Where the turquoise blue sparkling Aegean Sea kisses with light sand or gravel, there lies the island of Karpathos. The island makes any flight ticket to the Caribbean superfluous, because the Karpathos beaches are at least as paradisiacal and are among the most beautiful in Greece.
Spread all over the island, beach vacationers and sun-seekers will find secluded bays and lively beach sections, which seduce you to jump into the Karpathos blue sea with their charming sight.
Pack your swimwear and join us for beach hopping. We show you our 10 most beautiful beaches on Karpathos, that you can discover during your vacation. At the bottom of the article we will also tell you Karpathos Hotels close to the beach.
Karpathos Island Map: This card includes allKarpathos Highlights, 54 Must-See Places, Insider Tips & Shopping, 20 Beaches & Bays, as well as personal recommendations for 29 restaurants & cafes. Ideal for holiday planning and local navigation. Can be used for smartphone, tablet and PC/Mac. Click here and start using it right away: To the Karpathos Map
Karpathos beaches in the east
#1 Apella Beach
At the East coast of Karpathos, north of the capital Pigadia, there are several fantastic bays, all of which, with the exception of Kato Lakko Beach, you can all easily reach with a rental car.
The Apella Beach is considered by many holidaymakers to be the most beautiful beach in Karpathos and it lives up to its reputation. He has already tasted some travel magazines in Europe to present the beauty of the Greek beach world.
A narrow coastal road winds its way down to the dream beach of Karpathos and halfway you will hardly believe your eyes. The Aegean Sea sparkles in the most beautiful shades of blue, the bright pebble beach is framed by wooded cliffs.
💡 Family holiday on Karpathos: Most of Karpatho’s beaches in the east drop relatively quickly deep into the sea and are therefore not suitable for families with small children. Recommended for families are the beaches of Amoopi and the bathing lagoon of Lefkos.
When the excursion boats anchor here, the perfect holiday photo is in the can. In midsummer, however, it gets crowded here, beach loungers and parasols are well occupied.
If you walk to the end of the bay, it is a bit quieter. The sea is wonderfully clear, even if it gets quite deep quickly. Apella is therefore only suitable for children to a limited extent. Via a small trail you reach a hidden beach, sturdy shoes provided.
#2 Kyra Panagia Beach
South of Apella, the next picture-book bay is already waiting. The beach is named after the beach of the same name Chapel Kyra Panagia, which towers directly above the beach with its beautiful red dome and white façade.
Inside the chapel with its beautiful floor of sea pebbles, a place of silence awaits you, while there is a lot of hustle and bustle on the beach below in July and August. Outside the high season, however, you will still find a free place to relax.
A green valley stretches inland behind the beach. Taverns and accommodations have settled here.
What else you can experience on the island after a day at the beach, you can find out in our article: Karpathos Highlights
#3 Kato Lakko Beach
If it was too much hustle and bustle on the two beaches of Apella and Kyra Panagia, then there is no way to go on the Kato Lakko Beach (also Kato Lako). Even in July, we were the only ones besides another couple who visited this paradisiacal stretch of beach.
The reason for this is probably the 20-minute walk down to the beach. The journey only goes as far as the facility of the Lux View Villas ( Watch on Booking.com*). On the dirt road below the beautiful apartment complex you can park your car. Then we walk down to the beach.
According to the current status (2024), the path is only passable with a four-wheel drive vehicle. When you reach the bottom of the beach, keep to the left. Climb over a few rocks until you reach the long lonely stretch of beach.
Some rocks in the shore area are striking. These include sea caves of Kato Lakko, which you can explore into when the sea is calm. The play of light inside is magical! For us, Kato Lakko is one of the most beautiful Karpathos beaches.
#4 Achata Beach
Not far from Pigadia lies this beautiful bay with a pebble beach. Umbrellas and sunbeds are also available here, but the beach was not so busy in July. Due to the crystal clear water, the Achata Beach also very popular for snorkeling.
Karpathos beaches in the south and west
#5 Amoopi Beach
South of Pigadia, numerous hotels and apartments have settled around Amoopi and Lakki. The wind-protected bathing bay of the Amoopi Beach attracts crowds of holidaymakers in midsummer. The sea sparkles crystal clear and the golden sandy beach slopes very gently here, so the beach section is popular with families with children.
The pebble beach of the Votsalakia Beach is just as beautiful as its sandy beach counterpart in the north, but a little less frequented from time to time. Both beaches offer umbrella rental and beach showers. Taverns and cafés provide for the physical well-being.
#6 Agios Theodoros Beach
In the southwest, the beach paradise of Karpathos continues. While windsurfers frolic on the beaches of Vatha and Makris Gialos, you can relax in the quiet bay of the Agios Theodoros Beach.
The bay with its reddish sand/pebble beach is impressively located under mighty sandstone cliffs. In the tavern of the same name on site, you can enjoy delicious Greek dishes and experience a great sunset.
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#7 Agios Nikolaos Beach
In the west near Arkassa, the sandy beach of Agios Nikolaos flat into the sea and is an idyllic swimming spot, as long as there is no strong wind. The brave, on the other hand, get a free wave pool in a strong breeze and can venture into the foaming gout. Beach umbrellas are available on site, as well as a simple beach bar.
There is a second beautiful beach called Agios Nikolaos in the village of the same name on the northeast coast of Karpathos. The small hamlet Agios Nikolaos near Spoa is a real insider tip on Karpathos. Only a few holidaymakers get lost in the small fishing village. It is all the more cosy here in the high season!
#8 Lefkos Beaches
In the west of the island, three bathing bays of Lefkos in Carpathian blue and attract countless holidaymakers in midsummer.
Lefkos is home to one of the most beautiful Karpathos beaches and when you visit the lagoon-like bays, you will feel the great urge to jump straight into this dream of blue.
The sea is crystal clear and shallow, the scenery paradisiacal. You could almost think you were in the Bahamas if it weren’t for the palm trees and the pigs.
On the bulbous pier of Lefkos Beach, numerous beach bars and taverns have settled. In the hinterland of Kato Lefkos, apartments and studios with direct proximity to the beach beckon.
In the high season, in July and August, the bays fill up and hardly a beach lounger remains unused. In the pre- and post-season (May- Jun. / Sep.- Oct.), on the other hand, you can usually enjoy this fantastic beach scenery to yourself.
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Karpathos beaches in the north
#9 Vananta Beach
We found the Vananta Beach 2.5 km north of Diafani. The quiet pebble beach is idyllically nestled in a wooded bay. The beach has no operator and therefore there were hardly any other holidaymakers on site even in July.
The water is wonderfully clear and you can swim your laps here undisturbed. In the valley behind it, a cool spring where you can wash off the salt water.
#10 Bathing bays on the island of Saria
In the north of the island, Karpathos borders on the small island of Saria. On a boat trip from Diafani, you can explore the uninhabited neighboring island with its hidden coves of Saria and abandoned settlements.
The boat trips to Saria you can visit on site in Diafani or in Pigadia with Michalis and his team of Holiday World Karpathos Travel book. The travel agency also offers day trips to the pristine northern beaches of Karpathos, almost all of which can only be reached by boat. Information on: Holiday World Karpathos Travel
Karpathos Hotels near the beach
In general, the selection of hotels in Karpathos is limited. Nevertheless, in the southern coastal towns of Amoopi and Afiarti, as well as in the west near Arkassa and Lefkos, there are some facilities directly by the sea. On Booking.com* you will find a selection of near the beach Hotels, studios and apartments:
Agnantema Luxury Suites, Kyra Panagia
Magnificent complex above the popular Kyra Panagia Beach. The modern and spacious suites all have a hot tub and terrace overlooking the sea. Check more information and prices:
➲ Book Agnantema Luxury Suites*
Althea Boutique Hotel, Amoopi
Elegant aparthotel above the Amoopi beaches. Modern and spacious rooms with sea views. Very good breakfast options and attentive staff.
Blue and White Studios & Apartments, Lefkos
Simple studios right on the beach with a fantastic view from the terrace. In a quiet location on the northern outskirts of the village, taverns and shops are still within walking distance.
➲ Book Blue and White Studios*
Seaside Studios, Arkassa
Lovingly designed apartment complex near the beach (3 min walk to Agios Nikolaus beach). Modern rooms with terrace and small kitchen, as well as friendly owners.
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