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.
