Karpathos Tourism Presentation 2014 v2 - Mediteraneo · Tourism Presentation 2015 Karpathos was largely self-sufﬁcient right up to the early 20th Century, so practices such as the

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Karpathos is an island characterized by the beautiful contrast of high mountains and the crystal waters of the Aegean Sea. It`s coastline boasts countless beaches of unparalleled beauty and graphic seaside villages. Karpathos, because of its relative isolation due to its geographical position and together with its people`s love of their land has maintained and still live by their rich traditions, something which is almost unique in Greece and which makes Karpathos such an interesting Island to visit. The Island is the second largest in the Dodecanese ( after Rhodes ) with an area of 301 sq, km. and a coastline of 160 km.

Although Karpathos has had organized tourism for almost 30 years it still remains relatively unknown in the tourism industry, it has maintained its authenticity, it`s incredible hospitality and is still considered the undiscovered gem of the Aegean.

KARPATHOS isl.TourismPresentation2015


Karpathos, like all of Greece has an amazingly interesting history dating back to hundreds of years B.C. Famous historical sights of Karpathos are among others the Roman cistern of Lefkos, Agia Fotini in Pigadia, Agia Sofia in Arkasa and the famous ancient town of Palatia in Saria island.

There are also a variety of museums to visit including the two Folklore Museums in Othos and Menetes, the Agricultural Museum in Piles, the Ecclesiastical, Archeological and Folkore Museum of Arkasa and the Archaeological Museum in Pigadia.


Karpathos was largely self-sufficient right up to the early 20th Century, so practices such as the hand-making of shoes and clothing, the carving of musical organs, the production of honey, wine and olive oil, the grinding of flour and the baking of bread continue in the traditional manner. The relatively dry climate gives our local agricultural products exceptionally strong flavors and our most simple dishes taste divine. Makarounes , our traditional pasta, are hand made from home-grown wheat, and flour ground in the ancient windmills are a must for all to try.

The vast number of beaches, their variety and stunning beauty will captivate each and every visitor. The more popular and easily accessible beaches of Apella, Kyra Panagia, Achata, Amoopi and Lefkos are ideal for families and also have facilities such as tavernas and beach beds with umbrellas, whilst more secluded magical beaches such as Diakoftis and Agios Minas suit the more adventurous.


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Although Karpathos is a small island it is exceptional because of its rich tradition which has roots from ancient years and especially because of the local people's devotion to preserving their customs and traditions and living according to these values.

This devotion is due to its geographical position (far away and isolated from the greek Mainland) and to the genuine greek spirit of the Karpathian people. Many Greeks and foreigners have studied about Karpathos and a great deal of folklore studies have been published in books, newspapers and magazines. Moreover, there is a great deal of material that has not been published yet by researchers of tradition.


Folk songs and rhymes composed and sang at the same time ("mantinades"), proverbs, riddles, tales, myths, games, wishes, curses, oaths are part of the everyday life of people - younger and elder, men and women - since ancient times.

A special place in the hearts of Karpathian people has the traditional karpathian festivity ("kathisto glenti"). The men sit around a table with the music players of the traditional instruments, drinking wine and composing and singing songs. They are given the opportunity to express their feelings - joy or pain depending on the occasion. The "lyra", "laouto", "tsambouna" and the "violi" are the traditional karpathian musical instruments and are inseparable part of a karpathian festivity.

There are countless churches on the Island both in the villages and all over the countryside. Each church has a biblical name and is celebrated on its name day. These happy celebrations play a major role in the annual calendar of each karpathian and the festivities are celebrated with traditional food and wine whilst the dancing to the traditional musical organs can go on for days.



Karpathos originally had only four villages, one of these was on the now uninhabited Island of Saria, but due to frequent raids by Arabs and the Saracens the Islanders dispersed and built the existing 11 main villages. Each and every village has its own character , history and even dialect. Many villages also have smaller agricultural satellite settlements.

Pigadia is the administrative and commercial capital of Karpathos and is the village where most hotels have been built.

