EXPERIENCE THE ISLAND

The beaches of Karpathos are something the visitor wont find in many Greek islands. Virgin beaches, crystal and clear waters, with sand or tiny pebbles, untouched by human activity. Variety and harmony compose fascinating scenery and an unforgettable destination. Karpathos is characterized as one of the most beautiful islands of Greece.

• The climate of Karpathos is definitely Mediterranean:One main characteristic of the Mediterranean climate are the strong winds during summer well-known as "Meltemia"("etisian winds"), whereas during wintertime there are low levels of rain and mild temperatures.
• Tradition and authenticity: Karpathos maintains its traditions and the authenticity of villages more than any other island of the Aegean. An ideal destination for those that want they combine their vacation with traditional places and take part in the local festivities. In the village of Olympus the women continue to wear local traditional costume revealing their strong ties with Carpathian traditions.
• Local traditional products: Karpathos produces grapes and from these high quality wine. It also produces oil, grapes, honey, citrus fruits and others. The traditional folklore works of art, such at the Karpathian plates, woven fabrics and others are also products that are produced here. In the sea of Karpathos a lot of tasteful fish are fished. At the south part of the island you will have the chance to see flat like limestones.
• A real paradise: The island is now one of the characteristic tourist islands that still keeps all of its authenticity. Its natural beauties are superior to those of other islands. Despite the wild beauty of the traditional, pure and untouched nature, and the wonderful isolated beaches, Karpathos is still intact by mass tourism, and looks like a real paradise. This island is so varied and original that it is ideal for photographers and painters, and quite a few artists have taken refuge here. It might be a bit difficult to get here, but once you've made it you won't regret it.

Sightseeing and Insider's Info

• Folklore: Although Karpathos is a small island it remains exceptional because of its rich tradition which has roots from ancient years and especially because of the local people's devotion to preserving their customs and traditions and living according to these values. This devotion is due to its geographical position and to the genuine spirit of the Karpathians. Remarkable is the devotion of Karpathian people - not only the ones living in Karpathos, but all Karpathian who live abroad - to their traditions and customs. Folk songs and rhymes composed and sang at the same time ("mantinades"), proverbs, riddles, tales, myths, games, wishes, curses, oaths are part of the everyday life of people - younger and elder, men and women - since ancient times. A special place in the hearts of Karpathian people has the traditional karpathian festivity ("kathisto glenti"). The men sit around a table with the music players of the traditional instruments, drinking wine and composing and singing songs. They are given the opportunity to express their feelings - joy or pain depending on the occasion. The "lyra", "laouto", "tsambouna" and the "violi" are the traditional karpathian musical instruments and are inseparable part of a karpathian festivity.
• Festivity (glenti): One can attend a Karpathian "glenti" in various celebrations and in social events especially weddings, baptisms, name days. After singing in the karpathian "glenti" and having expressed their feelings and thoughts and at the peak of cheerfulness the people feel the need to dance the traditional karpathian dances. Many customs have their roots in Ancient times and are preserved till nowadays unchanged and the people feel proud taking part in this way of life.

The island's must visit beaches

• Apella: The most famous beach of Karpathos having received many international awards. To reach Apella take the road to Spoa and 7kms after the crossroad to Kyra Panagia, there is a sign indicating the way to your right. The waters are emerald and become deep after a certain point; the bech is covered by sand and fine pebbles. All the people that voted this beach on the interent as the best one in the Mediterranean must know something... You will find umbrellas. deck chairs, drinking water and a restaurant.
• Agios Nikolaos, Arkasa: It is an organized beach 500m from Arkasa village and 15km from Pigadia. It is clearly a beach that is also appropriate for families because you will find restaurants, umbrellas, deck chairs, hotels and rooms, and a beach volley ground setup. The water is shallow and the beach is covered by fine white sand. The large waves are truly reminiscent of Hawaiian beaches. The view of the ancient Acropolis of Arkasa is a plus!
• Ahata: Deep blue waters and fine pebbles create the picture of Ahata. On the beach you will find snack bars, and for shade you will have umbrellas and trees. Ahata is 16 km from Pigadia and 4 km from Aperi.
• Afoti: The beach of Ammos - Xenonas continues down to the beach of Afoti, boasting the marble columns of the early Christian basilica of Agia Photini. It is the second beach of Pigadia and also offers an array of taverns, umbrellas and deck chairs. It is a good solution for the days that you want to stay close to the capital.
• Kyra Panagia: A church close to the seashore will cost you some extra film... It is one of the beaches that we most often see in photographs. A long beach of abudant sand and emerald waters. Its distinctive characteristic is the vertical cliffs surrounding it. It is a family beach with restaurants, umbrellas, mini market, deck chairs, while the are trees for those who prefer more natural solutions for shade.
• Diakoftis: An accessible gravel road of 6km will take you to the emarald shallow waters of Diakoftis, where the prevailling element of the impressive landscape is the white sand. The gravel road meets at the crossroads with the main road, also covered with gravel, leading towards Arkasa, right along the west fence of the airport. If the route seems difficult do not be discouraged; you can always follow the signs. Once there, you will see a stretch of land, covered only with sand, splitting the sea in two and going on to form a small headland. Diakoftis is a double beach. The distance from Pigadia is 21km. The rock opposite looks like a fortress this is why it is called Kastelos (castle).
• Vatha: This is the surfers' favourite beach. To get there, you take a short gravel road (300m) from the main road to the airport. It is 13km for Pigadia and almost the entire stretch of the shore for approximately 1km is covered with coarse sand. You will find a perfectly organized windsurfing facility for devotees of the sport, as well as their friends and spectators. There are no umbrellas on the beach. The infrastructure for surfing is excellent and offers all necessary safety features in a very friendly environment.