Explore Karpathos
Sightseeing
Pigadia - 32,9 km
Pigadia is the capital of Karpathos and a wonderful place to spend your summer vacation. The picturesque narrow alleys, the island streets and the colorful balconies of the houses will take you into the magic of Karpathos from the very first moment. Pigadia is located on the south-east side of the island and is built on the ancient temple of Poseidon. The area's past stretches back thousands of years, but you will encounter it in the streets, as there are scattered and impressive monuments alongside great cafés, bars and restaurants. The combination of modern life with the history of the place makes Pigadia a unique summer destination.
Basilica of Agia Fotini - 32.4 km
A cultural attraction of Karpathos with a special history. The Basilica of Agia Fotini is a church in the area of Afoti, estimated to be 1,500years old. According to island tradition, Fotini was a Samaritan woman who met Jesus at Jacob's well and was declared a saint for this reason. It is built on ruins, although you can still find marble columns with Christian symbols that inspire awe. The renovation that has been carried out in the Basilica of Agia Fotini is the reason why many people visit it and can admire the beauty of the church up close.
Olympus - 32.3 km.
Karpathos is full of impressive places that will make your summer vacation an unforgettable experience. One such place is the village of Olympos, a precious reference point in the island's tradition: old mansions that have kept their architecture unchanged, alleys that reflect the island's unique identity, traditional windmills used for making bread and the use of a local dialect that contains elements of the ancient and medieval Greek language. All of this will make you feel like an integral part of life on Olympus and take you on a journey through its unique history. Another special attraction in the center of the village is the Byzantine church of Panagia. Wall paintings of rare beauty and amazing motifs adorn its interior, while you will also find a valuable iconostasis dating back to the 18th century. Olympus is located on the slope of Mount Prophet Ilias at an altitude of 718 meters.This is one of the most beautiful mountain villages in Greece, so it is well worth a visit.
Volada - 26.6 km.
Just 10 kilometers from Pigadia is another beautiful and traditional village, Volada. It is a place of great religious value, located on the slope of the Lastos plateau. In the center of the village is the Panagia i Plagia, which is celebrated every year on September 8. Tradition has it that the word "Plagia" comes from the name Pelagia and that the church was so named because the icon of Panagia came to the island from the coasts of Asia Minor. It is also believed that the ancient acropolis of Karpathos was located on the Koraki hill above Volada. Volada is one of the characteristic villages of Karpathos and is definitely worth a visit.
Archaeological Museum - 32.9 km
The Archaeological Museum of Karpathos is located in Pigadia and offers you the opportunity to admire exhibits from prehistoric to post-Byzantine times. It includes finds from the island from the Neolithic, Minoan and Mycenaean periods, such as obsidian blades, shells or the cast of a stone idol of a female deity, from ancient cities of the island, such as Arkesia and Brukunda, as well as finds from the early Christian basilicas of the island, such as vases, coins, examples of architecture. It is a special experience that will bring you into contact with the island's great history. Another impressive exhibit you will find in the museum is the fresco of the arch of the ruined church of St. Apostolon, an exquisite painting from the 14th century.
Pyles - 19.8 km
Pyles is a small village, but undoubtedly one of the most amazing places on Karpathos. Its name means gate, as in the past it functioned as a passageway connecting the northern part of the island with the southern. However, there is another version that says that the name “Pyles” comes from the word clay, as it is abundant in the area. The green orchards of Pyles enchant every visitor and provide the ideal setting to admire the sunset. The panoramic view from here is shocking and stretches as far as Kasos and the mountains of Sitia.
Folklore Museum - 26 km.
Another Karpathos museum that is well worth a visit. At the Folklore Museum you can discover the beauty of a traditional Karpathian house. Through the display of its interiors, you can be transported back in time and learn how the Carpathian house served the needs of the time. You will have the opportunity to admire traditional furniture, such as wooden sofas and low tables that were used for daily family meals, through to wooden lofts and mattresses for sleeping. There are also other exhibits such as handmade embroidery, handkerchiefs, plates and glassware, all of which are authentic and from a different era. The Folklore Museum is located in Othos, in the traditional house of Varikas and Aristotle Stavrakis.
Cave of Poseidon - 34.4 km
If you are a fan of mythology, Karpathos is an island that speaks to history and is of particular historical interest. One of the island's main attractions is the Cave of Poseidon, located in Mylos. To get there, you have to pass through a small passage through which the river that ends in Pigadia flows and head towards the village of Menetes. The awe that emanates from this monumental tomb is great, so it is well worth a visit. The energy emanating from the cave is very special and those who have visited it speak of a very special experience.