Local traditions, delicious dishes and total tranquility, that’s Karpathos. It is one of the Greek islands I like to go to when I want to get away from all the hustle and bustle. Because they are not yet dealing with mass tourism there, the locals are always up for a nice chat. Thus, on a sultry summer evening, I met Giorgos. He has lived here all his life and has seen all the gems of the island. The whole evening, I listened to his every word as he told me about the history of Karpathos.
I noticed that he knew this part of Greece like the back of his hand. Full of enthusiasm, I wrote down all the highlights in Karpathos that he had mentioned in my notebook. When he asked me if I would like him to come along, I of course said yes. I am so excited to share this list of the most beautiful places in Karpathos with you!
1. Stroll through Pigadia
Pigadia is the perfect place to stretch your legs. This is what the locals call the city known to tourists as Karpathos City. A visit to the capital of the island should definitely be on your list of attractions in Karpathos. I love to settle down there on one of the terraces, close to the harbour. From there, I can admire the fishermen and their boats. If you feel like a real hike, you can head to the valley behind the city. Many hiking trails have been mapped out there, allowing you to walk past caves and historic churches.
Photo: when you are at Karpathos, you must visit Pigadia!
2. Take a trip through the mountains of Vroukounda
Want another day trip? Then head to the abandoned village of Avlona, to the north of Karpathos. You can take a brisk walk there through the mountains of Vroukanda. During this tour, which can keep you busy for a whole day, you will see hardly anyone. It will feel like stepping back in time, as you pass the remains of the fortress walls and the burial chambers hewn into the rocks. The ultimate tip: wear good quality hiking boots!
3. Visit the special Olympos
To see more of the mountains, the picturesque town of Olympos is a must-visit. Its secluded location in the mountains has ensured that the people there have lived in total isolation from modern life. The inhabitants still speak Greek in a Doric dialect and are considered descendants of the Byzantine empire. You will also sometimes see them in traditional costume. Olympos is so special that it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You can only get there via one road through the mountains. But trust me, a trip to Olympos will stay with you.
Photo: discover the extraordinary life in Olympos
4. Unwind on the most beautiful beaches
All beaches on Karpathos are beautiful. With every trip I make, I try to visit a new beach and stand with my feet in the clear blue water. Of course, you should pay a visit to Apella Beach. This beach has been declared one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. But would you rather have the beach to yourself? Then head all the way to the south, where you’ll find the secluded sandy beaches of Afiartis and Diakofit. There, you can enjoy the peaceful sound of the waves. For my more active readers, I recommend visiting Elaaris Bay and Makrygialos Bay, where you can easily surf due to the strong winds.
5. See the Greek architecture in Arkassa
The charming village of Arkassa owes its name to the ancient city of Arkesia, which used to be located there. You can immediately see its rich history in the ruins of the old Christian Basilica, from the 5th and 6th centuries. To admire these ruins, you can head to Palaiokastro. Entirely surrounded by azure blue water, I couldn’t stop staring at it.
6. Wander through the streets of Menetes
Along the winding road up to it, I could already spot the white houses from a distance. In the southwest of Karpathos is the medieval village of Menetes. A stroll through its streets is an experience in itself. The architecture of the village is a mix of traditional houses and neoclassical buildings. Visit the revered icon of St. Mary in the Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church; it is thought to perform miracles.
Photo: the white houses of Menetes form a beautiful sight
7. Visit a museum in the mountain village of Othos
A museum that is definitely worth a visit is the Ethnological Museum of Karpathos. This attraction can be found in the mountain village of Othos, two kilometres northwest of Pigadia. You will quite literally have “your head in the clouds”, since its location is at an altitude of 510 metres; brilliant for taking pictures when there’s not a cloud in the sky.
8. Taste the freshest fish in Finiki
From high in the mountains to deep in the sea. In the charming fishing village of Finiki, you can visit the harbour for some delicious fresh fish. Be sure to walk to the beach and visit the cosy shops, atmospheric bars, and fantastic restaurants. Only 80 people live in this village throughout the year, so you can enjoy some well-deserved peace and quiet.
Photo: wander through the village of Finiki
9. Admire the sunset from Mesochori
After a day full of sightseeing on Karpathos, I like to come to Mesochori to enjoy a breath-taking view of the sunset. Due to its raised location, you will have a beautiful outlook over the sea. I also recommend having a glass of wine somewhere in the village. Mesochori is surrounded by vineyards and its wine is known for its high quality. Cheers!
10. Get to know the specialties of Karpathos
Finally, you should of course taste some of the local cuisine. Whilst enjoying my glass of wine, I often ask for ‘Makarounes’, a flavourful pasta with caramelised onions and mizithra cheese. You must also try the local fish of Karpathos, such as ‘skaros’ (parrotfish), a delicious fish often used in Greek cuisine.
Do you fancy a holiday to Karpathos?
I hope I made you as enthusiastic about these Karpathos experiences as Giorgos did for me. Would you like to go on holiday to this beautiful Greek island? Then view all of my discoveries in Karpathos. Do you have any tips for places to visit on Karpathos? Then let me know in the comments!
Would you like to receive nice travel stories and special tips from me more often? Then sign up for my newsletter .
