Karpathos is beautiful! And with beautiful beaches, traditional villages and lively atmosphere, it has something for everyone. If you plan to visit Karpathos, there are some seaside resorts and villages where it is best to stay. In this blog we take you through all the (seaside) places where you can stay on Karpathos and the highlights. This way you can choose what suits you best, but you still have a good idea of ​​what is possible.

The top 3 places to stay on Karpathos

Let’s take a look at the 3 most famous places when it comes to staying on Karpathos!

Pigadia (Karpathos city)

Pigadia is the capital of the island and is also called Karpathos Town. This is the largest place to stay and you will find everything here. From shops, bars to restaurants, but most accommodations are also located here. A long sandy beach with sunbeds and parasols runs along the town.

The centre is built around the port of Pigadia. The ferry arrives here several times a week and the boats also depart for a nice boat trip to Apella, for example. You will also find most of the restaurants on the boulevard and in the adjacent street you will find various tourist shops.

Although Pigadia is the capital and therefore the largest place, Pigadia is still not really massive when you compare it with other islands. It is really lively here and you can stroll along the boulevard!

Pigadia is known for:

• Equipped with all amenities
• Beach is next to the village
• Busiest place to spend the night (it’s kind of a mini-city)

Arkassa & Finiki

Arkassa, located on the west coast of Karpathos, is a nice Greek village. In addition to tourists, you will also see many locals here. In our opinion, Arkassa is the perfect location to stay on Karpathos. It is not as lively as Pigadia, but still has everything, including a pleasant village center. The village is also centrally located for visiting other places on the island.

Finiki is a small fishing village. It looks really Greek and has a small harbor with a beach and several restaurants!

Characteristic of Arkassa and Finiki:

• Typical Greek villages
• Several restaurants & a supermarket
• Arkassa & Finiki beach within walking distance

Amoopi

Amoopi can be found on the southeast coast of Karpathos. There are several beaches here, both sandy and pebble beaches. And all within walking distance. There are a number of tavernas where you can eat in this town and otherwise, you can easily reach Pigadia by car (5 minutes). Definitely worth a visit in Amoopi is the Skala bar where you can drink an ouzo milkshake.

Amoopi is know for:

• Lot’s of beaches
• 5 minutes from Pigadia (by car)
• Hot in summer because there is usually no wind
• Busy beaches in high season
• The place where it is already nice and warm in May!

Where else to stay on Karpathos

Yes, there are more nice places to stay on Karpathos

Lefkos

Lefkos, located on the west coast of Karpathos, is a pleasant village with several beaches. It is quiet and has a few restaurants and accommodations. The village is quite a bit of a drive from the lively side of the island (around Pigadia, Arkassa and Amoopi), so a car is recommended and the journey will take a little longer.

Lefkos is known for:

• Beautiful seaside with several beaches
• Greek village vibes
• Remote, so a car is a must.

Afiartis

Afiartis is located in the south of Karpathos and is the place to stay if you plan to mainly windsurf. It is not really a village, but rather all individual houses and accommodations (see the 2nd photo below!). There is a small supermarket for the necessities and 5 restaurants. If you stay here, a car is definitely recommended! You can reach both Arkassa and Pigadia in 15 minutes.

Afiartis is known for:

• Quiet and peaceful
• Not too hot due to the wind
• Perfect spot for windsurfing
• No village centre to stroll around
• With the car you’re in Arkassa/Pigadia in 20 minutes

Kyra Panagia

This seaside resort can be found on the east coast of Karpathos, a little above the capital Pigadia. It is a small seaside resort with a few accommodations, a beautiful beach and 2 beach bars where you can eat. Here too, you really need a car. To see different places, to eat in different restaurants and to do some shopping.

Kyra Panagia is know for:

• Beautiful location!
• Peaceful at night
• Remote, so a car is a must.

What is the best place on Karpathos to stay?

As far as we are concerned, a bit 50/50 when it comes to Pigadia and Arkassa! Personally, we prefer Arkassa. This village is just a bit smaller, a bit more Greek, a bit more friendly. However, it still has several restaurants and by car you can be in all kinds of nice places in 20 minutes. Would you rather not drive a car and prefer to walk to a restaurant every day + want lots of choice? Then Pigadia is your place!

Afiartis is also a good choice. Especially with a car. It’s very central so you get everywhere nice and quick, but your place to stay is just a bit quieter. Check out these beautiful villas.