| SuzanaM5. 08. 2015 17:27:38 |
Mysterious island in the southern Aegean Sea, where the mountain slopes drop steeply all the way to the crystal-clear sea. Beautiful beaches and picturesque mountain villages where time stopped centuries ago. Wild landscape that mass tourism hasn't destroyed yet. Strong wind that once powered mills, now blows into wind turbines for electricity generation and into the sails of the most experienced surfers. Friendly and helpful locals. The main town Pigadia (also Karpatos) offers some tourist buzz for those who want it. That's how I'd briefly describe the island of Karpatos lying between Crete and Rhodes.
While wandering the island, I noticed many marked hiking trails. In the middle of the main shopping street in Pigadia, I stumbled upon a shop with several hiking maps available. The best one listed trail durations and elevation gains. According to the shop owner, locals are enthusiastic hikers. Best time for hiking is mid-September to November and spring, when flowers bloom in the mountains and streams babble. November has more rain, winter can see snow on highest peaks for a day.
Highest peak on the island is 1,215 m Kali Limni.
The island mostly has strong winds, so heat isn't felt as much. Least wind in winter months. Hiking boots useful for rocky terrain and thorny vegetation that quickly scratches skin. Locals said lots of rain this year, so island was still all green at the end of June and in early July, temperatures not very summery. Daytime barely to 25, max 28 degrees, evenings chilly even in long sleeves.
Karpatos area is 325 km2, 49 km long and up to 11 km wide, narrowest 3.3 km (data from web, maybe not most accurate.)
Main roads in good condition, asphalted to major beaches. Careful only of rocks, goats and sheep on road. Roads very winding and steep up/down, better rent stronger car (especially if more people). Saw several cars with Slovenian plates that came by ferry from Patras or via Rhodes. Our airline flies there too, plane had at least 70% Italians, predominant guests during my visit.
On Karpatos I felt at home right away. Been drawn to it for 15 years and hope to return, it's etched deep in my heart.
 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86
| (+8) |  | |
|
|