“Feel like a local in Karpathos” ecotourism package

During the first day, visitors will have dinner at a traditional tavern of the main harbour of Karpathos and will have the chance to walk to the commercial streets of the capital.

Day 2 will start by learning about the archaeological and historical wealth of Karpathos. A walk around the town and the historic Italian buildings will give the aspect of the recent history, just before the visit to the central archaeological museum. Transferred to Menetes village, visitors will have the chance to meet the locals at “kafenio”, the small traditional caffe, while Eri will host a traditional show cooking. A visit at the Greek Orthodox Temple of Virgin Mary of the rock will be a perfect opportunity to have a short photo shooting of the amazing view. The day will close with a guide visit to the Information Centre of the Management Agency of Dodecanese Protected Areas for N. Karpathos and Saria to get info regarding the unique nature-based wealth of Karpathos island.

The amazing culture of North Karpathos is the theme of Day 3. Having short stops for photo shooting above the most famous beaches “Kyra Panagia” and “Apella” which are located inside the boundaries of the NATURA 2000 Protected Area GR4210002, visitors will be transferred to Olympos village. Its isolated location has contributed to the conservation of its tradition and customs by the locals. Visitors will meet Mangafoula and other local women, still dressed in their traditional dresses. Pay a visit to Yiannis, the last local craftsman who creates traditional leather boots and Nikos who makes musical instruments for feasts and festivals. Having local dance lessons with live Karpathian music in Olympos village and enjoy a traditional dinner watching the breathtaking sunset is the best way to end the day.

Day 4 is dedicated to the unique and pure marine environment of Northern Karpathos and GR4210003 Protected Area. Transferring from Diafani harbour by small boat, all the way to Saria island. Will arrive at Palatia bay and the old village of the pirates. In the crystal waters of Palatia-Saria, visitors will have the chance of swimming and snorkelling following the underwater trail designed by the Management Agency of Dodecanese Protected Areas. Lots of memorable moments shall be created through the observation of the impressive underwater seascape, the indigenous and alien species and relevant marine organisms. Lunch will be barbeque at the beach. Northern Alimounda beach in the Northern point of Saria island will be visited by sea before returning to Diafani to rest and having free time.

Mountain and sea, religion and history are combined in Day 5. At first, driving towards Avlona fields, the most important agricultural fields of the locals will be visited. Starting from Avlona, trekking activity to the ancient city of Vroukounda through the walking path will take visitors breath, literally and metaphorically! Little church of Agios Ioannis, located underground, inside and at the edge of the rock, in parallel to its surrounded location and view, is a memory to take back home. A small boat will wait us in Vroukounda for our transfer to the historic Tristomo Bay in order to visit the unique and most important wetland of the GR4210003 Protected Area. A 1-hour clean-up activity will take place. After barbeque, will walk to Agia Aikaterini, a small church in the northern area. Returning to Diafani harbour by boat and rest, while the day will close with a dinner at a traditional tavern in Diafani.