The best sights on the island

The island of Karpathos is a Greek island that stands out with its unparalleled natural beauty and it has a rich history and civilization. There are various activities on the island for visitors who spend their holidays here and want to get to know the local history and civilization.

The Archaeological Museum of Karpathos is definitely a place that you should visit if you want to learn more about the history of the island. The wonderful archaeological finds that the museum hosts will fascinate you and they will initiate you in the historical past of Karpathos.

If you prefer to learn about the island’s civilization, you should visit Othos Folklore Museum and Menetes Folklore Museum. In these museums, you can admire artifacts from the daily life in Karpathos but also local art such as pottery, embroidery, musical instruments, tools and cookware. Don’t forget to go to the acropolis of Paleokastro where you can see ruins of ancient Arcesine and enjoy the exquisite view from the top. You will also see remains of fortifications from the Archaic period and towers from the Classical and Hellenistic period.

Nature lovers can explore beautiful caves on the island such as Achata cave which is well-known for its stalagmites and stalactites, as well as Vroukountas cave where you can see the chapel of Agios Ioannis of Vroukounta. Every year on 28-29th August the largest fair of the island is organized here and you should certainly not miss it if you are here at that period of time.

Numerous well-known fairs are organized in Karpathos and you can go there to have fun, enjoy traditional live music, dance and savor the Karpathian cuisine. The most famous fairs are: the fair of Agios Panteleimon (27th July), the fair of Agios Ioannis (24th June) and the fair of Agia Marina (17th June).

If you are on the island, it is definitely worth seeing the monument of the Olympian woman. It is the sculpture of an elderly woman wearing traditional Karpathian clothes who looks at the sea waiting for the return of those who emigrated.

In the area of Arkasa, you can see the Early Christian Byzantine temple of Agia Anastasia, which dates back to the 5th century and impresses with the beautiful mosaics that adorn it. Another Early Christian Basilica worth visiting is Agia Fotini which is located in Pigadia. If you come to the island, it is also good to see the Middle Byzantine churches on the eastern side of Arkasa: Panagia Marmarini and Agios Georgios.

Every day in Karpathos is an adventurous expedition to delve into the historical past of the island, to get to know the cultural aspects of Karpathos and to admire the exquisite natural landscape that will captivate you with its incredible beaches, its beautiful caves and the amazing mountainous paths that are ideal for hiking.