Karpathos Island Hiking Tour

Karpathos Island Hiking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive on Karpathos

You’ve landed on this super remote island in the Aegean Sea with a weeks’ worth of adventure ahead. A driver will meet you at the airport and bring you to your accommodation. Depending on when you arrive, spend the rest of the day exploring around Pigadia, your home for the night.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Pigadia
Distance: 2.5 hours, 10km, 240m of ascent/descent
Meals: None

Day 2 Head to Diafani

After breakfast, you’ll be whisked away to the northern village of Diafani. Soak in the lush, unexpectedly mountainous scenery as you drive north. You can choose to walk the last 5km to the village along a riverbed or drive the whole way.

When you arrive, take a stroll to the beach via one of two path options. Settle into your hotel and find an excellent viewpoint to witness a magical sunset.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Diafani
Distance: Short: 1 hour, 4km, 0m of ascent, 250m of descent
Long: 2.5 hours, 9.5km, 280m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 Diafani Circuit and Boat Ride to Private Beach

Rise and shine in this island paradise. After breakfast, you’ll board a kaiki (small boat) for a 30-minute ride to Forokli, a secluded beach visited by few as it’s only accessible by boat, Jeep, or on foot. Walk along this area alongside a riverbed, with running water even in the hottest months. See an old chapel on your return to Diafani.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Diafani
Distance: 3.5 hours, 10.5km, 400m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 Hike to Olympos Village

Fuel up for a big day ahead. Departing from your hotel, you’ll walk inland on old mule paths and head into the countryside. Feel free to stop at the quaint taverns along the way, waving to locals and supporting their businesses.

Visit Vroukounda, an ancient settlement that pirates once attacked. Then continue to Olympos, a village established by the inhabitants who fled the pirate attack. Settle into the timeless Olympos, with its colourfully-painted houses built upon the mountain.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Olympos
Distance: 7 hours, 19.7km, 975m of ascent, 750m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 Olympos Village Circuit

Today, you’ll explore the surrounding area of Olympos on a short but efficient walk. Meander through impressive flora, getting views of the gorgeous Aegean Sea, and finding many hidden treasures to admire, like old churches and gardens.

You’ll get to observe daily life in Olympos, then when you return to the village proper, browse the artisan shops in the cobblestone alleyways.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Olympos
Distance: 2 hours, 4km, 350m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 Hike to Spoa

Today’s another big hiking day, so make sure to eat a hearty breakfast. Depart from Olympos and head down the central part of the island, which is so narrow you may be able to see the Aegean on both sides of you! You’ll walk along a well-maintained mule path through pastoral scenery of farmhouses, terraces, and fields.

Continue to Spoa, passing by its old church. From this village, you’ll be transferred to Lefkos, a picturesque fishing village, to spend the last two nights.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lefkos
Distance: 7 hours, 19km, 880m of ascent, 800m of descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 Hike to Meshori

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and set out for your final hike on Karpathos. Leaving Lefkos, you’ll head out for some sightseeing with a bit of physical challenge. First, stop at a basilica with gorgeous mosaics, then continue on the mountainous terrain to the village of Mesohori. Stop for lunch at a local tavern and walk (or stumble) home to Lefkos.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Lefkos
Distance: 5 hours, 16km, 450m of ascent/descent
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 Departure

It’s time to say goodbye to lovely Karpathos Island. You’ll get a transfer to the airport for your departure. Or, extend your stay if you don’t think you’ll be quite finished with this enchanting island!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast