The 2nd greatest island of the Dodecanese has no equivalent. It holds on quite to its past in its ancient acropolis, caves, churches and even its standard gown. The setting is substantial in all the very best senses of the word: sensational vistas from unblemished, cliff top and mountainside towns that defy gravity and a fearful hammering from the wind to keep careful watch over the Aegean. In Karpathos you'll find an island with its Greek soul intact, living traditions, individuals of genuine character, musical abilities provided the generations and famous celebrations-- untarnished by contemporary trends.

Olymbos: an ageless eagle's nest

Exposed to the winds, Olymbos balances on a rough-hewn, remote ridge like a tightrope walker. Its houses spill down the slope seawards, securely bound to each other and rooted in the rock. This severe, wild location kept pirates and marauders at bay, and it still withstands intrusions by today's more tranquil intruders. Simply what you 'd expect from a town that has in fact been defying the tides of time due to the fact that the 9th century.

A vibrant history of the Dodecanese

In a single look, you can take in a wealth of concepts regarding the cultures that have in fact had an impact here. Among the significant sights and tourist attractions are early Christian churches, ancient Vroukounta and Arkesia, the castle and the acropolis at Aperi, the Roman tank at Lefko, the beehive burial places at Karpathos town and Arkasa. And after that there are the more current structures left by the Italians, such as bridges, aqueducts, karpathos island wells, windmills and the outdoor ovens of Olymbos. Don't miss this chance to travel back into the past.

Manners and customizeds alive and beautiful

On this island, it's as if time has stood still. Here you will find an authentic Greece, like something out of a bygone period. Great deals of females still use the standard dress, while guys gather their crops with scythes. Males and female sit individually at town celebrations, where musicians play the bagpipes, lyre and lauto, crafted on the island, and sing in the design of their ancient predecessors. In northern Karpathos you'll find even older, often odd custom-mades still practiced consistently. The festivals need to be lived to be thought.

Emerald waters and numerous beaches

The award-winning sandy crescent of Apella is the most beautiful beach on Karpathos and a competitor for one of the very best in the whole Mediterranean. Emerald waters will also tempt you in at Kyra Panagia, Ahata, Lefkos and Ammopi-- only the begin of a long list.