Saria islet – A paradise on earth near Karpathos

On the north side of Karpathos is the islet of Saria. It is 62nd in size among the rest of Greek islands. Along with Saria central and northern areas of Karpathos belong to the NATURA 2000 network and have been recognized as CORINE Biotopes. It was characterized as “Important bird area in Europe”.

If you are interested in eco-tourism, you should also read the article The rich flora and fauna of Karpathos.

Karpathos is located on the migration route of birds from Europe to Africa. It is proved that Saria is the final stop before Africa. That’s why there are many bird species such as small hawks, wild pigeons, herons, cormorants, partridges and grouse.

Make your reservation at Akropolis Village on time.

In ancient times Saria was united with Nisyros of Karpathos and was separated due to erosion. The canal that was created and separates the two islands today is called “Steno”. It’s 1.5 nautical mile long and 100 meters wide. It is a rocky islet with many sea cliffs, pine forest and caves. The most famous beach on the islet is Palatia. It is an unorganized pebbly beach, with crystal clear turquoise waters. There is also a small canyon that starts from the chapel of Agia Sophia, located in Palatia and reaches up to the church of Agios Zacharias.

There are scattered ancient monuments. On Castellos Hill traces of human presence have been found from the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age. It’s considered that this is the ancient Nisyros of Karpathos. On the 5th century it belonged to the Athenian Alliance. There is a medieval village, also called Palatia (6th-9th century) which has most likely been inhabited by either Arab or Saracen pirates. Today, small, one-room houses with a dome are preserved. This type of architecture is found in Syria and Andalusia. In Argos there is a settlement with stone-built ground floor buildings, paddocks and threshing floors. Carpathian farmers lived there. Just outside the settlement you will find the unique horseshoe-shaped, stone-built windmill.

If you are a history lover Karpathos is a picturesque island, faithful to its traditions, full of peculiarities and rich in sightseeing. You will find more information on which places to visit in our article Karpathos Sightseeing.

You may be particularly lucky to meet the rare and most iconic mammal of the Mediterranean, the seal Monachus Monachus, especially if you visit Saria.

How to get in Saria islet

You can go by boat from Diafani. The route takes about 1.5 hours, depending on the swimming stops along the way. Alternatively, you can hire a boat and skipper, so you can plan your own day trip.

And don’t forget to make your reservation at Akropolis Village on time.

The rich flora and fauna of Karpathos

Karpathos apart from being full of peculiarities and rich in sightseeing is an ideal destination for eco-tourism for nature lovers. Areas of central and northern island, as well as Saria, belong to the NATURA 2000 network and have been recognized as CORINE Biotopes.

Make your reservation at Akropolis Village on time.

NATURA 2000 : Network of nature protection zones and was founded by the European Union (May 1992). Its purposes are the protection of the environment and preservation of biodiversity.

CORINE Biotopes : A program (since 1985) originally designed to record biotopes and create an “ecological” map. Now the program collects data from the state of the environment and natural sources.

1. Flora

The intense relief of the island and the steep altitudinal transition make the island ideal for the growth of rare plant species. 923 species have been recorded in Karpathos of which over 100 rare flowers. 66 of them are endemic in eastern Europe and the Mediterranean area, 28 endemic mostly in Crete, 11 endemic in Kasos and Karpathos ad 9 only in Karpathos and Saria. Typical examples are wild carnation, peony, fern, iris and viola flower. Among them are 36 species of orchids such as orphys insectifera, ophrys mammosa etc.

The most endangered plant species in Karpathos is the Trifolium lappaceum L, a dwarf, hairy plant. Botanologists locate it only in two places on the island. And their number is so low that due to climate change is tenting to be extinguished.

Karpathos is also full of medicinal herbs such as Passiflora Incarnate (tranquilizer, hypnotic and analgesic), Sambucus Nigra (used by Hippocrates himself for swelling of the feet, arthritis, etc.), Calendula Officinalis (anti-inflammatory), Aloe Vera (mostly wound healing), Echinacea Angustifolia (immune enhancement), etc.  There are also cooking herbs such as thyme, oregano, lavender, mint, spearmint, bay leaf, rosemary, anise, dill and capers.

Regarding trees, the principal one in Karpathos is the olive tree. However, there are wild pears, grapefruit, pomegranates, carob trees, tamarisk and  Arbutus unedo, commonly known as strawberry tree, or chorleywood. Near ravines and streams, where there is more humidity, pine trees, plane trees, maple trees and oleanders grow.

Of course there are plenty of little greens that sprout on the island, that locals boil them and you can eat them as a salad.

2. Fauna

The most characteristic kinds of the island’s fauna is the lizard Lyciasalamandra Helverseni and the frog Pelophylax cerigensis. Both are endangered species with the frog being the 1st in Europe and the salamander the 2nd. The lizard can be found only in Karpathos and it is medium size (~14cm).  It appears in the winter (between October and April) and mostly after rain. The rest of the year lives under rocks or in the ground.

Other interesting species on the island are the 17 kinds of butterflies, 5 kinds of bats, wild rabbits, sea turtles and dolphins.

The island is located on the migration route of birds from Europe to Africa. It is proved that Saria is the final stop before Africa. That’s why there are many bird species such as small hawks, wild pigeons, herons, cormorants, partridges and grouse. The three most important ones are:

  • Bonelli’s Eagle (or Hieraaetus Fasciatus). Its size reaches up to 70cm length and 1,7m with wings opening and 2.5kg weight.
  • Long legged buzzard (or Buteo Rufinus). It is one of the largest species of the genus Buteo with long wings and a rather long tail.
  • Eleonora’s Falcon (or Falco Eleonorae). It is a medium-sized hawk. Its name comes from Eleanor of Arborea or Eleanor De Serra Bas, a female judge from Sardinia and is due to her love for falcons and especially for this particular one.

You may be particularly lucky to meet the rare and most iconic mammal of the Mediterranean, the seal Monachus Monachus, especially if you visit Saria.

You can combine your exploration to discover the above mentioned flora and fauna with climbing, hiking or biking. Learn more about these activities in our article Alternative tourism of Karpathos.

And don’t forget to make your reservation at Akropolis Village on time.

Olympos – Discover the most impressive village of Karpathos

The most famous village of the island placed on the northern part. It’s a medieval head-village, which has been characterized since 2008 as the “City of the living popular polisitism of the Dodecanese”. The most interesting thing about this village is that its inhabitants ware their traditional outfits and talk their local dialect in their everyday life.

Don’t forget to make your reservation at Akropolis Village on time.

Location

Olympos is located on the north side of Karpathos on the mountain Profitis Elias (height 310m). It is approximately 10klms from Diafani, 42klms from Pigadia and 55klms from the airport. It is said that the name of the village is due to the fact that the locals used to call the mountain “Olympos” as it was the highest mountain on the island.

The western side of the village is on a steep slope leading to the sea while the eastern side is smoother. Until the 1980s there was no modern road network connecting it with the rest of the island.

In 2021 a well-known artist of Karpathos created a statue of a woman, wearing the traditional outfit and stivania (leather boots), holding a baby on her shoulders on a sheet. The statue was placed at the entrance of Olympοs.

History

There are indications that Olympos has been inhabited since the 15th century BC. The first inhabitants were probably Minoans and Mycenaean. From the 7th to 9th century it seems that the inhabitants of Vrykoundos and Nisyros came and settled. This is believed to have been caused either by an earthquake or because they were forced to abandon these areas and ascend higher, due to raids by Saracen pirates.

During the Ottoman occupation, the Carpathians managed to expel the Turks. However, due to the signing of the Protocol of London in 1830, the sovereignty of the island returned to Turkey. From 1912 to 1948 Karpathos was under Italian occupation and until the end the administration of Olympos was run by demogerons.

In the 1960s and 1970s the village began to empty due to immigration. Many husbands were forced to go abroad (mainly to America), leaving their wives and children behind. Since then, matriarchy has prevailed in Olympos. There are now 200 permanent residents in the village (population census 2021) and most of them are elderly.

Karpathos has a very large and rich folk culture and still maintains its traditions with great dedication. Learn more about its history in the article History of Karpathos island – the short version.

Village traditions

Olympos is famous for its rich traditions, which are passed down from generation to generation.

1. Outfits- stivania

The traditional outfit of Olympos is very colorful. There are two kinds of outfits: the “kavai”, which is for married and older women and the “sakofoustano” (sack skirt), which is worn by girls and newlyweds. The sakofoustano consists of the petticoat, the skirt, the shirt that goes over the top, the apron and the head scarf, called “tegremi”. Underneath they wear their leather slippers. The colorful ornaments around their headscarf are called “pitsilia”. Little girls used to braid their hair under the headscarf in braids, along with beads and other ornaments. Above is the imposing “kolaina”, the jewel with the gold coins worn on special occasions, which I was told is handed down from grandmother to granddaughter and from mother to daughter, by age and also by name. The kavai consists of the shirt with cross-stitch embroidery, the kavai itself which is in black woven fabric, which is made on the loom, the belt, the colorful apron, the woolen one with its pitsilia (the head scarf), which although it is a single piece, has a special and elaborate way of being tied and the staves, the leather boots with red details, which complete the outfit.

“Stivania” is part of the traditional outfit and are handmade boots made by goat leather. The bright red color that the women’s stivania have, along with their ornate embroidery make them distinct works of art. The embroidery is made by hand or machine. Single women were stivania with more ornaments than the married ones who ware stivani with simpler embroidery.