It is worth visiting each village where you will be welcomed and even invited into the traditional homes to converse over a coffee with the friendly locals. The village cafes are frequented by the elderly locals who all have a bit of history to tell.


Olympos is definitely the most famous village of Karpathos, not only for its unique natural beauty but also for the way the villagers adhere to and live by their ancient traditions. The traditions and culture of Olymos are now an official subject of study at university in Greece.

Olympos is located in the north of Karpathos and built on the slopes of Mount Profitis Ilias and Koryfi at an altitude of 250 meters. The moment one reaches the village, one will understand why it`s so well known all over the world.

Karpathos Island has a diversity of sea life and is a great place for scuba diving and snorkeling. Go scuba diving into the crystal clear colorful underwater world, to discover hidden treasures, experience the endless blue, or explore ship wrecks that have been lying on the seabed for more than a hundred years.


The consistent and persistent Meltemi winds that are accelerated over the flat southernmost part of the island have made Karpathos famous world-wide for its excellent windsurfing conditions. The warm waters and the sheltered bays make it a wind-surfers paradise from beginners to professionals. Each of the four bays offer different windsurfing conditions so all the disciplines, such as freestyle, free-ride, slalom and speed are accommodated for. Karpathos hosted for four consecutive years World and European Class windsurfing competitions.


There is a large network of ancient foot-trails that connect the villages to each other, and also the churches and agricultural areas to the villages.

Most of these trails have been preserved and sign-posted and are now available to visitors to explore. There is no better way to see the Island and to understand the sheer magnitude of the agricultural activity that existed here and the extremely hard labor that was required to survive here. The magical changes in landscape from deep gorges to mountain peaks to forested slopes descending into hidden sandy bays together with the magnificent views, the wondrous aromas of wild thyme, sage, pine and oregano will drown your senses and leave you in awe of the beauty of this little Island.


The beautiful natural environment of Karpathos makes it ideal for a number of activities , some of these were mentioned previously and have an organized infrastructure , but up and coming activities include mountain-biking, climbing, and kiting all of which are starting to develop on the island. There are also excursions by boat which can take one to the larger more popular beaches or to smaller secluded dream-like beaches where one can have complete privacy.


Due to its insular isolation of a period of over 2 million years Karpathos exhibits a remarkable variety of rare endemic species of flora, some of them of global importance. There are also rare and endangered species of fauna, the Mediterranean Monk Seal (Monachus monachus ) being the most significant, it is included in the top-ten list of the most endangered species world-wide. The northern part of Karpathos has thus been designated a protected area, this also includes the sea immediately around the Island. It is interesting to note that the conservation and preservation of this area not only includes the flora, fauna and their habitats, but also the archeology and culture of the northern villages of Olympos, Diafani, Avlona nd the settlement of Tristomo.


PROTECTEDAREA

Karpathos has in total about 8000 hotel beds and offers a broad scope of accommodation from 2 to 5 star hotels and from simple rooms-to-rent to luxurious suites. It is the friendliness and hospitality of these family –run establishments however that sets Karpathos apart and accounts for the amazingly high number of repeating guests. This familiarity extends to restaurants, cafes and to every shop and explains our guest`s descriptions of Karpathos as being their home away from home.


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www.karpathoshotels.gr


The airport of Karpathos has the third largest runway in Greece and has a new terminal which was completed in 2009. There are direct charter flights from most European countries through the summer months and is linked throughout the year to Crete, Rhodes and Athens with direct flights flown by Aegean Air.

TRANSPORTATIONBY AIR


Diafani and Pigadia host the two ports on Karpathos which connect the Island to Rhodes, Xalki, Kasos, Crete, Anafi, Santorini, Milos and Piraeus.

Anek lines run the ferries servicing these routes and are a vital link and the major means for which all products reach the Island.

TRANSPORTATIONBY SEA

+30 22450 [email protected]


www.karpathos.gr

/KarpathosIsland

Documents

Karpathos Tourism Presentation 2014 v2 - Mediteraneo · Tourism Presentation 2015 Karpathos was largely self-sufﬁcient right up to the early 20th Century, so practices such as the