Karpathos, Greece: a guide to the quiet island between Rhodes and Crete
A mountainous, authentic island in the southern Dodecanese, with a traditional hill village, turquoise coves and summer flights from Israel.
- Karpathos is a quiet island between Rhodes and Crete, home to the traditional village of Olympos.
- Top beaches: Apella, Kyra Panagia, Achata and Amoopi.
- Fly from Athens, Rhodes or Crete; for summer 2026, direct flights from Israel were also advertised.
Karpathos suits travellers looking for a quiet, authentic holiday with nature and beautiful beaches. There is no kosher food on the island, so plan ahead.
Where is Karpathos?
Karpathos is a long, narrow island at the southern edge of the Dodecanese, between Rhodes and Crete. The north is mountainous (the highest peak, Kali Limni, rises to 1,168 m) and the flatter south holds most of the tourism. The capital and southern port is Pigadia; the north has a smaller port at Diafani. The island is quiet and authentic, without mass tourism.
What to see in Karpathos
- Olympos: the island's famous mountain village in the north, often called a living museum, with women in traditional dress, windmills and colourful houses. It is about 15 minutes from Diafani and 40–45 minutes from Pigadia.
- Pigadia: a harbour town with a promenade, tavernas and boat trips to the beaches.
- Inland villages: Menetes, Aperi, Arkassa and Finiki, with sea views and local food.
- Saria: an uninhabited islet north of Karpathos with ancient ruins, reached by boat from Diafani in season.
Karpathos' best beaches
| Beach | Why go |
|---|---|
| Apella | Turquoise water and white pebbles, one of the island's best-known beaches |
| Kyra Panagia | A small cove below a red-roofed church |
| Achata | A narrow bay between cliffs, good for snorkelling |
| Amoopi (Megali, Mikri, Votsalakia) | A cluster of beaches near Pigadia, easy for families |
Windsurfing: strong winds on the south-west coast make Karpathos popular with windsurfers, especially around Makrigialos.
How to get to Karpathos
- By air: the international airport in the south (about 14 km from Pigadia) has Olympic Air and SKY Express flights from Athens (about 1 hour 20 minutes), Rhodes and Crete, plus seasonal charters from abroad. For summer 2026, direct flights from Israel were advertised by Arkia and Air Haifa; see our guide to Greek islands with direct flights.
- By ferry: 2–3 sailings a week from Piraeus, about 20 hours with island stops, plus routes from Rhodes and from Heraklion and Sitia on Crete. Timetables change by season.
When to go
As on most islands, the season runs roughly from May to October. In July–August the wind is especially strong: good for windsurfing, less so for swimming on exposed beaches. Out of season there are fewer flights and fewer businesses open.
Kosher food and Shabbat
There is no Chabad house or kosher restaurant on Karpathos. The nearest is Chabad of Rhodes. You can check deliveries from e-kosher.gr, and Shabbat times are on our Shabbat & kosher in Greece page.
FAQ
How do I get to Karpathos from Israel? In summer, direct flights from Tel Aviv and Haifa were advertised. The rest of the year, fly to Athens or Rhodes and take a short domestic flight.
What is the most famous village on Karpathos? Olympos, a mountain village in the north that keeps traditional dress, dialect and customs.
Is Karpathos good for families? Yes, for a quiet holiday. The Amoopi beaches near Pigadia are easy for children. Nightlife and water parks are on Rhodes.
How long is the ferry from Piraeus to Karpathos? About 20 hours with stops. Flying is usually better.