2. Easter

The most extraordinary about Easter celebrations here is that villagers embody their grief at the death of their relatives who have passed away in the last year. On Holy Tuesday night during the preparation of Holy Table women place fresh flowers and photographs of their diseased. On the afternoon of Great Friday after the return of Epitaphy to the church women unfold their hair and they start to sing dirges. On Easter Monday women cook cakes and take them to the graveyard. They place them on the graves for their dead loved ones.

You can read more information in our article Get to know Easter traditions of Karpathos.

3. Wedding

Every wedding is very special. Preparations last a hole week and the feast lasts three days. The bride is accompanied on her way to the church by music instruments and songs. A very special part of the wedding is “chrisoma”. Relatives fasten gold jewellery and money on the wedding dress.

4.Olympitiko”

Since 2020 it has been recorded as a distinctive element in the Greek National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO. It is the festival for the Assumption of Virgin Mary and it is held on the main square of Olympos.

Make your reservation at Akropolis Village on time.

Karpathos traditional festivals and cultural events

As in all parts of Greece, in Karpathos there are many festivals and events, mainly of a religious nature.

Make your reservation at Akropolis Village on time.

1. “Olympitiko”

Since 2020 it has been recorded as a distinctive element in the Greek National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO. It is the festival for the Assumption of Virgin Mary and it is held on the main square of Olympos. Men sit down around a big table which is place in front of the church. They wear a piece of basil on the lapel of their jacket. The first music track is Kato choros (slow track). The feast continues with bagpipe, lute and lyre. After sundown men start to dance and sometime later women accompany them wearing traditional costumes.

2. Festival of Saint John the Baptist

It is held in Agios Ioannis (Saint John) church in Lakki, inside the cave of the Vrykous cape, for two days and two nights. Locals arrive on the day before either on foot (walking through a path for one and a half hour) from Avlona or by boat from Diafani. The start of the festive is done with “kathisto” (sitting) feast and “sirmatiko” song. They dance all night and just before sunrise they sleep on the ground outside the cave. The next morning they attend the church service. After the service peaces of bread, soup with chickpeas, loukoumades with honey and slices of watermelon are served to people and they continue the feast until the evening.

3. Clean Day (Halloween) in Othos

It starts at the coffee shop of the village. People sing “mantinades” (art of musical declamation (recitative) in form of a narrative or dialogue, sung in the rhythm of accompanying music) dedicated to the died relatives. When joyful songs start masked men appear. The feast is transferred to Megaro and the “Court of Unethical Deeds” is held. Men dressed as women bring other men before the judge with various satirical accusations. Depending on the talent of the judge and the preparation of the accusers and defendants, very spirited dialogues are negotiated. In the end, no one is acquitted. Eventually they are all sentenced to a fine that they actually pay. The festival is continued with the “Peper dance” with songs and mantinades of profane and sexual content.

4. Easter in Olympos

Greek Orthodox Easter is mostly the same in every part of Greece. The most impressive differences in Karpathos are on Holy Friday and Easter Monday.

On Holy Tuesday night women in Olympos prepare Holy Table. They place fresh flowers and photographs of their diseased relatives that died that year. On the afternoon of Great Friday, During Matins, Lamentations are sung before the Epitaphy as at the tomb of Christ, while all hold lighted candles. Near the end of Matins, during the Great Doxology, a solemn procession with the Epitaphy is held, with bells ringing the funeral toll, commemorating the burial procession of Christ. After the return of Epitaphy to the church women unfold their hair and they start to sing dirges.

On Easter Monday women cook cakes and take them to the graveyard. They place them on the graves for their dead loved ones.

You can read more information in our article Get to know Easter traditions of Karpathos.

5. Wine festival in Lastos

Every year the wine festival is held in Lastos. You will taste the wine made by the local wineries, the “wine of Adam”, as they call it. You can read more information about local wines in the article Traditional products of Karpathos. There are traditional songs with lyre, lute and the bagpipe and mantinades.

6. Wedding in Olympos

Every wedding in Karpathos is very special. Preparations last a hole week and the feast lasts three days. The bride is accompanied on her way to the church by music instruments and songs. A very special part of the wedding is “chrisoma”. Relatives fasten gold jewellery and money on the wedding dress.

7. Feast of Gilla

This festival comes from Anatolia and it is held on Sunday of the Feast of Orthodoxy since 1840. The name “Gilla” comes from the word “neogillos” (first teeth of the child). The day before wives that married the same year of gave birth prepare and bake breads in oval shape. They decorate them with almonds, nuts and various shapes from the same dough. After the church service all gather in Megaro and those who have “Gilla” offer wine and snacks.

