Karpathos Villages

Karpathos island is one of the wildest and most intact islands of the Dodecanese Archipelago in all of Greece.

It will be because until recently there were no direct flights but it was reachable only by ship and consequently difficult and demanding, it will be because of its long and narrow shape with mountains that cross it almost internally, constantly beaten by the Meltemi. favorite destination for surfers and water sports lovers where Aeolus is indispensable, the fact remains that its beauty is unparalleled and more and more people venture to discover it.

With its 160 kilometers of coastline and wonderful beaches to visit Karpathos is certainly suitable for those who love becoming one with nature.

Apart from the main and more organized villages, Karpathos offers small enchanting villages, worthy of a visit just to break the holiday and better understand the soul of the island.

Below we give you a trace so that you can better plan your trips out of town to alternate with days of pure relaxation on the beach.

Avlona village, we find it in the extreme north of the Karpathos island about six kilometers above of Olympos village. On the top of a plateau in the middle of the mountains and sheltered from the winds, is this tiny village now almost uninhabited whose main means of livelihood are agriculture and livestock where even the neighboring villages come to buy vegetables and meat, and the only the sound of wind and animals echoes in space. Here the vine plants used to produce the famous Greek wine Retzina grow free thanks to the microclimate that the altitude offers and nothing is thrown away from these vines, the young leaves are used to give life to the fantastic dolmades the rolls of stuffed leaves. of rice or meat, to try absolutely and from which you will most likely become addicted. In addition to the cultivation of artichokes, potatoes, onions and lettuce, the area is rich in wild fig trees, you will find them everywhere. In Avlona, women still dress in the traditional costumes of yesteryear and are dedicated to herding just as they once did. You can see tiny threshing floors where the cereals are dried and then ground into ancient circular stones and finally cooked in common ovens to give life to a delicious bread. There is only one tavern in Avlona but it will certainly not make you miss the others, here dishes are served that you will hardly forget. Avlona is one of the points where the trekking excursions of the northern part of Karpathos depart, absolutely not to be missed, such as the path that leads to the remote sanctuary of Aghio Ioannis in Vroukounda, a beautiful church overlooking the sea dug underground. inhabitants of Karpathos are very devoted where on August 28th and 29th one of the most beautiful panagiri in Greece is held.

Spoa at about 350 meters above sea level, we meet it in the north-east direction about 25 kilometers from Pigadia. The border where the southern part ends and the north part begins or see it in reverse as you prefer, in fact the point in the middle of Karpathos. With its 200 inhabitants it is a traditional village with narrow streets that intersect like mazes with the characteristic kafeneios (cafes), some typical taverns and where everything flows slowly (in Greek we say sigà-sigà). The road from Pigadia to Spoa village is a continuous succession of views of the tree-filled mountains and the immense Aegean. From here the sunrise and sunset are moments of pure emotion. Before reaching Spoa, on the road of the old windmills typical of Karpathos, flat on one side and rounded on the other. About ten kilometers to the south is the fantastic Apella beach, considered the most beautiful on the island.

Saint Nikolaos or Agios Nikolaos village as the Greeks call it, is actually the port of the Spoa village. It is located about 5 kilometers from Spoa in a beautiful gulf that offers idyllic beaches with transparent sea and changing colors. A few taverns, cafes, apartments and hotels surrounded by lush vineyards. Its crystal clear water beach protected from the winds by the majestic mountains behind it is remarkable, with a sandy coastline mixed with pebbles, perfect for snorkelers. It is not very big, but if you arrive early you can always find some sun beds and umbrellas. Behind it are some taverns where you can eat something while admiring the blue of the sea. The Nikolaos village is perfect for an aperitif at sunset when the sky is painted with bright colors that warm the soul. Moreover, every day a boat can take you to hidden coves where you can enjoy your privacy. Reaching Agios Nikolaos is simple just get to Spoa and from there go down following the road.

We find the Volada village in a north-western direction about 10 kilometers from the capital Pigadia. Also more or less at an altitude of 500 meters it is a couple of kilometers from the village of Othos hidden among the trees of the mountain. With its whitewashed whitewashed houses in the classic Karpathian style embellished with courtyards and window sills filled with colorful flowers and narrow labyrinthine alleys, it too offers a fantastic view of the island. You will find some classic kafeneios that are never lacking in Greece even in the most remote places and a typical tavern where you can enjoy local delicacies. To visit the Church of Panagia where in the Easter period there is a heartfelt procession that ends with a beautiful party to then arrive on Mount Lastos with the ruins of three castles built in different eras (the oldest dates back to the Bronze Age) which they seem to protect the village as guardians. From here the paths start to get to Kali Limni (Good Lake is its meaning but not even the shadow of the lake) the highest point of Karpathos. It can be reached by taking the same road to Othos.

We find it about twelve kilometers northwest of the capital Pigadia, roughly near the Aperi village. At an altitude of 500 meters above sea level on the slopes of the hill, given its position it offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Aegean. It is the highest country of Karpathos and is often surrounded by clouds that make it almost mystical. With about 300 inhabitants dedicated above all to agriculture and livestock, it presents itself with pretty houses in lilac and white colors with flower gardens of lemon trees and colorful bougainvillea that give it its particular atmosphere. All around the village a thick wooded area and fields of olive trees and vines. Above the hill as in almost all the Greek islands of the old windmills no longer used but which give that extremely fascinating and Hellenic touch. Famous for the production of sweet red wine, it offers its visitors excellent taverns where they can taste typical dishes. Othos is famous for its festivals and celebrations if there are also a dozen such as that of Agios Panteleimon from 26 to 28 July and that dedicated to St. George on 3 November. Do not miss the Folklore Museum housed in a traditional house in the center of the village where many everyday objects, traditional costumes, agricultural tools, musical instruments and old photographs are kept. Reaching it is not difficult taking Pigadia as a reference point, follow the road signs towards Aperi-Volada.

Amoopi village is found in the south-eastern part of the beautiful Karpathos island, about 12 kilometers from Pigadia. Definitely touristy and where everyone wants to stay as it is directly on the sea and where the temperatures are the hottest, it is also perfect in spring but it is in summer that it gives its best. Here you can literally bask under the sun and reach the much desired tan to show off on your return and make your friends die! Much more to take advantage of Amoopi for accommodation as it does not have a center or a promenade where to walk in the evening and the taverns are only structures that also rent the rooms so 'if you want a traditional Greek dinner you will have to go to Pigadia and consequently have a rental vehicle. Amoopi is all uphill, if you don't like walking it's not for you. Delightful rocky coves hidden by the mountain crest that can be reached through steep and narrow stairs, in addition to the city beach loved by travelers. We are talking about a coast of very fine golden sand washed by a turquoise blue sea, clear with calm waters. The seabed drops slowly, a paradise for children and for lovers of relaxing swims. It is very crowded in the summer season, equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, however, it is better to go early in the morning because the risk is not to find a place. If you want a little more privacy, move slightly to the cove next to it which has pebbles and a deeper seabed but on the other hand less crowded and quieter. Getting there is very simple, from Pigadia heading south following the road and signs.