Karpathos, an island between Rhodes and Crete, affordable for those who choose Karpathos for their holidays. The capital is Pigadia, where the port of the island is located. Karpathos is the second largest island of the Dodecanese with unspoiled beauty, ideal destination for quiet holidays with beautiful landscapes and picturesque villages. Do not forget to visit the famous mountain villages, which keep the local traditions unchanged over time! If you are wondering where to go, what to do, what to see and where to stay then read below some useful things for your visit to the island.
Karpathos hotels – rooms – accommodation
In Karpathos as in all islands there are hotels and rooms for your stay. You will find options for every taste, from simple rooms to 4 and 5 star hotels with all inclusive services. Hotels and general accommodation can be found in the following areas-villages: In Pigadia (Karpathos Chora), in Lakki, in Menetes, in Arkasa, in Volada, in Kato Lefkos and of course in Olympus. The facilities of many and many of these accommodations are located by the sea. See here all the hotels in Karpathos. For a more luxurious stay in Karpathos you will find two 5-star hotels, the Alimounda Mare hotel and the Konstantinos Palace. In the category of 4 stars you will find 57 hotels, see here all the 57 4-star hotels. The map below will help you see where each accommodation is located. Use the arrow keys to show more accommodations in each area.
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How to get to Karpathos – ferry tickets – Airplane tickets
You can go to Karpathos either by boat from Piraeus or by plane since in the southern part of the island there is an airport. See all available flights to Karpathos. The duration of the boat trip is long, close to 20 hours, and ferry tickets for a single seat cost from 40 to 58 euros, depending on which company you choose and depending on the route. All ships going to Karpathos have cabins and can also carry your vehicle. A mid-range car has a ferry ticket at 118 euros (with Blue Star Ferries). The ship departs from Gate E1 from the port of Piraeus.
1. Walk in the villages of the island. In Karpathos you will find beautiful mountain villages and villages by the sea. Menetes, which is the largest village on the island, is about 8 km from Chora and is located in the southern part, the church of Panagia with its iconostasis and the panoramic view to the sea and the whole village. Also, the village of Aperi was the capital of the island until 1892. Characteristic of the village are the many mansions and the beautiful courtyards of the houses.
The village of Olympus would not be missing from our report. Olympus is the most characteristic village in Karpathos and one of the points of interest. The whole village has kept its architecture intact and is located in the northern part of the island. It is definitely worth it and you have to take a walk on Olympus and walk in its alleys and hear the locals talking about the local language of the village.
2. Beaches. Karpathos has many beaches, about over 100. Of the beaches you will find in Karpathos, Apella beach stands out, which has sand and pebbles. One of the best mainly for its location, the green reaches the sea along with the rocks. The water here is crystal clear. Beautiful sandy beach is Kyra Panagia, the beach of Agios Minas is for moments of relaxation and tranquility. For more family moments is the organized beach Amoopi. For kitesurf lovers there is the beach Agrilaopotamos which is very close to the airport.
3. Pigadia. Where you will find them all. Initially, the port of the island is located there and has about 3,000 permanent residents. In Pigadia (or Chora or Karpathos) you will find many options from restaurants and cafe-bars for your entertainment as well as shops. At the top of the hill above Pigadia you will find the ruins of the ancient citadel and on the road to Aperi the neo-Christian basilica of Agia Fotini. Pigadia is essentially a small town so if you want to see picturesque villages then you should go to the villages of the island which are definitely worth it.
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4. What else can you see in Karpathos? You can see the wonderful cedars in the area of Trachanamos. Also, you can see the rock caves of Karpathos where 23 recorded Mediterranean seals Monachus Monachus live.
5. Sunset spot. Established spot in each of our articles about island. In Karpathos for a sunset a very good place is Olympus, magnificent colors and fantastic views. For a wonderful, panoramic view, visit the village of Othos. Othos is often lost in the clouds, as it is the highest village of Karpathos with an altitude of 510 meters. This makes its amphitheatrically built houses enjoy the best panoramic views.
6. Sea excursions by boat on the island of Saria. Sharia is an uninhabited island north of Karpathos. In Saria you will find secluded beaches and hiking trails. In Sharia there are the only ruins in the Mediterranean of pirates, since it used to be a pirate stronghold. The abandoned settlement of Argos will also take you back in time.
7. Museum in Karpathos. In Karpathos you will find the following museums: Archaeological Museum of Karpathos, Folklore Museum in Menetes, Rural Museum of Pyla, Museum of Arkassa.
8. Karpathos is an walking destination. One of the most interesting routes is the one that starts from Avlona and ends in Tristomo, in the ruins of Kazarma, the Italian barracks (3 hours and 20 minutes). You will find over 200 km of signposted trails. There are 50 signposted paths, most of which are mapped and either spread on steep slopes or pass through the traditional villages of the island. Karpathos is also a destination for climbing. On the island you will find over 300 routes with all degrees of difficulty. More information at climbkarpathos.com.
9. Where to eat in Karpathos and what to try. You can eat both seafood and red meat, especially goat. Traditional recipe of the island is macaroni, a type of pasta with onion sauce and mizithra. Be sure to try grapes, oil and honey.
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Main article image by Municipaliy of Karpathos
