Karpathos Island Overview

It would be very easy to overlook Karpathos as a holiday destination. Nestled between the larger and more popular island of Rhodes and the much larger island of Crete, it’s not somewhere I had even considered visiting until 2021. While planning my extended tour of the Greek islands, I was looking for a route north from Crete that would take me to some new places, and Karpathos turned out to be the perfect solution.

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Getting to Karpathos

Though accessible by ferry, the easiest way to get here is via internal flight from Athens or, if you live in one of a few European countries that offer direct flights (Germany and the Netherlands are two possibilities). There are ferries from Piraeus, but because Karpathos is one of the furthest islands from mainland Greece, these crossings can take 18 hours or more.

You can take ferries from several other islands, most notably Crete (as I did), Rhodes, Milos, Santorini and several others.

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Where to Stay in Karpathos

Karpathos offers a wide range of places to stay, from lively beach resorts to peaceful mountain villages. Whether you’re after a relaxed seaside holiday, a base for windsurfing, or an immersive cultural experience, the island has a destination to match your travel style.

Pigadia (Karpathos Town)

As the island’s capital and main port, Pigadia is the most convenient base, especially for first-time visitors. It offers the largest selection of hotels, apartments, restaurants, shops, and car rental services. The town has a long waterfront promenade, a lively atmosphere in summer, and easy access to nearby beaches like Amoopi and Achata. It’s ideal for those who want a mix of comfort, amenities, and access to day trips around the island.

Amoopi (or Ammopi)

Located just a 10-minute drive south of Pigadia, Amoopi is one of Karpathos’s most popular beach areas. It’s well-suited to families, couples, and anyone looking for a laid-back seaside holiday. The area has a range of accommodation — from budget studios to stylish boutique hotels — and several sandy beaches with shallow waters, beach bars, and traditional tavernas. Amoopi is quieter than Pigadia but still offers enough dining and leisure options for a stress-free stay.

Lefkos

Situated on the west coast, Lefkos is a charming and peaceful beach village perfect for travellers seeking a slower pace. It has several coves with soft sand and turquoise water, as well as small family-run hotels and tavernas overlooking the sea. Lefkos is popular with couples, nature lovers, and repeat visitors who come for its beauty and tranquillity. It’s a bit more remote, so a rental car is recommended if you want to explore the island.

Arkasa

A great option for those who want to combine beach time with a taste of traditional life, Arkasa is a lively village with a mix of local charm and tourist-friendly infrastructure. The nearby Agios Nikolaos Beach is ideal for swimming, and the village itself has several cafes, bakeries, and tavernas. Accommodation ranges from simple studios to more upscale options. Arkasa is also a good base for exploring the archaeological site of ancient Arkesia.

Olympos

If you’re looking for an unforgettable cultural experience, consider staying in Olympos — one of Greece’s most traditional and photogenic mountain villages. Built along a dramatic ridge in the island’s remote north, Olympos is known for its preserved customs, local dress, and hand-crafted goods. Accommodation is limited to small guesthouses and boutique-style rooms, and while it’s not the most convenient base for beachgoers, it’s perfect for hiking, photography, and connecting with authentic island life.

Finiki

A quiet fishing village on the west coast, Finiki is ideal for those who love fresh seafood and peaceful surroundings. Its small beach and charming harbour are backed by family-run tavernas and a handful of relaxed accommodations. It’s a great spot for couples or solo travellers looking to unplug.

Afiartis

Close to the airport and well-known among windsurfing enthusiasts, Afiartis is home to several beaches that catch the strong summer meltemi winds. Accommodation here caters mostly to surfers, but the rugged landscape and uncrowded beaches make it appealing to adventurous travelers as well.

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Things to see and do on Karpathos

Karpathos is one of the most captivating yet lesser-known islands in the Dodecanese, offering a perfect blend of rugged natural beauty, traditional culture, and unspoiled beaches. Whether you’re an adventure lover, history enthusiast, or someone simply seeking a slower pace of life, Karpathos has plenty to offer.

Start your exploration in Olympos, one of the most iconic villages in Greece. Perched on a mountainside in the north of the island, Olympos feels frozen in time, with brightly painted houses, windmills, and women dressed in traditional clothing. It’s a must-see for a glimpse into authentic island life and folk customs that have survived for centuries.