8. Efta

Efta in Greek means “seven”. Seven days after a baby is born people ask of the three Fates to bring good luck to the newborn infant! Relatives and friends of the newborn’s family gather at his home to celebrate its arrival. They bring with them sweets and gifts (mostly gold jewelry) for the baby. The midwife in the past, the mother or grandmother now, will wrap the infant with a silk sheet and put on the best shirt of the father (if it is a boy) or mother (if it is a girl). Then, she places the baby on a large table in the middle of the room and visitors place the gifts all around it. Two first-daughter (from the same family) put the newborn in a silk sheet and, holding it by both ends, move the infant semicircularly (“lullaby”) and sing to it improvised mantinades. Τhe mother or grandmother lights seven small candles that are placed in a basin or large plate with honey. Meanwhile in the kitchen or in another room the characteristic sweet of the feast, the well-known “alevra” (flour and various spices mixed with hot water) is prepared. This sweet is served to the visitors with honey.

Karpathos has a very large and rich folk culture and still maintains its traditions with great dedication. Learn more about its history in the article History of Karpathos island – the short version.

Don’t forget to make your reservation at Akropolis Village on time.

Alternative tourism of Karpathos

If you are looking for alternative holidays full of natural beauty, apart from all the traditional activities of this island, then Karpathos is the perfect place for you this summer.

Make your reservation at Akropolis Village on time.

A. WATER SPORTS

Karpathos, the second largest island of the Dodecanese after Rhodes, has 160 kilometers coastline. Besides swimming and sunbathing, they offer a lot of adventurous experiences.

1. Windsurfing & Kite-surfing

Karpathos is one of the most popular destinations for water sports. Due to strong winds on the island and the beautiful beaches Karpathos is ideal for windsurfing and kite-surfing. After all since the 1980’s it is consider a paradise for surfers. Afiarti beach has the perfect windsurfing conditions. That’s why it’s the most suitable place for the enthusiasts of these sports. The World Windsurfing Speed Championship has been held there for years. Other beaches for windsurfing are Vatha, Valia with the highest waves, Argilaopotamos and Makris Gialos (aka Chicken Bay) ideal choice for beginners. In Makris Gialos you can also find a surf club.

2. Scuba diving

There are reefs full of various forms of marine life, underwater boulders, clifs and caves to see and explore. In Pigadia, opposite the Marina entrance, you can find Karpathos Diving Centre. Diving and trainings can be arranged for individuals or groups of any level of experience. There are also snorkeling trips and diving excursions.

The most interesting fact about Karpathos is the unusually large number of shipwrecks. This is because due to its location it was in a busy route for warships and submarines during World War II.

The most famous diving spots of Karpathos are:

  • Kastellia – Depth 15m+ (canyon rock formation, colorful fish).
  • Fokias – Depth 20m+ (steep walls and caves).
  • Agios Petros – Depth 20m+ (small caves).
  • Ahata – Depth 18m to 30m+
  • Diakoftis – Depth 14m (shipwreck).

B. ECO-TOURISM

This is a form tourism where flora, fauna, and cultural heritage are the primary attractions. Karpathos and Saria are of particular ecological interest. Both of them are part of the NATURA 2000 Network. For all nature lovers you should know that Karpathos has a rich flora and fauna.

  • The intense topography and the steep altitude transition make Karpathos ideal for the growth of rare plants. 923 plant species have been recorded, of which over 100 rare flowers.
  • The island is located on the migration route of birds from Europe to Africa. It is proved that Saria is the final stop before Africa. That’s why there are many bird species. You can see rare lizards, frogs, butterflies, fish dolphins etc. Finally you should know that Saria is the favorite island of the Mediterranean seal (Monachus Monachus).

You can combine trekking routes with observations of nature, flora, and fauna.

C. CLIMBING & HIKING

The island has a developed network of paths. There are approximately 60, mostly on the north part of the island. Crossing them you can discover the rocky landscape in combination with the sea view and beautiful sightseeings of Karpathos. Some of them are:

  • Kato Lastos – Spoa : Relatively easy (Duration ~3h).
  • Avlona – Tristomo – Vananta – Diafani :  One of the longest, relatively hard (Duration  ~7.5h).
  • Avlona – Vananta – Diafani : Relatively easy (Duration  ~4.5h).
  • Spoa – Mesochori : Easy and short path (Duration  ~1h).

In addition to hiking, you can go climbing. There are 100 routes on the island. 50 of them are in Kira-Panagia, 30 in Apella and 20 in Adeia.

Make sure to wear the appropriate shoes, hat and sunglasses and bring along water and snacks.

You can contact the Association “Friends of the mountain and sea of Karpathos”. They are a non profit organization which aims to promote the beautiful paths of Karpathos island.

Don’t forget that you can combine trekking with swimming. Learn more about where to swim in our article Best beaches in Karpathos.

D. BIKING

There are many businesses in Karpathos that rent bikes to visitors. Apart from the various routes that are safe for bikers there are also many dirt roads, especially for those who love cross-country biking.

