Karpathos
Known for its rugged beauty and crystalline sea, Karpathos serves up a tranquil, authentic slice of Greek life. Pastel-hued villages such as Olympos and Mesochori cluster on mountain ridges in the north, a living museum of traditional culture. In the south, pretty coves dimple the coastline, some complete with tavernas and sunbeds to hire, others blissfully wild.
The hills beckon hikers to explore on foot, or for a different perspective you could take a boat trip to explore the coast. Karpathos town – also known as Pigadia – is the main hub on the island and sits on a long beach and boasts good facilities. Some of the best beaches are a little further afield – try Amoopi’s cute coves, the sublime water at Diakoftis and the horseshoe bay at Lefkos.