Karpathos is known as the island for hikers. Hiking on Karpathos is amazing. Unspoiled landscapes and breathtaking views. Don’t forget the smell of all the herbs the island has to offer. Karpathos has so much to offer for hikers and especially in the off-season you are in the right place if you like hiking! In this blog, we take you through the possibilities of hiking on Karpathos, which period is the best and we conclude with some hiking tips. Have fun reading it!
De best period for hiking on Karpathos
Basically, you can hike all year round on Karpathos. However, in the high season of June, July and August it can be very hot. Organized hikes may not always go ahead because of the heat. It can also sometimes be smart to go hiking extra early or just when the sun goes down to avoid the worst heat.
If you come to Karpathos specifically for a hiking vacation, it is best to come at the end of April or early May. Do you also want to be able to swim in seawater with a good temperature? Then choose the end of September. Of course, you can always come to Karpathos out of season for hiking. Then keep in mind that not everything is open on the island (but still enough for the locals) and you also can’t fly directly anymore. You can get to the island by boat or plane from Athens or by one of the many scheduled flights from Rhodes.
Hiking on your own
Not everyone enjoys hiking with a group. Fortunately, Karpathos has many trails to offer and there is something for everyone. If you want to go hiking independently, the website AllTrails is fine to use. There are an awful lot of walks on here worldwide. Also for Karpathos you will find here 46 routes. So if you want to walk alone this website is ideal to find a route.
In addition, people also leave a lot of reviews. This is nice so you can read whether a trail is still passable and what others think of it.
Nice walks to do include the Kali Limni, which is the high mountain of Karpathos. Also this hike at Lefkos is highly recommend Also cool are the routes to the beautiful beach at Adia (see photo below!) or the one to the sea cave at Kato Lako beach. We discuss the latter two in detail in our Karpathos travel guide.
Audio tours
Would you like to go hiking on Karpathos by yourself, but still prefer some information along the way? Then an audio tour from Art and Walk is ideal. In addition to organized tours (further on in this blog), Art and Walk also offers audio tours. You can purchase these through their website. With these audio tours, you can take a nice walk with the guidance of their audio on your mobile. Meanwhile, they tell you about the history of Karpathos, flora and fauna and other fun facts! At the moment they offer 6 routes that you can walk on Karpathos through audio.
Organised tours
Fancy an organized walking tour? Then Art and Walk is the place to be. Renate (Dutch) and Thom (Swedish) offer various walks on the island. During the walk, they will tell you everything about the island. Fun facts, about the history of Karpathos and about flora and fauna that you will encounter along the way. We did among others their Valley Walk, Profitis Illias walk and Agia Kyriaki walk. They offer many more hikes with various levels. So be sure to check out their website to see what’s planned for this year!
Do you think it would be cool to go out for several days? Getting to know more about the history of Karpathos? Check out Ecotourism Karpathos. Among other things, they offer a hike with an overnight stay in the special Tristomo. But you can also go to Avlona, Vroukounda or do a bird-watching tour!
Tips for hiking
- Be prepared for the weather: Greece generally has a warm climate, but weather conditions can vary, especially in mountainous areas. So read up in advance and make sure you have the appropriate clothing. Depending on how high you will be climbing, consider bringing a vest or thin jacket. Also remember to bring sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water, especially during the summer months when the sun can be bright.
- Respect nature and the environment: Keep the trails clean and bring back your trash. Do not leave tracks and respect the flora and fauna you encounter along the way. Stay on the designated trails to prevent damage to fragile ecosystems and avoid picking plants or flowers.
- Inform yourself about the route: Before embarking on a hike, it is important to gather sufficient information about the route, including its length, difficulty and any hazards. Consult detailed hiking maps, online resources or local hiking guides to get a good understanding of the terrain you will encounter.
- Safety first: Always put safety first while hiking. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back. For example, have a mini first aid kit and a cell phone for emergencies. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid dangerous situations, such as cliffs or unstable rock formations.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks: Hydration and nutrition are essential while hiking, especially in hot climates as is the case on Karpathos. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy up and prevent dehydration. Fruit, nuts, energy bars and dried fruit are good options for on-the-go.
- Wear appropriate footwear: Good walking shoes are essential for comfort and safety while hiking on Karpathos. Choose shoes with a firm grip and good support to prevent slips and injuries, especially on rocky or uneven terrain. Depending on the type of hiking you do, you can choose sturdy sneakers in addition to hiking shoes.
- Take time to enjoy: Finally, don’t forget to slow down and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings. Stop frequently to enjoy the view, take photos and just relax amidst the natural beauty of Karpathos! Hiking is not only a physical activity but also a chance to connect with the world around you and find inner peace.
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