Karpathos, apart from the beautiful images, the charming villages and hospitable people, has a wealth of attractions to visit on your holidays.

Don’t forget to make your reservation at Akropolis Village on time.

The nine muses of Greek Mythology – All you need to know

In Akropolis Village our villas have been named after four muses: Erato, Thalia, Kleio and Ourania.

What do you know about all nine muses of Greek mythology?

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The nine muses were daughters of Zeus and Mnimosene (Mnimi which means Memory in Greek). Originally they were Nymphs of the mountain and the waters. They were then worshiped as goddesses and were patrons of the arts, literature and science. They lived in Pieria Mountains and were closely connected to Zeus. Their teacher was Apollo, who conducted their choir.

In the 3rd century BC, games were held in their honor, the “Museia” (“Museums”). These games were strictly about music and  poetry. The prize for the winners was a wreath. After all museums were the places dedicated to muses and the arts they represented.

Let’s talk about each muse separately.

1. Kleio (Clio)

Muse of history. Her name is derived by kleō which means “narrate” or “make someone famous” in ancient Greek and kleōs means “glory”.  In most illustrations we see her with a book or plates or a roll of parchment with her stories written on it and a trumpet or lyre to recite them. In some of them she has an hourglass next to her, which symbolizes the time flow. It is said that she used it to narrate her stories in the correct time order. Most of the times we see her wearing a red mantle and a bay leaf wreath on the head. She fell in love with Adonis, with whom Aphrodite was in love too. That’s why Aphrodite punished her and made her love Pierrot. It is said that Kleio invented the guitar.

2. Kalliopi (Calliope)

Muse of epic and heroic poetry and rhetoric. Her name means “beautiful in sight” in Greek. It is a compound word by kalli which means “good” and opi (opsi) which means “sight”. She was the eldest of the muses and the kindest of all according to Hesiod. She was invoked by vocalists and minstrels for inspiration. She is depicted young, beautiful, with bay leaf branches in one hand and two books in the other. There are theories that even though she was a virgin she had three sons. Many consider that Homer was her son too.

3. Efterpi (Euterpe)

Muse of music. Her name means “please someone”. She is depicted with a bay leaf wreath on her head, holding or playing a musical flute or double flute. She belonged to the escort of Dionysus.

4. Terpsichore

Although she is the muse of dance she is depicted mostly sitting and holding a lyre. That is the reason that later she was considered the muse of lyric music. Her name means “the one who pleases with her dance” in Greek. It is a compound word by terpo which means “please” and choro which means “dance”.

5. Erato

Muse of love, hymenaeum and marriage. Her name comes from the Greek word eros which means “love”. It is considered she invented love poems. She is depicted with a rose wreath on her head, almost naked, holding a lyre. There are some paintings god Eros is sitting next to her. Her beauty is resembled with the one of goddess Aphrodite.

6. Melpomene

Muse of drama. Melpo, the first compound of her name, mean “melody” and the second compound comes from menos which means “anger”. She was mother of Sirens, who allured sailors with their songs and drowned them. It is considered that she invented barbiton, an ancient instrument (variation of lyre). She also belonged to the escort of Dionysus. She is depicted either wearing of holding the tragic mask of theater, holding a knife or a rod and looking angry. Mortals invoked her to help them weather the storm.

7. Thalia

Muse of comedy. Thallo means “bloom” in ancient Greek. It is considered that she discovered geometry, architecture and agriculture. She is depicted holding the comedy mask of theater on the one hand and an ivy wreath on the other.

8. Polymnia

Muse of divine hymns and grammar. Apart from being the muse of divine hymns, in the last years of the Roman Empire, she was also considered the muse of theatrical art. She is always depicted serious and contemplative, looking at the sky, with the finger of the right hand extended. She is mostly wearing a long mantel, veil and bay leaf wreath with pearls on her head. Later on, due to her name, it was considered that she helped with learning and memorize. That is why some people confuse her with her mother Mnemosyne.

9. Ourania (Urania)

Muse of astronomy and astrology and protector of the celestial bodies. She appears in modern depictions with a crown of stars on her head, a diabetes in one hand and a celestial sphere in the other. There she recorded the galaxies, the suns, the planets and the stars. She was also thought to have psychic abilities. It is said that although living in the celestial dome, in the summers she would descend to the Bardousia Mountains.

Make your holidays memorable in one of our beautiful villas during your stay in Karpathos.  And learn more about the history of the island in the article History of Karpathos island – the short version.

Don’t forget to make your reservation at Akropolis Village on time.

Get to know Easter traditions of Karpathos

Greek Orthodox Easter is mostly the same in every part of Greece. The most impressive differences in Karpathos are on Holy Friday and Easter Tuesday. Preparations start on Lazarous Saturday.

