If you are planning a holiday in Greece the island of Karpathos is absolutely a location you must check out! Positioned in between the islands of Crete and Rhodes, Karpathos is Additional resources a long and narrow island, with a mountainous spine that reaches peaks of 1200 m. Despite the fact that it is the 3rd biggest island of the Dodecanese, the island has actually constantly been a little bit separated and underpopulated. A lot of tourists check out the island to have a look at the lovely beaches and traditional Greek town life that is still present in the north of the island. So, if you are looking traces of the fascinating ancient Greece this is absolutely not the location for you, since there are no archeological websites on the island.
The island can be divided in the windy south-west, the more peaceful main part and the spectacular mountainous north.
The airport is located in the south of the island, where the wind is truly strong (specifically throughout summertime). Since the south is quite windy if you like windsurfing this is the location to come (this region is called Amfiarti). In the southern part you will discover the small tourist resort of Ammopi, ideal for families with small children, but without any specific contents because it has actually been developed for touristic functions.
In the southern part of the island, on the west coast, you will discover the island capital, Pigadhia. Pigadhia is the main port of the island, a fast growing town (a great deal of building going on in the environments). Although there is absolutely nothing special to see, the town uses a great deal of centers (hotels, restaurants, pharmacies, shops, medical aid, post workplaces, etc.).
The central part of Karpathos is consisted of a group of villages with lovely hillside views and a cooler environment (even in summer season). The most attractive town is Pyles set above a green sanctuary. On the east side you will discover the village of Voladha with a small Venetian citadel and a number of really elegant tavernas that provide standard Karpathian dishes. In the central part of the island you will find the most remarkable beaches as well: Kato Lakkos (favored by naturists), Kyra Panayia (you can likewise rent a space or vacation home near the stunning gravel beach) and Apella (without a doubt the most beautiful beach on the island). You can reach the mentioned beaches by roadway or by boat trips from Pigadhia.
The northern part of the island is represented by the conventional village of Olymbos, a must see. Due to the fact that it was originally established as a pirate safe refuge in the mountainous part of the island and for that reason separated, the village has handled to save its standard and stunning appearance. It is also known for the particular language that is spoken, an ancient Doric dialect that can not be heard anywhere else in Greece. Despite the fact that you can reach it following the road from Spoa (the road has been recently reconstructed) it is possibly more attractive and fascinating to reach it by sea. The adventure boats will take you from Pigadhia to the small port of Dhiafani in about 70-90 minutes and after that a bus will take you to the village of Olymbos. In Olymbos you can still find glimpses of the conventional Greece (females using the gorgeous and vibrant standard clothes) even though practically everything in the town remains in the function of tourism which can be frustrating sometimes.
Karpathos is definitely a location you should go to. It is an island with stunning views and splendid beaches with turquoise and crystalline sea. The food is actually elegant and the tavernas use conventional meals at moderate costs. And yes, the Karpathians are warm and friendly people. Since the island is geographically a bit isolated it is never ever overcrowded with tourists, even during summer season. I certainly extremely recommend Karpathos for a great summertime holiday in Greece.