Things to do in Karpathos: beaches, Olympos and mountain villages
Karpathos, between Crete and Rhodes, has become sought after for its turquoise beaches, traditional mountain villages and wild landscapes. These are the highlights.
- Top beaches: Apella, Ahata, Kyra Panagia, Ammopi and Lefkos.
- Olympos in the north keeps its traditional dress, dialect and customs, and had no road until a few decades ago.
- You need a car: the airport is about 14 km from Pigadia, and the island is long and mountainous.
Plan at least five days: two or three for southern and eastern beaches, one for Olympos and Saria in the north, and one for the mountain villages. Book a summer hire car early.
Why Karpathos?
Karpathos is the second-largest Dodecanese island, between Crete and Rhodes. It sees fewer visitors than the big islands and combines clear water with high mountains and villages that hold on to tradition. It was recently named an "underrated" destination, as we reported in Karpathos named a top destination for 2027.
Karpathos beaches: where is best?
According to Discover Greece and Chasing the Donkey, these stand out:
- Apella: perhaps the island's most famous beach, with turquoise water and green cliffs, pebbles and sand.
- Ahata: a small, dramatic cove with white cliffs, good for snorkelling.
- Kyra Panagia: a cove with a red-domed church above the beach.
- Ammopi: several bays near Pigadia and the airport, with sand and fairly shallow water; good for families.
- Lefkos: on the west coast, several bays with white sand and clear water.
West-coast beaches can get strong wind. If it blows from the west, try the east coast, and vice versa.
Olympos, Karpathos: a village out of time
Olympos in the north is the island's most distinctive sight. It sits on a mountain ridge and only got a road a few decades ago. Isolation preserved its dialect, traditional dress (still worn by some older women) and old customs. Drive there, or take a boat to Diafani port and continue by bus.
Saria islet
North of Karpathos lies the small island of Saria, reached by boat trips from Pigadia or Diafani. It has secluded beaches and remains of an old settlement, and makes a good summer day trip.
Mountain villages and Pigadia
- Menetes: a hilltop village above Pigadia with sea views.
- Aperi: the island's historic capital, a well-kept village with grand houses.
- Othos: one of the highest villages (about 500 m), with a small folk museum.
- Pigadia: the main town and port, with the archaeological museum and a seafront of restaurants.
Karpathos hiking
According to Discover Greece, the island has about 50 marked trails. A popular route links Olympos to Diafani, about 5 km downhill towards the sea. Start early in summer and carry plenty of water.
What to eat
Try makarounes, handmade pasta served with fried onions and cheese, and manouli, a local cheese. Mountain-village tavernas are the best place for traditional food.
Practical tips for a Karpathos trip
- Car: close to essential. The airport is about 14 km from Pigadia, and the island is long and hilly.
- Getting there: there are direct summer flights from Israel; see flights to Karpathos. The ferry from Piraeus takes 16–18 hours.
- When: May–June and September are more pleasant than August, the busiest month.
FAQ
What is the most beautiful beach on Karpathos? Apella is the most famous, but Ahata, Kyra Panagia and Lefkos are also highly recommended.
Do you need a car on Karpathos? Yes, almost certainly. The island is long and mountainous, and beaches and villages are spread out.
How do you get to Olympos? By car on the road from the south, or by boat from Pigadia to Diafani and then by bus or on foot.
How many days do you need on Karpathos? At least five, to combine beaches, Olympos and Saria, and the mountain villages.
