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 Hospitable, graphical. picturesque, Karpathos has managed to maintain its character untouched despite the increase in tourism over the past few years. It is considered an idyllic spot for calm and peaceful holidays. Many beautiful seashores dot its coasts while traditional villages are perched on the steep mountains and often hidden by clouds, giving the impression that they are isolated from the rest of the world. Many visitors come to Karpathos in order to study the folk art and cultural features which have remained unspoiled throughout the ages. Whatever one can say about the history of the island seems unnecessary as it unfolds in front of you with every step taken.
 Karpathos town or Pigadia is the capital and the main harbour, identified as the ancient city of Poseidon. On the eastern side of the harbour, on a hill, stood the ancient acropolis, of which part of the cyclopean walls still remain as well as foundations of the buildings. At the harbour, one can find most of the hotels and rooms for rent available on the island. The surrounding sandy beaches are ideal for a swim and little boats make round trips around the island stopping at untouched beaches with warm waters.
The asphalt road crosses the villages of the lower section of the island where the houses stand out for their traditional Karpathian style and the magnificent sea view. From the noble village of Aperi, one can visit the sites of Mertonas and Katodio with abundant waters and swim at the lovely beach of Kyra Panagia.
 Othos is the most mountainous village of all, famous for its traditional feasts and tavernas. Worth visiting is the Karpathian House which functions as a Folk Art Museum. On the mountain one comes across many villages such as Volada, Pyles, Spoa and Mesochori, hanging over the sea. Strolling around in the narrow lanes, one is impressed by the old fo untains and running waters. Above them, Panagia Vrisiani adorns the village. Another place worth visiting is the beach of Lefko, situated amongst pine trees with brilliant white sand. Another fine beach is at Finiki.
Arkasa has kept its ancient name of Arkesia almost unchanged. Only a few ruins from this most ancient city are preserved on the neighbouring hill of Palaiokastro. The little village of Menete is built amphitheatrically on the mountainside. Besides the noteworthy churched of Panagia and Aghios Mamas, one should also visit the lovely s andy beach at Amoco. On the opposite side of Karpathos' northern coasts lies the uninhabited islet of Saria where the city of Nisiros used to prosper.
Karpathos has some of the finest beaches which are however not accessible by land. Boat is the only means of getting there and among the finest are Achata and Kyra Panagia. One can also get to the village of Olympus by boat. The boats anchor at the second ha rbour of Karpathos, Diafani from which buses travel to Olympus or Elympus as the locals call it. Here in the village it seems as if time has stopped ages ago. The entire village is practically one large museum. Its sheltered location upon the unapproachable rock, resulted in the village being cut off from the rest of the world and the advancement of time. The architecture and interior decorations of the houses retain their original traditional flavour. On its borders, mills still grind wheat for bread flour and each house has its own traditional wood oven. Ethics, customs and the hospitality of the villagers have not changed for centuries. Women still wear traditional Karpathian dress and the dialect is very difficult to understand as it contains many ancient Doric features which we very rarely meet nowadays in Greece.
Besides Olympus however, the whole island is indeed a folk art treasure. The festivals and customs have remained the same throughout the ages. All religious rites are strictly kept and wedding celebrations last an entire week. If you happen to be present at one of these festivals, it is truly an experience of a lifetime. |
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Dry -
mostly cloudy
- thunder; Cumulonimbus clouds, towering cumulus clouds observed |
| Temp.:
15.0°C | 59.0 °F
Hourly
Fluctuation (0.0 °C/hr)
Humidity: 82 %
Wind: 5 bft - S
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01:30 AM
(GMT+2) -
06/01/09 |
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