Karpathos – The hidden gem in the Aegean Sea 

Karpathos is a Greek Island located in the Aegean Sea and it is located in the Southern part of the Dodecanese chain which is close to Rhodes which is just off the coast of Turkey. Karpathos has a very unique history that goes back to antiquity when it was first inhabited by farmers, shepherds, and hunters who had their own customs and dialects. These days, tourism reigns supreme on this island which is known for its crystal clear waters upon which there are many great options for ferries, such as Let’s Ferry, stunning white sand beaches with an abundance of natural beauty including flora and fauna which is a rare species that is only found on Karpathos.  If you’re looking for more information about this beautiful island and maybe a few reasons to visit, keep reading.

The essence of Karpathos 

Karpathos is situated in the Southern part of the Aegean Sea between Rhodes and Crete and is considered to be one of the most beautiful Greek islands. This island is very secluded and because of its position, it hasn’t yet been discovered by a mass of visitors. There are ferries available to various parts. Another option is to take a flight to Karpathos via Karpathos Island National Airport and flights are available throughout the year with a duration of only 1 hour. When you arrive on this beautiful island, it is advised that you take a taxi to your accommodation because the airport is located 14km away from the central spot of the island. Karpathos has a tiny population of only 6511 inhabitants which is great if you’re looking to have a private and secluded getaway. When on the island be sure to check out the following:

  1. Apella Beach: This is the most famous beach on the island that offers beautiful views and lovely turquoise water.
  2. Achata Beach: This is another popular beach on the island with beautiful cliffs and caves.

The best things to do on the Island

Karpathos offers very little to do because the island is not very developed in tourism. You can however enjoy windsurfing in the bay of Afiartis which is on the Southwest part of the island. This bay is the most popular for windsurfing and there is even an international windsurfing competition organized here every summer. Another activity for water lovers is diving, which is very popular. The marine life in the area provides an unforgettable diving experience. In terms of other activities, hiking and swimming are your only two options, unfortunately. Karpathos has beautiful hiking trails that lead to old chapels, secluded beaches, hilltops, and mountain villages. If you fancy something to eat and drink, you can choose one of the many places scattered across the island; however, most of the restaurants are found in Pigadia, Ammoopi, Arkasa, and Diafani which are popular tourist spots. If you want to enjoy the nightlife, you will want to go to a few bars in Pigadia. You can also experience a bit of culture and tradition with the Panagias Festival which happens on August 15 and is a time for locals to dress up in colorful outfits with gold coins hanging from their necklaces as a display of wealth. You will find church services and afterward, musicians will play traditional folk songs in the central square.

Things you should know about the island before going there

If you’re planning to visit this beautiful destination, here is some additional information that you need to take note of:

  • The currency used is the Euro (EUR).
  • Transport options on the island include public buses, taxis, cars, motorbike rentals, and organized tours. 
  • In terms of weather and climate, Karpathos is very pleasant. January and December experience the most rain and August is the driest month with 0 days of rain. Other dry periods include June and July.
  • The best time to visit Karpathos is from June – mid-September because this is when you will experience the best weather and can enjoy the beaches. 
  • You won’t have to worry about safety because the island is generally safe.

Hopefully, this is enough to convince you to add this beautiful Island to your next vacation list.