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Karpathos: Walking trip
Escape from it all and enjoy 8 days filled with nature walks on the island of Karpathos, known for its authentic pure natural beauty and the friendliness of its inhabitants.
Karpathos is situated between Crete and Rhodes, and is the second largest island of the Dodecannese Islands. Basically, it is a mountainous island full of water springs, pine-trees forests, vineyards, olives and fruit-bearing trees. The rock-caves of the island are the home of the Mediterranean seal called Μonachus monachus. Karpathos is a well-kept secret unfolding a unique combination of traditions, folklore and hospitality to its visitors.
Kárpathos is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and lovers of deep-rooted tradition. The villages of the island seem like open folklore museums, whereas their inhabitants are still dressed in old traditional costumes, and speak their local, old dialect. The rich folklore tradition of villages, such as Ólympos and Mesohóri, will weave a powerful spell over you. There is an extensive network of old footpaths in the inner land, allowing walkers to enjoy panoramic views over the mountains and the dramatic coast lines.
Itinerary
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Day 1 Arrival on Karpathos
Arrival at Karpathos Airport around noon time and transfer to Pigadia. Possibility for a short walk to Ag. Kyriaki church. Walk: 8km, 2,5 hrs.
Villages along the way: Pigadia
Day 2: Walk from Lastos to Mesohori
A taxi will take you to the remote settlement of Lastos, where your walk to Mesohori starts. You leave the green plain of Lastos and walk uphill towards the summit of the Kali Limni. You walk through impressive mountainous landscape and peculiar rock formations. The village of Spoa comes into sight before descending through a winding footpath to the windmills of Mesohori and to the village itself.
Walk: 15km, 5,5 hrs, +300m; -850m
Villages along the way: Lastos
Day 3 Walk to Levkos Beach
Today´s walk takes you, walking along a beautiful “kalderimi” (cobbled mule-path), to the seaside village of Levkos. Here you will find some nice beaches to relax before walking back uphill to Mesohori. You may also return by taxi (taxi not included).
Walk (back and forth): 16km, 5 hrs, -450m; +450m or walk (one way):8 km, 2,5 hrs.
Villages along the way: Levkos
Day 4 From Spoa to Olympos
A short transfer takes you from Mesohori to Spoa, where the longest and most impressive walk of this tour starts. Along a dirt track you will walk uphill enjoying splendid views to the west and east coast. In many locations you can see the west and east coast at the same time. You walk through green and cultivated land dotted with farms, many of them only accesible on foot. You follow the dramatic mountain ridge and at the end of the walk you descend, walking along an intact “kalderimi” to the picturesque village of Olympos.
Walk: 19km, 7 hrs, +800m; -880m.
Villages along the way: Spoa, Olympos
Day 5 Walk to Vroukounda
From Olympos you can make a round walk to Cape Vroukounda. You will walk through various landscapes: green valleys alternate with bare limestone landscapes. You will walk through the hamlet Avlona, where most of the crops are cultivated for local consumption. The Mycenean City of Vrykous was an important city until the 7th century AD, but nowadays it is an abandoned area. An interesting chapel in a cave marks the end of the Cape.
Walks: 19km, 6-7 hrs, +700m; -700m.
Villages along the way: Vroukounda, Olympos
Day 6 Walk from Olympos to Diafani
Today you walk downhill from Olympos to Diafani, through a forested area and along old paths. You walk through a valley all the way to the coast, where you will stay for the night. The walk is a half-day walk, allowing you to enjoy a farewell swim in the sea.
Walk: 8-10km, 3-4 hrs, +250m; -500m.
Villages along the way: Olympos, Diafani
Day 7 Travel from Diafani to Pigadia
Free time in the morning until the ferry departure to Pigadia. You will either travel by regular ferry boat or by “kaiki” (small Greek boat) to Pigadia.
Villages along the way: Diafani, Pigadia
Day 8 Departure
Taxi transfer to the airport to take your outbound flight.
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