WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOUR TRIP?
Karpathos Island: A Hidden Gem in the Aegean Sea
If you're looking for a Greek island that's off the beaten path, Karpathos is the perfect destination. Located in the southeastern Aegean Sea, Karpathos is the second largest island in the Dodecanese after Rhodes. It's a place where you can experience authentic Greek culture, stunning beaches, and breathtaking landscapes.
Here are some of the things you can do on Karpathos Island:
1. Explore the Villages
Karpathos is home to many traditional villages that have preserved their unique character and architecture. The most famous of these villages is Olympos, located on the northern part of the island. Olympos is known for its traditional houses, windmills, and narrow streets. Another village worth visiting is Menetes, which is located in the center of the island and has a beautiful square with a church and a fountain.
2. Visit the Beaches
Karpathos has some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. The most famous of these beaches is Apella, which is located on the east coast of the island. Apella is known for its crystal-clear waters and white sand. Other beaches worth visiting include Kyra Panagia, Amoopi, Lefkos and super nice laid back sandy beach with waves Saint Nicolas in Arkasa.
3. Taste the Local Cuisine
Karpathos is known for its delicious cuisine, which is based on fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Some of the most famous dishes on the island include moussaka, souvlaki, and stuffed vegetables. You can also try local specialties such as Karpathian cheese, honey, and wine.
4. Experience the Local Festivals
Karpathos is known for its many festivals and celebrations, which are held throughout the year. The most famous of these festivals is the Feast of the Assumption, which is held on August 15th in Olympos. During this festival, locals dress in traditional costumes and celebrate with music, dancing, and food.
If you're looking for a Greek island that's off the beaten path, Karpathos is the perfect destination. Located in the southeastern Aegean Sea, Karpathos is the second largest island in the Dodecanese after Rhodes. It's a place where you can experience authentic Greek culture, stunning beaches, and breathtaking landscapes.
Here are some of the things you can do on Karpathos Island:
1. Explore the Villages
Karpathos is home to many traditional villages that have preserved their unique character and architecture. The most famous of these villages is Olympos, located on the northern part of the island. Olympos is known for its traditional houses, windmills, and narrow streets. Another village worth visiting is Menetes, which is located in the center of the island and has a beautiful square with a church and a fountain.
2. Visit the Beaches
Karpathos has some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. The most famous of these beaches is Apella, which is located on the east coast of the island. Apella is known for its crystal-clear waters and white sand. Other beaches worth visiting include Kyra Panagia, Amoopi, Lefkos and super nice laid back sandy beach with waves Saint Nicolas in Arkasa.
3. Taste the Local Cuisine
Karpathos is known for its delicious cuisine, which is based on fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Some of the most famous dishes on the island include moussaka, souvlaki, and stuffed vegetables. You can also try local specialties such as Karpathian cheese, honey, and wine.
4. Experience the Local Festivals
Karpathos is known for its many festivals and celebrations, which are held throughout the year. The most famous of these festivals is the Feast of the Assumption, which is held on August 15th in Olympos. During this festival, locals dress in traditional costumes and celebrate with music, dancing, and food.
Karpathos Island is not only a destination for relaxation and cultural immersion, but it's also a great place for sports enthusiasts. Here are some of the sports you can do on Karpathos Island:
Surfing on the waves
The island is very famous for its strong wind in the southern part, where the airport is, but on SW part is right enough breeze to get waves and to make the climate perfect in hot summers. The waves on Saint Nicolas beach in Arkasa are perfect for beginners and for those who have some experience in riding waves. There is one surf school on the island- our Surfvival surf school, offering rent of boards, lessons, rent a bicycle and has the newest summer clothing well known surf brands. www.surfvivalschool.com
Windsurfing and Kitesurfing
Karpathos is known for its strong winds, making it a perfect destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The island has several beaches that are ideal for these sports, such as Devils bay, Gun Bay and Chicken Bay. There are also several windsurfing and kitesurfing schools(www.naishgreatdayz.com/en) on the island that offer lessons and equipment rental. The most professional which has best location is Meltemi windsurf center- www.meltemi.eu
Scuba Diving
Karpathos has some of the most beautiful underwater landscapes in Greece, making it a great destination for scuba diving. The island has one of the most professional diving centers that offer courses and guided dives for all levels of experience. You can explore the underwater caves, reefs, and shipwrecks and discover the rich marine life of the Aegean Sea. www.divingkarpathos.gr
Hiking and Trekking
As mentioned earlier, Karpathos has many hiking and trekking trails that offer stunning views of the island's landscapes. These trails are not only great for sightseeing but also for exercise. You can challenge yourself by hiking to the top of the island's highest peak, Mount Kali Limni, or explore the island's hidden gems on foot. There are a few organised companies that offer very interesting and unique trips. One is www.artandwalk.com and the other is https://www.ecotourism-karpathos.com
Mountain Biking
Karpathos has many dirt roads and trails that are perfect for mountain biking. You can rent a bike and explore the island's rugged terrain, passing through traditional villages, olive groves, and stunning landscapes. Mountain biking is a great way to stay active while enjoying the island's natural beauty. You can rent mountain bike at Surfvival Surf School - www.surfvivalsurfschool.com
Tennis and Volleyball
If you're looking for a more traditional sport, Karpathos has several tennis and volleyball courts that are open to the public. You can challenge your friends or family to a game while enjoying the island's sunny weather and beautiful scenery.
