Sights
On the second largest island of the Dodecanese complex, you will find lots and interesting places to visit, from notable museums, beautiful traditional settlements and places of particular natural beauty.
Pigadia
Pigadia has been the capital of the island since 1892 and attracts many tourists in the summer months. There are many points of interest here, such as the excellent archaeological museum of Karpathos with exhibits from prehistoric times to post-Byzantine times. One of the most interesting cultural monuments of Karpathos is the early Christian basilica of Agia Fotini, located on the coastal road that leads to the northern part of the island. Southwest of the capital you will find the cave of Poseidon, believed to be an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Poseidon or Aphrodite.
In Pigadia you will find several hotel units, rooms for rent, but also plenty of restaurants, bars and shops.
Olympos
One of the most traditional villages in Greece is Olympos since due to its geographical position and its isolation from the rest of Karpathos, the inhabitants keep the traditions unchanged over time. The village is perhaps the main attraction of the island, as it's essentially a living folklore museum. Several villagers dress in local costumes and speak the local dialect, while in the bakeries and taverns of Olympos you will taste several local recipes prepared with traditional methods, such as the well-known Carpathian macaroons. Walking in the village you will find several spots with excellent views of both the Aegean and the wild mountainous landscape of northern Karpathos.
Traditional mountain villages
In the mountainous villages of Karpathos and away from the intense tourist side of the island, you have the opportunity to get to know the customs and traditions of the place. Villages such as Mesochori with its wonderful view of the Aegean, Aperi the old capital of the island, the picturesque Menetes with the folklore museum of the island, Othos, Volada and Pyles still preserve the traditional character of Karpathos and are waiting for you to explore them.
Beyond the
traditional villages and its tourist capital, Karpathos still has a
lot to offer. Nature lovers will find here a place that will
certainly not disappoint them, with several hiking trails, some of
which cross areas of rare natural beauty.
