Major city · Greece
KarpathosΚάρπαθος
Go for 4–5 nights if you want beaches plus the Olympos villages; 2–3 nights only if you fly in for one coast and one village.
Karpathos is a long, thin Dodecanese island between Rhodes and Crete: a busy south (Pigadia, Amopi, Arkasa, Lefkos) and a remote north (Olympos, Diafani) reached by one winding road. Most visitors fly into AOK or arrive by ferry from Rhodes, Crete or Piraeus, rent a car, and split the stay between the two halves. It is a windsurfing and walking island more than a nightlife one, and the north still runs on its own calendar.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–early Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (meltemi wind, peak crowds, highest prices); most north-side services close Nov–Apr
- Airport
- AOK
- Nights
- 4–5
Rules in force · 10Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…Mine-suspected land still exists in Bosnia and Herzegovin…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Balkans ↗Mine-suspected land still exists in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in pockets of Croatia's former front line: outside towns keep to tarmac and waymarked paths, and treat red triangle signs and taped-off fields as absolute.
- Balkans ↗Serbia refuses onward entry to travellers who reached Kosovo from a third country and then try to cross straight into Serbia; route Kosovo–Serbia legs through North Macedonia or Montenegro, or start the loop in Serbia.
- Balkans ↗Hire cars need written permission from the rental company and valid insurance for every country on the line; Kosovo sells its own border insurance and some contracts exclude Albania, Kosovo or Bosnia outright.
- Greece ↗Greece is in the EU and the Schengen area: check entry rules, the EU Entry/Exit System and any travel authorisation requirement for your passport on official sources.
- Greece ↗Taking stones, pottery or other objects from archaeological sites is illegal; so is exporting antiquities without a permit.
- Greece ↗Do not photograph military sites or border zones; signs mark them.
- Greece ↗Acropolis tickets are sold for one-hour entry slots on the official Hellenic Heritage site (hhticket.gr); in peak season slots sell out days ahead, and you cannot enter outside your hour.
- Greece ↗Businesses must give a receipt (apodeixi) for every sale; ask for one, and do not accept a handwritten note in place of it.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Karpathos112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Karpathos, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Greece-wide
- SIM or eSIMCosmote, Vodafone and Nova sell prepaid SIMs in their shops and at the airport; a passport is needed to register.Greece-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in Athens, Thessaloniki and most of the mainland.Greece-wide
- TippingTaverna or restaurant: 5–10% in cash on the table; not expected at gyros shops.Greece-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Greece-wide
- SafetyKarpathos is a low-crime island and the main risks are environmental: wind, waves at Arkasa, and the Agios Minas access road.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsUse cafés (buy something), museums and sites.Greece-wide
- Emergency numbers112 European emergency number · 100 police · 166 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysArchaeological sites run shorter winter hours (often 08:00–15:00 or 17:00) and longer summer hours; they close on 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday…Archaeological sites run shorter winter hours (often 8:00 AM–3:00 PM or 5:00 PM) and longer summer hours; they close on 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday…Greece-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportAOK Karpathos National Airport (About 15 km (9.3 mi) south of Pigadia near the southern tip; seasonal direct flights from several European cities…AOK Karpathos National Airport (About 9.3 mi (15 km) south of Pigadia near the southern tip; seasonal direct flights from several European cities…
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice: two paved coastal roads run north from the airport area, meet south of Spoa…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee2026 estimate€2–4 (≈ US$3–5)
- Beertaverna / supermarket can2026 estimate€3–5 (≈ US$4–6)€1–2 (≈ US$2–3)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week2026 estimate€15–25 (≈ US$18–30)
- Budget bedFamily apartment (up to 4), a night, per room€110 (≈ US$130)
- Mid-range bedDouble room, studio or small hotel, a night, per room€110 (≈ US$130)
- High-end bedDouble room, studio or small hotel, a night, per room€220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €55 (≈ US$65) · Mid €100 (≈ US$120) · High €180 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- AOK Karpathos National Airport (About 15 km (9.3 mi) south of Pigadia near the southern tip; seasonal direct flights from several European cities, otherwise connect through Athens or Rhodes)AOK Karpathos National Airport (About 9.3 mi (15 km) south of Pigadia near the southern tip; seasonal direct flights from several European cities, otherwise connect through Athens or Rhodes)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Feb
Avoid
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Mar
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Apr
Avoid
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
Best*
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Nov
Avoid
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Dec
Avoid
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug, Nov–Apr. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jan (10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C) low), wettest Jan (12 rain days), driest Jul (0). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Karpathos: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
12 rd
Feb
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Mar
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
8 rd
Apr
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
5 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
1 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
0 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
0 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
2 rd
Oct
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5 rd
Nov
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
8 rd
Dec
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical choice: two paved coastal roads run north from the airport area, meet south of Spoa, and continue as one road to Olympos and Diafani, with paved links to Menetes, Pyles, Othos and Volada. Buses serve the main villages and beaches but are slow and sparse; taxis thin out after about 02:00. Mopeds rent for roughly €10–15 a day and suit Pigadia's lanes, but the north is windy and exposed. Fuel is dearer than the mainland and there is no filling station north of Aperi.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Olympos and Diafani
overnightDoor to door: check
Drive the single north road via Spoa, or take the seasonal boat from Pigadia
The drive is the day; sleeping one night in the village beats a rushed return.
