KARPATHOS isl.

Tourism
Presentation
2015
CHOOSE
TO BE
HAPPY!
 KARPATHOS isl.
Tourism
Presentation
2015

Karpathos is an island characterized by the

beautiful contrast of high mountains and the
crystal waters of the Aegean Sea. It`s coastline
boasts countless beaches of unparalleled beauty
and graphic seaside villages. Karpathos, because
of its relative isolation due to its geographical
position and together with its people`s love of
their land has maintained and still live by their rich
traditions, something which is almost unique in
Greece and which makes Karpathos such an
interesting Island to visit. The Island is the second
largest in the Dodecanese ( after Rhodes ) with an
area of 301 sq, km. and a coastline of 160 km.
Although Karpathos has had organized tourism for
almost 30 years it still remains relatively unknown
in the tourism industry, it has maintained its
authenticity, it`s incredible hospitality and is still
considered the undiscovered gem of the Aegean.
 KARPATHOS isl.
Tourism
Presentation
2015

Karpathos, like all of Greece has an amazingly

interesting history dating back to hundreds of years
B.C. Famous historical sights of Karpathos are among
others the Roman cistern of Lefkos, Agia Fotini in
Pigadia, Agia Sofia in Arkasa and the famous ancient
town of Palatia in Saria island.
There are also a variety of museums to visit including
the two Folklore Museums in Othos and Menetes, the
Agricultural Museum in Piles, the Ecclesiastical,
Archeological and Folkore Museum of Arkasa and the
Archaeological Museum in Pigadia.
 KARPATHOS isl.
Tourism
Presentation
2015

Karpathos was largely self-sufficient right up to the early

20th Century, so practices such as the hand-making of
shoes and clothing, the carving of musical organs, the
production of honey, wine and olive oil, the grinding of flour
and the baking of bread continue in the traditional manner.
The relatively dry climate gives our local agricultural
products exceptionally strong flavors and our most simple
dishes taste divine. Makarounes , our traditional pasta, are
hand made from home-grown wheat, and flour ground in
the ancient windmills are a must for all to try.
 KARPATHOS isl.
Tourism
Presentation
2015

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The vast number of beaches, their variety and stunning

beauty will captivate each and every visitor. The more
popular and easily accessible beaches of Apella, Kyra
Panagia, Achata, Amoopi and Lefkos are ideal for families
and also have facilities such as tavernas and beach beds
with umbrellas, whilst more secluded magical beaches such
as Diakoftis and Agios Minas suit the more adventurous.
 KARPATHOS isl.
Tourism
Presentation
2015

Although Karpathos is a small island it is exceptional

because of its rich tradition which has roots from
ancient years and especially because of the local
people's devotion to preserving their customs and
traditions and living according to these values.
This devotion is due to its geographical position (far
away and isolated from the greek Mainland) and to
the genuine greek spirit of the Karpathian people.
Many Greeks and foreigners have studied about
Karpathos and a great deal of folklore studies have
been published in books, newspapers and magazines.
Moreover, there is a great deal of material that has
not been published yet by researchers of tradition.
 KARPATHOS isl.
Tourism
Presentation
2015

Folk songs and rhymes composed and sang at the

same time ("mantinades"), proverbs, riddles, tales,
myths, games, wishes, curses, oaths are part of the
everyday life of people - younger and elder, men and
women - since ancient times.
A special place in the hearts of Karpathian people has
the traditional karpathian festivity ("kathisto glenti").
The men sit around a table with the music players of
the traditional instruments, drinking wine and
composing and singing songs. They are given the
opportunity to express their feelings - joy or pain
depending on the occasion. The "lyra", "laouto",
"tsambouna" and the "violi" are the traditional
karpathian musical instruments and are inseparable
part of a karpathian festivity.
 KARPATHOS isl.
Tourism
Presentation
2015

There are countless churches on the Island both in the

villages and all over the countryside. Each church has a
biblical name and is celebrated on its name day. These
happy celebrations play a major role in the annual calendar
of each karpathian and the festivities are celebrated with
traditional food and wine whilst the dancing to the
traditional musical organs can go on for days.
 KARPATHOS isl.
Tourism
Presentation
2015

Karpathos originally had only four villages, one of

these was on the now uninhabited Island of Saria,
but due to frequent raids by Arabs and the Saracens
the Islanders dispersed and built the existing 11
main villages. Each and every village has its own
character , history and even dialect. Many villages
also have smaller agricultural satellite settlements.
Pigadia is the administrative and commercial capital
of Karpathos and is the village where most hotels
have been built.
It is worth visiting each village where you will be
welcomed and even invited into the traditional
homes to converse over a coffee with the friendly
locals. The village cafes are frequented by the
elderly locals who all have a bit of history to tell.
 KARPATHOS isl.
Tourism
Presentation
2015

Olympos is definitely the most famous village of

Karpathos, not only for its unique natural beauty but
also for the way the villagers adhere to and live by
their ancient traditions. The traditions and culture of
Olymos are now an official subject of study at
university in Greece.
Olympos is located in the north of Karpathos and
built on the slopes of Mount Profitis Ilias and Koryfi at
an altitude of 250 meters. The moment one reaches
the village, one will understand why it`s so well
known all over the world.
 KARPATHOS isl.
Tourism
Presentation
2015

Karpathos Island has a diversity of sea life and is a great

place for scuba diving and snorkeling. Go scuba diving into
the crystal clear colorful underwater world, to discover
hidden treasures, experience the endless blue, or explore
ship wrecks that have been lying on the seabed for more
than a hundred years.
 KARPATHOS isl.
Tourism
Presentation
2015

The consistent and persistent Meltemi winds that are

accelerated over the flat southernmost part of the
island have made Karpathos famous world-wide for its
excellent windsurfing conditions. The warm waters and
the sheltered bays make it a wind-surfers paradise from
beginners to professionals. Each of the four bays offer
different windsurfing conditions so all the disciplines,
such as freestyle, free-ride, slalom and speed are
accommodated for. Karpathos hosted for four
consecutive years World and European Class
windsurfing competitions.
 KARPATHOS isl.
Tourism
Presentation
2015

There is a large network of ancient foot-trails that

connect the villages to each other, and also the
churches and agricultural areas to the villages.
Most of these trails have been preserved and
sign-posted and are now available to visitors to
explore. There is no better way to see the Island
and to understand the sheer magnitude of the
agricultural activity that existed here and the
extremely hard labor that was required to survive
here. The magical changes in landscape from deep
gorges to mountain peaks to forested slopes
descending into hidden sandy bays together with
the magnificent views, the wondrous aromas of
wild thyme, sage, pine and oregano will drown
your senses and leave you in awe of the beauty of
this little Island.
 KARPATHOS isl.
Tourism
Presentation
2015

The beautiful natural environment of Karpathos makes

it ideal for a number of activities , some of these were
mentioned previously and have an organized
infrastructure , but up and coming activities include
mountain-biking, climbing, and kiting all of which are
starting to develop on the island. There are also
excursions by boat which can take one to the larger
more popular beaches or to smaller secluded dream-like
beaches where one can have complete privacy.
 KARPATHOS isl.
Tourism
Presentation
2015

Due to its insular isolation of a period of over 2

million years Karpathos exhibits a remarkable
variety of rare endemic species of flora, some of
them of global importance. There are also rare and
endangered species of fauna, the Mediterranean
Monk Seal (Monachus monachus ) being the most
significant, it is included in the top-ten list of the
most endangered species world-wide. The northern
part of Karpathos has thus been designated a
protected area, this also includes the sea
immediately around the Island. It is interesting to
note that the conservation and preservation of this
area not only includes the flora, fauna and their
habitats, but also the archeology and culture of the
northern villages of Olympos, Diafani, Avlona nd the
settlement of Tristomo.
 KARPATHOS isl.

www.karpathoshotels.gr
Tourism
Presentation
2015

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Karpathos has in total about 8000 hotel beds

and offers a broad scope of accommodation from
2 to 5 star hotels and from simple rooms-to-rent

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to luxurious suites. It is the friendliness and
hospitality of these family –run establishments
however that sets Karpathos apart and accounts
for the amazingly high number of repeating
guests. This familiarity extends to restaurants,
cafes and to every shop and explains our guest`s
descriptions of Karpathos as being their home
away from home.
 KARPATHOS isl.
Tourism
Presentation
2015

TRANS
PORTATION
BY AIR
The airport of Karpathos has the third largest runway in
Greece and has a new terminal which was completed in
2009. There are direct charter flights from most
European countries through the summer months and is
linked throughout the year to Crete, Rhodes and Athens
with direct flights flown by Aegean Air.
 KARPATHOS isl.
Tourism
Presentation
2015

TRANS
PORTATION
BY SEA
Diafani and Pigadia host the two ports on Karpathos
which connect the Island to Rhodes, Xalki, Kasos, Crete,
Anafi, Santorini, Milos and Piraeus.
Anek lines run the ferries servicing these routes and are a
vital link and the major means for which all products
reach the Island.
KARPATHOS isl.
Tourism
Presentation
2015

www.karpathos.gr

/KarpathosIsland

+30 22450 22222

testmail@karpathos.gr