This vacation was finally here, we visited the traditional village of Olympos on Karpathos. How that was I tell you in this blog.

Where is Olympos located?

You will find Olympos at the far north of Karpathos about 1 hour drive from the capital Pigadia. Olympos is a village where Greek traditions still exist in abundance. Where the women still walk around in traditional costumes. Until a few years ago, you could only get to Olympos by boat via Diafani. There was a dirt road from Pigadia, but this was strongly discouraged. Since a few years it has been asphalted so you can now get to the village on your own.

We put off visiting Olympos quite a bit. Anyway, you couldn’t go there before and it’s still quite a drive now. But also due to the fact that we regularly heard that it is becoming (too) touristy there. It is probably the most touristic village of Karpathos except maybe Pigadia. Still, we thought it was about time to visit this beautiful village on Karpathos!

Early morning trip to Olympos

We left nice and early to get ahead of any crowds. At a quarter to 10 we arrived in Olympos. Good thing we had a cloudy day, otherwise walking through the village would have been really hot! Olympos looks beautiful from the road, just like a painting. The village has a nice walking route with beautiful photogenic houses. The church in Olympos also looks beautiful! Arriving around 10 was a good idea.

There were 5 cars parked and no buses to be found yet. We could really look around quietly and enjoy ourselves. The stores were also still quiet and there was no “pushing” to buy anything yet. In a new store we were able to taste fresh honey and ended up buying a jar of fresh honey. At 11 o’clock 2 buses arrived and all the tourists washed in (also by car!). Fortunately, we were just then about to leave. Immediately the atmosphere turned for us. Suddenly whole hordes of people together cramming through streets, nothing for us!

Cafes, restaurants and souvenir stores

Although Olympos is one of the most touristy villages on Karpathos, I think it is definitely worth it! Very nice views, all cozy cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops. It is a beautiful village with nice photogenic streets and houses. If you go with a tour, it probably does lack the authentic atmosphere that Olympos has. Therefore, go out on your own and also nice and early. That way, before the buses (and other tourists arrive) you have all the time you need to enjoy yourself!