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Karpathos

Today, Karpathos is one of the islands of Dodecanese that still retains its traditional character. Its architecture and folklore blend harmoniously, giving Karpathos a unique identity, different from that from the other Greek islands. The physique, the dark complexion of men and women, has a genuine Greek character. The remarkable craftsmanship in embroidery, weaving and lacing characterises the dresses of the local women of Olympos.

It's a fine sample of the artistic sensitivity of the island. The high mountains reach to the tranquil clear lacy coasts (Lefkos), where the visitor can enjoy the lush greenery and the local hospitality.

The island is now one of the characteristic tourist islands that keeps all its authenticity. Its natural beauties are superior to those of other islands, especially the areas of Lefkos, Mesohori, Achata, Olympos, etc. Every mountain, and coast is nothing less than a work of art. The wildness of the landscape blends with the sweetness of nature. Mountains, pine trees, fresh air and sea, make a superb scenery.

During the Italian occupation the Italians gave to the island the name Karpathos, because they likened its shape a shoe (scarpanto in Italian). It has an area of 301 square Km and a coastline of 160 Km. Karpathos. It lays between Rhodes and Crete. Its distance from Piraeus is 227 miles, covered by boat in 15 to 25 hours, depending on the course that may include other islands.

Karpathos is also the second longest island of the Dodecanese (48.5 Km). A central road connects the one end with the other, passing through various villages, while other roads, parallel to this, connect the villages among themselves. On the island one finds highlands with an altitude of 1215 meters and lowlands at sea level. There is a rich vegetation of all trees and grass.

The livelihood of Karpathos is tourism, authentic pure natural beauties, its unique wealth, which are all enhanced by the hospitality of its residents. Its magnificent beaches, its secluded small bays, its imposing mountain peaks and its local inhabitants who dress up in their traditional costumes. Karpathos comprises of 10 villages, with approximately 6,000 inhabitants. All villages preserve intensively the traditional style of the island. In the South East of the island you can find Pigadia (Karpathos), capital and main port of the island. The capital is surrounded by the villages of Menetes, Arkasa, Aperi, Volada, Otho. In the North of the island one can find Mesochori, Spoa and Olympos the last village in the North of the island, which is of great folkloric and architectural interest.

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