Holidays to Karpathos

Pighadia port is the departure point for excursion boats to the north. Some superb east coast beaches, such as famous white-pebble Apella - a real postcard shot from the road above - can be reached by sea or hire car, but the best trip is to stay on the boat and continue up the coast to the fishing village of Diafani, where buses take you the short distance to Olymbos. This mountain village is known throughout Greece for its traditional ways – a sign of its historical isolation – where locals still wear colourful embroidered dress and speak an ancient dialect. Although the continuation of some of these traditions today may have a slightly commercial aspect, the village is well worth seeing.

Between Diafani in the north and Pighadia in the south is a scattering of very attractive villages in the foothills of Mount Kallilimni (1215m), such as Pyles. From here you can take the west coast road to Lefkos, three gorgeous sandy bays with a small summer-resort-village behind. Despite its growing popularity Lefkos remains quiet and laid back for much of the year, only busy for a few peak weeks, and has at least a dozen restaurants, a selection of small shops, sunbeds and car hire available.

For a relaxing holiday in attractive low-key environs, with a choice of beaches as good as you will find anywhere on your doorstep, we think Lefkos hard to beat.