Aperi Village Karpathos

Aperi villageis found eight kilometers from the capital Pigadia towards the hinterland. At an altitude of 320 meters above sea level and surrounded by lush vegetation on the slopes of Mount Hamali, it is the third largest village on the Karpathos island.

Connected by a bridge at its ends, it is one of the most beautiful and genuine inland villages you can find. Its occupation dates back to the Middle Ages, it was the capital of the island of Karpathos from 1700 until 1892 and today houses the seat of the church where the Archbishop lives, the cathedral of Karpathos and the Kasos island.

Its position invisible from the sea was specially chosen to protect the inhabitants from pirate raids that for a long time infested the waters. From its hill where we find the ancient Acropolis and the remains of the Venetian castle of the island you have a wonderful view over the whole bay and the surroundings. Its name derives from a Turkish word Aperi which means capital. After the pirate period and therefore there being no more danger of attacks, the inhabitants of Aperi moved towards the coast, giving life to the town of Pigadia.

Until the twentieth century it was inhabited by more than a thousand people, but in the last twenty years, the population has shrunk by more than half due to the heavy migration to America. Fortunately, many are repatriating and returning to their roots giving life to the village.

Today it presents itself with graceful houses with red roofs inside courtyards colored and perfumed with multicolored flowers, labyrinthine alleys typical of Greek villages and old manor houses for the most part uninhabited but which still retain their ancient charm. Walking through the village you will be inebriated by the fragrances of the citrus trees that frame this enchanted place.

In addition to enjoying the almost surreal tranquility, a trip to the Church of Kyra Panagia is worthwhile. Dated 6th century with the classic red dome (did you know that the red color represents the resurrection of Christ?), Inside it houses an icon of the Virgin Mary considered miraculous and very dear to the inhabitants of Karpathos, and still the stone bridge that connects the two extreme sides of the village and the many fountains of water that comes directly from the mountain scattered throughout the country.

About two kilometers from Aperi is the small village of Volada where you can admire the remains of the Venetian Castle and a tower dating back to 3000 BC.

For trekking lovers, Aperi is an excellent base for interesting walks surrounded by nature and to reach some beautiful beaches.

Not being on the coast, the beaches are not really close at hand, but within a radius of about fifteen kilometers, you can reach three of the most beautiful beaches of Karpathos. For lovers of walking, there are also routes to take to get there by exploring the wonderful hinterland of the island.

Let's start with Kyra Panagia beach which is located about 7.5 kilometers from Aperi on the east coast. A wild cove with a pebble coast, surrounded by high rocks on the sides that stand out against the sea with its picturesque red-roofed church from where you have a fantastic view of the landscape. The sea is emerald and its waters are clear and transparent. It is equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas and a couple of taverns with panoramic terraces where you can enjoy excellent cuisine based on fresh products.

The second is Achata beach about ten kilometers to the east. Wedged between rocky mountains covered by lush vegetation, it is a real corner of paradise. The beach is of sand mixed with small pebbles of gravel and the sea takes on colors that go from turquoise to emerald with crystal clear waters. It is equipped with umbrellas, sunbeds and behind it a nice tavern where you can find drinks and food.

Last but not least, Apella beach. Considered among the most beautiful of Karpathos and the whole Aegean, it is located about fifteen kilometers from Aperi towards the east coast. A spectacular inlet that can be reached by passing through a pine forest, with a coastline of coarse sand mixed with very white pebbles, and a sea with breathtaking colors that go from blue to blue to green. The northern part is equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas and a small tavern. Despite having a length of about three hundred meters, being very scenic it is very busy especially in the summer period, if you want to enjoy the beach comfortably it is better to arrive early in the morning to take the deckchairs. The southern part of Apella beach, on the other hand, is completely free, so you can put yourself wherever you want. If you don't have something to shelter you from the sun, don't worry, the surrounding trees will give you natural shade during the hottest hours. Apella beach is perfect for families with children and for snorkelers as the marine fauna is very rich. The sore point is that getting there is not exactly that easy, but the slight difficulty will be amply compensated by the natural spectacle that will show itself to your eyes.

As always, it is better to have your own vehicle, the car is perfect as Karpathos is often beaten by the wind. Keeping Pigadia the capital as a reference point, head towards the hinterland following the road signs.

Dedicate some of your time to discovering this extraordinary village and mark it in the things to see in Karpathos, it will certainly be an interesting detour to get to know the island better.