Beach lovers will be spoiled for choice. Apella Beach, with its white pebbles and turquoise water, is often ranked among the most beautiful in Greece. Kyra Panagia and Amoopi are also stunning options, offering crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling. For something more secluded, head to Achata or Diakoftis, where the scenery is dramatic and the crowds are few.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the island’s scenic hiking trails, which wind through pine forests, mountain ridges, and remote villages. The trail between Spoa and Olympos offers breathtaking views and a real sense of connection with the island’s rugged interior.

For windsurfing, Karpathos is considered one of the best spots in the Aegean. The beaches of Afiartis, near the airport, are a hotspot for both beginners and professionals, thanks to consistent summer winds and organised surf stations.

Don’t miss a visit to the charming old town of Menetes, with its colourful houses and hilltop churches, or Arkasa, a coastal village that combines history, beaches, and lively tavernas. Nearby, you can explore the ancient ruins of Arkesia, a classical city dating back to the 4th century BC.

Cultural events and religious festivals offer a deeper connection to local life. If you’re visiting in August, try to catch a traditional panigiri (village feast), where music, dancing, and feasting go late into the night.

From mountain villages and ancient ruins to idyllic beaches and adrenaline-fueled water sports, Karpathos is an island that invites you to slow down, dig deeper, and discover its rich layers at your own pace.

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Karpathos Beaches

Karpathos is blessed with some of the most breathtaking and unspoiled beaches in the Aegean. From secluded coves to windsurfing hotspots, the island’s coastline offers a beach for every mood — whether you’re chasing calm waters, dramatic cliffs, or golden sands.

Apella Beach is the island’s most famous beach, and for good reason. Nestled between pine-covered cliffs and the turquoise sea, it combines soft white pebbles with crystal-clear water. It’s perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and soaking up the serene beauty of Karpathos. Get there early, especially in summer, as it’s one of the island’s most popular spots.

Just south lies Kyra Panagia, a stunning beach framed by steep rocky hills and overlooked by a small church that gives the beach its name. The contrast of red-roofed chapels, white cliffs, and deep blue sea makes this one of Karpathos’s most photogenic locations. Organised sunbeds and tavernas nearby make it great for a full-day visit.

For windsurfing and water sports, head to Afiartis, where reliable summer winds make it a haven for adrenaline lovers. The long, open beaches here are more rugged and wild, ideal for active beachgoers or anyone seeking something off the typical tourist trail.

Amoopi Bay, near Pigadia, is popular with families thanks to its calm, shallow waters and a variety of beach bars and tavernas. It actually includes several beaches — from the main Mikri Amoopi to quieter coves nearby — making it easy to find your ideal sunbathing spot.

For something more remote, Achata Beach offers a peaceful escape with dramatic surroundings and transparent blue-green waters. It’s great for snorkeling and relaxing in nature, with a few sunbeds and a local taverna for convenience.

On the southern tip of the island, Diakoftis Beach offers a slice of Caribbean-like paradise. Its fine white sand and shallow, shimmering water make it one of Karpathos’s hidden gems—though its remote location and lack of facilities mean it’s best for those seeking a more off-grid experience.

Other beaches worth mentioning include Lefkos, a charming sandy beach village with multiple coves and shallow swimming areas, and Damatria, a quiet beach with soft sand and calm seas that’s ideal for a peaceful afternoon.

From wild and windy to calm and family-friendly, the beaches of Karpathos reveal the island’s natural diversity and are among the most beautiful in the Dodecanese.

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Accommodation on Karpathos

Karpathos offers a wide variety of accommodation to suit every kind of traveller — from family-run guesthouses and beachside studios to boutique hotels and luxury villas. The island’s low-key charm and authentic atmosphere are reflected in its places to stay, which tend to favour personal hospitality over mass tourism. Whether you’re looking for convenience, seclusion, or local character, you’ll find something to match your style.

For those seeking comfort and convenience, Pigadia (Karpathos Town) offers the widest selection of hotels and apartments. Alimounda Mare Hotel stands out for its beachfront location, large pool, and four-star amenities, making it ideal for couples and families alike. Atlantis Hotel is another well-rated option, offering excellent value with a central location and sea views.

