Karpathos

Day 1: East-coast coves and mountain villages

Wake early for the gentlest light and calm seas on the sheltered east. Today mixes swim-and-snorkel coves with a cooler late-afternoon escape into the high villages (perfect in spring or autumn; in peak summer, keep hikes short and timed for late day).

• Morning: Drive from Pigadia to Achata for a first dip and snorkel in its clear, deep water; arrive before 09:30 for easy parking and shade (sea shoes help on pebbles). Continue to the Apella viewpoint for photos before the road drops to the beach.
• Midday: Set up at Apella and swim the turquoise cove; grab a simple lunch at the lone taverna or picnic under the pines (arrive by 11:00 to beat the rush). If seas are glassy and you have a 4x4, keep Kato Lakkos in mind for tomorrow—it’s too hot to hike in midday summer sun.
• Afternoon: Climb inland to Aperi–Volada–Othos for a breezy village stroll and coffee; or, in shoulder season, tackle the Lastos–Kali Limni hike for island-wide views (carry 2–3 L water, no shade on the ridge).
• Evening: Return to Pigadia for a harbour promenade and dinner; book a seaside table and watch the fishing boats unload. Tip: shop for an Anavasi map and pick up picnic supplies for tomorrow’s adventures.

Day 2: Wind, south-coast lagoons and west-coast sunset

The Meltemi builds through the day, making morning ideal for lessons and late afternoon perfect for relaxed swims or wave-watching. Plan Afiartis for wind; pivot to sheltered bays if it’s howling.

• Morning: Afiartis session: book a windsurf lesson at Chicken Bay or kitesurf at Agrilaopotamos (Luv Spot) while winds are steadier and lighter; centres provide rescue cover within their zones. Non-riders can stroll the calm Amoopi coves and paddleboard.
• Midday: If it’s a rare calm day, head to Diakoftis for powder-white sand and neon water; otherwise retreat to Votsalakia or Little Amoopi for family-friendly swimming and lunch at a beach taverna (reserve sunbeds in July–August).
• Afternoon: Cool off at Christou Pigadi where a freshwater seep chills the shallows, then roll to Arkasa’s Agios Nikolaos for west-coast waves (great fun to watch—mind the rip on windy days).
• Evening: Sunset seafood in Finiki’s tiny harbour; try the fresh catch at a quayside taverna. On Sundays, Agios Nikolaos often has a lively beach-bar set—otherwise, a quiet nightcap back in Pigadia.

Day 3: The wild north—Olympos, Avlona and Diafani (or Saria by boat)

Head north for traditional villages and big landscapes. Choose between a heritage hike to ancient Vroukounta or a boat day to uninhabited Saria (both best with an early start; a 4x4 is useful on northern roads).

• Morning: Drive to Olympos for coffee and bakery stops, then continue to Avlona and hike down to Vroukounta (about 1.5 hrs one way) for rock-cut tombs, a chapel and swims in crystalline water (respect the chapel; carry ample water). Alternative: from Diafani, board a 09:00 boat to Saria for caves, Palatia cove and snorkelling.
• Midday: Picnic at Vroukounta’s shore or return to Diafani for a fish lunch on the quay. If on Saria, expect a beach barbecue or simple picnic—there are no facilities on the islet.
• Afternoon: Back in Diafani, stroll the waterfront or take the coastal path toward Tristomo for as long as time and heat allow, then drive up to Olympos for weaving workshops and views in the softer light. Saria boats typically return by late afternoon.
• Evening: Stay for sunset in Olympos and dine on local specialities before the quiet drive south (aim to be off the mountain roads before full dark). Tip: in late August, the Agios Ioannis panigiri to Vroukounta is a magical night hike—book local accommodation well ahead.

By Air

• Karpathos Island National Airport (AOK) is 15 km (about 20 minutes) south of Pigadia (Karpathos Town).
• Athens (ATH) to Karpathos: year-round direct flights (daily in summer; several per week in winter), approx. 1h10–1h20.
• Inter-island/nearby hubs: Rhodes (RHO) ~35–45 minutes; Sitia, Crete (JSH) ~40 minutes; some seasonal services via Heraklion (HER).
• Summer (May–Oct): seasonal non-stops/charters from several European cities (e.g., Germany, Scandinavia, Netherlands, Italy, Austria, Poland).
• Ground transport at AOK: taxis and car hire available; limited seasonal bus to Pigadia—pre-book taxis in shoulder/winter seasons.

By Ferry

• Main port: Pigadia (Karpathos Town). Secondary port: Diafani (north).
• Piraeus (Athens) to Karpathos: typically 16–20 hours (overnight), several times weekly in summer, fewer in winter.
• Rhodes to Karpathos: about 4–6 hours, multiple weekly (more in summer).
• Crete to Karpathos: Sitia ~4–6 hours; Heraklion (usually via Sitia) ~8–10 hours; several times weekly in season.
• Other links: Kasos and Chalki on the same line; frequency varies.
• Ferries carry vehicles—book well ahead for July–August.

By Train

• No rail service to Karpathos. For combined journeys:
  • Take train to Athens (Larissa Station), then metro/suburban rail to Piraeus Port (~1 hour) for ferries.
  • Or train to Athens and metro/suburban rail to Athens Airport (ATH) (~45–60 minutes) for flights to Karpathos.

By Car

• You cannot drive to Karpathos; vehicles must go by ferry.
  • Drive to Piraeus and board a car ferry to Pigadia/Diafani (overnight; advance reservations essential in peak season).
  • If touring Crete, car ferries operate between Sitia and Karpathos.
• On arrival, a car is highly recommended for exploring; a 4x4 is advisable for northern dirt tracks.