Wakacje Karpathos - holidays and trips

Karpathos – holidays away from the crowds. Karpathos, located between Crete and Rhodes, is still undiscovered by mass tourism. The island tempts with peace, charming landscapes and taverns full of Greek delicacies. Beautiful sandy beaches and blue water, small white houses on the hills, greenery and Greek sunshine. Holidays in Karpathos offer unique atmosphere of a small island, true Greek tradition and a perfect place for active recreation.

Beaches, beaches, beaches! The beautiful beaches and turquoise sea are the flagship of Karpathos! It is worth renting a car to see them all. Sandy, gently shelving beaches include Makris Gialos on the southeast coast, in the Amfi arti region, where you can admire the incredible sunset to the sounds of the cicadas. On the east of the island lies Pigadia – the capital of Karpathos. The city is situated on the picturesque Vrondi Bay, whose attraction is a port with luxurious yachts and colorful fishing boats. Most hotels are located right next to the municipal sand and shingle Afoti beach. Here you will also find excellent restaurants offering traditional delicacies. On this side of the island it is also worth to go to the most beautiful beach of the island - Apella. It is located just 15 km from Pigadia, surrounded by mountains and flowering shrubs. With a bit of luck, you can have this beach just for yourself, as there are no hotels or gesthouses in the area, and most tourists choose the municipal Afoti beach. Being in Karpathos, you must also see the Kyra Panagia beach on the east coast. It is there where the popular and beautiful Orthodox church with its distinctive pink dome is located.

Villages on the hillsides of the mountains. The wealthy descendants of the Dorians moved their estates into the mountains in the 7th century to prevent pirate looting. This is how picturesque villages, terraced on the slopes of the hillsides, with whitewashed houses and blue shutters were created. You can still meet women and men in traditional Greek outfits there. People live there by farmlands, breeding of sheep and baking delicious bread. One of such villages is Olympos built in the Byzantine times. It is also worth to visit Menetes, located at an altitude of 350 m above sea level, with a church with a high bell tower “hung” on the edge of a high cliff. Time is much slower here!

Holidays for the active. Everyone will find something for themselves in Karpathos. Cyclists will enjoy beautiful scenic routes; the island also offers excellent conditions for surfers and paragliders. There are also plenty of excellent climbing sites, which will raise the level of adrenaline; you must climb the highest peak of the island - Kali Limni (1215 m above sea level). There are also numerous diving schools in Karpathos. Those who love active recreation should visit Arkasa, the largest city on the west coast. This city offers trekking trails with breathtaking views and excellent conditions for water sports - strong winds and large waves on the Agios Nikolaos beach. Relaxation after a day full of sports experiences will ensure the proximity of Finiki fishing port with excellent taverns serving among others seafood.

What to eat? In Olympos you must try bread – bread and buns are baked in traditional stone ovens and their taste is unique. You should also try makarounes – hand-made pasta, served with goat cheese and onion, breaded courgette flowers, fava – dried bean cream, or seafood, including obligatory scallops and bivalve mussels. Between snacks you should try the traditional ouzo, and with a meal – retsina, which is wine with pine resin. In Greece, a feast for the palate is guaranteed!

Did you know that...?

• When driving around Karpathos, it is worth refueling to the full on the first station encountered. There are only 3 gas stations on the entire island, all of them in the capital city.
• Karpathos is 60 km long and only several dozen, and in some places only a dozen or so, kilometers wide.
• In Karpathos there is the Iwona Canyon named after the Polish woman, Iwona Buczek, who together with the Lubin Mountain Lovers Association set climbing paths on the island.

Olympos — a visit to the living museum of Greece. Departure after breakfast, crossing Arkassa and tiny Finniki. On the way you can see the island of Kassos neighboring Karpathos and admire the lush greenery flowing down to the sea. Next we will drive through Spoa village on the eastern side of the island. Getting to Olympos. This unique medieval town is located high up in the mountains and is not visible from the sea side. Today, people live like their ancestors there. When walking along narrow streets, you can meet local women dressed in colorful folklore costumes. Going through an old traditional bakery, an opportunity to visit a typical Carpathian house with small, wooden furniture and carefully made, still working tools. Visiting the Cathedral of "Virgin Mary". Nearby you can try a delicious local meal "Makarounes" - a type of spaghetti, "Lachanopites" (extra paid). On the way back we will have a stop on the beautiful beach in Lefkos with a picturesque view of three bays. You will have an opportunity to swim in the crystal clear water there. In addition, you can try delicious fresh fish in taverns by the sea (paid extra). Return to Pigadia in the afternoon. It is worth taking: swimsuit, cream with filter, comfortable shoes, camera, hat. Day trip. Price - approx. 42 EUR, children aged 2-12 - approx. 21 EUR (includes entrance fee to the Olympos House).

Blue day — cruise from Pigadia along the east coast. First stop - Kato Lakkos beach with crystal clear turquoise water, which can not be reached by car. On site: swimming, sunbathing and barbecue. Next stop - beautiful Apella beach and Kyra Panagia. Snorkeling. Return to the Pigadia port. It is worth taking: swimsuit, cream with filter, comfortable shoes, camera, hat. Full-day excursion by ship. Price - approx. 35 EUR, children aged 2-12: approx. 18 EUR (includes: transfer to the port and back, cruise and barbecue).

Saria - a pirate island — A cruise to the deserted island of Saria. Climbing to the Agios Zachara with a spectacular view of the beach, climbing to the observation point with the Chapel of St. Zacharias. An opportunity to swim in turquoise waters of the beautiful Patrz zestaw typu Palatia beach. Bathing in the sea's caves is amazing - the views under such clean water surrounded by rocks and proximity to nature are one of the main reasons why it is definitely worthwhile to visit the island. At the end - the barbecue on the coast (additionally payable). Return to Pigadia. It is worth taking: swimsuit, cream with filter, comfortable shoes, camera, hat. Guided all-day cruise. Price - approx. 42 EUR, children aged 2-12 (includes transfer to and from the port, cruise and trip).

Carpathian night — have fun with us in Amoopi, Karpathos! Try local delicacies and wine to the sounds of folk music in the open air tavern. Open yourself up to new and unknown! Learn the Carpathian dance, watch the performance of a small, traditional band and listen to the popular Greek song "bouzouki". It is worth taking: camera, comfortable outfit. Evening trip, start about 20.00. Price - approx. 38 EUR, children aged 2-12: approx. 19 EUR.

Shopping madness — shopping in Pigadia! Transfer to the city, walk along the promenade. Buying souvenirs. Return to the hotel for dinner. An evening trip for the guests of Bluu Bahari. Price - approx. 15 EUR, children aged 2-12: approx. 8 EUR.

Local excursions are organized by local travel agencies under the conditions fixed by them. It's possible to disorganize trips due to low number of applicants.