Make your reservation at Akropolis Village on time.

Since Holy Monday until Holy Thursday women of the island bake Easter bagels, “poulous”, open “tourtes” (cakes), sweet “tourtes”, “avgoules” and herb pies. All wood-fired ovens are full of bakery products all day and all night.

  • Pouloi: Their other name is “christokouloura”, bread dedicated to Christ. Women make the characteristic “poulos”, i.e. thin, salty “buns” in the shape of “eight”, with a red dyed egg at one end.
  • Open “tourtes”: Open cheese pies with xinogalo (sour milk). Sour milk is a dairy product and is made from various types of milk, sheep’s, goat’s or cow’s milk. Sour milk is traditionally made from milk during the butter production process.
  • Sweet “tourtes”: Pies in half moon shape, sprinkled with sesame seeds. The dough is stuffed with mizithra (Greek whey cheese or mixed milk-whey cheese from sheep or goats, or both).
  • Avgoules: Bread served on Easter Sunday.They are shaped into round buns or long rolls and rolled in dough. They put the red dyed egg in the middle, like poulous and decorate it with gnocchi, birds, almonds and sesame seeds.
Holy Thursday

Easter festivities basically begin οn Holy Tuesday. The main activity of this day is the painting of the eggs. Orthodox Easter is not possible without red dyed eggs. That is why Holy Thursday is also called Red Thursday. Christian tradition wants eggs, a symbol of fertility and the beginning of a new cycle of life, to be dyed red because they symbolize the Blood of Christ. The first egg that is painted in each house is the one of the Virgin Mary and must not be broken but kept in the iconostasis (screen where Orthodoxs keep their icons) until the next Easter.

On the other hand, there is the tradition of decorating the Epitaph. Young women stay up all night decorating the wooden carved epitaph with all kinds of spring flowers. Usually the flowers are gathered from the morning of Holy Thursday from the gardens and courtyards of the houses in the villages as well as wild flowers from the fields. Women in Olympos place on the Epitaph fresh flower wreaths with photographs of their diseased husbands, sons or brothers, that died that year and a paper with written mantinada (a poem consisting of two lines that are usually fifteen syllables in rhyme or four half-stanzas that are not necessarily rhymed).

Holy Friday

Since noon bells of all churches are ringing mournfully. In Olympos women of all ages dress up with their mournful costumes. On the afternoon of Holy Friday, during matins, lamentations are sung before the Epitaph as at the tomb of Christ, while all hold lighted candles. Near the end of Matins, during the Great Doxology, a solemn procession with the Epitaph is held, with bells ringing the funeral toll, commemorating the burial procession of Christ. After the return of Epitaph to the church women unfold their hair and they start to sing dirges.

Holy Saturday

Women prepare the traditional lamb. They place rice, herbs and pieces of liver in the belly of the lamb and sew it. The lamb is roasted in the wood-fired oven overnight. On the evening of Holy Saturday the whole world gathers in the churches for the resurrection service.

Easter Monday

The most peculiar tradition is held in Spoa this day.  The hole village is separated in two teams, one consisted by women and the other one by men of all ages. It is basically a competition between the sexes.  The two teams pull a rope. When one team manages to throw the other and finally wins, the celebration begins with mantinades.

Easter Tuesday

In the villages of Menetes, Pyles, Olympos and Spoa villagers remove all religious icons from the churches. The place scarves on them and they start a parade. They go through the fields and their first stop is at Eleomonitria spring. There they make a prayer for the drought. On their way back to the churches they pass from the cemetery. The icons pass by each tomb separately, where the women have placed flowers and “tourtes” fro their loved ones. After returning to the village and stopping in every house people gather in front of the church. An auction starts and the ones who bids the most money takes the icon and places it inside the church in its original spot. This particular tradition is held in Arkasa on Easter Monday.

Karpathos has a very large and rich folk culture and still maintains its traditions with great dedication. Learn more about its history in the article History of Karpathos island – the short version.

Make your reservation at Akropolis Village on time.

Local kitchen of Karpathos – The Specialties you have to taste

In Karpathos every visitor tastes the authentic and genuine flavors of the place. There are many family taverns that serve local dishes made from healthy and fresh ingredients that are worth trying while you are on the island for your holidays.

Make your reservation at Akropolis Village on time.