If you prefer a relaxed beach vibe, Amoopi is home to some of the island’s best-loved accommodations. Helios Beach Hotel is a boutique option just steps from the shore, known for its friendly service and stylish design. For something more family-oriented, Amoopi Bay Hotel offers great sea views and easy access to the calm, sandy beaches nearby.

For a peaceful escape, consider staying in Lefkos or Arkasa, where you’ll find small, family-run studios and seaside apartments. Blue Horizon Studios in Lefkos offers a laid-back stay near quiet coves, while Arkasa Palace Boutique Villas in Arkasa combines comfort and independence with views of the sea and the surrounding countryside.

Travellers looking for an authentic cultural experience might stay in the mountain village of Olympos, where traditional guesthouses like Olympos Archipelagos offer a unique glimpse into local life, complete with handmade décor and warm hospitality.

There are also many self-catering apartments and villas scattered across the island, ideal for families or longer stays. Sound of the Sea Hotel near Pigadia provides spacious, apartment-style suites with a pool and panoramic views, while Silene Villas offers elegant, fully equipped villas in a peaceful setting.

From cosy seaside studios to boutique hotels and traditional village stays, Karpathos has a relaxed, welcoming accommodation scene that complements its wild beauty and rich culture.

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Karpathos Food and Drink

Karpathos may be a quiet, traditional island, but when it comes to food and drink, it offers a surprisingly rich and satisfying scene. From home-style tavernas serving centuries-old recipes to relaxed beach bars and elegant restaurants with sea views, dining on Karpathos is all about fresh ingredients, warm hospitality, and stunning surroundings.

For a traditional Greek meal, you’re never far from a family-run taverna dishing up local favourites like makarounes (handmade pasta with sautéed onions and cheese), kavourmas, and freshly caught fish. Stema Taverna in Pigadia is a beloved local institution known for its friendly atmosphere and authentic Karpathian cooking. In the mountain village of Olympos, Parthenon offers not only incredible homemade dishes but also panoramic views and a glimpse into the island’s cultural heritage.

If you’re after seaside dining, the villages of Amoopi, Lefkos, and Finiki are ideal. Four Seasons in Amoopi combines fresh seafood with creative touches in a casual yet refined setting. In Finiki, Mama Cuisine is a long-time favourite for grilled fish, octopus, and local wine right by the water’s edge. Lefkos is home to Meltemi Taverna, a relaxed spot serving traditional dishes just steps from the beach.

For a more upscale experience, Karpathos Town (Pigadia) has a growing number of modern restaurants that blend Greek flavours with international flair. To Perasma is a top choice for a romantic dinner or special occasion, offering elevated local cuisine in an elegant setting. Grande is another stylish option, with a Mediterranean-fusion menu and great cocktails.

While Karpathos is not a party island, it has a modest but enjoyable bar scene, mostly centred around Pigadia. For a casual drink with a sea breeze, head to Anoi Bar, a cosy rooftop cocktail bar known for its relaxed vibe and friendly staff.

From rustic tavernas and sunset-view terraces to cool bars and beachfront cafés, Karpathos offers a dining and nightlife experience that’s as relaxed and genuine as the island itself.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Karpathos

Here are some commonly asked questions about Karpathos:

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Karpathos: Conclusions and Alternatives

We spent five nights on Karpathos in July 2021 and had a great time. The island has a relaxed, traditional feel, unlike Rhodes, its more popular and heavily-touristed neighbour. We loved the variety of beaches, sights and local cuisine.

If you’ve been to Karpathos before and want to find alternative islands offering a similar experience, here are our recommendations:

• Folegandros is a much smaller island located in the central-western Cyclades. It has a similarly peaceful vibe, albeit with fewer resorts to explore. It does have a very pretty Chora and perhaps a better culinary experience.
• Amorgos: one of the easternmost Cycladic islands, Amorgos is known for its beautiful mountainous terrain and is popular with hikers.
• Serifos: another island in the western Cyclades, Serifos is overshadowed by its more popular neighbours, such as Syros, Sifnos and Milos, but is worth a visit if you like getting away from it all.

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Karpathos Blog Posts

Find out more about Karpathos by reading our recent blog posts: