Things to do in Karpathos – beaches, mountain villages and adventures

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: September 2026 | What to see and do on Karpathos in Greece? This beautiful island, located between Rhodes and Crete, offers fantastic beaches, dramatic mountain roads, traditional villages and delicious Greek food.

We traveled around Karpathos for a week and discovered an island with many different sides – from the bustling harbor neighborhood of Pigadia to the remote mountain village of Ólymbos and the uninhabited island of Saria. Here we have collected our 14 best tips for things to see and do in Karpathos!

Karpathos in Greece – an island with many sides

Karpathos is located in the Aegean Sea, between Rhodes and Crete, and is part of the Dodecanese archipelago. The island is considerably less touristy than Rhodes, but still offers a good selection of hotels, restaurants and experiences.

What surprised us most was the variety. One moment we could be lying on a beautiful beach with crystal clear water, and the next we could be driving along winding mountain roads, visiting a traditional village or settling down at a small family-run taverna.

We arrived in Karpathos by ferry from Rhodes and based ourselves in Pigadia for most of the week. We also rented a car, which gave us the freedom to explore much of the island. We spent the last two nights in the small port village of Diafani in the north.

Things to do on Karpathos – our 14 best tips

So what shouldn't you miss on Karpathos? Here are our favorites from the trip, mixed with some activities that we didn't have time to try ourselves but that might be worth knowing about.

1. familiarise yourself with the main town of Pigadia

Pigadia, also known as Karpathos Town, is the island's capital and a natural starting point for many visitors. Here you will find the port where the larger ferries dock, as well as plenty of restaurants, cafes and shops. Along the water there are rows of outdoor cafes and it is nice to walk, sit down with something good to eat or just watch the world go by.

We came here by ferry from Rhodes and stayed in Pigadia for most of our stay. On the first evening we got a little surprise. Right next to our hotel there was a food festival going on, and even though we got there quite late we managed to get a first taste of both Karpathos and the local food culture. It was a great start to a trip where the food would turn out to be one of the highlights!

2. Discover the stunning beaches of Karpathos

One of the main reasons to travel to Karpathos is of course the beaches. There is everything here, from long sandy beaches and well-organized swimming areas to small, secluded coves reached via winding mountain roads. We managed to visit many beaches during the week, and several became real favorites.

Kira Panagia is one of the island's most famous beaches, with clear water, light-colored rocks and a characteristic church above the beach. The way down is also an experience in itself, with beautiful views of the mountains and the sea.

Apella is another picture-perfect beach, framed by greenery and high mountains. Here you can rent sun loungers and parasols,

Vid Agios Theodoros we had one of our most cozy beach memories. It was really windy up at the tavern, but down on the beach it was much more sheltered. We spread out the towels and set up a simple picnic with bread, cheese, salami and tomatoes. That wasn't really needed.

Another day we tried to find Diakoftis beach, but took the wrong turn and ended up at some small, hidden coves instead. There were no restaurants or shops there and significantly fewer people. Sometimes it's really good even when you don't find where you expected! We have collected significantly more beaches, with pictures and descriptions, in our separate beach guide.

READ MORE: Karpathos beaches - the 14 most beautiful beaches

3. Enjoy the holiday life in Lefkos

Lefkos is located on the west coast of Karpathos and is a quiet and pleasant holiday resort that is well suited for those who want to combine swimming with restaurant visits and relaxation. The special thing about Lefkos is that there are several beaches very close to each other. So you don't have to decide on a single swimming spot, but can easily walk between different beaches and choose according to the weather and mood.

We experienced quite a big difference between them. The inner beach was more sheltered from the wind and had a more distinct resort feel, with restaurants and services nearby. The outer beaches were windier, but also quieter and more secluded. We particularly liked one of the outer beaches, where there were significantly fewer people.

Lefkos is also a great place to sit on an outdoor terrace and enjoy the view of the sea.

4. Visit the picturesque mountain village of Mesochori

Not far from Lefkos lies Mesochori, a small mountain village that is well worth a detour. The village climbs up a steep slope and offers narrow alleys, traditional houses and fantastic views.

Here you can park your car outside the village center and continue on foot. It is also the best way to experience Mesochori – to simply stroll around, climb the stairs and see what awaits around the next corner.

We really liked the quiet atmosphere. Compared to the more popular holiday resorts, Mesochori felt like a different world. The village also has a beautiful church and a few smaller cafes and eateries. If you are lucky, the church might be open so you can take a look inside. Mesochori is perhaps not a place where you need to plan a whole day, but as a stop during a road trip it is very nice.

5. Stroll through the alleys of Menetes

Menetes is another of Karpathos' beautiful mountain villages, located relatively close to Pigadia. The village is located high above the coast, with densely built houses, steep stairs and narrow alleys. The best thing we did here was actually very simple. We strolled around.

The alleys wound between colorful houses, cerise-colored flowers climbed along the walls and black cats slipped past our legs. After a while, we started to wonder where we really were and which alley to choose to move on.

But it didn't matter much. Around the next corner a new view opened up and from the village you can see far over the mountains and down to the sea. In Menetes there is also a church, a bakery and the opportunity to taste local wines. We thought the village was one of the most charming places on Karpathos.

READ MORE: Visiting Menetes – a picturesque mountain village

6. Sample local wines at Scarpanto Wines

If you like wine, we can recommend a visit to Scarpanto Wines, located at Menetes. Here we had the opportunity to try several different wines and at the same time learn a little more about the local wine production.

We liked almost all of the wines. Almost. One of the red wines was considerably sweeter than we usually prefer. We were told that this particular taste is traditionally appreciated on Karpathos, and suddenly even the wine we liked the least became one of the most interesting to try.

That's part of the charm of traveling. You get to taste things you might never have chosen at home! Scarpanto Wines began welcoming visitors in 2024. If you want to do a wine tasting, it's wise to check current visit opportunities and whether you need to book in advance.

7. Rent a car and experience Karpathos' dramatic mountain roads

One of the things we enjoyed most about Karpathos was actually driving. We rented a car on the first day and kept it for the whole week. It turned out to be one of the best decisions we made. With the car we were able to get to beaches, small villages and remote places that would have been much harder to visit otherwise.

The roads wind through the mountains, curve after curve, and sometimes fantastic views open up of the sea far below. Especially in northern Karpathos the landscape is dramatic. The roads are mostly good, but the distances often take longer than you think. You shouldn't be in a hurry here.

On one of our car trips we also had a rather unexpected encounter. A large herd of goats had decided that the road was theirs. One of the goats seemed to be the leader of the whole bunch and showed an unusually great interest in us. Of course we stopped and took out our camera. We probably shouldn't have done that.

After the photo was taken, the goat decided to investigate the car as well and simply tried to get in through the open car window. When both horns and hooves started to get very close, our new traveling companion was given the firm message that he could continue the journey on his own.

Our tip: It is advisable to rent a car on Karpathos and do not plan too many stops in the same day. Bring water and something to eat if you are driving to remote places. Google Maps can be optimistic about driving times and mobile coverage does not always work everywhere.

READ MORE: Driving on Karpathos – winding mountain roads

8. Discover Karpathos Greek Orthodox Churches

On Karpathos there are many Greek Orthodox churches and small chapels. Many are incredibly beautiful, sometimes high up in the mountains and sometimes right next to the sea. It is interesting to visit the churches, both for the architecture and to get an insight into the Greek Orthodox traditions. Inside the churches you can often see icons, paintings and other religious decorations.

One church we visited was Agios Georgios, just outside Lefkos. It is beautifully situated and is a fine example of the smaller churches that one can come across during a tour of the island.

Also at the beach of Kira Panagia there is a characteristic church that contributes to the special environment. Be sure to look out for churches and chapels when driving around Karpathos. Many of them are worth a short stop, even if they are not always open.

9. Taste Greek food and local specialties

Eating well is of course an important part of a trip to Greece, and Karpathos certainly did not disappoint. There are plenty of nice tavernas and restaurants, often with a view of the sea. In addition to classic Greek dishes such as tzatziki, dolmades, moussaka and Greek salad, there are also local specialties to try.

One such is macaroons, a traditional pasta dish often served with caramelized onions and cheese. Another is Carpathian baklava.

One of our fondest food memories comes from the small restaurant To Votsalo in Agios Nikolaos at Spoa. Here we met Pavlos and Popi, who with their warmth and the way they took care of us made lunch much more than just a stop to eat.

Soon the table was filled with baby shrimp, squid, fish, Greek salad, dolmades and fava. We savoured our way through the dishes and finished with Carpathian baklava. It was one of those meals where you remember the people almost as much as the food.

READ MORE: 7 restaurants on Karpathos in Greece
READ MORE: Greek food - 25 Greek dishes and specialities

10. Visit the traditional mountain village of Ólymbos

One of the places that made the strongest impression on us was Ólymbos, located high in the mountains of northern Karpathos. The road there is already an experience. It winds along the mountainside and offers dramatic views of both mountains and sea.

Ólymbos is known for its old traditions, and here you can still meet women dressed in colorful traditional costumes. At the same time, it is important to remember that the village is not a backdrop. People live and work here, just like in other villages.

We strolled through the narrow alleys, looked at handicrafts and visited small shops. Here you can find traditional textiles, jewelry and handmade shoes. We came away with both a bracelet and a necklace.

We also wanted to visit the village's small museum, but it turned out to be not quite as simple as just opening the door. Opening hours were limited, so we started asking around. After a while we found someone who could help us, and the museum opened. We also got an engaging story about the village and its history. One of those little events that made the visit extra memorable.

At the Blue Garden restaurant, we tried several local flavors, including macaroons with caramelized onions and cheese.

Then it was time for one of Ólymbo’s great attractions – the sunset. However, it hadn’t really read the tourist brochure. A thick layer of fog lay over the horizon, obscuring part of the view. But the light over the village was still fantastic as the sun sank behind the mountains.

READ MORE: Visiting Ólymbos – a mountain village with traditions

11. Discover the small port village of Diafani

After our visit to Ólymbos we continued down to Diafani, a small port village in the north of Karpathos where we stayed for two nights. Many people visit the north of the island as a day trip, but we found it very nice to stay a little longer. Diafani is a quiet place with a small port, a few restaurants and a completely different atmosphere than in Pigadia.

We stayed simply at Hotel Glaros and in the evening we sat down by the water at the Rahati restaurant. After all the Greek meals the plan was to just order some tzatziki and pita bread. But soon there were several different dishes on the table and another Greek dinner was in progress.

Diafani is also a good starting point for discovering northern Karpathos. From here you can join boat trips to the island of Saria, which we did the next day.

12. Take a boat trip to the uninhabited island of Saria

One of our most exciting experiences on Karpathos was the boat trip to Saria, an uninhabited island just north of Karpathos. We went with an excursion boat from Diafani and spent almost a whole day swimming, history and small adventures.

One of the stops was Palatia, a beautiful bay with crystal clear, green-tinged water. Here we followed our guide Nicholas up to a small Orthodox church and on to the remains of an old settlement, often described as a former pirate village.

Then it was time for a swim. But for Peter, just lying on the beach wasn't enough. Together with a Danish tourist and the guide, he swam out to some caves along the coast. At one place, they could swim straight into the rock through one opening and come out through another. It was a really cool experience!

Back on board, lunch was served, and on the rocks a goat stood watching the meal with great interest. It was rewarded with some melon rinds for its patience. Much more well-behaved than that bastard who tried to get into our rental car.

READ MORE: Lovely boat trip to Saria Island in Karpathos

13. Try windsurfing or kitesurfing

Karpathos is also a destination for those who enjoy wind-powered water sports. Thanks to the often fresh winds, there are good opportunities to try both windsurfing and kitesurfing.

The areas around the island's southern coast are particularly interesting for those who want to engage in such activities. Which beach is best depends on the sport, wind conditions and how experienced you are, among other things.

We didn't try surfing ourselves during our stay, but for those who want to combine a Greek island holiday with a little more action-packed activities, it may be worth investigating the possibilities.

14. Hike in the beautiful nature of Karpathos

Karpathos also has a lot to offer those who enjoy hiking. The mountainous landscape, traditional villages and views of the sea make the island interesting even for those who want to discover it on foot.

There are various hiking trails on the island, including in the northern part where the landscape is particularly dramatic. Unfortunately, we did not have time to go on any longer hiking trails ourselves during our week on Karpathos. However, we spoke to Swedish tourists who appreciated the hiking opportunities and who, among other things, gave us tips about the area around Avlona in the north.

If you plan to hike, it's wise to research the difficulty of the trail, bring plenty of water, and consider the heat. During the hottest months, it can be nice to start early in the day.

More things to see and do on Karpathos

Of course, there is more to discover than what we have described above. Here are some additional tips for those who want to fill their vacation with experiences.

• Visit the fishing village of Finiki. A small village on the west coast with tavernas and a beach.
• Snorkel or dive. The clear waters of Karpathos attract visitors to experiences beneath the surface.
• Take more boat trips. There are excursions to beaches and bays that may be difficult to reach by land.
• Discover the caves at Lefkos. The area contains caves with traces of older settlements, which can be difficult to find without local help.

How to travel to Karpathos?

There are different ways to get to Karpathos. The island has its own airport, and depending on the season there may be both charter flights and other flight connections. Another option is to travel via Rhodes and continue by ferry, which is what we did.

We flew to Rhodes and then took the ferry with Blue Star Ferries to Karpathos. Our boat trip took about four hours. The ferry was large and had several different seating areas and places to eat and drink. It was a comfortable way to travel further in the Greek archipelago.

If you are planning to travel by ferry, it is important to check current departures and timetables, as they can vary throughout the year.

Where to stay on Karpathos?

Which location is best depends of course on the type of vacation you want.

• Pigadia is a good choice for those who want restaurants, shops, harbor and services close by. We lived here for most of our trip and used the town as a base for excursions with a rental car.
• Lefkos Suitable for those who primarily want to enjoy swimming and a peaceful holiday. There are several beaches within close distance and nice outdoor cafes.
• Diafani is an option for those who want to experience northern Karpathos and get a little further away from the bigger tourist resorts. We stayed here for two nights, at Hotel Glaros, and thought it was a nice way to end our round trip.

If you want to see as much of the island as possible, it might be a good idea to combine accommodation in the south with one or a few nights in the north.

Practical tips for your trip to Karpathos

We highly recommend setting aside about a week for Karpathos, especially if you want to combine beach life with excursions to mountain villages and the northern part of the island.

A rental car makes it much easier to explore the island on your own. However, it should be remembered that the winding roads mean that journeys can take longer than the distances on the map suggest.

It can also be quite windy on Karpathos. This is especially noticeable on the beaches, where one bathing spot can be windy while another, just a short distance away, is more sheltered.

Our best advice is not to plan your days too tightly. Some of our fondest memories of Karpathos actually arose during spontaneous stops along the way.

Travel on from Karpathos

Do you have the opportunity to discover more of Greece? We combined our trip to Karpathos with Rhodes, which also has a lot to offer – from historical sights to beautiful beaches. Here you will find more of our reports and guides to Greece:

• Rhodes
• The castle in Rhodes Town
• Rhodes beaches