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Home » Travel destinations in Greece » Greece Individual » Karpathos Island: 15 highlights of the rugged beauty

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Karpathos Island: 15 highlights of the rugged beauty

Tom & Ella
Last updated: 4. March 2026 15:46
By Tom & Ella
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27 Min Read

Arrived on the Kali Limni, the highest mountain of Karpathos, the view widens over an island that is able to enchant almost everyone right away due to its idiosyncratic and original charm.

karpathos olymbos norden
Wild Beauty of Karpathos

Green coniferous forests and rugged grey rocks stretch in all directions. In the West are the most beautiful treasure of the island: dream beaches as far as the eye can see, made of fine sand or gravel, surrounded by turquoise-blue sea.

At the heart of the island are charming places such as the traditional mountain village of Aperi and the lively coastal village of Arkassa. The latter is the perfect place to experience a breathtaking sunset. We invite you to discover one of the most diverse islands in Greece and show you our Highlights of Karpathos:

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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: Caribbean of the Aegean Sea

Between the mountains and the sea, on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, lies a true island jewel. Karpathos is considered to be the beach paradise of the Aegean Sea. Between the many windswept dream bays, colourful sails glitter. When windsurfers hear the name Afiarti, their hearts are warmed. From eight Beaufort, one speaks more of palpitations.

Table of Contents
  • #1 Pigadia: Capital of Karpathos
  • #2 Amopi and Lakki resorts
  • #3 Surfer’s paradise Afiarti and the south
  • #4 Sunset in Arkassa
  • #5 Finiki: The Picturesque Fishing Village
  • #6 Lefkos: Karpathos Blue Lagoons
  • #7 Village idyll in Mesochori
  • #8 Hike to Kali Limni
  • #9 Dream beaches in Karpathos East
  • #10 Village hike in the center: Othos, Stes, Pyles
  • #11 Olymbos: Between tradition and tourism
  • #12 On historical traces near Wurgunda
  • #13 Coastal town Diafani
  • #14 Boat trip to Saria
  • #15 Day trip to Kasos Island
  • More Karpathos travel tips for your holiday
Griechenland Urlaub Karpathos Kato Lakko Strand
Caribbean beauty: You want to jump in here right away!

In the east of Karpathos, the harbour promenade of the lively capital Pigadia invites you to stroll, while north of it the bathing bays fill up in the high season. Actually, a new shade should be created for the beautiful bays of Karpathos! Let’s do the same, namely: Karpathos Blue

karpathos strände apella beach
Amazing views of Apella Beach

Kato Lakko, Kyra Panagia, Apella Beach – as curious as these names sound, the bays all have one thing in common; They are among the most beautiful beaches of Greece.

From the mighty mountain Kali Limni a far look goes north. Like a long hose, the island stretches up into a sparsely populated area. Up here there are even more treasures that can be discovered on a round trip and that make Karpathos unique.

#1 Pigadia: Capital of Karpathos

If you come by ferry from Crete or Rhodes, you usually set foot in Pigadia first, also Karpathos Town on land. Between modern concrete buildings and white cubes of houses, the capital is bustling in the mornings and evenings.

karpathos stadt pigadia sonnenuntergang
Evening atmosphere in Pigadia

During the siesta between 2 and 5 p.m., on the other hand, the place seems deserted. It is not until late afternoon that the long promenade at the harbour and in the shopping street »Apodimon« comes back to life.

karpathos pigadia gassen
It’s quiet in the capital for a siesta

Probably the most popular photo motif in the city is the colorful fishing boat of Pigadia, which was embedded in a white staircase. A souvenir photo should not be missing during the Karpathos holiday. Next to the Anemoussa restaurant you will find the pretty alley by boat.

karpathos stadt pigadia sehenswürdigkeiten
In the alleys of Pigadia

Between all kinds of souvenir shops and tourist knick-knacks, you will also discover tasteful shops and beautiful boutiques that offer clothes, shoes and jewellery by Greek designers. In the evening, handmade art made of driftwood is offered on the promenade. We have our memory of Karpathos at Maria’s Art Shop Purchased.