Rock Climbing
Not long time ago, a group of Polish expert climbers discovered Karpathos and transformed it into rock climbing paradise. They bolt many unique routs and you can have a great time on Karpathos if you are a climber. Visit their page- https://climbkarpathos.com
In conclusion, Karpathos Island is not only a destination for relaxation and cultural immersion but also a great place for sports enthusiasts. Whether you're into surfing, windsurfing, scuba diving, hiking, mountain biking, or traditional sports like tennis and volleyball, Karpathos has something for everyone. So, pack your sports gear and get ready to explore this beautiful island.
Surfing on the waves
The island is very famous for its strong wind in the southern part, where the airport is, but on SW part is right enough breeze to get waves and to make the climate perfect in hot summers. The waves on Saint Nicolas beach in Arkasa are perfect for beginners and for those who have some experience in riding waves. There is one surf school on the island- our Surfvival surf school, offering rent of boards, lessons, rent a bicycle and has the newest summer clothing well known surf brands. www.surfvivalschool.com
Windsurfing and Kitesurfing
Karpathos is known for its strong winds, making it a perfect destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing. The island has several beaches that are ideal for these sports, such as Devils bay, Gun Bay and Chicken Bay. There are also several windsurfing and kitesurfing schools(www.naishgreatdayz.com/en) on the island that offer lessons and equipment rental. The most professional which has best location is Meltemi windsurf center- www.meltemi.eu
Scuba Diving
Karpathos has some of the most beautiful underwater landscapes in Greece, making it a great destination for scuba diving. The island has one of the most professional diving centers that offer courses and guided dives for all levels of experience. You can explore the underwater caves, reefs, and shipwrecks and discover the rich marine life of the Aegean Sea. www.divingkarpathos.gr
Hiking and Trekking
As mentioned earlier, Karpathos has many hiking and trekking trails that offer stunning views of the island's landscapes. These trails are not only great for sightseeing but also for exercise. You can challenge yourself by hiking to the top of the island's highest peak, Mount Kali Limni, or explore the island's hidden gems on foot. There are a few organised companies that offer very interesting and unique trips. One is www.artandwalk.com and the other is https://www.ecotourism-karpathos.com
Mountain Biking
Karpathos has many dirt roads and trails that are perfect for mountain biking. You can rent a bike and explore the island's rugged terrain, passing through traditional villages, olive groves, and stunning landscapes. Mountain biking is a great way to stay active while enjoying the island's natural beauty. You can rent mountain bike at Surfvival Surf School - www.surfvivalsurfschool.com
Tennis and Volleyball
If you're looking for a more traditional sport, Karpathos has several tennis and volleyball courts that are open to the public. You can challenge your friends or family to a game while enjoying the island's sunny weather and beautiful scenery.
Rock Climbing
Not long time ago, a group of Polish expert climbers discovered Karpathos and transformed it into rock climbing paradise. They bolt many unique routs and you can have a great time on Karpathos if you are a climber. Visit their page- https://climbkarpathos.com
In conclusion, Karpathos Island is not only a destination for relaxation and cultural immersion but also a great place for sports enthusiasts. Whether you're into surfing, windsurfing, scuba diving, hiking, mountain biking, or traditional sports like tennis and volleyball, Karpathos has something for everyone. So, pack your sports gear and get ready to explore this beautiful island.
