This holiday it was finally time, we visited the traditional village of Olympos on Karpathos. I will tell you how that was in this blog.

Where is Olympia located?

You will find Olympos all the way in the north of Karpathos, about an hour's drive from the capital Pigadia. Olympos is a village where Greek traditions still exist. Where the women also walk around in traditional costume. Until a few years ago, you could only go to Olympos by boat via Diafani. There was a dirt road from Pigadia, but this was strongly discouraged. It has been asphalted for a few years and you can now easily go to the village on your own.

We have postponed visiting Olympos quite a bit. In any case, you couldn't go there before and it is still quite a ride now. But also because of the fact that we regularly heard that it is becoming (too) touristy. It is think the most touristic village of Karpathos on perhaps Pigadia. Nevertheless, we thought it was time to visit this beautiful village on Karpathos!

Early in the morning to Olympos

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

There were 5 cars parked and no buses to be found. We could really look around and enjoy. The shops were also quiet and there was not yet 'pushed' to buy something. In a new shop we were able to taste fresh honey and eventually bought a jar of fresh honey. At 11 o'clock 2 buses arrived and washed in all the tourists (also by car!). Luckily we were just about to leave. Immediately the atmosphere changed for us. Suddenly whole hordes of people together cramming through streets, not for us!

Cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops

Although Olympos is one of the most touristic villages on Karpathos, I think it's definitely worth it! Very nice view, all cozy cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops. It is a beautiful village with beautiful photogenic streets and houses. If you go on a tour, you will probably miss the authentic atmosphere that Olympos has. So go out alone and nice and early. This way you have plenty of time to enjoy before the buses (and other tourists arrive)! Enjoy!