In the morning, there is no path along the Enplo Seaside Lounge over. The café bar serves delicious breakfasts, divine pancakes and creative drinks. Greece connoisseurs call in Carpathian breakfast. We stopped here several times, even if it was only for a Freddo espresso with a sea view.

karpathos frühstück traditionell
Carpathian breakfast at Enplo Café

By the way, the excursions to the beaches in the east and to the neighboring island of Kasos start from the port of the city. Above it are the remains of the ancient Acropolis, as well as the beautiful white Panormitis church.

From here you have a great view of Pigadia. The short climb is especially worthwhile at sunset. Then the sun bathes the capital in a magical light.

Karpathos Stadt Hafen Ausflüge Touren
Excursion boats start at the harbour

In Karpathos Town you are spoilt for choice with countless restaurants, cafés and bars. For the hunger in between, we recommend you at Erasmias Grill Houseto stop by. A very friendly team serves here delicious pita gyros at a low price.

Katzen Griechenland Dodekanes Inseln Urlaub
The velvet paws also take a siesta

The most expensive restaurants in the capital are located around the port. In the back alleys you will still find quaint taverns that offer traditional Greek home cooking. It is the great mix of different restaurants that makes Pigadia so interesting at second glance.

To end the evening in a relaxed way, you can relax in the Anoi Bar. Here you can sit comfortably on the balcony or the stairs, sip a delicious cocktail and make plans for the next few days on Karpathos.

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#2 Amopi and Lakki resorts

South of Karpathos town are the hamlets Lakki and Amopi. The latter is a popular seaside resort with countless holiday homes and hotels, where in winter the hay bale probably blows lonely across the road.

 

The reason for the rush in midsummer are two charming bathing bays, where no beach lounger remains unused. Fine golden sand beach and gently sloping crystal clear waters make the Amopi Beach a popular spot for families with children.

Amopi Strand Karpathos Skala Bar
Amopi Beach with the Church of the Apostles

The two bays are separated by a rocky outcrop, on which the blue-and-white church of Agii Apostoli enthroned. A real picture-book church and a popular photo motif on Karpathos.

Agii Apostoli Karpathos Ammopi
Agii Apostoli Church near Amopi

The colourful mountain village of Menetes

Just five kilometres from Amopi is the charming mountain village of Menetes. The town with its colourful house facades is worth a short detour. A handful of cafés and taverns invite you to linger.

Menetes Karpathos Sehenswürdigkeiten Urlaub Tipps
The colorful houses of Menetes

At the entrance to the village there is a stall selling natural products of the island, including the delicious thyme honey. At the other end of Menetes is the traditional Bäckerei Koula’s Bakery. A women’s cooperative bakes fresh bread and pastries here every day.

Karpathos Kirche Agias Mamas Menetes Skopi
Agias Mamas Church near Menetes

On the way to Arkassa, near Skopi, you will find the chapel of Agios Mamas. The gleaming white church has a completely atypical pointed roof. The Byzantine chapel dates back to the 11th century, making it one of the oldest in Karpathos.

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#3 Surfer’s paradise Afiarti and the south

We continue our journey south and stop in Afiarti. Here at Vatha Beach is the destination of all windsurfers—friends of the whole Europe. You can make a short stop at the Karolina Beach Bar and watch countless colorful sails whiz across the Aegean Sea in strong winds.

karpathos windsurfen afiarti
Afiarti: Popular surf spot in the south

By the way, the bay is also ideal as a short swimming stop. The water is wonderfully clear and you will meet only a few other beach vacationers on the stony stretch of beach. The surfers don’t get in your way, as they swim their laps far out.

Diakoftis Beach Karpathos Urlaub
Caribbean blue at Diakoftis Beach

Further south, on a barren flat plain, are the island’s small airport and around it other paradisiacal bays, such as the Diakoftis Beach. Unfortunately, this Caribbean-looking beach was heavily polluted with plastic waste during our visit.

#4 Sunset in Arkassa

The coastal village of Arkassa in the southwest of the island should not be missed on your island tour. A little more than 500 inhabitants live in the idyllic village. Around the beautiful Ypapanti Church you will find pretty houses and white alleys.

If you are interested in the history of Karpathos, it is worth taking a hike to the Paleokastro of Arkassa. Here lie the remains of the ancient Acropolis of Arkesia on an upstream headland.

Karpathos Sehenswürdigkeiten Arkassa schöne Orte
Arkassa with the Ypapanti Church

In the evening, the village comes to life. Pure Greek flair is available in the rustic tavern To Steki tou Markou. Here you sit on bafi-covered chairs in the middle of a whitewashed alley and enjoy delicious Greek mezedes. There is no menu, you go directly to the restaurant and choose the culinary delicacies from the pot or pan.

Karpathos Restaurant Arkassa Tou Steki tou Markou
Tavern To Steki tou Markou in Arkassa

Well fortified, we walk a few meters further into the popular Nustema Bar. Take a seat, order a cocktail and watch the red fireball sink spectacularly behind the sea. At the latest now Karpathos has enchanted you!

Stema Bar Karpathos Sonnenuntergang
Sunset at Nustema Bar

#5 Finiki: The Picturesque Fishing Village

Several fish taverns vie in the cute 30-soul Finiki village for the favor of hungry vacationers. In the small harbour pier, colourful kaikis sail and fetch freshly caught food from the sea every day. Hungry cats’ mouths wait for the evening feast.

karpathos dörfer finiki
The tranquil fishing village of Finiki

Although a large part of the Aegean Sea is already overfished, there is still an abundant fish population off the coast of Karpathos.

karpathos finiki hafen
At the port of Finiki

You can convince yourself of the quality in the tavern, for example Finiki Mama Cuisine. Here we tasted the rich fish platter with a beautiful sea view with the test verdict: Highly recommended!

karpathos küche fischplatte finiki
In Finiki there is fresh fish

#6 Lefkos: Karpathos Blue Lagoons

What Porto Kastiki Beach has for Lefkada is Lefkos for Karpathos. In the most beautiful shades of blue, there are several dreamlike bays around the popular holiday resort on the west coast.

karpathos lefkos strände beaches
View over the lagoons of Lefkos

Unfortunately, the beaches of Lefkos were more than crowded in July. If you like it quieter, you will find many other dream beaches on Karpathos spread all over the island. You can find out how beautiful each one of them is in our separate article: Karpathos beaches

#7 Village idyll in Mesochori

If you want to escape the beach hustle and bustle, follow the west coast further north. You pass the eponymous upper village of Lefkos with its countless olive trees. The asphalt road winds through coniferous forest and along a barren high plateau to Mesochori.

karpathos mesochori dorf ausflüge
Impressively situated: The village of Mesochori

Like an amphitheatre, the village with its white houses rises up on a mountainside. The backdrop with the mighty rocky cliffs in the background is spectacular. Take your time to explore the place on foot. Fresh laundry dries in the narrow alleys and cats scurry across the path.

Mesochori Karpathos weiße Gassen
In the alleys of Mesochori

When the midday heat makes you sweat on your forehead, then look at the beautiful church of Panagia Wrisiani. Below the large church are three marble basins, which are fed by a cool spring. Here you can refresh yourself wonderfully.

Karpathos Wasser Quelle Kirche Panagia Vrysianis
The sacred spring of Panagia Wrisiani

Right next to it, the cozy Tavern Dramountana for a lunch snack. With delicious Greek appetizers and a freshly squeezed orange juice, you can enjoy a fantastic panorama of the west coast. An idyllic place and a real Karpathos highlight for us!

Mesochori Sehenswürdigkeiten Karpathos Restaurant Dramountana
Tavern Dramountana in Mesochori

#8 Hike to Kali Limni

The best all-round view is from the highest mountain on the island. An ascent to the 1,215 m high Kali Limni is no problem for experienced hikers. Clear visibility, sturdy shoes, headgear as well as water and provisions are basic requirements to storm the summit.

Kali Limni Karpathos Berg Wanderung
Kali Limni: Sometimes shrouded in clouds even in summer

The start is at the tavern of the same name Kali Limni on the Lastos Plateau. From here, a marked path (single track) leads along maquis bushes and purple-flowering thyme to the roof of the island. Since there are no shady trees, you should rather avoid the midday heat.

