Karpathos. The hiker's island

KAR1 HikingGuidedSmall GroupsEco-tours KarpathosDiafaniSaria
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8 DAYS
LEVEL 3
Karpathos is the second largest island of the Dodecanese, it is located on the edge of Greece at the southeastern Aegean Sea and it is one of the most sparsely populated areas of the country. According Greek Mythology it was the homeland of the Titan Iapetus, birthplace of the sea spirit Proteus, the place where goddess Athena was raised and where Prometheus; the great philanthropist, had spent part of his life. Karpathos is known for its healthy climate, its pristine landscapes and the maintenance of old customs and traditions; especially in the north of the island. Old connection paths lead through lonely landscapes and sparse forests, over barren mountain ranges and small fertile plains, past picturesque villages, peaceful bays and solitary chapels, inviting us to extended hikes. Also, the area of North Karpathos and Saria is part of the NATURA 2000 Network as one of the most important ecological regions of Europe.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Welcome to Karpathos

Arrival in Karpathos. Transfer to your hotel. 2 nights in Pigadia ; the island capital.
Transfer: Airoport Karpathos – Pigadia (Karpathos), about 13.3km, 20min

Day 2: Mt. Profet Elias of Aperi. Pigadia ; the island capital

Transfer to Aperi; the ‘’captains’ village’’; a noble place very well maintained even though very peaceful and almost abandoned. This is the starting point of today’s hike: You cross the village and some fields and meadows and then you walk up towards the chapel of Profet Elias; on the peak of the homonymous mountain. It is a splendid view point! You walk down towards St. Nicolas’ chapel on the bay of Pigadia; a beautiful picnic spot. You continue walking along the sandy beach, where you can stop for swimming. You will have time to stroll through Pigadia, before diner in a tavern.
Transfer: Pigadia (Karpathos) – Aperi: about 8.5km, 15min
Walking: Aperi - Profitis Ilias – Pigadia, about 12km, +342m / -582m, 4h, moderate

Day 3: Kali Limni; the highest mountain of the island

Transfer to the plateau of Pano Lastos, at 800 m. Climbing to Kali Limni (1215 m); the highest mountain of Karpathos. The view from the peak is spectacular! You hike down onto ancient panoramic trails and through austere landscapes, towards the village of Spoa. Transfer to Diafani; on the north of the island. 5 nights in Diafani.
Transfer: Pigadia (Karpathos) – Lastos, about 15km, 30min
Walking: Lastos - Kali Limni – Spoa, about 11.5km, +690m / -1036m, 5-6h, moderate - demanding
Transfer: Spoa – Diafani, about 27km, 40min

Day 4: A panoramic hike and a very traditional village

Today you go hiking on an ancient panoramic trail, around Mt. Profet Elias of Olympos. You visit the village of Olympos: an extremely traditional village, where still some women wear folkloric costumes and villagers ride donkeys. Coffee stop and exploration of this picturesque place. You then walk up towards Profet Elias chapel, on the peak at 719m of altitude. You enjoy the breathtaking view to the north part of Karpathos and, under favorable weather conditions over almost the entire south Aegean Sea, and then you walk down via the same path to Olympos and eventually to Diafani.
Transfer: Diafani – Aposkinou (près d'Olympos), about 13km, 20min
Walking: Aposkinou – Olympos - Profitis Ilias – Diafani, about 14km, +729m / -1069m, 5h, moderate

Day 5: Boat trip and hiking on Saria Island

Transfer by boat to the neighbor island of Saria; at the north of Karpathos, which is inhabited nowadays. After about 1h you reach the bay of Almyros and you start walking on the south coast of Saria. Through mule trails and abandoned fields, you reach the peaceful bay of Palatia on the north-east coast, with the ruins of a early Christian basilica and an abandoned village. Swimming opportunity before returning by boat back to Diafani.
Walking: Saria, about 7.5km, +374m / -374m, 3h, moderate

Day 6: Walking to Vroukous

Transfer to Avlona, where the day’s hike begins. You walk down to the bay of Vroukous; on the north-west coast. It is one of the most beautiful landscapes of the island, around the remains of an ancient abandonned town. You return to Avlona and eventually you walk down to Diafani, on a panoramic path.
Transfer: Diafani – Avlona, about 8km, 15min
Walking: Avlona – Vroukous – Diafani, about 13km, +413m / -689m, 4h30min, moderate

Day 7: Hiking on the extreme north of the island and boating

Today’s hike starts from Diafani. First you walk on a wide dirt trail towards the beach of Vanada. An ancient panoramic path, partially paved, will take you to the chapel of St. Ekaterini, on the north extremity of Karpathos; over the straights between Karpathos and Saria. You walk down to the bay of Tristomo. The village is very little populated, its old church of Archangel Michael is rarely visited and its wind mills are abandoned. This is probably one of the most beautiful hikes in the Aegean Sea! In the afternoon, captain George will take you back to Diafani on his boat.
Walking: Diafani – Tristomo, about 12.5km, +511m / -511m, 5h30min, moderate

Day 8: Farewell!

Transfer to the airport. Farewell!

HIGHLIGHTS

- The very traditional village of Olympos on the north of the island
- The panoramic hikes through the intact nature of Karpathos

ACTIVITY

- 6 moderate hikes of 3 to 6 h walking time
- This tour is not addressed to professional athletes. However, a certain hiking experience and good physical condition are necessary.
- Equipment: Hiking shoes are necessary, hiking sticks recommended and a day bag pack as well.

RATES

April, May, June, September, October: 1240 EUR (per person in dbl/twn room)
July, August: 1364 EUR (per person in dbl/twn room)

Single room supplement: 140 EUR

Private group rates :

6-7 pax : 1109 EUR
8-15 pax : 1015 EUR

Single supplement : 140 EUR

Hight season supplement : + 10% on final price

SERVICES

- Transportation, visits and excursions as indicated in the program
- 7 overnights in middle class hotel by the sea
- Breakfst in the hotel
- Tour Leader for the whole tour
- Professional liability insurance
- VAT 24%

NOT INCLUDED

- Flights/ferry to/from Karpathos
- Other meals / snacks / drinks / beverages
- Personal travel insurance
- Overnight city tax (locally paid at the hotel reception)

IMPORTANT NOTE

Boat excursions depend on weather conditions!

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  • Karpathos. The hiker's island
  • Karpathos. The hiker's island
  • Karpathos. The hiker's island
  • Karpathos. The hiker's island
  • Karpathos. The hiker's island
  • Karpathos. The hiker's island
  • Karpathos. The hiker's island
  • Karpathos. The hiker's island
  • Karpathos. The hiker's island
  • Karpathos. The hiker's island
  • Karpathos. The hiker's island
  • Karpathos. The hiker's island
  • Karpathos. The hiker's island
  • Karpathos. The hiker's island
  • Karpathos. The hiker's island
  • Karpathos. The hiker's island
  • Karpathos. The hiker's island
  • Karpathos. The hiker's island
  • Karpathos. The hiker's island
  • Karpathos. The hiker's island
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