Journey across Karpathos Island, a walker’s paradise
Karpathos Island is a timeless place with a few pristine villages dotting its land. On this 8-day tour, you’ll visit four villages and walk incredible paths only accessible by foot. Climb rocky trails and descend to stunning quays of crystal-clear water (and take a dip if you like!). The locals on this island will welcome you with smiles and waves, invite you into their taverns, and leave you with so many memories.
This tour’s self-guided model means you’ll have a detailed itinerary with route options for each day, but you are free to choose your schedule. You’ll have charming accommodation each night in traditional hotels and B&Bs, all of which provide superb service. Spend your days getting exercise, seeing tremendous views, feasting on local fare, then retreat to your cozy bed each night. This off-the-beaten-path locale is sure to stay in your mind for life after the Karpathos Island Hiking Tour!
Highlights of the Karpathos Island Hiking Tour
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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
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:
Departure on April 1st – May 31st, 2024:
- Single room (traveling alone): $1,375 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $975 USD
- Double/twin room: $750 USD
- Triple room: $650 USD
Departure on June 1st – 30th, 2024:
- Single room (traveling alone): $1,395 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $995 USD
- Double/twin room: $775 USD
- Triple room: $650 USD
Departure on July 1th – 29th, 2024:
- Single room (traveling alone): $1,425 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,050 USD
- Double/twin room: $825 USD
- Triple room: $695 USD
Departure on July 30th – August 31st, 2024:
- Single room (traveling alone): $1,475 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $1,095 USD
- Double/twin room: $850 USD
- Triple room: $725 USD
Departure on September 1st – 30th, 2024:
- Single room (traveling alone): $1,395 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $995 USD
- Double/twin room: $775 USD
- Triple room: $650 USD
Departure on October 1st – 29th, 2024:
- Single room (traveling alone): $1,375 USD
- Single room (group of 2+): $975 USD
- Double/twin room: $750 USD
- Triple room: $650 USD
Accommodation on the Karpathos Island Hiking Tour
This tour is based in hotels and family-run guesthouses. Enjoy authentic Greek décor and lovely hospitality all over Karpathos.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. If you are a solo traveller or you prefer a single room, the required supplements are included in the listed prices.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Hotel Atlantis in Pigadia ★★
Atlantis is an impressive hotel, close to the town centre and the beach. Spotless, cozy rooms and a lovely shared pool in the courtyard allows guests to relax in style.
Hotel Dorana in Diafani ★★
Hotel Dorana hosts guests on Karpathos who venture to the north. In this quieter part of the island, you’ll have superb service, views, and access to trails.
Hotel Aphrodite in Olympos
Thanks to its mountainside location, the main draw is the spectacular views of cliffs and the blue Aegean from your private balcony. After a day of walking, gaze out your window at a magical sunset.
Hotel Lefkorama in Lefkos
In the heart of a charming fishing village, you’ll find this stunning hotel. It boasts wonderful hosts in a quiet location, while still being close enough to walk to the many taverns and restaurants in town.
What’s Included in the Karpathos Island Hiking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodation for 7 nights is included. You can book ahead to extend your stay in any of the overnight locations along the route.
Transportation during the Tour
Some transportation is included during the tour, including airport transfers at the beginning and end, transfer between Pigadia and Diafani, a boat ride to Forokli, and the ride from Spoa to Lefkos. Transportation for your luggage is included between Diafani and Olympos, and Olympos and Lefkos.
Also Included
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
- 24-hour telephone assistance
Not included
- Flights
- Visas if required
- Guide services
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Personal expenses or gratuities
- Travel insurance or tourism tax
- Public transportation, ferry tickets
- Anything not mentioned as included
- Entrance fees for sites
Optional Extras
- Extra nights in any accommodation
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
Frequently Asked Questions about Karpathos Island Hiking Tour
S-Cape Travel Greece is a Greek outdoor company, established in 1994 and member of the S-Cape Group of companies since 2010.
At S-Cape Greece you find a varied portfolio of active and adventure trips that offer you a hands-on experience of Greece, having time to slowing down and appreciate the details: view the sites and landscapes, savor the specialties, meet and mingle with the locals and learn about the culture.
All our trips and itineraries are developed by our team of professional walkers and cyclists who have a keen eye for great trails, exciting itineraries, breath-taking scenery and good quality accommodation that share our vision on sustainable travel.
If you travel on one of our self-guided trips, you receive a Destination Manual with information on the country and a state-of-the-art Road Book with detailed route description, turn by turn diagrams of each crossing and explanatory text. On top, you can navigate the route in your own smartphone via our excellent S-Cape Travel App.
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Maria has worked in the Athens office of S-Cape for nearly 4 years. She’s discovered an even deeper love for her country through the process of helping others explore it.
- Q: What is your favourite trip to lead and why?
- A: My favourite trip is Crete “Coast to Coast” because you discover unspoiled Crete while following walking paths through wildflowers, lush valleys, and gorgeous gorges. You get to know the locals, drink wine with them, and taste the famous Cretan food in local taverns. You meet the locals of this village in the “kafeneion” and drink a “Raki” with them. You get to stay in a beautiful old restored house and enjoy views of the White Mountains whilst having breakfast. Explore the White Mountains and walk at an altitude of 1,300m gazing at the white peaks surrounding you. On the south coast, you walk through beautiful gorges. It’s just wonderful!
- Q: What are guests most surprised about in visiting your country?
- A: You hear how good the food, the sun, and the people are. It’s even better in real life!
- Q: What is one local dish anyone visiting should try?
- A: Greek salad, tzatziki, stuffed tomatoes, fried zucchini, and traditional souvlaki, of course!