Wandern in Griechenland Karpathos Ziege
Purple thyme adorns the barren landscape

The total distance (round trip) is about 4.5 km and you climb about 465 meters in altitude. For the entire hike you need about 2-2.5 hours, depending on your walking speed. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view.

karpathos wanderung kali limni berg
Arrived on the roof of the island

Thanks to Naturefriends Lower Austria, the Kali Limni a beautiful summit cross and a summit book to enter. If you discover our entry, we would be happy to receive a comment below. 😉

After a sweaty hike, we recommend a stop at the Tavern Kali Limni. On a rustic terrace, surrounded by the hotel’s own garden, cool drinks and delicious Greek food are served.

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#9 Dream beaches in Karpathos East

On Karpathos you are literally spoilt for choice when it comes to beach holidays. The east coast in particular is home to several paradisiacal bays where you can spend a relaxing day at the beach.

In our separate article about the island’s dream beaches, we introduce you to our 10 most beautiful beaches on Karpathos before: Karpathos beaches

karpathos agios nikolaos
Karpathos Insider Tip: The Seaside Resort of Agios Nikolaos

#10 Village hike in the center: Othos, Stes, Pyles

In the interior of the island, sleepy villages, still largely untouched by tourism, are waiting to be discovered. A scenic hiking trail on Karpathos (approx. 8 km, 3-4 h) leads from Othos via Stes to Pyles.

Wandern auf Karpathos Othos
View of the village of Othos

The start of the Three Villages Hike is in the 280-soul village of Othos. Here you can park your car at the inconspicuous Platia (village square). Follow the sign “Workshop Gallery” and then the red hiking signs towards the village of Stes.

The road runs along the mountainside and you will always be accompanied by a magnificent view of the valley floor. Arrived in hamlet of Stes with its 10 inhabitants, there are two churches worth admiring.

insel karpathos dörfer stes kirche agios ioannis
Agios Ioannis Church in Stes

In the northern part of the village is the yellow-blue church of Agios Ioannis and in the south on the way to Pyles you will discover the church of Agios Panteleimonas with its beautiful spring.

Across the prairie we go into the village of Pyles. Hardly more than 200 inhabitants live here and when we crossed the village, it seemed to be as good as extinct in the siesta.

Griechenland Karpathos schöne Orte Pyles
Pure idyll in the village of Pyles

On the southern outskirts of the village, fortunately, the Café-Bar Panorama where we returned hungry. On a terrace, the friendly owner serves light Greek cuisine. The way back leads via the asphalt road back to Othos.

In addition to the beautiful blue Kimisis chapel in the centre of the village, there is also the Traditional House of Othos worth seeing. Here you will get an insight into the way of life of the people of Karpathos over 50 years ago.

karpathos traditional house museum othos
The Carpathian house in Othos

There is a living room with the typical “soufa” and a kitchen. The key to the Traditional House is available in the Workshop Gallery, admission approx. 1.50 €.

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#11 Olymbos: Between tradition and tourism

If you leave Karpathos without the picturesque village of Olymbos , you’ve missed a real highlight. Pastel-coloured houses shine between mighty hilltops and stretch pyramid-shaped up a slope.

karpathos olymbos village olympos
A feast for the eyes: The mountain village of Olymbos

Olymbos in the north of the island is a real Greek picture-book village and the postcard motif of Karpathos, which should not be missing in any tourism catalogue. No place has more appeal.

karpathos olymbos village houses
Who wouldn’t want to move in here right away?

For a long time, the village was completely sealed off from the outside world. To protect against pirate attacks, people once settled in this lonely area, not visible from the sea.

Olymbos Heiliger Tempel Ιερός Ναός
The village square of Olymbos

It was not until 1980 that Olymbos (also Olympos) was connected to the power grid. In 2012, an asphalt road was built that connects the north with the rest of the island. Over the years, numerous traditions have been preserved in Olymbos.

Today, the village is a pilgrimage destination for numerous day tourists, who invade the village between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Along the main alley, one souvenir shop follows the other. The ladies of the village show up in their traditional costumes and sell handmade textiles and accessories.

karpathos olymbos souvenirläden
In the shopping streets of Olymbos

Crowds of people squeeze through the narrow streets in July and August. Some people then leave Olymbos completely disappointed and complain about the museum village as a tourist attraction. The real magic only shows itself when the day tourists have left.

