Karpathos Hiking

Even though Karpathos is a large and mountainous island, it does not feature any official marked routes. There are lots of unofficial trails one can follow, connecting various beaches and villages with the island's more rocky spots, like the hill of Profitis Ilias. Hike your way around Karpathos, visiting places such as the Monastery of Panagia Larniotissa, the village of Lefkos, and Vananda Beach!

Below are some of the recommended, unmapped and unofficial trails that one can follow on Karpathos.
We highly advise all hikers to carry enough water, take the necessary sun protection measures, and wear shoes suitable for hiking. For the longer trails, it is best to bring food and basic first aid supplies.

Most popular routes

• Trail 1: Karpathos - Agia Kyriaki - Panagia Larniotissa Monastery

Climb a hill in southeastern Karpathos and visit the chapel of Agia Kyriaki and the beautiful Monastery of Larniotissa.
Length: 5.5 kilometers
Duration: 1 hour and 55 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

• Trail 2: Lefkos - Perdikas o Potamos Beach Loop

This is a looping trail from Kato Lefkos Beach towards the homonym village and the beach Perdikas o Potamos.
Length: 7.1 kilometers
Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate

• Trail 3: Kato Lefkos - Mesochori

Start from Lefkos and hike your way to the village of Mesochori in central Karpathos.
Length: 7.2 kilometers
Duration: 2 hours and 10 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate

• Trail 4: Amoopi Beach - Karpathos port

Begin from Mikri Amoopi Beach and go northeast to find the church of Agia Kyriaki, the Panagia Larniotissa Monastery, and Pigadia.
Length: 10.8 kilometers
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

• Trail 5: Lastos - Kali Limni - Lefkos

From the mountainous Lastos, ascend your way to the mountain's peak, Kali Limni.
Length: 8.7 kilometers
Duration: 4 hours and 20 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate

• Trail 6: Avlona - Agios Ioannis Vrikountas Chapel

Descend from Avlona Village and reach the chapel of Agios Ioannis and the ancient tombs of Vroukounta where you can enjoy excellent views.
Length: 7.6 kilometers
Duration: 2 hours and 35 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate

• Trail 7: Othos - Pyles

Starting your trip from central Karpathos, you will reach Piles, where you can explore the area and let the views sink in.
Length: 3.4 kilometers
Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate

• Trail 8: Aperi - Profitis Ilias Summit

This route connects Aperi Village with the hill and the chapel of Profitis Ilias.
Length: 5.3 kilometers
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

• Trail 9: Diafani - Vananta Beach

A coastal trail from the northern seaside village of Diafani to the beach of Vananda.
Length: 4.2 kilometers
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy

Other unmarked routes

• Agia Kara - Agios Nikolaos Chapel - Aperi
Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes | Length: 5 kilometers

• Diafani - Diavlos - Tristomo
Duration: 4 hours and 40 minutes | Length: 13 kilometers

• Palatia - Argos - Agios Zaharias
Duration: 50 minutes | Length: 765 meters

• Aperi - Achata Beach
Length: 5 kilometers

• Aperi - Volada - Othos - Pyles
Length: 8 kilometers

• Katodio - Kato Lakkos Beach
Length: 1 kilometer

• Diafani - Apokampos Beach
Length: 4.4 kilometers