Located in the south-easternmost corner of the Dodecanese Islands in the Aegean Sea, Karpathos feels like one of the most remote places in all of Greece. Only an hour plane ride from Athens, Karpathos is truly worlds away from the cosmopolitan Greek capital. Rugged yet extraordinarily beautiful, mysterious but inviting; Karpathos is an island of contradictions.
After visiting Greece for the second time in the summer of 2023 on my first solo trip, I can honestly say Karpathos is one of my favorite places I have ever traveled to. Karpathos is an exciting destination for solo travelers and offers so much to discover for those looking to take a journey by themselves. Below I have included some of the top reasons I think Karpathos is the perfect island for solo travelers visiting Greece (if you will be visiting Karpathos with a group, this blog will still contain information I think you’ll find useful so tag along!)
general Tips
Rent A Cat
Karpathos is a large island. It will be most convenient and enjoyable for your trip if you rent a car. Additionally, many of the sites, villages, and beaches are spread out throughout the island. Renting a car gave me the most flexibility and allowed me to explore on my own timeframe. Not to mention driving in Karpathos was an unforgettable experience. Many of the highways go through mountain passes with pine forests while offering stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. It was some of the most scenic drives I ever took.
Many of the main roads on Karpathos are in the mountains and have a lot of curves. Also, the highway running south to north hugs the side of the Karpathian mountain range where falling rocks are not uncommon. Driving in Karpathos is doable and safe if you take the right precautions. Watch your speed and keep your eyes on the road (it will be hard with the mesmerizing views all around). Many of the main roads were actually in excellent condition.
Note: I added some additional rental insurance on my vehicle. I also took pictures on all sides of the car. I used Hertz and got my car at the Karpathos airport, making for an easy pickup and return.
12 reasons karpathos is perfect for solo travel in Greece
1.Karpathos is Adventurous
Karpathos feels adventurous. While other mainstream islands in Greece that cater primarily to couples or families can feel slower and less exciting for solo travelers, Karpathos avoids these problems. From the moment you leave the airport, you will drive towards jagged imposing mountains that invite you to explore this otherworldly island.
Driving Karpathos is an awesome experience. Each winding pass high in the mountains overlooks some of the most gorgeous views of the Mediterranean Sea. I discovered some of the most incredible beaches in Greece and visited traditional villages that have been unchanged for centuries. When exploring Karpathos, I came across unique places that captured my attention and was stopped in my tracks by herds of mountain goats crossing the road. If you are feeling extra adventurous, check out some of the hiking trails perched in the mountain peaks offering unbeatable views of Karpathos.
// Make the most of your trip to Greece by visiting another island. Everything you need to know about Island Hopping (COMING SOON)
2.Karpathos is Safe
Another reason to visit Karpathos as a solo traveler is that the island is very safe. I felt completely comfortable and safe traveling alone on the island. Crime rates are low and petty crime like pickpocketing is rare. I felt secure walking around at night in Pigadia, the main port town. The streets closest to the water with the shops and restaurants are the best-lit. You should still take measures to protect your safety and be extra aware of your surroundings whenever you are solo traveling.
// Everything you need to know about Solo Traveling (COMING SOON)
3.Karpathos is Beautiful
Karpathos is one of the most beautiful places I have visited in the world. The unique, rugged, and mysterious terrain of Karpathos is breathtaking. Lush green pine forests meet the bright blue Aegean Sea, backed by jagged, soaring mountains. The scenery of the island alone is completely alluring and remarkable.
//Definitive Karpathos Guide and Itinerary (COMING SOON)
4.Karpathos Has Some of the Best Beaches in Greece
The island has hands down some of the best beaches I have ever visited. I savored perfect sandy beaches with water so clear you can see your feet. It felt like I had been transported to the Caribbean or Maldives. There were also unforgettable black pebble shorelines located in pine reserves and hidden coves.
May to September boasts warm, inviting waters and perfect beach weather. You can either bring a towel or rent a beach lounge. Most beach lounges cost anywhere between €5-€20. I enjoyed reading, journaling, and watching the waves hitting the beach.
My favorite beaches on Karpathos are:
Note: The road down to Agios Minas Beach is completely unpaved and rugged. Be careful when entering the beach cove. If you do make the journey, you will be embraced by one of the most picturesque beaches in your life (and will have it almost completely to yourself).
// The Adventurous Drive to Agios Minas Beach (COMING SOON)
5.Olympos Will Transport You Back in Time
The mountain village of Olympos was one of the highlights of my visit to Karpathos. This village is located in the north part of the island and was virtually cut off from the rest of Greece and the outside world until the last hundred years. You can feel the profound sense of history when visiting the village. Olympos has been continuously inhabited for over a thousand years, with many of the customs and traditions passed down from the ancient Doric people, ancestors of the modern villagers. Many of the inhabitants still wear traditional clothing and some women wear a headscarf unique to Karpathos.
