateau and to the island’s highest peak, Kali Limni.
Othos
The stunning countryside landscapes and amazing views from the highest situated village of Karpathos await visitors seeking a closer look at the daily lives of the locals. Hike to the old windmills, or follow paths through olive groves and rich vegetation to the neighboring villages of Aperi, Piles and Volada. At the village’s folklore museum, you can admire amazing items of local art and artisanship, whereas at the local musical instrument workshop you can appreciate the manufacture of the famous liras, the trademark musical instrument of Karpathos. Near Othos, the charming countryside of Stes is surrounded by vineyards
Piles
Piles is a village on the west side of Karpathos, from where you will enjoy spectacular views to the sunset and neighboring Kasos Island. Surrounded by lush vegetation. Its traditional architecture, combined with the backdrop of the sparkling blue sea, creates a postcard-perfect setting. The village is known for its well-maintained windmills, adding to the visual appeal and providing a glimpse into the island's historical reliance on wind power. The Agricultural Museum is truly worth visiting for an insider’s look to a local farmer’s life. The picturesque beach of Agios Georgios is a gorgeous swimming spot on the road to Arkasa.
Finiki
Located next to Arkasa, is an old-fashioned fishing village with ample traditional appeal and picture-perfect natural surroundings; here you will enjoy freshly caught fish straight from the fisherman’s boat to a tavern's grill, a gorgeous sandy beach and amazing, panoramic views to the Aegean.
Menetes
Menetes is a charming community built amphitheatrically on the slopes of Mt. Prophet Elias. the mountainside with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Its cobblestone streets wind through charming houses, creating a serene and timeless atmosphere. Colorful houses, picturesque narrow alleyways, magnificent old churches and rustic traditional cafes and tavernas are the highlights of Menetes, a location worth visiting when exploring the authentic beauty of Karpathos.
Mesochori
Mesochori is a village with pristine cubic homes, narrow alleys and a breath-taking views to the Aegean to welcome you A quaint spot that promises tranquility in stunning scenery. Roam around Mesochori and relish the laid-back style of island living in small family cafés and tavernas, or discover to remote beaches through the areas hiking trails. Lefkos Beach is located near Mesochori, with its picturesque beaches and landscapes.
Diafani
Diafani is the picture-perfect coastal village with Aegean Sea brio and a serene ambience welcomes you to a genuine island experience. With just a few steps of sand separating you from the cool waters of the sea, and ample choice in tavernas and cafés, Diafani is a heavenly destination for a refreshing break from your explorations or for a lovely day by the beach! From Diafani’s port, you can board the cruises to Vroukounda, Tristomo and the neighboring island of Saria to the north of Karpathos.
Arkasa
Arkasa is situated on the western side of Karpathos and is known for its sandy beaches and archaeological sites. From the ancient monuments of the ancient city of Arkesia, and Byzantine churches such as those of Agia Sofia,Ypapanti, Agia Anastasia to the gorgeous beaches of Agios Nikolaos and Agios Theodoros and culinary delights at the local tavernas, a day in Arkasa is definitely a day well spent!
The village seamlessly blends modern amenities with traditional charm, offering a balance between the old and the new, it is literally is a spot that enchants all visitors.
Spoa
Spoa is a farming village in the northeast of the Greek island. It is located 24 kilometers (15 mi) north of Pigadia. By car it is accessible from Pigadia in about 30 minutes. The route to Spoa is beautiful. On the road you will see a magnificent scenery, beautiful pine forests, impressive mountains and, of course, the sparkling sea.
It's best to park your car on the outskirts of the village and walk through the narrow alleys of the village. The village has a number of cafes and taverns. The village is situated on a hillside overlooking the beach of Agios Nikolaos where you will find tavernas serving fresh fish and other tasty items.
Olympos
Olympos is mountain village nestled on the northern part of the island. Without a doubt, is the most traditional village in not only Karpathos but also across Greece. Olympos is a cultural treasure. Amazing architecture, rich and colorful history and culture with origins lost in the past millennia make Olympos one of the most interesting places to visit, a spot that captures the heart of the visitor and creates unforgettable memories. The locals are immensely proud of their heritage and maintain their traditions with devout respect. In fact, most of the local women wear their traditional clothes daily, and continue to use the distinct local dialect for day-to-day life. Visiting Olympos is a literal travel back in time, and no visitor of Karpathos should miss the chance to visit this spectacular place.