Karpathos is today one of the
islands of Dodecanese that still retains its traditional character. Its
architecture and folklore blend harmoniously, giving Karpathos a unique
identity, different from that from the other Greek islands. The physique,
the dark complexion of men and women, has a genuine Greek character. The
remarkable craftsmanship in embroidery, weaving and lacing characterises
the dresses of the local women of Olympos.
It's
a fine sample of the artistic sensitivity of the island. The high
mountains reach to the tranquil clear lacy coasts (Lefkos), where the
visitor can enjoy the lush greenery and the local hospitality.
The island is now one of the
characteristic tourist islands that still keeps all its authenticity. Its
natural beauties are superior to those of other islands, especially the
areas of Lefkos, Mesohori, Achata, Olympos, etc. Every mountain,
mountainside and coast is nothing less than a work of art. The wildness of
the landscape blends with the sweetness of nature. Mountains, pine trees,
fresh air and sea, make a superb scenery.
During the Italian occupation
the Italians gave to the island the name Karpathos, because they likened
its shape a shoe (scarpanto in Italian). It is the second island of
Dodecanese, with an area of 301 square Km and a coastline of 160 Km.
Karpathos lays between Rhodes and Crete. Its distance from Piraeus is 227
miles, covered by boat in 15 to 25 hours, depending on the course that may
include other islands.
Karpathos is also the second
longest island of the Dodecanese (48.5 Km). A central road connects the
one end with the other, passing through various villages, while other
roads, parallel to this, connect the villages among themselves. On the
island we find highlands with an altitude of 1215 meters and lowlands at
sea level. There is a rich vegetation of all trees and low grasses.
Karpathos
aims is at tourism, its authentic pure natural beauties, its unique
wealth, all enhanced by the hospitality of
its residents. Its magnificent beaches, its secluded small bays, its
imposing mountain peaks and its local inhabitants who dress up in their
traditional costumes. Karpathos comprises of 10 villages lived in by
approximately 6,000 people total. All villages preserve intensively the
traditional style of the island. In the South East of the island you can
find PIGADIA (Karpathos), capital and main port of the island. The capital
is surrounded by the villages of MENETES, ARKASA, APERI, VOLADA, OTHO -
with a folkloric museum at a typical old house of Karpathos that present a
particular interest, as well as PILES. In the North of the island one can
find MESOCHORI, SPOA and OLYMPOS the last village in the North of the
island, of great folkloric and architectural interest.