»If you stay overnight, you will experience an authentic and original Olymbos.«

In the rustic taverns, we were the only tourists in the evening, even in July, and so we got into conversation with the lovable locals.

In the morning, there is a magical silence in the air. The women prepare their shops and displays, the smell of freshly baked bread wafts in the old stone ovens. Everything should be ready before the first tourist buses arrive.

karpathos olymbos traditionen brot backen
Here they are still freshly baked in the stone oven

There are also some culinary delights in Olymbos. You should definitely try the Karpathos Makarounes. A kind of mini gnocchi made of durum wheat semolina sprinkled with roasted onions and goat cheese. We ate the best ones in the tavern Milos, a fantastic place, especially at sunset.

karpathos olymbos sonnenuntergang milos taverne
Magical atmosphere at sunset

#12 On historical traces near Wurgunda

In the far north of the island, Karpathos is rough and original. Silence and solitude are constant companions when you roam the barren landscapes of the north.

A particularly beautiful hike (7.5 km, approx. 3-4 h) takes you from the hamlet of Avlona to the remains of the ancient city of Brykountos on the bay of Wurgunda (also called Vourgounda, Vroukounda or Vrykounda). Among other things, you can marvel at the impressive cave church of Agios Ioannis Vrikountas.

Wandern Karpathos schöne Routen Olymbos
On the way to Würgunda

The Bay of Wurgunda can only be reached by hike or by boat from Diafani. From Avlona, a stone footpath leads along bony macchia to a hilltop.

Halfway along the route you will meet the first signs ancient tombs. Be careful, don’t be frightened! Sometimes goats hide in the graves. Then it goes steadily downhill to a headland.

Brykountos antike Gräber karpathos
Ancient tombs await Karpathos’ wanderers

This is where the Dorian built the ancient city of Brykountos from the 11th century BC. Remains of the old city wall and some pillar stumps can still be made out between numerous pottery shards.

karpathos brykountos antike stadt
On the headland of the ancient city of Brykountos

Right at the entrance to the headland, you’ll get an insight into how people were buried in ancient times. Impressive rock tombs with multi-storey burial chambers can be visited here.

At the top of the headland, a cross shows you the way to the Cave Church of Agios Ioannis. The eyes have to get used to the darkness, but the pleasantly cool air is a blessing on hot days.

In the cave there is an early Christian marble basin into which “holy water” drips from the ceiling, as well as a kind of nave with iconostasis.

karpathos vourgounda höhlenkirche
Cave church of Agios Ioannis near Vourgounda

Most of the time you enjoy this mystical place to yourself. Only on 28 and 29 August, the name day of St. John, a large church consecration festival with music and dancing takes place here, to which many islanders make a pilgrimage.

When the sea is calm, you can also refresh yourself in the bay of Wurgunda. Steps lead down to a jetty, which invites you to jump into the crystal clear Aegean Sea.

Esel Griechenland Olymbos Avlona Karpathos
Friendly welcome for hikers

Once in Avlona, it is worth stopping off in the Tavern Avlona. The hospitable owner family serves delicious Greek mezedes. The sumptuous Avlona salad and the delicious Briam are particularly recommended.

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#13 Coastal town Diafani

On the east coast lies the tranquil coastal village of Diafani, which was founded by Olympians in the 18th century as a port settlement. For a few years now, the large car ferries have also been docking in the village of 200 souls, thus contributing to gentle bathing and hiking tourism in the north of the island.

karpathos diafani village
The pretty fishing village of Diafani

Everyone visits the coastal town at least once to take one of the worthwhile boat trips to the island of Saria or to the unspoiled northern beaches.

Even in July, the place was not overcrowded and you can linger here wonderfully for a short break. In addition to the beautiful Neptune Fountain of Diafani invites you to enjoy the cosy ambience of the Restaurant-Bar Anemoessafor a cool Freddo espresso and a light lunch snack.

