Karpathos Car Hire

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Karpathos is the second largest of the Greek Dodecanese islands, in the south-eastern Aegean Sea. It is an isolated island that has kept hold of its dialect, traditional dress and customs. Known for its charming contrasts, green mountains, golden beaches, traditional colourful villages filled, and a combination of home-cooked food, lively bars and cafes. The island is a remote paradise, and boasts unique geology and natural beauty- ideal for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle, and simply unwind. Karpathos stands out for one thing in particular - its stunning beaches! It's also an island for those individuals who love sports, trekking and long walks. The northern part of the island is rocky and barren, and for this reason it is a favourite and popular spot for the outdoors lovers. As you wander around the absolutely stunning villages, you may feel as though time has stopped, as the landscapes are breath taking and the tiny houses seem to be molten with the rocks. Keep your eyes peeled for the local women pottering around, as they're traditional clothing will have you fascinated!

Things to do in Karpathos

Explore Village Menetes

This incredibly picturesque village has been built amphitheatrically at 300 metres on craggy cliffs. These rows and rows of white and pastel houses, make up most of the island's scenery and will have you snapping photos for hours! Head over to the village church which dates back to 1845, and check out the folklore museum, which has traditional lacework, tools for old-time trades and musical instruments such as the laouto and lyra. While you roam the flowery streets, you'll be blessed with constant views of the surrounding rocky terrain, and mesmerising beauty.

Explore Village Olympos

This village is another absolutely drop dead gorgeous outdoor museum with an interesting story. It's set precariously on a majestic mountain ridge in the north of Karpathos, and was isolated until not long ago when the road was laid. Until this route was completed, the only method to Olympos was by water. Due to this difficult access to the village, and its seclusion to the rest of the island - in 600AD it was used as a safe haven for the locals during pirate attacks!

Laze Your Day away on the Beaches

One of the best parts of Karpathos island are its beaches. You're spoilt for choice with the numerous beaches glistening with golden sand and crystal clear waters. Apella beach is probably the most famous beach in Karpathos with beautiful views on the drive down. The beach is fringed by pines where you can doze in the shade, or you can rent the usual sun loungers and parasol. Achata Beach is an isolated bay on the east coast of the island. It's beautiful with it being enclosed in a small cove, walled by cliffs that are riddled with little caves. If you’re the adventurous type, then dive into exploring the cavities from the water, one of which is 30 metres long.

Eating Out in Karpathos

Almost everywhere you travel in Greece you can find traditional cooking, but the cuisine in Karpathos is different. Dining here simply isn't just 'easting food', it's a full on whole experience! Recipes are passed down through the generations and served the same way to customers as they would to their own families. This island's food is a mixture of traditional Greek food and unique island specialties that create a flavourful experience wherever you go. Each meal will feel as though someone’s grandmother is in the kitchen, hand-making the dish for you! Which probably is the case in a lot of restaurants! You'll have the opportunity to soak in this wonderful experience at the local tavernas, upscale eateries where you can dine with a view of the ocean, and even small-town bakeries.

The culture here for dining out is very different to other places. Normally you would get seated at a restaurant and ask for the menu. However, in Karpathos you'll notice that the menu in a lot of cases will be missing! Now this is because some restaurants like to immediately offer you whatever is ready in the kitchen, or it’s a very local restaurant where the food choices are already known by those who visit. For some restaurants, it's because the menu changes daily depending on what is fresh or being whipped up randomly in the kitchen. Now if you would like to know what kind of dishes are served at a restaurant, then just simply ask! However, you are better off just seeing what is fresh out of the oven or go with the specialty of the house. More often than not you’re in for a real treat! The love and hard work poured into each meal is noticeable from your very first bite. Here are some of the best restaurants on the island that you must try out!

In the village Pigadia you'll find the restaurants 'Ladokolla' and 'Erasmias Grill House.' Ladakolla is situated in the middle of the city centre, and if you're a meat lover, then this is the place for you. You can’t go wrong with the pork Giouvetsi, lamb in the oven, or whole roasted chicken! If you’re looking for something quick, then Erasmias Grill House is a good shout. Here they serve up fast and delicious pork, chicken gyros, and souvlaki. You have the option to dine-in, or simply grab a gyro to take away and head to munch away on the beach.

Seafood lovers should had over to the small coastal town of Lefkos, as it's packed with delicious seafood restaurants that line the harbour. Make sure to try the special fish balls made fresh and more local seafood dishes. Sofia’s Taverna is the oldest restaurant in Kyra Panagia and is a must-visit in town. While there is a full menu available, check the blackboard in the back of the restaurant for the daily specialties. Some popular dishes are Sofia’s greek salad, local goat, and calamari.

Transport in Karpathos

Karpathos is such a stunning island that many prefer to explore entirely on foot. However, if you wish to hop from village to village and travel as much of the island as possible, then renting a vehicle (scooter or car) is a great option.

Not keen on driving? Not a problem, as Karpathos has a local bus line, or you could even take advantage of the local taxis and even taxi boats that take you to the neighbouring islands.

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FAQs about car hire in Karpathos

Most frequently asked questions about hiring a car in Karpathos

Car hiring prices in Karpathos start at €31.17 per day.
Budget and Europcar are the most popular car hire companies in Karpathos.
The driving distance between Karpathos and Athens is around 415 kilometers.
The average price of a litre of fuel in Karpathos can vary between €1.78 and €1.67.
The budget friendly choices between small cars in Karpathos start at €215.11 for a week, which is about €30.73 per day.
The most affordable car hire options in Karpathos for an entire month go for €901.50, or €30.05 per day.
The best time to travel to Karpathos is from early May to late July and from late August to mid October (according to average temperatures).
Apella Beach is the best place to start exploring Karpathos.

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