KARPATHOS

General Information

Karpathos is an island of picturesque coasts and alternating landscapes; the large southern plain gradually ascends to the central highlands, and from there goes on to further heights to form the mountainous northern region, topped by Mount Lastos at an altitude of 1215m. With an expanse of 301 sq.km, it is the second largest island of the Dodecanese, between the islands of Rhodes and Crete. Its population is about 6500 inhabitants. 

History - Culture

Archaeological findings reveal that the island has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. It had commercial bonds with the two great Greek civilizations of the Bronze Age, the Minoan and the Mycenaean. During the historical years, Karpathos flourished, and its prosperity continued during the Hellenistic and Roman years, mainly due to its proximity to the rich island of Rhodes and its safe harbor, which offered protection to ships that would venture into this area and would encounter menacing weather. In the following centuries, the local populace had to deal with pirate raids and invaders, a situation that necessitated a move towards the interior island, where they created new settlements that could be defended more effectively. During the Middle Ages, the island changed hands many times, and the attack of the notorious pirate Barbarossa dealt a severe blow to the populace. Finally, it was conquered by the Turks in 1537. From there on, Karpathos shared the same historical course with the rest of the Dodecanese Islands, and thus rejoined Greece -after long and hardy struggles- in 1948.

Sights

The village of Olympus of Karpathos is a living Folk Art museum, a place where a lifestyle of past centuries lives on virtually intact, as if time has decided to stand still in this remote corner. In the main town, there is the open-air museum with remains dating back to different periods of time, the ruins of Aghia Fotini -a Paleochristian church of the 5th century- and the Caves of Poseidon. In addition, there is Paleokastro and the remains of an old Christian church in the region of Arkassa, the Mycenean tomb in the area of Diafani and the remains of a Mycenaean fortification ?built in the Cyclopean style- in Pigadia.  The significant Church of the Assumption is in the village of Menetes, and the houses in Mesachori are representative of the local architecture and way of life and also serve as living museums. Furthermore, Karpathos holds many more charms all across its expanse, from the beauteous coastline to the imposing peak of Mount Lastos.

Entertainment-Sports-Shopping

Karpathos has developed a substantial infrastructure that includes hotels, rooms for rent, well-supplied shopping places, restaurants, taverns, coffee shops, bars, and satisfactory services. The road network may leave much to be desired, but many will find this more of an enjoyment than as a drawback. There are beautiful beaches, often accompanied by the existence of water sports facilities. Local cuisine is delicious, and one should try the sesame and honey sweets, the cream cheese pie, the vegetable pie, the pancakes, the oriental delights the doughnuts, the cabbage pie, and much more. Karpathos awaits to be discovered by those who allow themselves to be captivated by a unique way of life, that reminds of the bygone days when things were much simpler.

Access

By plane from Athens throughout the year with more flights carried out in the summertime. All year round by ferries from the port of Piraeus..

Connections

There is a flight connection with Athens, Kasos, Rhodes and Crete all year round and a ferry connection with Kasos, Kastelorizo, Rhodes, Chalki, Paros, Santorini, Herakleion and Siteia in Crete, Milos and Aghios Nikolaos.

Alternative Tourism

Spiritual, cultural, congressional, archaeology, agrotourism, ecotourism, sporting (water sports, trekking, mountain climbing, sailing).

Useful Telephone Numbers:

Karpathos Area Cpde: 22450-

Police: 22450-22222

Telecommunications Org.: 22450-22399

Port Police: 22450-22227

Medical Center: 22450-22228

Akirport: 22450-22150