Karpathos Saria Islet

Location: Saria

Opposite Diafani and the northern coast of Karpathos lies the magical islet of Saria, an uninhabited stretch of land with ancient ruins and stunning natural landscapes covered in a veil of mystery. With its spectacular gorge, eerie buildings and turquoise waters, it is a fairytale place that lends itself for a unique day-trip.

Saria covers an overall surface of just 20.4 square kilometers and is quite mountainous, reaching a maximum altitude of 631 meters above sea level. Hundreds of years ago, it used to be one with Karpathos, but, over the course of time, it got separated as a result of the ground’s erosion. Today, a narrow strait which is barely 100 meters wide and 2.5 meters deep has been stretched between the islet and the rest of Karpathos.

In ancient times, Saria was known as Saros and formed part of the Delian League. Walking along its trails, visitors will notice ancient ruins, pillars, stelae and other architectural fragments scattered all over the ground. The earliest traces of human activity date back to the Late Neolithic era and the Early Bronze Age, while the ruins of the ancient acropolis can still be discerned on Kastelos Hill. The islet also boasts two tholos tombs, as well as the remnants of early Christian basilicas. What stands out, however, is the 10th-century medieval settlement with its singular domed buildings, which dominate the hill overlooking Palatia Beach and are believed to have been a Saracen village.

At the same time, Saria is a dream come true for hikers, as the trails leading from Palatia to the abandoned settlement of Argos pass through an impressive gorge traversed by the Endi river. It would be no exaggeration to say that the trek is absolutely breathtaking as, looking up, visitors will see huge crags towering above their heads as if poised in mid-air.

This rugged island is home to some of the continent’s rarest bird and wildlife species and has been declared a NATURA 2000 protected area for the survival of such endangered predatory birds as the Bonelli’s eagle, the long-legged buzzard and Eleonora’s falcon. Moreover, the gaping sea caves along the coastline are the perfect refuge for a variety of marine species, including the Mediterranean monk seal.

It goes without saying that these pristine, turquoise waters are the perfect spot for a rejuvenating dip into the sea. Thus, the island’s two mind-blowing beaches, Palatia and Alimava, are an integral part of all excursions to the island. Boats to Saria regularly depart from Diafani, as well as from Pigadia, Karpathos’ capital town.