KARPATHOS is an island with rich culture, amazing history and valued traditions. It is an island of strong contrasts with high, rough mountains to peaceful blue waters, with strong summer winds to winter low level rain and mild temperatures. Whatever your ideal vacation is, It is without a doubt that you will find it on the island of KARPATHOS. Whether you love crystal waters or windsurfing or walks in nature, you are in the right place. BUT one thing all visitors take away and remember with joy is the beautiful beaches and crystal waters. There are plenty of beaches on the island -- some say they are among the most beautiful in Greece.
You will find sandy beaches, beaches with pebbles, orgnanized, not organized, beaches with strong winds ideal for windsurfing, but all with clear and clean waters.
There are three beaches north of the main port (Pigadia) that will take your breath away:
Windsurfing is one of the most organized activities on the Island, especially on the southeastern side of the island (Afiartis, near the airport).
Diving is also another activity that has been developed over the last few years. Scuba diving with certified divers and scuba dives are available for those who are not afraid to go deep in the waters. Scuba gear is a must and I have seen many visitors bring their own.
Of course swimming is the key activity in the numerous beaches of the island. But there is also the option of hiking for the more adventurous ones. The contryside is singposted with many trails that will take you to interesting places like old churches, unorganized isolated beaches, tremendous hill side views.
You will find sandy beaches, beaches with pebbles, orgnanized, not organized, beaches with strong winds ideal for windsurfing, but all with clear and clean waters.
There are three beaches north of the main port (Pigadia) that will take your breath away:
- Apella beach, an organized with exotic waters, but with plenty of free space available if you dont like sunbeds.
- Kyra Panagia beach, organized at the bottom of small village offering amazing view organized, with many rooms to let and tavernas.
- Achata beach, organized with pebbles and calm greenish waters ideal for SUP lovers.
- Ammopi beach, located at the south east is a beautiful beach, organized ideal for families, very secluded and probably the last place on KARPATHOS where it will be windy. At walking disctance there are Pera Ammos and Votsalakia both organized but offer very different experience: Votsalakia is pebbled, Pera Ammos is a sandy and wide beach with shallow waters. In the area you will find a number of taverns with traditional food, rooms to rent, cars to let, kiosks.
- Diakofits beach, near the island airport (Afiartis) an exotic double beach with amazing blue crystal waters. It is organized with sunbeds but plent of space around if you have your own umberalla. Nearby you will find a few beaches in the area Damatria beach, Christou Pigadi beach. In the area during the summer there are strong winds almost round the clock. There is a windsurfing center (Ion Club) in the area visited by many experienced windsurfers and beginers for lessons.
- Ag. Nikolaos beach, on the west side of the island with strong winds, high waves and underwatter curents.
- Finiki beach, a traditional fish-village with many tavers in the area offering fresh fish and traditional food.
Windsurfing is one of the most organized activities on the Island, especially on the southeastern side of the island (Afiartis, near the airport).
Diving is also another activity that has been developed over the last few years. Scuba diving with certified divers and scuba dives are available for those who are not afraid to go deep in the waters. Scuba gear is a must and I have seen many visitors bring their own.
Of course swimming is the key activity in the numerous beaches of the island. But there is also the option of hiking for the more adventurous ones. The contryside is singposted with many trails that will take you to interesting places like old churches, unorganized isolated beaches, tremendous hill side views.
