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| General info |
| Karpathos is an island in the southern Aegean Sea. It belongs to Dodecanese and it’s situated between Rhodos and Crete. Its length is 25 miles and accounting the island Saria it is 29,5 miles. The islet Saria was at one time peninsula and after the sinking of a part of it became an island. The length of Karpathos is disproportionate to its with, which is only 6 miles. It is a mountainous island and its highest mountain is called Kali Limni (1350m) and the highest tableland is called Lastos (750m). Karpathos abstains from Piraeus 242 nautical miles (10 hours roughly). It is offered for peaceful vacations, while the combination of mountain and sea leaves the best impression. The current capital, Karpathos or else Pigadia, is the island’s main harbor. It is built in the locality where in the Dorian years use to be the ancient harbor Potideo or Posidio. Entering the harbor, on the left, you can see Vounos, a rock of 23 m height, with relic of ancient citadel. Parts of cyclopean walls and foundations of buildings are preserved. In the small park you can visit the Open-air Museum, while on the main street to Aperi, at the locality Afoti, there are ruins of Agia Fotini, old Christian basilica of the 5th - 6th century. Archaeological findings prove that it was built in the place where the temple of Dioskouri was. In the cave of Posidonas (Neptune), at the locality Myli, exists a monumental carved grave or temple that is speculated that belonged to the goddess Venus. In a distance of 2,5 km outside of Pigadia, is situated the church of Agia Kyriaki, built on a rock, with splendid view. One of the most beautiful tourist resorts of the island is Ammopi, in about 6 km south Pigadia. Built on a hill is the village Menetes, with its neat houses and the 19th century church Kimiseos of Theotokos. Continuing on the main street you will meet Arkasa, located 16 km south-west of the capital, with the impressive landscape as the small peninsula of the citadel unfold in front of you, while in the back, rocks majestically are risen. There, where today is the small church of Agia Sofia, use to exist the old Christian basilica of the 4th - 6th century, relic of which are preserved. Is worth visiting Palaiokastro as the view is astonishing, and you can see relic from time of Venetian and Turkish domination. At the picturesque fishing village Finiki, hardly 1 km from Arkasa, you will see a brassy boat dedicated to the heroes of the resistance from the Germans. At Mesochori, 31km north-west of the capital, you can admire the karpathian architecture. The multicoloured houses are internally separated and decorated with a distinguished way. 8 km southern is located Lefkos, a coastal village with beautiful beaches. In Sokastro are preserved ruins of the Byzantine and Medieval Ages. Aperi, use to be the old capital of the island and it’s built in height of 320 m. It constitutes the See of Metropolitan Bishop of Karpathos. From here you can reach up to the green all around settlement of Kyra Panagia with its picturesque bight or you can visit the traditional village Volada. The most northern village of Karpathos is Olympus, in a distance of 63 km from the Pigadia, which preserves the tradition in all levels, from the arrangement of houses up to the local dialect. It’s worth visiting the church of Virgin Mary, of the 16th century and the church of Panagia Chrysovalandou. At the north of Karpathos is situated the islet Saria where in antiquity the city of Nisyros was at the peak. |
| Where to stay |
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| Restaurants - Bars - Entertainment |
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