Book Olympic Air Flights to Karpathos from €65*
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From | To | Fare Type | Dates | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athens (ATH) | Karpathos (AOK) | One-way fare / Economy | Departing: Apr 30, 2026 | Starting from €75 Seen: 17 hours ago |
*Best fares for one way flights found by others.
To Karpathos
Plan your trip to Karpathos
Karpathos, long and narrow, the second largest island in the Dodecanese after Rhodes, has justly been described as the “island of contrasts”.
The villages of this unexplored – and untouched by mass tourism – jewel of the Dodecanese, will remain forever etched in your memory for their architecture, colourful houses and picturesque lanes.
Those who say that Karpathos is a “mountain range in the middle of the Aegean”, since its little villages gaze out at the sea, as though pinned onto the mountainsides, are not exaggerating.
Travel to Karpathos with Olympic Air and wander through an island that may not be particularly famous, but it will pleasantly surprise you with its charming beauty!
What to see in Karpathos
The wonderful villages of Karpathos: Spoa, Mesochori and Pigadia are just some of the villages that you must definitely visit during your stay on the island. At the village of Aperi, the island’s capital from 1700 to 1892, you can admire its striking mansions as well as the view from the summit of the hill. Take a trip to Volada, where you can take a walk through its pretty lanes with their whitewashed gardens and blooming bougainvilleas. In Spoa, located at the narrowest point of Karpathos, you will be able to admire both sides of the island simultaneously from up high.
The village of Olympos, although far from the island’s port (it is about 50 minutes from Pigadia by car), would need a whole chapter dedicated to it alone. Take a photograph in front of the stone windmills and enjoy a delicious meal in the restaurants “hanging” from the rocks. The medieval village of Olympos is considered one of the most stunning in the whole of the Aegean. Do not be surprised if you see the ladies of the island coming out of their houses in traditional costume and speaking the local dialect. No, they are not going to a fair, nor are they extras in a film. It’s simply that each visit to Olympos is like going back in time! You must make a visit to the Early Christian basilica of Agia Fotini and to the cave of Poseidon.
Arkasa is one of the most popular tourist villages of Karpathos. Here you can admire the island’s peninsula, Palaiokastro and the Early Christian church of Agia Sophia, with its wonderful mosaics.
The Museums of Karpathos: Make sure to visit the Archaeological Museum at Pigadia (tel. +30 22450 23441) and the Folklore Museum in the village of Othous (tel. +30 22450 31460), where you can see the interior of a traditional Karpathiot house.
Brave a trip to the islet of Saria, on the north edge of Karpathos, where the rare bird known as the Eleonora's falcon lives and reproduces. You can reach Saria in the small boats that depart regularly from Pigadia and Diafani. In addition to taking a dip at the impressive Palatia beach, the islet is perfect for walks into the depths of history, as wherever you stand there are ancient ruins. Saria is also a refuge for the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus).
Beaches and Water Sports in Karpathos
On Karpathos you will find many amazingly clean beaches to satisfy all tastes: Apella, with a length of 7 kilometres and golden sands, is considered one of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean. Papa Minas, Agnontia, Agios Nikolaos, Forokli, Kyra Panagia and Amoopi are sandy beaches with organised services, while Valanta, Diafani and Achata are among the best-known beaches of Karpathos.
For those who love underwater diving, Karpathos is full of wonderful surprises! Kastellia, Fokia, Achata and Diakoftis are favourite spots for divers – there is even an Italian shipwreck on the seabed at Diakoftis. Equip yourselves appropriately at the diving centre in Pigadia and jump in!
Karpathos – to be specific, Afiarti – has hosted the Speed Windsurfing World Cup for years. Test your windsurfing skills at the organised centre there.
Activities and Excursions in Karpathos
If you love walking then Karpathos, and particularly its northern side, is perfect for discovery on foot. During your rambles, you will pass ancient settlements and abandoned villages, forgotten by time, while also discovering the island’s amazing natural beauties. You can also hike through the beautiful gorge of the islet of Saria.
The island is a paradise for nature lovers. Karpathos has it all: tall mountains, precipitous ravines as well as caves and springs with crystal-clear waters.
You can take the regular scheduled boat or a small boat to visit neighbouring Kasos.
Customs and Fairs in Karpathos
If you find yourselves at a local event or fair, don’t be shy about getting involved with the locals and celebrating with them. It will be an experience you will remember for many years to come.
The most important fairs on the island are those of Agios Ioannis at Vroukounta in Elympos (28 - 29 August), Panagia at Menetes (15 August) and the island-wide fair of Panagia at Vrysiani in Mesochori (8 September).
Food and Nightlife of Karpathos
In the island’s tavernas you should ask for dolmadakia (stuffed vine leaves) and courgette flowers, local shrimps and fresh fries. You must also try the makarounes of Karpathos: handmade pasta tossed with caramelised onions in staka butter and served with plenty of grated mizithra cheese on top. You will never forget it!
For breakfast, you must try Karpathiot pancakes, sprinkled with cinnamon and honey, Turkish delight with walnuts and a local omelette. The island’s omelette is not just a regular omelette, as courgettes, tomatoes and cheese are added to the egg mixture.
Before leaving Karpathos you should buy some honey, local cheeses made from goat’s milk (manouli, meriari, speriari and armyrotyri), sitaka (Karpathiot butter), barley rings and brusque wine. At Olympos you can also buy some handmade textiles and ceramics.
For an evening’s entertainment, head to Pigadia, where you will find many bars and clubs.
Travelling from Karpathos Island National Airport
KTEL buses depart from Karpathos Airport for various parts of the island. There is also a taxi rank. Even so, the best way to explore Karpathos is to have your own transport and you will find car rental agencies at the airport.
Book your tickets now with Olympic Air and discover the wild and untouched beauty of Karpathos!