About Karpathos

Karpathos is spoilt for choice with its array of stunning and diverse beaches from sandy havens to pebbly shores with crystal-clear turquoise waters and a varying degree of organisation. Some have umbrellas and tavernas whilst others are wild, natural and utterly beautiful. There is something for everyone! More details can be found here: https://karpathosinfo.com/karpathos-beaches/ but some personal favourites are Achata, Apella, Kyra Panagia, Kato Lakko, Michaliou Kipos and Agios Nicoloas (Spoa).

Karpathos has long been a favourite spot for windsurfers from all over Europe, many of whom return every year for the fantastic wind conditions. The island lies between Rhodes and Crete, which makes the Meltemi, the prevailing local north wind, even stronger as it blows through the mountains.

In July and August, the wind can reach 35-40 knots in the afternoon and is perfect for riders who like sailing with small sail sizes. However, in May-June and September the wind is less intense and more regular, so bringing joy to many windsurfers.

The windiest part of the island is in the south, near to the airport. Chicken Bay, Gun Bay and Devil’s Bay are the best windsurfing spots and more details are found here: https://www.ion-club.net/karpathos/

Kitesurfing in Karpathos was relatively undetected and in the shadow of other Greek islands.  However, side shore wind conditions, a lagoon with crystal clear water, some shallow water and a reef with a clean wave make the spot a real favourite with many kitesurfers! 

The beaches best known for kitesurfing are about a 20-minute drive from the airport, down at the south of the island, but to the west – the opposite direction from the windsurf spots.

The beaches in and around Agrilaopotamos are where the winds best support the kite - during the summer months the Meltemi winds can reach moderate to strong levels ranging from 15 to 25 knots or more and they offer a mix of flat water and small to medium-sized waves, making it suitable for both freestyle and wave riding. The beach features sandy shores and a relatively wide coastline, providing ample space for kitesurfing activities. More details can be found here:  https://kiteguide.com/europe/greece/agrilaopotamos-beach

Karpathos is a mountainous island surrounded by the beautiful translucent waters of the South Aegean Sea. The vegetation is pine forests and all kinds of aromatic herbs and bushes with amazing scents of sage, oregano and thyme. The northern sector of the island is a protected area because some species of flora and fauna, both on land and in the sea, are unique to Karpathos.

The island is 50 km long and 11 km wide. Kali Limni is the highest mountain at an altitude of 1215m and is one of the highest mountains in the Dodecanese. The island has a vast network of paths and tracks, most of which are well marked, ideal for mountain biking and hiking. Bikes can be rented to enjoy the trails. There is also the opportunity to participate in a guided tour (on bikes and on foot) on the island. Thom and Renate at https://artandwalk.com/about/ will be happy to chat about hiking trips and creative workshops.

Karpathos is also becoming a well-known climbing destination, a ‘second Kalymnos.’ The rich mountainous terrain creates an impressive changing of landscapes, with its rocky and green mountains always ending up with a view of the deep blue and picturesque beaches of the island. The climbing sectors are beautifully located, from climbing straight from the beach to wild gorges and spectacular peninsulas. The contrast of the irregular cliffs overhanging the waters is breathtaking. There are different locations covering several routes of climbing difficulty, which means they are already prepared with bolts and fixing points at the top. Most of the rocks are made of limestone, which allows for a smoother climb.  More details can be found at www.climbingkarpathos.com and www.thecrag.com/climbing/greece  

The crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea offer excellent conditions for scuba diving and snorkelling. 

The still virgin ‘Carpathian Sea’ (the sea area between the islands of Karpathos and Crete in the Aegean Sea) has a lot to offer to divers of every level. Shallow reefs full of marine life, shipwrecks waiting to reveal their history, underwater cliffs and walls plunging into the deep blue that are frequently visited by rare marine mammals and other kind of pelagic species, caverns full of colour and overhangs that the light creates impressive visual effects are just a few of what the underwater explorer of Karpathos can enjoy!  For more details see: https://www.divingkarpathos.gr/

Snorkelling is a wonderful experience in every one of the beaches on the island!

There are many opportunities for yoga on the island, including on the beach at sunset run by www.ion-club.net

From Pigadia and Diafani there are regular boat excursions to well known beaches around the island and to the two tiny neighbouring islands close by, Saria and Kasos.

The uninhabited island of Saria, north of Karpathos, is an ideal place to take a boat trip and tour around. Here, the ruins of one of the four main ancient villages of Karpathos are visible and worth seeing, as well as the underwater caves and the beautiful beaches all around.

Kasos, an island of about 300 inhabitants located south of Karpathos, is also worth visiting during a day trip by boat.