Escalade à Karpathos

Tour of Karpathos’ traditional villages with a sunset dinner

You'll find the pocket-sized island of Karpathos in the Aegean Sea, flanked by big brothers, Crete and Rhodes. And while Karpathos may not be as famous, its rural villages, traditional way of life and mythical heritage – it's said to have been home to the Titans – make it a fascinating island to get to know. Local guide Eleni, says, “There's a more relaxed and less commercial atmosphere on the island. We love sharing that with visitors, and this tour gives you an authentic slice of our little corner of Greece.”Leaving the capital of Pigadia, you'll take in views of the rugged coastline as you climb the green slopes of Mount Hamali, passing through villages like Aperi and Volanda. The close-knit community of just 265 residents will then welcome you to the highest village on the island, Othos. Houses here are arranged in tiers, like a white-washed amphitheatre, with panoramic views out over the Mediterranean. You'll visit a folklore museum and workshop gallery, brimming with handmade crafts, before heading to Pyles to tour an open-air agricultural museum.Then, it's on to your final stop, Mesochori. This is Eleni's favourite spot, as she explains, “It's like something out of a fairytale, with views of mountains that reach down to the sea, white windowsills overflowing with bright flowers and the Temple of the Virgin Mary, which is steeped in local legends of miracles.” Round off your day with an al fresco dinner at a traditional Greek taverna as you watch the sunset.

Karpathos east coast boat trip and Olympos village tour

Time-worn Olympos is the jewel in Karpathos' rugged crown. Perched atop a perilous mountain ridge, this hilltop hamlet is a living museum where locals still wear traditional embroidered costumes and ancient ways of life are still very much alive. Sophia, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Olympos is a land apart which existed more or less in isolation for so long that linguists come to study the dialect here, which has ancient roots. Even today, with visitors from all over the globe, locals guard their heritage fiercely. Traditional crafts, music and farming are all an important part of daily life here.' Setting off from Karpathos harbour, we'll cruise along the coast to the port town of Diafani, where a bus will be waiting to whisk you into the arid hills of the northwest to explore the hub of Greek culture and cuisine that is Olympos. Sophia says, ‘It might be small, but there's lots to see. Craft workshops, a museum, historic windmills and several tiny Orthodox churches are scattered through town. Don't miss the richly decorated Ekklisía Koimíseos tis Theotókou church.' After free time to explore the pastel-blue and beige alleys of Olympos and perhaps have some lunch, enjoy those dazzling views down to the sea one last time before the return transfer to Diafani. Here, you'll have some time to stroll the seaside promenade, watch the boats come and go as you relax with a drink in a bar or head to the beach for a dip. Next, it's back on board the boat for the return trip to Karpathos Town.

Karpathos Creative Workshops

The ancient Greeks gave birth to Western Classical Art, so where better to get creative? Take a mosaic-making class and you'll have an expert instructor on hand to help, plus all the materials you'll need to make a masterpiece. And with Karpathos' sun-kissed scenery as inspiration, who knows what you'll come up with.

Windsurfing in Chicken Bay Karpathos

If you're ready to pump adrenaline into your holiday, this windsurfing experience is just the ticket. Ideal for beginners, you'll learn the basics with an expert guide before hitting the waves on Chicken Bay beach.

Rock climbing in Karpathos

Looking for an adventure that'll give you a fresh take on Karpathos? Join this rock climbing tour, where you'll conquer limestone cliffs and take in jaw-dropping views. Whether you're a newbie or an advanced climber, we've got you covered with climbing routes at Agios Nikolaos or Finiki Village in Arkassa. Get ready to challenge yourself on routes prepped with bolts and abseiling points – and our pro instructors will guide you every step of the way.

Saria Island cruise and shore explore experience without transport

Named after an ancient Greek princess said to be as beautiful as Helen of Troy – the face that launched a thousand ships – Saria is one drop-dead gorgeous Dodecanese Island. Cruise across to this uninhabited island where the day is yours to swim in bluer-than-blue bays, sunbathe on footprint-free sands, or hike along the coast.

Karpathos Valley Walking Tour

One of the biggest Dodecanese Islands, Karpathos' scenery is as epic as Homer's Illiad. In fact, it's even mentioned in the ancient Greek poem. Trek through wild mountains, olive groves and pine-clad valleys with a four-hour guided walking tour. Along the way, you'll try the local herbal tea, visit the blue-domed chapel in Menetes, and get plenty of photos, too.

Limniotis Cave Hiking Tour

Enter the Greek underworld with a tour of Limniotis Cave – Karpathos' most impressive cave system. It's a tough hike to get there, but you're rewarded with knockout views over the Aegean and facts about nature from your guide. And once inside, you'll explore a labyrinth of spiky stalactites and stalagmites, getting wow-factor photos along the way.

Ayia Kiriaki Chapel Walking Tour

Leave the bustling Karpathian capital behind for the day with this guided walking tour to Ayia Kiriaki. Accompanied by knockout views over the Aegean Sea, make tracks through the countryside to this tiny chapel. Like a well-wrapped gift, the simple, stone walls hide something special inside – there's barely an inch of space uncovered by colourful religious art.

Karpathos Village tour

Karpathos comes with a string of traditional towns and hillside hamlets to explore. And you'll see a selection of the very best on this tour. You'll visit the highest village on the island, sip Greek coffee with the locals, and eat lunch in Lefkos, too. Other highlights include an open-air agricultural museum in Piles.