The entire village is built on the side of a mountain that overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. The houses are colorfully painted and the streets snake around small shops where local women sell beautiful handmade crafts and local products. The atmosphere of the village is really genuine and I felt like I had stepped back in time. Olympos is truly incredible and is unlike anywhere else in Greece.
//Visiting to the Ancient Village of Olympos, Karpathos (COMING SOON)
6.Karpathos Gives You a window Into Traditional Greek Culture
One of the things I appreciated most about visiting Karpathos was that the island retains a special authenticity. As a Greek American myself, the island was a great place to connect with part of my roots. Visiting Karpathos will expose you to the traditional Greek culture, often drowned out by islands that are more mainstream and over touristed. The island has special customs, traditions, and festivities that are unique to Karpathos. While the island has opened up to tourists and the world, the locals fiercely protect and cherish their cultural traditions, which helps preserve their identity in the twenty-first century.
A big part of Greek culture is the Greek Orthodox religion. When visiting Karpathos, I found many beautiful painted churches and chapels dedicated to saints or important holidays. Karpathos is estimated to have over 300 churches, chapels, and monasteries on the island.
7.The Food is Amazing
One of the first things I look for when choosing a destination as a solo traveler is the food. Karpathos did not disappoint. Greek food is delicious, healthy, and balanced. Every meal was especially fresh and wholesome. Karpathos has many dishes that are unique to the island, especially seafood. It also has special variations of pastries like Spanakopita and Baklava that I have not seen anywhere else in Greece.
Karpathos has several restaurants that serve other cuisines. Harper All Day Cafe & Restaurant has amazing American breakfast with pancakes, scrambled eggs, and a great coffee bar. It’s also right on the water in the main town of Pigadia and is a great place to people watch. I went back multiple times during my stay before starting my day.
8.Karpathians are Helpful and Kind
The residents of Karpathos (Karpathians) are incredibly friendly, humble, and kind people. Like the rest of Greece, the Karpathians have opened up their island home for visitors around the world to experience and enjoy; rooted in the Greek cultural concept of Philoxenia (love of the foreign). The locals are kind and genuinely curious about the world outside of Karpathos.
The locals were also extremely thoughtful. They gave me many suggestions on where to visit and provided detailed directions. Those who visit Karpathos will always remember the interactions they have with the islanders.
9.English is Widely Spoken
Another bonus for solo travelers visiting Karpathos is that English is widely spoken. I honestly don’t recall an interaction on the island where I wasn’t able to communicate with the locals in English. Even in some of the most remote parts of the island, the inhabitants still spoke some English. I never really felt that there was a language barrier. Because of Greece’s dependance on tourism, English is now taught in many schools. Road signs and restaurant menus are in both English and Greek.
10. Accommodations for Every Budget
Karpathos has accommodation options for every traveler’s preference and budget. While there are fewer hostel options on Karpathos, you can find cheap hotels and guest rooms along with boutique hotels and luxury villas.
Each solo traveler has their own standards and comfort level when it comes to accommodations. Make sure to check all details of where you will be staying. I splurged a little on accommodations and stayed at an amazing property that overlooked the port of Pigadia and the mountains of Karpathos called Istia Luxury Villas. The property was gated and made me feel extra safe as a solo traveler. The layout was modern and luxurious and maintained a clean, white, minimal theme throughout the property that was very calming. There is even an ancient temple to Aphrodite on the grounds of the property. It also has an infinity pool with floating daybeds that overlook the Mediterranean Sea. It was worth every penny.
11. Karpathos is One of the Best Kept Secrets in Greece
Maybe you have figured out reading this far into the blog, Karpathos is one of the best-kept secrets in Greece. With stunning and dramatic scenery, amazing food, top-tier beaches, and a rich authentic culture, Karpathos is truly off the beaten path when it comes to Greece. It is remarkably less touristy than islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and even nearby Rhodes. Because of this, Karpathos has kept its authentic charm and is a genuine, wholesome, unpretentious place to experience as a solo traveler. I would just suggest visiting soon before it blows up as Karpathos has started to gain the attention of the travel community.
12.Karpathos Will Give You a New Perspective of the World
Lastly, I think Karpathos is an amazing solo travel destination because visiting the island will give you a new perspective of the world. Such a beautiful, unique, and well-preserved place fosters new perspectives and sets the backdrop for self-growth and discovery on your trip.
Karpathos is such an amazing place and I hope you like it as much as I did. Feel free to leave a comment in the section below and check out my other blogs about traveling in Greece.
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