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Overview

Introduction

Karpathos lies between Rhodes and Crete and is the third largest of the Dodecanese. Long, narrow, remote and starkly beautiful (especially in the vertiginous north), it is similar in these respects to Amorgos and Ikaria. It is best reached by domestic flights from Athens, which has the most frequent connections, or Rhodes (which is likely to involve an overnight hotel in Rhodes Town for the first night).

The southern third is lower-lying and has the airport so it is here that most people stay, especially in and around Pighadia, the island capital. Situated to the south of beautiful Vrondi bay – a magnificent 3km stretch of golden sand – the town itself offers all the facilities you need, including a good choice of tavernas, cafés and shops.

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.

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Getting there

Based on 2024 connections, a morning flight to Athens for a late afternoon connecting flight to Karpathos with Olympic Airlines (1 hour). Then taxi transfer to the accommodation - approx journey times Pighadia 30 mins, Lefkos 45 mins. On the return an afternoon flight from Karpathos with Sky Express connecting with an evening flight departure for UK. Alternatively flight to Rhodes with an overnight hotel in Rhodes Town and a flight to Karpathos the following day (3 x weekly, 35 mins). Depending on the day of the week an overnight hotel may be required on departure. Sunvil will make all hotel and transfer arrangements for any overnights required.

 

 

 

Representative

We do not have a representative on Karpathos. The hoteliers will happily provide local information and our main agent in Rhodes can always be contacted.

Multi-Centre Options

With any other island served by flights to Rhodes (e.g. Tilos, Symi, Halki). However please note that mid-centre transfers are likely to involve some free hours in Rhodes Town (no hardship - luggage can be stored) before the late afternoon ferry (or flight, if Karpathos is your second centre), or possibly an overnight hotel. Karpathos can also be included in any tailor made itinerary via Athens.

Useful information

Talk to one of our experts

020 8568 4499

We're open today till 5:30 PM

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Shirnett Ballantyne
Shirnett Ballantyne
Best time to go
  • JAN
  • FEB
  • MAR
  • APR
  • MAY
  • JUN
  • JUL
  • AUG
  • SEP
  • OCT
  • NOV
  • DEC
Time Difference

GMT + 2 hours

Currency

Euro

Language

Greek

Average flight times

4 hours 15 minutes (Flight via Rhodes).

  • Average temperature

    Average rainfall

Note: Map is for guidance purposes only.

Talk to our Greece expert

Shirnett Ballantyne
Shirnett Ballantyne

With over three decades of experience working for major travel companies in the UK, Shirnett brings a blend of expertise and enthusiasm to her position within our Greece & Cyprus sales team at Sunvil. Shirnett has extensively explored the Greek islands of Crete, Lemnos, Kefalonia, Corfu, Paxos and Lefkas, and is looking forward to visiting many more in the coming months to expand her knowledge. Her affection for Cyprus dates back to her initial visit in 1992, and her love and knowledge of the island enables her to personalise the ideal Cypriot holiday experience for you.

Call one of our experts to discuss your next holiday with Sunvil on

020 8758 4758

We're open today till 5:30 PM

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Please use this form to request further information about a Sunvil holiday or destination.

We promise that a member of our specialist reservation teams will reply personally to your holiday enquiry before 5.30pm if received before 12.00pm (Monday to Friday). Enquiries received after 12.00pm will be replied to within 24-hours (excluding Sundays).

If your enquiry is of an urgent nature, please telephone our dedicated reservation teams on the numbers listed below.

Our lines are open from 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday and from 9.30am to 4.30pm Saturday.

  • Greece: 020 8758 4758
  • Cyprus: 020 8758 4759
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Pighadia, Karpathos, Dodecanese

Karpathos

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We promise that a member of our specialist reservation teams will reply personally to your holiday enquiry before 5.30pm if received before 12.00pm (Monday to Friday). Enquiries received after 12.00pm will be replied to within 24-hours (excluding Sundays).

If your enquiry is of an urgent nature, please telephone our dedicated reservation teams on the numbers listed below.

Our lines are open from 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday and from 9.30am to 4.30pm Saturday.

  • Greece: 020 8758 4758
  • Cyprus: 020 8758 4759
  • Portugal, the Azores, Spain, Italy, Sicily and Scandinavia: 020 8758 4722
  • Latin America: 020 8758 4774
  • Marketing: 020 8758 4731

Required Information

* Mandatory Information
Title *
First name *
Surname *
Telephone number *
Alternative telephone number
Email address *
Confirm email address
Preferred method of communication *
If you would like to be called during a specific period, please specify
Booking reference number *
Alternatively, please enter your query in the box below:

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Thank you for your enquiry

Thank you for your enquiry. A member of our specialist reservation teams will be in touch shortly.

If your enquiry is of an urgent nature, please telephone our dedicated reservation teams on the numbers listed below.

Our lines are open from 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday-Friday and from 9.30am to 4.30pm Saturday.

  • Greece: 020 8758 4758
  • Cyprus: 020 8758 4759
  • Portugal, the Azores, Italy, Sicily and Scandinavia: 020 8758 4722
  • Latin America: 020 8758 4774

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