KARPATHOS, a Dodecanese wild beauty

KARPATHOS has been a revelation and, definitely, a Dodecanese island I would love to go to again next summer! I decided to go there, when a friend of mine (with family roots and a house on the island), showed me some pictures on her phone. I instantly fell in love with the the island’s wild beauty, crystal clear waters, awesome beaches, as well as with Olympos, a picturesque mountain village with local traditions and legends, worthy of its own separate post!

Having my rocky moment on the way to Lefkos beach

First encounter; took an early flight, arrived at the Alimouda Mare Hotel at 7:00 am and got to see this magical Karpathian sunrise!

Pigadia Town View

Kyra-Panagia Beach (an afternoon view from the top in pic below)

Beaches

– Kyra-Panagia
– Apella (Amazing Beach)
– Ahata
– Diakoftis
– Ammopi (small natural bay, perfect for a windy day)
– Lefkos (amazing waters, 40’min drive from main town)
– Kato Lefkos (my favorite one!)
– Agios Nikolaos (Arkasa)
– Christou Pigadi
– Damatria (amazing waters & beach)
– Akrotiri

Eat

In Town
– Ellinikon (must try the “Kassiotika Ntolmadakia” aka stuffed wine leaves)
– Al Porto (for Pizza)
– Anoi (best place for drinks & late night cocktails. Must try the Grapefruit Spritzer!)

Out of Town
– Delfinia in Finiki area (for perfect lobster pasta)
– Emiri in Finiki area (for fresh fish try the “fagri”fish)
– Kato Apo ta Dedra / Under the Trees (so picturesque! went there on the way to Kato Lefkos beach & fell in love with the scenery!)
– Poseidon at Damatria beach (greek cuisine with a twist! ask for the crunchy tuna tartar)
– Apella: Visit the tavern on top of the parking lot (must try the fava, grilled calamari and fresh caper leaves salad)
– Number One tavern at Kyra-Panagia

*Note: Whatever you do, make sure you try the traditional Karpathian MAKAROUNES (wholewheat spaghetti with butter and fried onions – a sin worth making!)