Neptun Brunnen Diafani Griechenland
The Neptune Fountain in Diafani

After a short walk through the coastal town, you can e.g. at the beautiful Vananta Beach near Diafani.

#14 Boat trip to Saria

A real Karpathos highlight is a boat trip to the neighboring island of Saria. In addition to several inviting swimming stops, an impressive natural landscape and some historical relics await you.

bootstour saria cruise karpathos
With the Kaiki to Saria

Start is around 10 a.m. from Diafani and the first swimming stop is the Spiliani (Greek: small cave). With the small kaiki boat you can get close enough to sea level. The interior of the cave reflects the emerald green water beautifully, and the cool water temperatures are wonderfully refreshing.

karpathos saria tour spiliani höhle
Cooling off in a cave

After the boat passes the narrow Steno strait between Karpathos and Saria, the Mairia Beach the next paradisiacal beach. Here, too, there is a short stop and refreshment in the turquoise blue water.

Saria Palatia Bootsausflug Dodekanes
Palatia and the Chapel of Agia Sophia

The destination of the tour is Palatia on Saria. Here the boat will anchor and you will have about an hour to explore the abandoned settlement with the chapel of Agia Sophia and the sea caves.

Palatia is said to have once been the site of the ancient city of Nisiros, on whose foundations pirates built the Saria’s typical beehive houses . Some of the cute domed houses are still preserved above the bay.

saria palatia antike stadt bienenkorbhäuser
Greek trulli houses in Palatia

A canyon leads through a riverbed from Palatia to the abandoned settlement of Argos and to the church of Agios Zacharias, which is located on a mountain ledge. If you walk briskly, you can enjoy a magnificent panorama of the Bay of Palatia from up here.

insel saria ta palatia bucht
The Bay of Palatia

Before continuing, there is a simple barbecue (salad and grilled fish) on the pebble beach of Palatia. Afterwards, the boat will take you to the northern tip of Saria for the Alimounta Beach. Another fantastic swim stop! Afterwards we return to Diafani, arriving around 6:30 pm.

The boat tour to Saria starts several times a week from Diafani for about 50 € p.p. without transfer. You can book the tour directly in Diafani at Captain Manolis BoatorNikos Boat. It is advisable to compare the two providers (prices & reviews).

Alternatively, you can book the boat trip through travel agencies in Pigadia, such as Holiday World Karpathos Travel (approx. 43 € with transfer).

#15 Day trip to Kasos Island

From Karpathos’ west coast you look at an offshore boulder, rugged and bare on the horizon. Only 6 km next to Karpathos lies the neighboring island of Kasos.

Griechische Inseln Geheimtipps Kasos Fry
Kasos: An island for hermits and lovers

Even though the island measures only 17 km in length, a day trip is hardly enough to explore the original island with its pretty villages, lonely chapels and wild nature.

Griechenland Inseln Dodekanes Kasos
Photogenic alleys on Kasos

We would like to say that there are very few Greek islands besides Kasos that have remained so untouched by tourism. As a vacationer, you still belong to a very rare species on Kasos and so the locals are happy about everyone who visits their island.

kassos kasos church panagiri
The beauty is in the details

As a tourist, you will be rewarded with an endearing hospitality and authenticity that is rare in Greece. The first foot is set in the harbour village of Fry ashore. Here, winding pretty alleys invite you to take a short walk.

kassos fry fischerhafen bouka kasos
A postcard motif: The fishing port of Bouka

The old fishing port Bouka with its picturesque church of Agios Spiridonas is a Greek postcard motif. The quaint cafés and taverns are a wonderful place to linger. Even though Kasos is not big, it is worth staying on the island for a few days. Kasos is a true island dream for those seeking peace and quiet and a real island hopping insider tip!

To the Panigiri in Agia Marina

No less beautiful are the alleys of the village of Agia Marina. We happened to be there on July 17, when the church consecration festival in honor of Saint Marina was held. Between wine, food, singing and dancing, we were invited to join in the celebration and thus experienced one of our most beautiful moments in Hellas so far.

Panigiri Griechenland Essen Ziege Kasos
Kali Orexi! The dolmades of Kasos are a treat!

