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Home - Travel Destinations - Karpathos: Escape the Crowds and Explore the Greek Island’s Hidden Gem
If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Do you want to cut the crowds? Then Karpathos is your next holiday destination because not everybody knows about Karpathos, as it is much less known than the likes of Santorini, Rhodes Island, or most other Greek Islands. Finally, Karpathos is where you get to chill at a seaside restaurant after a long year of stress, meander local markets, and go on laid-back cruises.
Karpathos (meaning “rocky”) is not the most popular, or largest of the Greek islands. In fact, it lies in the 15th spot in terms of the top 30 largest Greek Islands.
The island is part of the Dodecanese collection of islands between Crete and Turkey and is slightly off the beaten track. It will take a bit more traveling to get here, but it is worth every effort!
Nothing beats a summer vacation on a Greek Island. And this little-known gem of an island in the south-east Aegean Sea is no exception.
The average temperatures from May to October are above 20°C (70°F).
Greece’s summer is from June to August, but the weather conditions are just as great just before and after the summer season. Also, you’ll pick up cheaper accommodation before or after the peak season.
🎒 Travel Tip(s):
One of the shortest commercial flights in the world lasts 10 minutes. The flight connects Karpathos and Kasos, the Greek Island of Sea Foams. Once in Kasos, indulge in private vineyard wine time: sip fine wines, savor delectable pickings, and soak in panoramic views of the ocean and mountains.
And put on your walking shoes for long scenic walks, with your camera in hand to capture all the scenic views. One place that immediately comes to mind is Olympos.
The quaint mountain village of Olympos sits on the northern side of the island. Here you’ll find that women still proudly wear colorful handmade costumes.
Another pretty village is Mesochori (meaning village in the middle), 34 km northwest of Pigadia, the capital city of Karpathos.
Besides the beautiful whitewashed houses and natural springs, you’ll enjoy the most beautiful sunsets from Mesochori.
The church of Agios Ioannis, the church of the Virgin, and the Byzantine church of Agia Irini is worth seeing while you’re here. The frescoes are simply beautiful.
Get lots of Vitamin D on Karpathos’ unspoilt beaches. For instance Apella Beach, Lefkos, Kyra Pagina (one of the best beached in Karpathos), or Vrontis Beach where you can cool down in crystal clear water.
Being on an island, fish is a given. In all of its varieties – cooked, boiled, grilled, baked, cold, warm…
However, when it comes to Karpathian cuisine, there are a few favorites I recommend.
You can’t help but NOT love this delicious variety of Greek pasta. It is a traditional meal in Karpathos, made with flour and water. It has no egg whatsoever, which makes it pleasantly different from the usual pasta dishes.
My Mom used to wrap spiced beef mince in cabbage leaves. Little did I know it’s a variety of the original Greek Dolmades! The traditional Greek way is to wrap a rice and herb mixture in grape (vine) leaves and boil it until tender.
I love a good salad and I was not disappointed with my choice. It came with super tasty bread cubes and the salad was as fresh as a daisy!
When you feel like a break from fish, try Byzanti, a Karpathian meat specialty. It’s a traditional meal during the Greek Easter season. The meat, either a goat kid or lamb, is filled with a mixture of chopped offal, rice or bulgur, and scallions.
🎒 Travel Tip(s):
The Taverna is in the center of Olympos village. It is also the most historic Taverna in Olympos village.
The Parthenon Taverna, a family-owned business, is one of three historic taverns in Olympos. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering traditional Greek cuisine and a place to socialize. With a rooftop terrace boasting a 360-degree view, you can enjoy your meal while witnessing breathtaking sunsets. Nikos Filippakis and family, who are 4th and 5th generation owners, have artistic backgrounds in photography, painting, and music. Additionally, The Parthenon Taverna is notable as the home of Yannis Philippakis, the frontman of the British band Foals.
Hike to some of the remote and equally pristine beaches on the island’s coastline. Agios Minas beach has a Taverna, but some of the remote beaches have absolutely nothing. For instance, at Kato Lakkos you may very well end up having the beach to yourself! Kato Lakkos is accessible by foot only (about a 20-minute hike, excluding photo breaks) Forget even a 4 x 4 drive. I guess one should not be surprised if you are joined by one or two naturists, as in our case.
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🎒 Travel Tip(s):
If you’re planning to hop between Greek islands, knowing about island groups helps you save money while enjoying awesome adventures. It’s like smart travel on a budget without missing out on amazing experiences.
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