Karpathos Things to Do

Olympos is not just any village. Often characterized as an “open-air museum”, it is an enchanting traditional settlement sprawling on the slopes of Mount Prophitis Ilias in northern Karpathos. Offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the rugged mountainous landscape, it has retained all its original features, including some pre-industrial stone-built windmills, one of which is still operational today! In Olympos, time seems to have stopped and the local customs come alive before your eyes as you wander around the narrow village streets. Here, you will have the chance to see people wearing traditional outfits and engaging in age-old arts and crafts, like embroidery and baking in wood stoves. Taking the time to explore Olympos and sample authentic Karpathian recipes in its rustic taverns is an immensely rewarding experience that definitely ranks as the best thing to do in Karpathos.

Explore Olympos Village

It would be no exaggeration to say that Karpathos boasts some of the loveliest beaches in the Aegean. Many are organized and easily accessible, while others are rather secluded and retain all their wild beauty. In any case, they are all fringed by sparkling crystalline waters that take on a variety of stunning shades, from turquoise and azure to the iconic bright blue of the Aegean Sea. The beaches on the southwestern coast, in particular, are ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and international windsurfing competitions have often been held there in the summer months. Whichever kind of beach you’re looking for, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes.
• One of the most magical beaches on the island is Apella, which strikes the perfect balance between absolute serenity and the comforts of an organized resort. Surrounded by a lush pine tree forest that goes all the way down to the shore, it is by itself one of the top reasons to visit the island.
• The photogenic Kyra Panagia is a heavenly cove stretching between two mountains. With its white sand and mesmerizing turquoise waters, it never fails to captivate visitors.
• In the area of Amoopi, one can find a series of magnificent sandy and pebbly beaches with shallow turquoise waters which are perfect for carefree family holidays. Among them are Megali Amoopi and Votsalakia, which are well-organized with water sports facilities and provide some of the best snorkeling spots on the island.

Discover the beaches

Built around a natural bay, Pigadia, the capital of Karpathos, is adorned with colorful mansions and offers visitors the chance to see some of the island’s major sights, such as the ruins of the Acropolis of Ancient Potidaion, the monumental Cave of Poseidon which functioned as a significant burial site and place of worship, the imposing Italian-style Province House and the small yet interesting Archaeological Museum. One of the best things to do is to explore its narrow alleys and stroll along the picturesque seaside promenade, which abounds in cafes and restaurants, as well as in vibrant bars that constitute the focal point of Karpathos’ nightlife.

Learn more about Pigadia

Looking for a place to stay in Karpathos? The island offers many charming options! These are our favorite hotels and accommodations on the island:
• For luxury holidays, the 5-star Alimounda Mare in Pigadia is one of the top seaside resorts on the island. Guests can enjoy magnificent sea views from its stunning infinity pool or use the state-of-the-art wellness center with its jacuzzi tubs, massage beds and gym area to unwind and have a truly rejuvenating experience.
• If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, check out Finiki View. This small, tastefully decorated complex offers comfortable and well-equipped rooms, as well as a spacious swimming pool. .
• To combine mountain and sea, consider staying in the Olympos Archipelagos Villas, located in Karpathos’ most beautiful village, beneath the shadow of the mountain and the quaint windmills. Harmonizing with the traditional Karpathian architecture, this is a great place for families and groups of friends.

The best hotels in Karpathos

It goes without saying that the distinctive culture of Karpathos could not fail to be reflected in its culinary tradition too. The mountainous landscape is ideal for stockbreeding, and cheeses like armyrotiri and sitaka, a creamy sheep’s or goat’s cheese which can be either tangy or sweet, are generously served along with various dishes. Fishing also plays a key role in the island’s economy, so fresh fish and seafood cooked in a variety of ways feature prominently among Karpathian specialties. Don’t miss the handmade pasta served with butter or cheese and caramelized onions, different kinds of pies stuffed with cheese, onions, or other ingredients, as well as delicious lamb or goat recipes such as vyzanti, anterizia and ofto. A visit to one of the island’s traditional taverns will convince you that a gastronomic exploration of Karpathos is one of the very best things to do!

Olympos village is one of the best places to taste authentic homemade recipes baked in wood stoves, with Edem Garden Restaurant and Milos Taverna being among the top choices. The family-run Ellinikon in Pigadia and Votsalo in Agios Nikolaos, where you will find a wide assortment of seafood, are also more than worth a visit.

More places to eat

Kasos is a tiny island untouched by mass tourism; it retains all its distinctive flair and never ceases to captivate visitors with its natural beauty, traditional feasts and mouthwatering local delicacies. And the most important thing: it’s just a stone’s throw away from Karpathos! Though ferries also operate between the two islands, taking a water taxi is the best thing to do if you’re planning a day trip rather than a longer stay. Water taxis run regularly during the summer months and are one of the fastest and most enjoyable ways of experiencing the Aegean Sea, feeling the gentle breeze on your face and a profound sense of peace in your heart as you gaze at the immensity of the big blue. Explore the quaint villages of Kasos with their beautiful mansions, hike to its impressive caves, and relax on fabulous beaches to create memories that will stay with you forever!

