Karpathos Island Guide

Right in the heart of the Aegean, between Rhodes and Crete, lies an island that requires a bit of patience, a touch of curiosity, and an open heart to truly discover. Karpathos — or as it's sometimes known in Turkey, Kerpe  is not your typical Greek island. What sets it apart isn’t just how remote or hard to reach it is, but the rhythm of life here: deeply rooted in nature, full of authenticity, and delightfully unhurried. This guide isn’t just about where to go or what to eat — think of it more like a personal journey through the soul of the island.

How to Get There

Getting to Karpathos is a story in itself. There’s no direct route from Turkey. We traveled from Marmaris to Rhodes by ferry, then took another six-hour ferry to Karpathos. The journey is long, but reading a book or dozing off to the sound of waves in the deep blue Aegean turns it into a peaceful prelude. Flights via Athens are also available, though not always budget-friendly. However you get there, reaching Karpathos takes effort  which might be exactly why it's still so special.

Getting Around the Island

The first thing you'll realize when stepping off the ferry: you need a car here. Especially if you want to reach the more remote southern and western beaches. Rent a car, open up a map, and hit the road  every bend reveals a new view, every stop a reason to stay a little longer.

Beaches

Apella: The very definition of crystal-clear, with turquoise waters and pine trees offering shade.
Vatha: Soft sand and total tranquility — our personal favorite.
Votsalakia: Stunning views but a chillier, rockier sea.
Amoopi and Kato Lefkos: Calm, organized beaches perfect for families.
Finiki: A charming fishing village vibe, small but full of soul.
Even just driving between beaches feels like a mini-adventure the wind shifts, the color of the sea changes, and it’s as if you've crossed seasons in just a few kilometers.

Places to Visit

Olympos Village: Perched high on the mountainside like a time capsule. No cars allowed in the village center. Walking its narrow alleys feels like stepping into a dream — or back in time.
Menetes, Othos, Volada: Each one postcard-perfect, each telling its own quiet story. They feel far removed from the outside world.
Saria Island: If you’ve got time, take a boat from Diafani to this uninhabited, wild island and experience total immersion in nature.

What to Eat & Where to Eat It

The standout dish of the island? Makarounes homemade pasta with caramelized onions. Simple, rustic, and surprisingly comforting. Add a slice of local manouli cheese and suddenly you’re eating something that feels like it was made by someone’s grandmother.

Unlike other Greek islands, Karpathos doesn’t go big on mezze platters or plates of grilled octopus everywhere. Meals here are served all-in-one: order calamari and you’ll get it with fries, salad, rice, or boiled greens a full meal on a single plate. It’s “island life on a plate.”

Our favorite spots:

To Votsalo: Honest food, relaxed vibe.
Calypso & 4 Seasons: Simple yet elegant dishes.
Marina: For dinner with your feet almost in the sea and the sun setting in front of you.
Finiki’s tavernas: Perfect for fresh seafood and a magical evening view.
Don’t miss the traditional dessert sousamomelo (made with sesame and honey), and if you’re a wine lover, try the semi-sweet red wines, especially those made in the vineyards around Volada.

A Small Tip

Don’t rush Karpathos. This isn’t a “see-it-all-in-three-days” kind of place. Tour buses may come in the morning and leave in the evening, but the island’s real magic reveals itself outside those hours. Especially in villages like Olympos when the crowds are gone, that’s when you truly meet the soul of the place.

For accommodation suggestions, don’t forget to check out our Karpathos Island Hotels page.