Local traditions, delicious dishes and total tranquility, that’s Karpathos. It is one of the Greek islands I like to go to when I want to get away from all the hustle and bustle. Because they are not yet dealing with mass tourism there, the locals are always up for a nice chat. Thus, on a sultry summer evening, I met Giorgos. He has lived here all his life and has seen all the gems of the island. The whole evening, I listened to his every word as he told me about the history of Karpathos.
I noticed that he knew this part of Greece like the back of his hand. Full of enthusiasm, I wrote down all the highlights in Karpathos that he had mentioned in my notebook. When he asked me if I would like him to come along, I of course said yes. I am so excited to share this list of the most beautiful places in Karpathos with you!
1. Stroll through Pigadia
Pigadia is the perfect place to stretch your legs. This is what the locals call the city known to tourists as Karpathos City. A visit to the capital of the island should definitely be on your list of attractions in Karpathos. I love to settle down there on one of the terraces, close to the harbour. From there, I can admire the fishermen and their boats. If you feel like a real hike, you can head to the valley behind the city. Many hiking trails have been mapped out there, allowing you to walk past caves and historic churches.
Photo: when you are at Karpathos, you must visit Pigadia!
2. Take a trip through the mountains of Vroukounda
Want another day trip? Then head to the abandoned village of Avlona, to the north of Karpathos. You can take a brisk walk there through the mountains of Vroukanda. During this tour, which can keep you busy for a whole day, you will see hardly anyone. It will feel like stepping back in time, as you pass the remains of the fortress walls and the burial chambers hewn into the rocks. The ultimate tip: wear good quality hiking boots!
3. Visit the special Olympos
To see more of the mountains, the picturesque town of Olympos is a must-visit. Its secluded location in the mountains has ensured that the people there have lived in total isolation from modern life. The inhabitants still speak Greek in a Doric dialect and are considered descendants of the Byzantine empire. You will also sometimes see them in traditional costume. Olympos is so special that it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You can only get there via one road through the mountains. But trust me, a trip to Olympos will stay with you.
Photo: discover the extraordinary life in Olympos
4. Unwind on the most beautiful beaches
All beaches on Karpathos are beautiful. With every trip I make, I try to visit a new beach and stand with my feet in the clear blue water. Of course, you should pay a visit to Apella Beach. This beach has been declared one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. But would you rather have the beach to yourself? Then head all the way to the south, where you’ll find the secluded sandy beaches of Afiartis and Diakofit. There, you can enjoy the peaceful sound of the waves. For my more active readers, I recommend visiting Elaaris Bay and Makrygialos Bay, where you can easily surf due to the strong winds.
5. See the Greek architecture in Arkassa
The charming village of Arkassa owes its name to the ancient city of Arkesia, which used to be located there. You can immediately see its rich history in the ruins of the old Christian Basilica, from the 5th and 6th centuries. To admire these ruins, you can head to Palaiokastro. Entirely surrounded by azure blue water, I couldn’t stop staring at it.
6. Wander through the streets of Menetes
Along the winding road up to it, I could already spot the white houses from a distance. In the southwest of Karpathos is the medieval village of Menetes. A stroll through its streets is an experience in itself. The architecture of the village is a mix of traditional houses and neoclassical buildings. Visit the revered icon of St. Mary in the Kimisis Tis Theotokou Church; it is thought to perform miracles.
Photo: the white houses of Menetes form a beautiful sight
7. Visit a museum in the mountain village of Othos
A museum that is definitely worth a visit is the Ethnological Museum of Karpathos. This attraction can be found in the mountain village of Othos, two kilometres northwest of Pigadia. You will quite literally have “your head in the clouds”, since its location is at an altitude of 510 metres; brilliant for taking pictures when there’s not a cloud in the sky.
8. Taste the freshest fish in Finiki
From high in the mountains to deep in the sea. In the charming fishing village of Finiki, you can visit the harbour for some delicious fresh fish. Be sure to walk to the beach and visit the cosy shops, atmospheric bars, and fantastic restaurants. Only 80 people live in this village throughout the year, so you can enjoy some well-deserved peace and quiet.
Photo: wander through the village of Finiki
9. Admire the sunset from Mesochori
After a day full of sightseeing on Karpathos, I like to come to Mesochori to enjoy a breath-taking view of the sunset. Due to its raised location, you will have a beautiful outlook over the sea. I also recommend having a glass of wine somewhere in the village. Mesochori is surrounded by vineyards and its wine is known for its high quality. Cheers!
10. Get to know the specialties of Karpathos
Finally, you should of course taste some of the local cuisine. Whilst enjoying my glass of wine, I often ask for ‘Makarounes’, a flavourful pasta with caramelised onions and mizithra cheese. You must also try the local fish of Karpathos, such as ‘skaros’ (parrotfish), a delicious fish often used in Greek cuisine.
Do you fancy a holiday to Karpathos?
I hope I made you as enthusiastic about these Karpathos experiences as Giorgos did for me. Would you like to go on holiday to this beautiful Greek island? Then view all of my discoveries in Karpathos. Do you have any tips for places to visit on Karpathos? Then let me know in the comments!
Would you like to receive nice travel stories and special tips from me more often? Then sign up for my newsletter .
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