Karpathos is the second largest of the Greek Dodecanese islands and without a doubt one of the most gorgeous islands in Greece. It is a remote paradise, situated between Rhodes and Crete. Favorably, it is still not discovered by the masses, so you can enjoy secluded beaches and relax in one of many bays the island offers you. The nature of Karpathos is breathtaking with its crystal clear water and picturesque villages which makes this place an ultimate Greek destination for gulet cruises. It is rich in culture, nature, and tradition so everyone will easily find something that will interest them.
GULET CRUISE GUIDE
THE BEST PRIVATE MARINAS, PORTS OR ANCHOR POINTS
Ports: Karpathos has 2 ports called Pigadia and Diafani as well as a few anchorages.
Pigadia or Port Karpathos
The capital main port is Pigadia, protected by winds and surrounded by a beautiful rocky landscape. From here you can walk through the city or choose to visit one of many restaurants and enjoy the great food of Karpathos.
Diafani
It is a new small port in the north part of town. Therefore it is a perfect location for the ones who don’t want to miss a trip to the village Olympos built on the slopes of a hill and with traditional style.
Anchorages:
There are many anchorages where you can stay and enjoy the beautiful beaches: Pigadia Bay, Amorfos Bay, Makris Yialos, Finiki, Tristomo
MOST POPULAR CHOICES:
Pigadia
Pigadia is the center of island life that offers various possibilities for entertainment and relaxation. The city and the port are located on the southeastern side of Karpathos. The location of the port makes her ideal for exploration of the south and north area. For this reason, most visitors will choose Pigadia, but also because many restaurants, hotels, resorts, and shops are located here If you are looking for quick refreshments the Pigadia beach near the port is 4 kilometers long with nice sand suitable for families with kids too.
Diafani
This post is located in a small charming village surrounded by beautiful landscapes and architecture. It is a perfect choice when starting to take a tour of the most interesting village of Karpathos; Olympos village. The area also has nice beaches where you can take a swim on a hot sunny day and have some fun with watersports.
Discover our Greek gulet fleet
Get inspired and find the gulet of your dreams.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT KARPATHOS:
- It is the second-largest island in the group of Dodecanese islands.
- People settled here many years ago to escape from pirates.
- North and the south were developed independently and supposedly have also different origins.
- They wear some peculiar dresses and speak a very distinctive dialect which is quite fascinating.
- It is considered as a land of Titans, because of Atlas, Prometheus, and Epimetheus that are known as the first inhabitants of Karpathos.
MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS
- Visit the Olympos Village
Olympos Village is one of the most famous villages of Karpathos, isolated until not long ago. This charming place holds exceptional beauty, beautiful green plains, and cliffs.
Houses in Olympos preserved their traditional color and layout so the whole village itself is like an open-air museum. Today, the village has a population of 400 inhabitants most of whom are mostly women and fewer men. The area is also quite known for the hand made boots or slippers made by a famous local shoemaker.
- Visit the Menetes and the Folklore museum
Menetes is a village that dates from the Middle Ages that was back then under pirate attacks. The village is built in the shape of an amphitheater in a beautiful landscape dotted with churches in and around the village.
In Menetes you can explore narrow streets and a local Folklore Museum with its wide collection of traditional items of local people. Architecture is gorgeous and so many of the balconies are colored by various flowers. This is a great place for history lovers and those seeking for untouched nature.
- Explore most beaches and get ready to eat like a king
Dive into many beautiful beaches, untouched since Ancient times. It is indescribable how crystal clear water is. The best beach to swim and snorkel that we would recommend is Diakoftis beach. If you also want to eat good and drink you must stop at Finiki beach that is quite beautiful surrounded by a gorgeous landscape.
Karpathos has a rich culinary tradition so do not hesitate to try their specialties. Karpathos’ cuisine is primarily based on the island’s agricultural products such as seafood, free-range meat, greens, herbs, quality olive oil… However, most well-known products are honey and olive oil, which both are locally produced and grown mainly at the village of Olympos.
RESTAURANTS IN KARPATHOS
- Taverna Dolphin
One of the best seafood restaurants in Finiki village that you can find. The staff is very attentive and welcoming to its customers.
- Poseidon
Seafood restaurants in village Afiartis that you will feel sorry to miss. The atmosphere is friendly and here you can try all the delicious local specialties.