An island with distinctive morphology and a narrow-long shape featuring a long coastline both sides, Karpathos has so much more than its sun-kissed beaches to show. Its mountainous landscapes descending to verdant or barren plains that touch the shoreline are awaiting hikers to take them in a world of magic and pristine nature.
Its unique mountainous villages are also one of Karpathos main attractions where you will meet the friendly, hospitable locals and stroll around narrow alleys, colourful gardens and small traditional “kafeneia” (cafés) to enjoy a cup of Greek coffee.
The northern part of the island is a valuable ecosystem – along with the island Saria – and part of the Natura 2000 network; countless species of birds, serpents and two endangered species of amphibians, kohylina, a kind of salamander, and the Karpathian frog, only met on the island. Thus, nature lovers should definitely take a day’s trip to this fantastic ecosystem. Especially for birdwatching aficionados, this is a place of endless observation due to the vast ornithological variety of the island.
Likewise, those who are keen on botany will find here various options for botanic tours in the protected area of the north and will have the chance to see many of the endemic, rare species of the island’s flora.
Action lovers will also find their place in Karpathos; apart from hiking and biking, windsurfing fans should take a stroll at the southern part of the island, at Afiarti area, which is one of the renowned destinations among windsurfers around the world. Here the World Windsurfing Championship has been taking place since 2006 and athletes from around the world have ridden the area’s waves.
The mountainous terrain of Karpathos also makes it ideal for rock climbing with more than 100 climbing routes throughout various areas of the island. Lastly, the island’s spectacular marine ecosystem calls for scuba diving fans to dive and explore its marvels at several parts of the island.
BEST BEACHES IN KARPATHOS
Ahatta
A stunning cove nestled within dramatic verdant slopes with white pebbles and azure waters that is partially organized.
Agios Nikolaos (Arkasa)
A long sandy coast with crystalline waters and views to the island of Kasos, this is an organized beach that offers everything.
Apella
Awarded and one of the most famous beaches of the island with sand and some pebbles, featuring a lush verdant backdrop.
Kyra Panagia
The most photographed coast on the island with gold sand and cobalt, deep waters encircled by cliffs carpeted with pine trees.
Lefkos
Featuring remnants of an ancient town in some consecutive beaches, all organized, with sandy coasts and emerald waters.
Diakoftis
A double coast with tropical ambience, views to the southern cape of the island, golden sand and crystalline, exotic waters.
Forokli
Two charming beaches, one with natural shade from trees, and another one, less affected by winds, with grey sand.
Palatia Sarias
A virgin beach on the island of Saria, with trees that offer shade, pebbled coast and tranquil waters, reached by boat.
Amoopi
A popular summer resort featuring a few coasts with sand, shallow waters, ideal for families as they are organized and wind protected.
Christou Pigadi
On the southern part of the island, this is a calm coast with thin gravel and cooling waters as there is a natural spring flowing in the sea.
Agios Minas
A large, wide coast on the way to Olympos with greyish pebbles and wild beauty, non-organized and reached by a dirt road.
Psorari
A secluded coast at the southern part of the island with clean, transparent waters and cave-like rocks on its backdrop offering natural shade.
Afoti
Very near Pigadia, the island’s capital, this is a long stretch of sand with azure waters, beach facilities and a vibrant ambience.
Agrilaopotamos
The absolute surfer’s paradise, this is a small sandy, non-organized beach with shallow waters and strong winds.
Mihaliou o Kipos
Very near the island’s airport, this is a small cove with eroded rocks that form caves, ideal for snorkelling explorations in total serenity.
