If you are planning a vacation in Greece the island of Karpathos is definitely a place you must visit! Situated in between the islands of Crete and Rhodes, Karpathos is a long and narrow island, with a mountainous spine that reaches peaks of 1200 m. Even though it is the 3rd biggest island of the Dodecanese, the island has actually constantly been a little bit isolated and underpopulated. A lot of tourists go to the island to take a look at the stunning beaches and traditional http://edition.cnn.com/search/?text=Karpathos Greek village life that is still present in the north of the island. So, if you are looking traces of the remarkable ancient Greece this is definitely not the place for you, due to the fact that there are no archeological sites 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 situated in the south of the island, where the wind is actually strong (particularly during summer). 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 households with children, but with no specific contents considering that it has been constructed for touristic functions.
In the southern part of the island, on the west coast, you will discover the island capital, Pigadhia. Pigadhia is the primary port of the island, a fast growing town (a great deal of construction going on in the surroundings). Although there is absolutely nothing special to see, the town uses a great deal of centers (hotels, dining establishments, drug stores, stores, medical aid, post workplaces, etc.).
The main part of Karpathos is comprised of a group of villages with lovely hillside views and a cooler climate (even in summertime). The most attractive town is Pyles set above a green sanctuary. On the east side you will discover the village of Voladha with a little Venetian castle and a number of extremely splendid tavernas that provide standard Karpathian meals. In the main part of the island you will find the most impressive beaches as well: Kato Lakkos (favored by naturists), Kyra Panayia (you can also lease a space or vacation home near the gorgeous gravel beach) and Apella (by far the most gorgeous beach on the island). You can reach the pointed out beaches by roadway or by boat journeys from Pigadhia.
The northern part of the island is represented by the standard village of Olymbos, a need to see. Since it was originally established as a pirate safe haven in the mountainous part of the island and for that reason isolated, the village has actually handled to conserve its traditional and picturesque look. It is also understood 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 roadway from Spoa (the roadway has actually been recently rebuilded) it is perhaps more appealing and intriguing to reach here it by sea. The expedition boats will take you from Pigadhia to the little port of Dhiafani in about 70-90 minutes and then a bus will take you to the village of Olymbos. In Olymbos you can still discover glimpses of the standard Greece (ladies using the lovely and vibrant traditional clothes) although nearly whatever in the town is in the function of tourist which can be irritating at times.
Karpathos is definitely a location you ought to go to. It is an island with sensational views and splendid beaches with blue-green and crystalline sea. The food is really charming and the tavernas provide traditional meals at moderate rates. And yes, the Karpathians are warm and friendly people. Since the island is geographically a bit isolated it is never ever overcrowded with travelers, even during summer. I definitely highly suggest Karpathos for a good summertime holiday in Greece.