Karpathos Beaches
Karpathos boasts some of the most beautiful unspoiled beaches in the Aegean, with crystal clear waters and a variety of sand and pebbles to choose from. One of the most popular beaches is Apella, which is known for its turquoise waters and the lush pine-clad hill behind it. Other beaches worth visiting apart from the three beaches of Ammopi, are those of Kyra Panagia, Ahata, Diakofti and Lefkos.
Karpathos provides a wide range of beaches, each with its own unique charm. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to relax or a popular beach with many amenities, you will definitely find it on this stunning island.
History and Culture
Karpathos is a place with a rich history and culture, and a unique tradition in music and dance. The island has its own unique dialect and a strong sense of identity that can be seen in its architecture, customs and cuisine. Visitors can explore the history and culture of the island by visiting the Archaeological Museum of Karpathos at Pigadia, the Folklore Museum of Menetes and the village of Olympos, the embodiment of tradition and culture of Karpathos.
Karpathos has a long and rich history going back to the ancient times. The island was originally inhabited by the Dorians and later came under the domination of the Byzantine Empire. During the Ottoman occupation, Karpathos was a refuge for Greek rebels who strove against Turkish forces. The island was also conquered by the Italians during World War II, and remnants of their influence are still visible in the island’s architecture and cuisine to this day.
After the war, Karpathos was incorporated into the newly established Greek state. One of the most fascinating parts of the island is Olympos at its northernmost tip, famous for its exceptionally well-preserved traditional architecture and customs which have been reverently observed over the years. The village has a special character that sets it apart from the rest of the island, with residents wearing traditional costumes and speaking the local dialect. Olympos is also home to several historic churches, including the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which dates back to the 17th century. Today, Karpathos is one of the most popular destinations for travellers wishing to experience the island’s living tradition and history. With its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Karpathos is truly a unique destination.
Picturesque Villages
Among the attractions of Karpathos are its charming villages, each with its own unique character and beauty. The capital town of Karpathos, Pigadia, is a hub of activity with a lively seafront, cafes, restaurants and the longest sandy beach on the entire island. The traditional village of Olympus in the northern part of Karpathos is a living museum; it offers a glimpse into the island’s past with its narrow streets and colorful houses. Other villages worth exploring are Menetes, Arkasa, Diafani and Aperi.
Aperi: Aperi is a historic village located in the centre of the island. This traditional village is known for its beautiful architecture, including several well-preserved stone mansions. Aperi is also home to several historic churches, including the Church of St. John the Theologian and the Church of the Holy Cross.
Ménetes: Menetes is a picturesque village located in the southern part of Karpathos. This traditional village is known for its narrow streets, white houses and beautiful churches. Visitors can explore the historical sites of the village, including the Church of Agia Triada and the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.
Apart from these villages, there are other smaller villages and settlements on the island that are worth visiting and exploring, such as Arkasa, Lefkos and Volada. Each of these villages has its own unique attractions and charm, making Karpathos a destination full of surprises and delight.
Local Cuisine
Karpathos is an island with a rich culinary culture based on fresh, local ingredients. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes such as moussaka, stew, grilled octopus, as well as fresh seafood and homemade sweets. Local wine and ouzo are also popular choices for those who want to taste the island’s culinary delights.
Macaroons: handmade pasta served with salty cheese and sautéed onion.
Karpathian salad: salad of tomato, cucumber, egg, boiled potato, olives, caper leaves.
Karpathian salted sardines
Karpathian stew with pilaf, braised, with goat, beef or pork which is the food of weddings and festivals
Psilokouloura and Karpathian barley rings that you can find at the traditional bakeries of the island.
Karpathian baklava: a sweet made of fried dough dipped in honey syrup.
Activities
There are plenty of activities to keep visitors busy on Karpathos, whether it’s swimming and
sunbathing on the beaches, hiking in the mountains, or exploring the island’s historic sites.
Water sports such as windsurfing and kiteboarding are also popular, and there are
numerous boat trips available for those looking to explore the island from the sea.
With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Karpathos is a
destination that should be on every traveler’s list. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing
beach vacation or an adventure-filled getaway, Karpathos has something to offer everyone.