By the way, the dolmades, stuffed vine leaves with minced meat and rice, are particularly delicious on Kasos! For us, the best of the Greek islands so far.

The village of Panagia is also worth a visit. This is where the Neraiden Church, a building complex consisting of six whitewashed chapels with red roofs built next to each other.

kassos neraiden panagia kapellen
The Neraiden of Panagia

Kasos itself offers only a few beaches, including the beautiful Amoua Beach. In the high season, there are boat tours to the offshore Armathia Island. Many a local raves about its long sandy beaches and turquoise blue water.

💡 Arrival in Kasos: The speedboat Kasos Princess sails from Karpathos to Kasos several times a week from the end of May to the beginning of October. Tickets are available from €20 per person (round trip) directly in the port building of Pigadia.

More Karpathos travel tips for your holiday

Beautiful guided tours on Karpathos

Holiday World Karpathos Travel, Pigadia

The travel agency of Michalis and his team offers attractive day trips and hikes on Karpathos at. The tours to Saria and the most beautiful beaches on the island are particularly popular. In addition, you can also take part in cooking classes and cultural events, giving you an authentic insight into the traditions of the island. You can find more information here: Holiday World Karpathos Travel

➲ To guided hikes (via GetYourGuide)*

Tours Greece Activities Get Your Guide Hiking
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Karpathos restaurants: Our recommendations

On Karpathos you can still immerse yourself in authentic Greek cuisine in many places. Only where tourism is already booming are pizza, burgers and the like on the menus. In the south of the island, some beach bars and beach restaurants have now settled. A small selection of restaurant recommendations for Karpathos is attached.

Milos Tavern, in Olymbos

In this rustic tavern right next to the windmills of Olymbos you can end the evening in a relaxed way. The atmosphere is beautiful, especially at sunset. The homemade Greek dishes are a stunner! Here we ate the best makarounes on the island, super tasty!

Other recommended restaurants in Karpathos:

  • Sonam Bonding Foods Origins, in Pigadia
  • Eden Garden Restaurant, in Olymbos
  • Mezzaria Restaurant, in Othos
  • …

Want more restaurant tips for Karpathos?

→ In our Google map you will find all recommended cafés and taverns on Karpathos: To the Karpathos Map

karpathos makarounes spezialität
The best makarounes can be found in Milos

Accommodation on Karpathos Island

The island of Karpathos attaches great importance to sustainable tourism. Therefore, there are only a few large hotel complexes. All-inclusive trips or package hotels are hardly available. On Booking.com* you can view and book suitable accommodations on Karpathos:

➲ To beautiful hotels on the island*

The island is slowly becoming one of the most popular islands in the world. Dodecanese. You can now find some nice hotels, holiday homes and numerous apartments on Karpathos. Popular resorts on Karpathos are Amopi and Lakki, as well as Pigadia. Also the locations Lefkos and Arkassa have some accommodations.

→ About Booking.com* you will find many accommodation on Karpathosand you can check prices here:

Karpathos Booking Hotels Empfehlung
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Our hotel tips for Karpathos

Althea Boutique Hotel, Amoopi

Tasteful adults-only apartment complex above the Amoopi beaches. Modern, spacious rooms with sea views. Very good breakfast and friendly staff.

➲ To book from Althea Boutique Hotel*

Aeolia Suites, Karpathos Town

Chic aparthotel near the port. Very modern and tastefully furnished apartments with kitchenette and balcony. Immediate proximity to the promenade.

➲ To book Aeolia Suites*

Blue and White Studios & Apartments, Lefkos

Solid accommodation right on the beach, run by friendly hosts. Simple, clean rooms with kitchenettes. Tavernas and shops within walking distance.

➲ Book Blue and White Studios*

Irene’s Guesthouse,Olympos

The traditional accommodation is located in the heart of Olymbos right in the main alley. The Carpathian house is furnished with great attention to detail and you still sleep here on a soufa (loft bed) as you did over 50 years ago. Nevertheless, you don’t have to do without modern amenities, such as a bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen.

➲ Book Irene’s Guesthouse*

Lux View Villas, Katodio

Luxurious villa complex in the hamlet of Katodio near Aperi with magnificent views. Tastefully decorated with kitchenette and private pool. About 20 minutes walk from the secluded Kato Lakko beach.

