A beautiful Greek island that offers a blend of unspoiled natural beauty, traditional villages, and rich cultural heritage has been named one of Europe’s “best-kept travel secrets”. Karpathos, a pristine Greek island nestled in the southeastern Aegean Sea between Crete and Rhodes, has earned praise of Geo Magazine. 

The island’s charm lies in its beautiful beaches and whitewashed houses, and what makes it more special is the hidden gem that remains untouched by  mass tourism. From taking a long hike to diving into the crystal clear waters, the place has everything for all. 

The stunning island has over 50 pristine beaches, many of which remain secluded and tranquil. The most popular among them are Apella Beach, renowned for its turquoise waters and lush surroundings, and Kira Panagia Beach, famous for its golden sands and the iconic red-domed church nearby. 

One of the tourists who visited Apella Beach wrote on TripAdvisor forum: “I think the most beautiful beach of Karpathos, easily accessible by scooter, easy road, some hairpin bends at the end of the journey. Just down the main staircase opens the show of colors that you will see in the picture. Crystal clear waters, mostly pebble beach.

“Behind you the rocks and trees allow you to enjoy some shade in the afternoon from 4.30pm onwards. Recommendation to bring you lunch and water. There are umbrellas and they are cheap, a cabin to change and little else. Wonderful!”

While exploring its nearby villages, the beauty of Olympos remains unmatched. Home to around 400 residents, the village is located 58 km northwest of Pigadia, the capital of Karpathos. The village’s official website shared how the houses in Olympos are built amidst lush green forests and preserve their traditional colour and layout.

The village itself is a live museum with an idyllic atmosphere when the clouds come down and surround the village. A tourist shared his thoughts on the village and wrote on TripAdvisor: “You must have seen Olympos on Karpathos. We went on an excursion first by boat along the coast to Diafani and then by bus to Olympos. It is a beautiful village built against the mountain with narrow streets and historic houses where you can go in and get information about the life of the past in Olympos.

“The women still wear traditional costumes, and their way of life is still very much alive, and their heritage is carefully protected. You will visit handicraft workshops, a museum, historic windmills, and several small Orthodox churches scattered throughout the village. An absolute must is the richly decorated Ekklisía Koimíseos tis Theotókou church.”

“Just walk around and enjoy the view and buy some souvenirs to sponsor the locals. The residents are all equally friendly and grateful that you are here. Plenty of places to eat and drink. We really enjoyed it.”

For outdoor enthusiasts, Karpathos presents excellent opportunities for windsurfing, particularly in the Afiartes region, known for its favourable wind conditions.

Hiking trails crisscross the island, leading adventurers through diverse landscapes and offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. ​

The island offers a range of lodging options, from family-run guesthouses to modern hotels, catering to various preferences and budgets.