Tourism
Vacation in Greece
Karpathos: A Greek vacation with a taste of yesteryear
On the one hand, a relaxed tummy-tuck on the beach.
On the other hand, hiking trails in nature (with a special navigation app).
And in between, plenty of pristine bays just waiting for you to discover with them, extreme sports and villages that seem to have frozen in time.
The island of Karpathos is different from anything you knew in Greece.
Once upon a time, even the pirates flew (floated) on it
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Karpathos
Greece
In collaboration with the Tourist Board of Greece
Wednesday, 09 June 2021, 09:00 Updated: 13:51
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Beach, hiking and exciting beauty (Photo: PR)
It turns out that even today, at the beginning of the 21st century, there are residents on the Greek island of Karpathos who measure the distance from one point to another, according to the walking time and not the number of kilometers.
This little anecdote just shows you how much this beautiful space preserves its ancient traditions.
Therefore, Karpathos is a type of time capsule, if you will.
And this capsule is home to picturesque lagoons, photogenic villages and a great deal of serenity and an atmosphere of simplicity that is so much needed by all of us these days.
Karpathos is located in the Aegean Sea, somewhere between Rhodes and Crete.
But the connection between it and these two more popular islands is almost coincidental.
Here you will not find extreme water parks, adrenaline-filled theme parks or glittering casino complexes.
Here you will find the pre-commercial days of the Greek experience.
It features a wealth of local customs and folklore and authentic costumes.
The result: a Greek holiday with a taste of yesteryear, special and unforgettable.
Wading in the clear water (Photo: PR)
Wandering around the village: like visiting a living museum
Humans inhabited the Carpathians as early as around 2500 BC, and the spirit of the past blows here mainly in the picturesque villages.
There were many rulers and conquerors here, including the Egyptians, Turks and even pirates, who coveted this beautiful island throughout history.
The island covers an area of 300 square kilometers, is located at the northern end and pristine small island, named Saria (Saria). In ancient times, it was an integral part of the Big Island, but terrifying earthquake, causing them to separate.
Krftos offers mountain cliffs Steep and charming bays, with clear-clear water, but nature is only part of the scenery of your trip, since the authentic villages occupy a place of honor here.
In fact, if you decide to visit only one village on the island, this village will be Olympos, considered the heart and soul of Karpathos. Due to its relatively remote location in the north of the island, the villagers have been isolated for centuries, when only in the late 1970s, were they connected to the electricity network and roads on the island. As such, they developed traditions of their own and even a unique dialect of the Greek language. A stroll through the village feels like a visit to a living and vibrant folklore museum. Pay attention to the traditional costumes and celebrations held here from time to time. By the way, if you come to the island on August 15, do not miss the annual festival, which is held in the church square. Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy souvenirs and handmade items, such as carved wooden sculptures, leather goods, including boots and sandals, various musical instruments, clothing items and even sweet honey from locally made. In addition to all this, this village - surrounded by dramatic panoramic views - is an excellent starting point for nature walks.
Recommended tip: Try to get to the village of Olympus before 11:00 in the morning or after 17:30, when many tourists no longer roam here, and you will get a (almost) private Greek village.
Take a stroll through the village and the beautiful beach (Photo: PR)
An ancient city, and also an unforgettable celebration
Each visit to the Carpathians will of course include the capital city Pigadia, which also serves as the main port city.
Here, do not miss a visit to the Archaeological Museum, housed in a beautiful Art Deco building that served as the headquarters of the Italian army that conquered the island in the first half of the last century.
The museum displays
fascinating
finds
from the Neolithic period to the Byzantine period.
Even if you are not an avid archeology enthusiast, you may be surprised.
Not far away, the ancient city awaits you, with ancient buildings, including an ancient altar from the fifth century, located in the Church of Aghia Sofia.
And another recommendation in the spirit of the past: If you come to the island on August 30-28, do not miss the traditional celebration in Vroukounda, which takes place outside a remote chapel nestled in a cave by the sea.
During the event, many women from around the area, dressed in the best traditional costumes, arrive at the venue on donkeys, with accommodation and food supplies.
From this moment, the revelry that lasts all night begins.
once in a lifetime experience.
Get to know Karpathos up close (Photo: PR)
In the nature of Karpathos: trails, cliffs and one app
As already mentioned, north of the island is the small island of Saria, which covers an area of 21 square kilometers. It has antiquities, caves, a church, the remains of fortifications against pirate attacks and of course, beaches that look like a painting. To this day, there is an annual festival next to a chapel at the top of the mountain, a particularly spectacular natural site is the Edi Canyon, where a trail will meet you with rare birds of prey. Or in a kayak you can
rent.In general, nature hiking enthusiasts will enjoy every moment in the Carpathian: the island offers 23 hiking trails, and even a dedicated navigation app for hiking, which can be downloaded to your mobile (Karpathian Paths).
One of the popular routes winds north, between Avlona and Tristomo.
The trip lasts about three and a half hours, and will introduce you to the best views of the island, including an area designated for wildlife conservation.
End the trip in a beautiful bay reminiscent of a fjord.
If you are in the business of a little more extreme, you should know that Karpathos offers activities such as rock climbing, more than 150 different climbing sites.
In addition, you will discover here a whole world of windsurfing and diving clubs.
Everything you can dream of on an ideal Greek vacation (Photo: PR)
100 beaches.
Just choose
And speaking of the sea - the island boasts no less than 100 bathing beaches, and the biggest problem here is simply choosing your beach. Among the recommended beaches you will find Apella beach in the east of the island, where white sand, clear water and pine trees almost kiss the sea. If you are looking for a bath without a bathing suit, then a short drive south, to the beach of Mikri Apella, will do the job well.
Other recommended beaches include Diakoftis, a beach with an exotic look, mainly due to its turquoise waters. If you're in the business of snorkeling, do not miss the Kipos Michaliou beach, in whose waters you will discover spectacular underwater rock formations. On the beach itself there are caves whose walls are covered with shells.
And if you prefer a (relatively) secluded one, try the beaches of Forokli and Aghios Minas. Recently there is even a cute cafe and bar that operates 24 hours a day.
And no matter what you do, experience or see in the Carpathians, do not go home before tasting the local goat cheese Manouri, which all the different tavern owners make yourself.
It has several versions, but the best version is to simply order Manori cheese of any kind, take your time and immerse yourself in the sea.
Here are some suggestions not to be missed:
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Like another world: 3.5 hours from Athens we discovered a Greek island that stopped in time
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