Description of Karpathos
Karpathos although is the second largest island in the
Dodecanese, it is somewhat off the beaten track. The variety of scenery of the island is unique with constant and unexpected changes of shapes and colours.
Karpathos has a great variety of
hotels and
restaurants. It has bays excellent for diving, while it is the capital island of windsurfing with the World Championship of Windsurfing having taken place here several times.
Geography of Karpathos
Karpathos spans an area of 324 sq. km. with a total population of 6.511 residents.
Karpathos is the bridge between
Crete and the
Dodecanese islands. The islands closer to
Karpathos are
Crete and
Kasos on the southwest and
Rhodes on the northeast.
History of Karpathos
The history of
Karpathos is closely connected with
Rhodes.
Karpathos took part in the Peloponnesian War as an ally to Sparta but went under the state of Rhodes. Later, Karpathos fell to Romans and then was part of the Byzantine Empire. The Genoese controlled Karpathos from the 13th till the 16th century, when it passed into the possession of the Ottoman Turks. The Italians conquered the island in 1912, together with the whole
Dodecanese and was not ceded
Greece until 1947. The economic decay of the island is evident as most of the population migrated to the USA. Some of them slowly return to their homeland to invest their earnings, especially in tourism.
Sightseeing on Karpathos
The natural beauty of
Karpathos is unique with lush vegetation spread on the mountains, deep caves, green valleys and stunning beaches. Some of the most popular are: Amopi, Achata, Kyra Panaya, Apella, Agios Mynas, Arkasa, Lefkos. The village of
Afiartis is the most famous as it has played host of the
World Championship of Windsurfing several times since 2006.
Local Products of Karpathos
Karpathos is famous for its fine wine and seafood served with hand made fresh pasta. There is also local tradition to handmade embroideries and woven fabrics.
Getting to Karpathos
By air from Athens International Airport or by ferry boats departing from Piraeus Port in Athens.
Best time to visit Karpathos
From June to September.
Useful Phone Numbers on Karpathos
Police: +30 22450 22222
Tourist Police: +30 22450 22212
Port Authorities of Karpathos: +30 22450 22227
Airport: +30 22450 91030
Local Buses Services: +30 22450
Health Care Centre: +30 22450 22228