Karpathos

Karpathos (Κάρπαθος) is the second largest island of the Dodecanese, lying between Rhodes and Crete. A long mountain ridge runs from south to north, dividing a greener, more open south from a wild and steep north. The capital and main port is Pigadia on the southeast coast, and the airport lies near the island's southern tip.

The north is home to Olympos, a mountain village long cut off from the rest of the island. Here traditional dress, music and a distinctive dialect remain part of daily life, and windmills line the ridge. Diafani below is the village's harbour and the starting point for boat trips to the islet of Saria. Mountain villages such as Menetes and Othos keep old houses and churches, while Arkasa has its ancient Paleokastro headland. The east coast has sheltered coves such as Apella, Kyra Panagia and Achata, and Lefkos on the west coast has a series of sandy bays. Strong summer winds make Afiartis Bay in the south a well-known windsurfing spot. Show more

Karpathian music, with lyra, lute and improvised verses, is heard at village feasts. Hiking trails link villages and coves, and the island keeps a relatively unhurried character.