Summer in unexplored Karpathos

07/07/2022
Karpathos, is ideal for explorers and low budget travelers and promises quality, dreamy, easy going holidays. Learn everything about how to get to Karpathos!
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Between Crete and Rhodes, Karpathos is the second largest island of the Dodecanese. It may not have many permanent residents, but this is the reason it's an ideal, alternative holiday destination. You rarely find it on top 10 lists and that makes it even more mysterious. It is a pristine island that has not allowed tourism to alter its natural beauty. It is ideal for explorers and low budget travelers and promises quality, dreamy, easy going holidays. The main port and capital of the island is Pigadia while in the northern part of the island there is the port of Diafani.

The village Olympus in Karpathos

The village Olympus in Karpathos

Learn everything about how to get to Karpathos by boat, easily and quickly right where you are, here at Let's Ferry.

How many days are enough to enjoy Karpathos?

Think about it, the boat trip is more than 20 hours and there are no daily itineraries, so you must at lest spend 5 days here, plus 2 more for the round trip. If you like to go on holidays in September, the island will be almost exclusively dedicated to you only!

The two sides of Karpathos

The island is divided into the southern and northern part. Pigadia is the tourist part of the island with many accommodations, beaches, fish taverns, traditional delicacies and several shops for a coffee or drink overlooking the sea. The northern part is the one with wild beauty, authentic Greek villages and breathtaking mountain peaks. Due to its unique natural wealth, it is part of the NATURA protected areas. In this section you will have the opportunity to be more isolated and have a fresh reboot before the fall.

Kyra Panagia beach in Karpathos

Kyra Panagia beach in Karpathos

The many beaches of Karpathos

On the 160 km coastline of the island, you will discover dozens of different beaches, all with waters bluer than the sky. Looking for an organized and popular one? Go to Kyra Panagia, with the characteristic small Church with the red dome. Apella is full of pine trees, fine pebbles, sunbeds and a tavern. After all, it has been awarded as one of the best beaches in Europe!

The sandy beach Apella in Karpathos

The sandy beach Apella in Karpathos

If you feel like dipping your feet in the sand, visit Diakoftis. Your snaps from this exotic beach will look like images from Bali. If you are looking for adventure, in Afiarti and Agralopotamos you will try some wind or kite surfing, while Achata is suitable for diving and spearfishing. If you are looking for seclusion and unspoiled beaches, you will go to Psoraris.

Magical and nearby excursions from Karpathos

From Diafani take the boat to the now uninhabited island of Saria. There you will discover a completely untouched place, with caves, impressive beaches, while you will learn its history from the boatman that will take you there, and you will add another amazing day to your holiday suitcase. The place is protected by the NATURA program.

The beach and the Church of Kyra Panagia

The beach and the Church of Kyra Panagia

Moving around may not be your favorite passtime and maybe you want to set anchor in the capital of Karpathos. Change your mind? Then you can take a boat from Pigadia and go on a trip to the southernmost island of the Dodecanese, Kasos and its capital, Fry. It is worth noting that for as long as there was an air connection between Karpathos and Kasos, this distance was only five minutes and has been recorded in the Guinness Book as the shortest flight distance in the world!

The villages in Karpathos

With cobbled streets, cafes, views of the Aegean Sea, and untouched by time, the villages in Karpathos are amazing. Do not miss Olympus, which is amphitheatrically built on the mountain slopes of the island. Time seems to have stopped in this village, since for many years it was cut off from the rest of the island. In the area you will find more than 60 churches, while many visitors come to the village to see an authentic festival with traditional costumes and listen to the the lute.

Women in traditional costume in Olympus village in Karpathos

Women in traditional costume in Olympus village, in Karpathos!

Continue to Aperi and Menete, just eight kilometers away from Pigadia, with their medieval feel. If you are looking for Arkasa, the oldest settlement of Karpathos, you will know that you are there as soon as you see colorful houses before your eyes. You will see the most beautiful sunset in Mesochori. While in the villages, try the musky sourdough bread from the wood oven, macaroni and the braised lamb.

Pigadia port in Karpathos

Pigadia port in Karpathos

How to move around in Karpathos

• The classic way is to get your car and find the best prices and offers at Let's Ferry.
• You can organize your vacation early and rent a car either before you reach the island, which is (recommended if you are traveling during the high season), or as soon as you arrive. You can also rent a motorbike or bicycle.
• There are local buses that start at the port of Pigadia and go to various villages and beaches. The route Pigadia - Olympus takes place three times a day.
• There are taxis starting from Pigadia.
• Boats start from Pigadia towards Diafani and the beaches of Apella and Kyra Panagia.

How will I go to Karpathos

Karpathos (Pigadia) is connected to Piraeus, Anafi, Diafani Karpathos, Heraklion Crete, Kalymnos, Kasos, Kos, Lipsi, Leros, Milos, Patmos, Rhodes, Santorini, Sitia , Symi and Halki.
Diafani is connected to Piraeus, Anafi, Heraklion, Crete, Karpathos, Kasos, Milos, Rhodes, Santorini, Sitia and Halki.
To see itineraries, information and prices for ferry tickets to Karpathos, stay right here at Let's Ferry.