Saria island
goDoor to door: About 1 h each way
Seasonal boat from Diafani
Uninhabited, no facilities; go only in calm weather.
Kasos
overnightDoor to door: About 1–2 h
Ferry from Pigadia or Diafani
Small, quiet island; worth a night if you have a spare day.
Door to door: Ferry about 5–6 h
Ferry from Pigadia, or fly AOK–RHO in season
Too far for a day return; treat it as the next stop.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Pigadia
Island capital and ferry port; bars, banks, car hire and the widest choice of rooms. Base here without a car for one or two nights.
Amoopi (Ammopi)
5 km (3.1 mi) south of Pigadia; five beaches, tavernas and hourly buses. Best for families and a beach-first stay.3.1 mi (5 km) south of Pigadia; five beaches, tavernas and hourly buses. Best for families and a beach-first stay.
Arkasa and Finiki
Southwest coast; sandy beach, sunset and a working fishing harbour. Good with a car.
Lefkos
West coast about 25 km (16 mi) from Pigadia; quiet coves and long-stay apartments, thin on services outside summer.West coast about 16 mi (25 km) from Pigadia; quiet coves and long-stay apartments, thin on services outside summer.
Olympos and Diafani
The north. Simple rooms in the village and by the Diafani ferry quay; book ahead in August and expect a slow, winding drive.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €50–80 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed (2026 estimate)
- Mid
- €80–140 (≈ US$95–170) excl. bed (2026 estimate)
- High
- €140 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed (2026 estimate)
Trip budget
| Double room, studio or small hotel1 × 4 nights × €110 | €440 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 4 days × €100 | €800 |
| Car hire, one day, small car1 × €50 · 2026 estimate; fuel extra | €50 |
| Moped hire, one day2 × €12 · 2026 estimate | €24 |
| Sunbed and umbrella, one day1 × €6 · 2026 estimate | €6 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €20 · 2026 estimate | €40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €136 |
| Trip total≈ €187 per person per day, bed included | €1,496≈ US$1,800 |
2026 estimate
2026 estimate in euro; flights and ferries excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee2026 estimate | €2–4 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Makarounes or a taverna main2026 estimate | €9–16 (≈ US$11–19) |
| Beer: taverna / supermarket can2026 estimate | €3–5 (≈ US$4–6) / €1–2 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Sunbed and umbrella, per day2026 estimate | €6 (≈ US$7) |
| Moped hire, per day2026 estimate | €10–15 (≈ US$12–18) |
| Ferry Pigadia → Diafani, one waycheck | €10–15 (≈ US$12–18) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week2026 estimate | €15–25 (≈ US$18–30) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Swimming at Arkasa: the waves and drop-off cause drownings most years. Stay within your depth.
- The Agios Minas access road is narrow, unpaved and exposed; the boat trip is the safer option.
- Meltemi wind in July and August can cancel small-boat trips and make northern roads unpleasant to ride (check).
- Many tavernas, rooms and boat services in the north shut from November to April (check).
- Tap water is drinkable on the island, but bottled water is what most visitors drink.
Emergency numbers
- European emergency number
- 112
- Police
- 100
- Ambulance
- 166
- Fire
- 199
- Tourist police
- 1571
- Coast guard
- 108
Pocket card
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KarpathosΚάρπαθος
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
—
Σε αυτή τη διεύθυνση, παρακαλώTo this address, please
Emergency
- European emergency number112
- Police100
- Ambulance166
- Coast guard108
Embassy
No embassies on the island; the US, UK and most EU missions are in Athens, with consulates on Rhodes. For lost passports, start with the police in Pigadia.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Taxi, AOK airport → Pigadia: about €25–35 (≈ US$30–45), 20–25 min (check)
- Bus, Pigadia → Amoopi: about €2 (≈ US$3), roughly hourly (check)
- Ferry, Pigadia → Diafani: about €10–15 (≈ US$12–18), 1.5–2 h (check)
Say or show
- Γεια σας — Hello (YAH sas)
- Ευχαριστώ — Thank you (ef-kha-ree-STOH)
- Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ — The bill, please (ton lo-gha-ree-a-ZMO, pa-ra-ka-LO)
- Πόσο κάνει; — How much is it? (POH-so KAH-nee)
- Μπορώ να πληρώσω με κάρτα; — Can I pay by card? (bo-RO na plee-RO-so me KAR-ta)
- Πού είναι η παραλία; — Where is the beach? (poo EE-ne ee pa-ra-LEE-a)
Ferries and seasonal flights are the two things that fail: keep a buffer day before an onward flight.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Karpathos. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–early Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (meltemi wind, peak crowds, highest prices); most north-side services close Nov–Apr · month by month →
- 1 airport and 5 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for AOK: seasonal flight windows, taxi and bus fallback, first-night rung in Pigadia.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Pigadia, Amoopi, Arkasa–Finiki, Olympos–Diafani.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Olympos, Apella, Kyra Panagia, Agios Minas) and eat pages with last orders.
- Meltemi and hostile-arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
Ask about Karpathos
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