Explore Kasos Island

Karpathos is famous all over the world for its strong and steady winds, which make it a heaven for windsurfers. After all, it is no coincidence that international windsurfing competitions have been held there on more than one occasion. The shallow waters of coves like Makris Gialos are perfect for beginners, while the most advanced will find the best conditions for their favorite sport out in the open sea. In many of the organized beaches, there are qualified windsurfers to make sure you have a safe experience, so don’t miss this unique chance to have a massive adrenaline rush!

Discover the centers

Hiking is, beyond the shadow of a doubt, one of the best possible ways to experience Karpathos and its wild natural beauty from a wholly different perspective. Thanks to its mountainous layout, the island offers a plethora of fascinating hiking routes, which will take you through lofty cloud-covered mountains with spectacular views, pine forests, secluded beaches, and unspoiled valleys with traditional villages. Depending on the route, you may get the chance to discover small caves with stalactites and stalagmites, tiny chapels, and ancient sights, such as the ruins of the Arkassa Acropolis or the ancient city of Brycus. One of the most popular routes goes through Aperi, Volada, Othos and Piles, while, if you wish to escape civilization for a while, one of the best things to do would be to hike to Tristomo, a remote settlement without any tourist facilities or even electricity. If trying out these routes on your own sounds intimidating, there are plenty of guided hiking tours available for you to choose from.

Discover the trails

The coastline of northern Karpathos is full of hidden gems; among the most precious ones is the uninhabited islet of Saria, with its eerie Saracen settlement and impressive gorge, whose towering crags seem to be poised in mid-air. The highlight is the islet’s two mindblowing beaches, which are an integral part of all excursions to Saria. Boats to this charming islet depart from Diafani and Pigadia regularly, and booking a seat is one of the very best things to do in Karpathos.

More about Saria Islet

Even though Karpathos is a serene island, it has a diverse nightlife that will allow you to spend a delightful night out, against the backdrop of its beautiful seafront. Most of the island’s nightlife is concentrated in the seaside promenade of Karpathos’ capital town, where a nice selection of cafes, pubs and atmospheric music bars cater to all tastes, playing everything from the latest international hits to traditional Greek music. Party animals looking forward to dancing the night away will find their hearts’ delight in the nightclubs of Pigadia, while those who would rather sip a refreshing cocktail far from the hustle and bustle can head for the nearby Arkassa or any of the beach bars that line the organized beaches.

Find the best places for a night out

If you don’t have the time to include Rhodes in your itinerary, embarking on a one-day cruise to Lindos and the island’s emerald southeastern coast is definitely one of the best things to do while in Karpathos. Sail around the captivating town of Lindos and marvel at the stunning views of the Lindos Acropolis from the perspective of the sea! In this tour, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience, visiting some of the entire country’s most iconic beaches, such as the pristine shores of the Kamares Pirate Caves, Agios Pavlos, Haraki Bay, Agathi, and Ladiko, which enthralled the renowned Anthony Quinn while he was filming The Guns of Navarone.

Book the cruise

Beneath the virgin waters of Karpathos, there is vibrant marine life which is very easy to explore thanks to the exceptional clarity of the Aegean Sea. The island’s shores abound in fascinating diving sites, where you will have the chance to see colorful reefs, deep chasms and caverns, stunning swim-throughs, and mystery-covered wrecks; along the way, you will come across an extraordinary variety of marine species and, if you’re lucky, you may even get a glimpse of the endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal!

Scuba diving clubs in Karpathos

In the area south of Diafani, the coastline is dented with secluded pebbly coves where you can enjoy the sun and the immensity of the azure sea all by yourself, listening to the soothing sounds of nature and taking in the sublime views of northern Karpathos’ rugged mountainous landscape. How do you get there, though, if there are no bus routes and the dirt roads can hardly be accessed by vehicles? Hiking would certainly be a choice. One of the best things to do, though, is to take advantage of the local boats which start from Diafani and go through all these charming beaches, from Papa Minas to Nati and Agios Minas. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to unwind in the island’s most pristine seascapes!

One of the best things to do to immerse yourself in the authentic age-old customs of Karpathos is to attend one of the religious festivals organized throughout the year. Held in honor of the villages’ patron saints on their feast days, they are invariably accompanied by traditional music and dancing, as well as by copious quantities of excellent local wine and mouthwatering delicacies. The most notable panigyria can be found in the villages of Menetes, Aperi, Piles and Olympos on the 15th of August, but the feast of Agios Ioannis of Vourkounta is also bound to make a lasting impression on you, as it stretches over two days and takes place in one of the island’s most picturesque locations.

More festivals in Karpathos

But that's not all! There are a lot more things to do, from horseback-riding to enjoying a cup of coffee with a view of the sea at one of the local cafes!
We invite you to explore even more options that the island has to offer: