Discover Karpathos: Ancient Traces, Nature and Cuisine

Karpathos brings together archaeological traces, nature highlights and a clearly described local cuisine. In Pigadia, the ancient name Potidaion and the remains of a Hellenistic acropolis offer tangible links to the past. Nature enthusiasts can use the municipal birdwatching guide “Karpathos of birds”, which includes a species overview, a map and routes; there is also a longer route that includes swimming. A pasta tradition is another experience you can explore through its preparation. These differences can help you choose the focus of your trip and tailor your search for holiday accommodation on Karpathos to your interests.

Ancient traces in Pigadia

Ancient Potidaion, also known as Poseidion, stood on the site of today’s Pigadia. The historic name and the present-day place name therefore refer to the same geographical location in different historical contexts. This connection makes the area’s history tangible: the ancient past is not a general island-wide theme, but is specifically associated with Pigadia. If you are interested in the history of earlier settlements, this gives you a clear point of reference before you consider the other archaeological details.

The surviving remains of a Hellenistic acropolis can be found on Vounos Hill, above the port of Pigadia. The term acropolis refers to an elevated part of an ancient city; the designation “Hellenistic” adds a specific historical context. The named hill and its position above the port also give the archaeological site a clear geographical setting. Alongside the name of the ancient settlement, the remains of a Hellenistic acropolis offer another historical trace.

Enjoy nature and get out and about

The municipal birdwatching guide “Karpathos of birds” covers more than 200 bird species that can be observed, an ornithological map and 10+2 routes for nature enthusiasts. Designed as a guide for nature enthusiasts, it combines a broad species overview with a map and routes. The route information may be updated, so check the latest version if you are using the guide to plan your trip.

The North Karpathos–Saria region adds a different kind of nature information to this bird-focused perspective: 86 species classified as endemic, rare or endangered have been recorded there. While the birdwatching guide brings together species, a map and routes, this regional figure draws attention to rarity, distribution and conservation status. This offers nature enthusiasts different points of interest: birdwatching with route information, and records of species with special status.

Another option for an active itinerary is the Avlona–Tristomos–Vananda–Diafani route. It is considered particularly interesting and relatively difficult, includes swimming and takes approximately 7.5 hours. It is therefore a longer outing for which you can set aside a dedicated block of time, quite different from a short activity. The sequence of places, the inclusion of swimming and the approximate duration together describe the kind of route you can expect.

Local cuisine and another perspective on Karpathos

Traditional pasta made from flour and water is part of Karpathos’s local cuisine. The dough is cut into pieces about three centimetres long, pressed in the middle and boiled. The pasta is then enriched with butter and served with roasted onions. The shape of the pieces is part of the description, along with the ingredients and method of preparation. For travellers who want to include regional cuisine in their plans, this is a specific example with a clear preparation and serving process.

The wider Dodecanese travel destination offers another perspective on Olympos. The village lies in northern Karpathos, on rugged terrain facing the sea; its remote location has helped it preserve its cultural identity. This combines a precise description of the landscape with a statement about the village’s cultural identity. Alongside the archaeological sites in Pigadia, Olympos offers a different perspective on Karpathos, one centred on landscape and identity.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Lefkos, Arkása, Karpathos, Diafani, Kyra Panagia, Kipos Afiarti, Kasos, Olympos, Fri, Tristomo

Go to the wider travel overview: South Aegean.