1. Traditional dishes
  • Makarounes (handmade pasta): The most famous dish of Karpathos. Its shape is usually small cylinders (like a scoop), but it can also be seen as small, flat strips like tagliatelle.
  • Kolokithopoulia: Zucchini flower stuffed with rice.
  • Stuffed lamb with groat: Baked for about 20 hours in a traditional wood-fired oven.
  • Ofto: Goat stuffed with rice, liver and herbs baked in the oven.
  • Vizanti: Lamb or goat stuffed with rice and herbs baked in a traditional clay utensil.
  • Anterizia: Intestines stuffed with rice, chopped meat and spices. At first they are fried in a pan, then sewn and boiled in salted water and finally fried in a bit of oil.
  • Pseftomakarounes: Little cubes of dried bread boiled in salted water until they are soften.
  • Hondros: Broken wheat in thick pieces with meat and tomato. It is mostly served on weddings. On the festivals it is served with sauteed onion.
2. Pies
  • Kopeles: Pies with different vegetables depending on the season. In winter they use spinach and leek and in summer they use sprouts and zucchini.
  • Tourta (cheese pie): The dough is stuffed with mizithra (Greek whey cheese or mixed milk-whey cheese from sheep or goats, or both) and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
  • Gra: Pie with greens and thick dough which is baked in a tin baking tray in a wood-fired oven.
3. Sweets
  • Baklava: No it is not the same as the Turkish baklava. This is Cretan diples made of thin sheet-like dough that are fried in oil, dipped in syrup and served with grated walnut.
  • Sisamomeli: Sweet made of sesame seeds and honey. It is mostly served at weddings.
  • Moschopougkia: Dough in half moon shape, stuffed with nuts and served with powdered sugar.
  • Xilikopites: Very thin sheet of dough cut into squares, fried in hot oil and served with honey.
  • Spoon sweets: Made of quince, fig, grape and sour cherry.
4. Bakery products
  • Kousoumas: Little breads baked in a wood-fired oven until they become rusks.
  • Kremidokouloura: Spicy bagels, very crunchy, with lots of spices and lots of unions, sprinkled with sesame seeds.
  • Christopsomo: A bread dedicated to Christ specially made on Christmas. It is made with cinnamon, mastic, cloves and sprinkled sesame seeds.
  • Christokouloura: A salty bread dedicated to Christ specially made on Easter. It is made in an eight shape and they place a red dyed egg on the one hole of the “eight” before baking it.
5. Miscellaneous
  • Fresh fishes: Most inhabitants are fishermen. Do not hesitate to taste skarous, sardines, sargus and vlachous.
  • Sitaka: It looks like yogurt. It is made of sheep or goat milk depending the season. Producers allow the milk to sour first. They boil it 8-10 hours, stirring it constantly with a wooden stick until all fluids evaporate. The solid product that remains is called “sour” sitaka. If they add fresh milk in the sour one, before boiling, it is called “sweet” sitaka.
  • Cheeses: The most famous ones are the soft manouli, armotiri (very salty hard cheese) and meriari (made of goat milk).
  • Alohorta: Little greens that sprout among thorns on the mountain cliffs and eaten as salad.
  • Caper bud: The salted and pickled caper bud (called simply a “caper”) is used as an ingredient, seasoning, or garnish. Capers are a common ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, especially Greek. The immature fruit of the caper shrub are prepared similarly and marketed as “caper berries”. Fully mature fruit are not preferred, as they contain many hard seeds.

Gastronomy tourism is considered a vital component of the tourism experience. Depending on what you’re looking for – good food, wine, olives, sweets, cheeses, or something else, Karpathos can satisfy everyone’s taste. After all you can learn many things about a place you visit by it’s cuisine.

And don’t forget that you can bring some goods with you back home. Read more about it at our article Traditional products of Karpathos.

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Traditional products of Karpathos

While Karpathos is a mountainous island, it is quite fertile and offers many products to its inhabitants and visitors. Moreover the island is know for being faithful to its traditions.

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There are many shops were you can find many local products. What to buy before leaving the island, either for yourself or for your loved ones?

1. Wine – Raki

Karpathos has many vineyards. That’s why there also are many small wineries. It has preserved some old-age habits in its wine production and its peculiar wines. The most famous ones are:

  • Semi-sweet red from the mountainous part of the island in Othos and Volada.
  • Athiri. An ancient white grape variety of the Aegean Sea, which was used for centuries for the production of excellent white dry wines. Its simple and not at all heavy structure and its mild taste make Athiri suitable for a wide range of dishes.
  • Fokiano. A sweet wine produced by a rare, robust variety, resistant to disease and drought.
  • Cretan thrapsathiri. A white wine with pale yellowish green colour. Excellent accompaniment to rich dishes, with intensity and complexity.
  • Gaidouria. A particularly rare white variety, thistle is found on the Cyclades Islands and has a soft, sweet taste.

In addition to wine there is also production of raki, the alcoholic beverage produced by the fermentation and distillation of the grapes.

In the wineries of the island there are tasting rooms, where you can taste wines from different bottles and a shop to buy the ones you like the most.

2. Olives – olive oil

According to the Greek tradition, the first olive tree was planted in the Acropolis. It is said that it was a gift from the goddess Athena to the citizens of Athens. Olive oil was mentioned by Homer as “Liquid Gold”. Olive trees are widely grown throughout Greece and the cultivation in Karpathos covers the largest percentage of the cultivated area of the island. They are mainly of the Koroneiki variety. Small olives are also cultivated for table use.

