Karpathos is the second largest island in the Dodecanese. It offers great contrasts between the mountainous villages full of flora and the breathtaking beaches.

A lot of its regions in the north and the central parts of the island are protected by Natura due to their ecological wealth.

As the island is quite big, there are several settlements and graphic villages you could visit for an authentic experience of Karpathos’ culture. Karpathos or Phgadia is the largest settlement of the island and also its capital. Visitors suggest not to miss out the villages of Amperi, Menetes, Othos, Spoa, Olympos, Diafani, Saria, Arkasa, Volada, Masochori, Kipos Afriati and Foiniki.

Do you have time for sightseeing? If yes there are plenty museums you can visit (the archaeological museum of Karpathos, the folklore museum of Menetes, the rural museum of Pulos and the museum of Arkasas). Also the protected region of Sarias does definitely worth your time. There are quite a few monasteries on the island (Saint George’s, Saint Luka’s and Holy Anastasia’s).

But in the hot Greek weather, sightseeing must be followed by a brake for a swim. At least we think so.  Below a list with the visitor’s top choices:

• Achatta
• Agios Nikolaos- Arkassa
• Abella
• Kura Panagia
• Leukos
• Diakoftis
• Forokli
• Palatia Sarias

When you get hungry do not miss out on the local delicacies. The island is known for the hand-made bread and pasta. Fresh fish and lobster is also something you should opt for. Bear in mind that there is a kind of shrimp and a small fish called Skaros specific to the region and they are highly praised by both locals and visitors. But what about the cravings for something sweet that we all get? Well, the answer to that is simple. Try out the local baklava, ksulikopita, mizithiropitakia and the local freshly made donuts, these are not like the ones had before and you should definitely give them a taste.