Car Hire Karpathos - Mini guide to Karpathos
The Dodecanese Islands are renowned for retaining rich traditions and boasting spectacularly diverse scenery. Nestled between busy Rhodes and Crete, the small island of Karpathos is famous for its friendly atmosphere and authentic flavour.
Karpathos’ foremost attraction is its diverse environment. Rough and wild in the north, tamed and beautiful in the south, the island is home to many artists and photographers. Karpathos township, located in the southeast, boasts the islands busiest beach (Pigadia), with long golden sands ideal for windsurfers and sun seekers alike.
The city centre merges ancient and modern Greece and is packed with reminders of ancient times. The town’s original site, Vounos, is located just east of the harbour and nearer the entrance stand ruins of an ancient acropolis. This area is home to many traditional Greek houses whilst the town’s business and shopping district is located closer to Pigadia Beach.
Karpathos offers great shopping with an abundance of traditional stores selling hand-woven textiles and painted ceramics. In the evenings Karpathos’ many tavernas and restaurants offer a combination of good food, live music, and atmosphere although the fare is predominantly traditional Greek. Sampling the local pasta specialty, makarounes, is highly recommended.
Well worth exploring is Karpathos' mountainous centre. Menetes village is particularly pretty, with its many small churches and interesting archaeological museum. Built during the Middle Ages, the town offers breathtaking views. Similarly, Olympos is a hidden delight. Retaining many local customs not to be found anywhere else in Greece, this village is particularly renowned for its traditional costumes, still worn daily by the women, and elaborate wedding ceremonies.
Athens International Airport is the most convenient for arrivals by air. Karpathos has a small airport which is serviced by charter flights from Athens, Rhodes and Kassos weekly. Karpathos Port is serviced by a direct boat service from Athens’ Piraeus Port, as well as fast ferries from Rhodes, Kassos and Crete. On the island a good network of buses connects Karpathos town with the many beaches and villages.