3. Honey

Honey is the first traditional sweetener used by Greeks since antiquity. In fact, honey along with olives and grapes formed the beginnings of Greek gastronomy. In Karpathos there is honey production from thyme (summer), sage (autumn) and eriki or Erica Calluna (winter).

4. Leather boots

They are called stivania and you can find them in Olympos. Part of the traditional outfit of the the village, these boots are handmade by goat leather. The bright red color that the women’s stivania have, along with their ornate embroidery make them distinct works of art. The embroidery is made by hand or machine. Single women were stivania with more ornaments than the married ones who ware stivani with simpler embroidery.

5. Woven products

In Olympos you can also find many woven products. In the past, the women of the village used to weave everything from sheets to bags for the farmers and shepherds, capes and more. In the local market today you can find many woven products like decorative pieces, with traditional patterns, bags etc.

6. Other

Other traditional products you can find in Karpathos are hand-painted wooden or clay plates, spoon sweets (made with quince, fig, grape, sour cherry), leather slippers, traditional scarves, Greek herbs of the island such as thyme, oregano, sage and lavender for your kitchen and many more.

Make your holidays memorable by bringing back home special souvenirs from Karpathos.

And don’t forget to make your reservation at Akropolis Village on time.

History of Karpathos island – the short version

Karpathos is firstly mentioned by Homer as Krapathas and the earliest occupation of the island is placed in the 2nd millennium BC by Cretans. After all, due to its geographical position, was a “bridge” between the Dodecanese and Crete. Historians and archeologists found many proofs that makes sure that this island has a rich history throughout centuries.

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1. Neolithic Period

The first human occupation is placed around 4000-3000 BC (Late Neolithic – Early Bronze Age). The first inhabitants it it looks like they came from Crete and this is testified by the findings of their settlement in Pigadia and the two farmhouses that were excavated in Afiarti.

2. Neo-Palatial Period

During the “Age of Minoan Seafaring and Minoan Colonization” (about 1700-1450 BC) Karpathos seems to have a purely Minoan character. The historian Diodorus Sikeliotis mentions that the first inhabitants were sent as colonists by King Minos. During this period the island is economically and culturally developed. A characteristic find of the period is the Acropolis of the Mycenaeans on the hill of Paleokastro in Arkasa.

3. Archaic Period

There aren’t many findings about this period apart from the Tetrapolis of Karpathos, as Strabo implies. It was consisted of four ancient cities, as the name suggests. More information about Tetrapolis you can read in the article Karpathos Sightseeing.

4. Classical-Hellenistic Period

Karpathos is economically vibrant and culturally thriving. It developed cultural and economic relations with Rhodes as the island was included in the great naval and cultural power of the Rhodian state.

5. Roman & Byzantine period

In 42 BC the island was conquered by the Romans. Because of its geographical position, it seems to have been one of Rome’s three great naval stations in the Mediterranean. It controlled the passage of Roman ships from the south-eastern Mediterranean to the Aegean Sea. Under Diocletian (284-305 AD) it was included in the Provincia Insularum (“Province of the Islands”) with Rhodes. The presence of Christianity in Karpathos dates back quite early as evidenced by the findings of twenty early Christian basilicas found on the island.

6. Mid 7th to mid 10th century AD

The prosperity of the early Christian years of the island was violently interrupted in the 7th century with the invasions of the Persians, the Arabs and the Saracens. This was an era of decay and desolation, when pirates spread terror in the abandoned coastal settlements. This lead to the relocation of the inhabitants to the interior of the island for security reasons and creation of the medieval mountain villages that survive to this day.

7. Early history

From 1206 to 1224 the island, together with Kassos and Rhodes, came under the rule of Leo Gavalas, who was proclaimed “Lord” of Rhodes and Karpathos and “Caesar” of the Sporades. From 1234 various rulers held the sovereignty of Karpathos until 1538, with the invasion of the island by the Ottomans. In 1821, Karpathos rebelled and took part in the struggle for independence. At the end of the Revolution, however, it remained, along with the other Dodecanese, part of the Ottoman Empire, since for about ten years it fought for freedom and breathed the air of independence. In 1912, the Turkish occupation was succeeded by the Italian occupation. In 1944, the Carpathians rise up against the Italians and invite the English allies who occupy the island. In March 1948, Karpathos, along with the rest of the Dodecanese, was incorporated into Greece.

A special part of the local history of the island is the folk architecture of its residential areas. Karpathos, apart from the beautiful images, the charming villages and the hospitable people, has a wealth of attractions to visit on your holidays.

Don’t forget to make your reservation at Akropolis Village on time.

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