Karpathos – crystal-clear seas & picturesque villages

Karpathos, with its beautiful landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and charming villages, is the ideal destination for every traveler. With the right car from Olympos Rent a Car you can explore every corner of the island with comfort and freedom.

Best Places to Visit

  • Diafani Beach – clean waters and easy swimming right next to the village.
  • Diafani Harbor – perfect for an evening stroll among the fishing boats.
  • Church of Zoodochos Pigi – the main church of the village.
  • Olympos Windmills – one of the most photographed spots.
  • Panagia Olympitissa – church with incredible views.
  • Potamos Springs – natural beauty with crystal-clear waters.
  • Lefka, Olympos, and Diafani – picturesque villages and beaches.
  • Kamari and Arkasa – quiet beaches and swimming.
  • Monasteries and historical monuments – cultural experience.

Things to Do / Activities

  • Hiking on trails with breathtaking views.
  • Diving and water sports.
  • Boat trips to hidden beaches (e.g., Vanada, Papa Mina, Saria).
  • Taverns at the harbor – fresh fish and local cuisine.

    • ANEMOESSA – Recommended restaurant for fresh fish and local dishes.

  • Local gastronomy and traditional villages.
  • Photo walks in picturesque streets.
  • Narrow streets – colorful houses and traditional life.
  • Traditional women in costumes – unique village custom.
  • Shops with handmade items – textiles, embroidery, local crafts.

Getting Around the Island

Karpathos is perfect for exploring by car. With our SUVs and hatchbacks, you can easily reach every beach, village, and hidden spot on the island, enjoying comfort and safety.

Explore Karpathos with a comfortable car from Olympos Rent a Car!

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Historical Sites

Vroukounta

  • Ancient city of Karpathos (possibly 4th century BC).
  • Located north of Olympos.
  • Ruins of houses, walls, and carved tombs.
  • On the cliff, the cave church of Saint John Vroukountas.

Saria

Island across from Diafani with significant archaeology:

1. Saria Palaces

    • ruins of an ancient settlement.
    • traces from Hellenistic and Roman periods.

2. Argos Saria

    • one of the most important ancient cities of the area.
    • Walls, temples and tombs were found.

Museums in Olympos

Olympos itself is often considered a living folklore museum because:

  • traditional houses are preserved
  • many women still wear local costumes
  • there are old windmills and 16th-century churches

Museum of Folk Artist Vasileios Chatzivasilis

  • small museum with local artworks, wood carvings, traditional tools and everyday objects.
  • It shows the art and tradition of Olympus.

Olympos Windmill Museum

  • Traditional windmill that operates as a small museum.
  • it shows how wheat was milled in the past
  • Inside there are tools and old milling machines.

Hiking Trails

Olympos → Diafani

📏 ~5 km | ⏱️ 1.5–2 hours| easy–moderate

  • Old cobbled path connecting the village to the harbor.

  • Views of the Aegean throughout the trail.

  • Ideal for an afternoon walk.

Olympos→ Vroukounta

📏 ~7 km | ⏱️ 2.5–3 hours | moderate

  • Hike to ancient ruins and dramatic cliffs.

  • At the end, a small church inside a cave.

  • Wild and impressive area.

Diafani → Tristomo

📏 ~9 km | ⏱️ 3–4 hours | moderate

  • Coastal trail with small bays.

  • Tristomo is one of the most remote settlements in Greece.

Olympos → Avlona

📏 ~4 km | ⏱️ 1.5 hour | easy

  • Passes through farmland and windmills.

  • Avlona has traditional fields of Olympos locals.

Olympus Diafani Springs

  • Mesa Vrysi – near the village, main source of drinking water.
  • Vanada slightly north of the village at Diafani.