➲ Book Lux View Villas*

Meraki Beachfront, Finiki

High-quality, modernly furnished apartments with fully equipped kitchens right on the port of Finiki. Large terrace with beautiful sea views.

➲ Book Meraki Beachfront*

Summer Breeze, Arkassa

Well-kept apartment complex near the beach. The spacious rooms are simply and cleanly furnished. The center of Arkassa with many tavernas is within walking distance.

➲ To book Summer Breeze*

Car Rental & Getting Around Karpathos

With an area of 324 km², the island is about three times the size of Sylt (a German island). From north to south it measures approx. 48 km and from east to west max. 12 km. Karpathos is perfect for individualists who want to explore the island on their own with the Hired car want to explore.

Rhodos Insel Rundfahrt Mietwagen Urlaub
With the rental car on a tour of the island

With a wheeled vehicle you are flexible and can get to remote villages and lonely beaches. Numerous car rental companies offer small cars, quads and scooters in Pigadia. On the portal Discover Cars* you can search for a suitable vehicle and check prices:

➲ To cheap car rentals for the island*

Alternatively, you can also use the public buses of the KTEL company. From the bus station in Pigadia, all major towns on the island and the popular beaches in the east are served.

→ Current bus timetables can be found here: Local island bus

💡 Karpathos Blog: Looking for more inspiration for the island of Karpathos? Then take a look at the blog The Karpathos Guide the lovable Dutchwoman Athina. She lives on the island with her husband and has found her second home on Karpathos. Thanks to Athina, we got a lot of useful travel tips to explore Karpathos.

How to get to the island of Karpathos

Karpathos is the Second largest Dodecanese island and is located in the southern Aegean Sea between Crete and Rhodes. There is a small airport in the south of Karpathos, Karpathos Airport AOK.

In the past, there were direct flights to Karpathos from Germany with Condor Ariline or Eurowings (from DUS Düsseldorf every Tuesday in 2026), the stopover in Athens was omitted. Alternatively, you can take a flight with Aegean Airlines or SKY express with a stopover in Athens.

If you are close to the border Holland, Czech Republic or Austria , there is also a direct flight to the island from the following airports:

  • Amsterdam (AMS)
  • Prague (PRG)
  • Vienna (VIE)
  • Salzburg (SZG)

→ Here you can Available flights to Karpathos Display:➲ To search for flights with Skyscanner*

By ferry to Karpathos

Alternatively, you can take a direct flight from Germany (or AT/CH) to Rhodes. From here you can take the ferry to Karpathos translate.

The ferry company Blue Star Ferries connects the two islands three times a week. The crossing takes about 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Karpathos has two ferry ports. The main port of Karpathos in Pigadia and the port of Diafani in the north of the island.

→ Through our partner Ferryhopper* you can see suitable ferry connections to Karpathos:

➲ To the ferry search with Ferryhopper*

griechische inseln fähren buchen tipps ferryhopper
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Karpathos Youtube Video

Impressions of the island can be found in the video by Robert Polasek © :

*Support our blog Greece-Moments

In this post, you will find affiliate links marked with an asterisk (*). If you book or buy something through one of these links, we receive a small commission. For you, the price remains the same. In this way, you help us continue to provide high-quality content for free. Did you like this post and you would like to say thank you? Then just buy us the next Greek coffee ☕️ To the coffee checkout


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Gia sou, it's great to have you here! We're Tom and Ella, the folks behind Greece Moments. We're travel journalists, parents, avid globetrotters, and we love a good Freddo Espresso. We've been running our Greece blog since 2019 and have personally visited more than 50 Greek islands during that time. Here at Greece Moments, we're passionate about sharing our love for this stunning country with you and providing you with the best travel tips for exploring Hellas on your own. Kalo Taxidi!
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Griechenland Blog Urlaub Tipps Ella und Tom

Kalimera & Welcome

We are Tom & Ella, and we have been in love with this blue and white paradise since 2009. On our Greece travel blog, we provide helpful travel tips and useful information for your vacation in Greece. Let yourself be enchanted by beautiful Hellas!

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