Some of the best areas to stay in Karpathos Greece are Pigadia, Amoopi, Arkasa, Finiki, Lefkos and Diafani. Here is where to stay in Karpathos on your next Greek vacation!
Best areas to stay in Karpathos Island
Karpathos is a beautiful Greek island, which belongs to the Dodecanese group. It is best known for its crystal clear waters, stunning wild landscapes, and long-standing traditions.
When it comes to where to stay in Karpathos, there are plenty of choices, for every type of traveler. From budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts, Karpathos has a varied selection of places to stay.
The “best” area to stay in Karpathos can depend on your preferences, whether you’re seeking a lively atmosphere, serene beaches, or hiking paths. It also depends on how you are planning to get around, and how you like spending your holidays.
Here are some of the best places to stay in Karpathos island Greece for your vacation.
Pigadia – Karpathos Town: Best place to stay in Karpathos for nightlife
Pigadia, also known as Karpathos Town, is the capital and main port of the island. It is located on the south-east coast and is the most vibrant area in Karpathos.
If you are looking for some laid-back nightlife, Pigadia is the best place to stay in Karpathos. Numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars line the charming harbor of Pigadia alongside a pretty promenade which is ideal for evenings strolls.
In terms of nearby beaches, you will find Pigadia, the main town beach, which stretches into the adjacent Limniatis and Affoti. These are long, shallow, sandy beaches, perfect for anyone who wants to relax – but they DO get busy during the summer season.
Overall, staying at Pigadia is a great option if you want to be close to amenities, enjoy nightlife, and explore the rest of the island easily. Many of the best beaches in Karpathos, like Kyra Panagia beach or Apella beach, are a 30-40 minute drive away.
Best hotels in Karpathos Town – Pigadia
Pigadia offers a good selection of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly rooms and apartments, to more luxurious villas and hotel resorts.
If you are more interested in the bar / restaurant scene, you can base yourself in the town itself. Alternatively, you can choose to stay on the beach, and head to the town whenever you want.
Here are some of the best hotels in Pigadia Karpathos:
Casa Vista – A modern, fully furnished apartment with lovely views of the town
Alpha and Omega – Spacious, nicely decorated apartments right at the heart of Pigadia.
The beachfront Alimounda Mare Hotel – A great choice for many tourists who prefer a bigger hotel with buffet breakfast, an outdoor swimming pool and spa facilities. It’s located right on the beach, a short walk from the center of Pigadia.
For more ideas on where to stay in Pigadia, plus what to do and where to eat, have a look at my guide to Pigadia Karpathos.
Amoopi: Best beach resort in Karpathos (south)
Located just 6 km south-west of Pigadia, Amoopi / Lakki is a popular tourist destination in Karpathos island. It is a small resort town, and is famous for its several beautiful beaches and coves, which is what attracts thousands of visitors in summer.
Amoopi doesn’t really have a town center or promenade. It’s rather a beach holiday town, with several hotels, tavernas, cafes, and a few grocery stores. The beaches in Amoopi are covered with sunbeds and umbrellas, providing comfort and shade at a cost.
But while it’s undoubtedly touristic, Amoopi boasts some of the most sheltered bays on Karpathos. If you decide to stay here, it’s worth exploring all the little coves in the area.
The sea is incredibly clear and blue, and the seabed is fantastic. As the sea temperature can be higher than in other areas of the island, visitors can enjoy swimming and snorkeling all day long.
It’s important to note that most beaches in Amoopi are accessible through stairs. The resort is uphill, so anyone with limited mobility (or anyone that doesn’t enjoy walking under the scorching sun) might prefer to stay at a different area in Karpathos.
The best villas and hotels in Amoopi Karpathos
Amoopi has no shortage of hotels, villas, hotels and rooms to let. Some of them boast sunrise views, and many offer swimming pools – though it would be a shame not to take advantage of the pristine beaches.
Here are some of the best places to stay in Amoopi:
Orelia Luxury Villas – Luxurious accommodation in Amoopi, at a short distance from the beach, yet with pool facilities
Olympos Studios – Cozy, fully furnished studios close to the beaches in Amoopi, opening to incredible views of the area
Argo Hotel – Rooms and apartments at a quiet area right by the beach, offering beautiful sunrise views. They also provide beach towels.
Note: If you have a rental car, make sure that your accommodation in Amoopi has its own private parking, as you will struggle otherwise. Also, note that you will often find Amoopi mentioned as Ammopi, or even Ammoopi on road signs and maps.
Arkasa: Best area in Karpathos for beautiful sunsets
Arkassa (or Arkasa) is a coastal town nestled on the idyllic south-western side of Karpathos. It’s located a half-hour’s drive from Pigadia.
Many visitors choose to stay in Arkasa to enjoy its stunning beach, which offers beautiful sunset views.
Agios Nikolaos beach, with its soft golden sand, is the main beach in Arkasa. With crystal clear water, it’s great for swimming when the sea is calm. When the famous meltemi wind of the Aegean Sea blows, it’s best for windsurfing.
Apart from its beautiful beaches, Arkasa also has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The village is built on the site of an ancient city, Arkessia. The ancient acropolis and other ruins are still visible on the adjacent hill, Palekastro, which you can explore on foot.
Arkassa has a range of restaurants, bars and grocery stores. It’s a relaxing and peaceful area to spend your holidays in Karpathos, and a good base for day trips to the south or the north.
Best accommodation in Karpathos Arkasa
There are plenty of rooms and villas where you can stay in Arkassa. Here is a small selection:
Arkasa Palace – Luxurious suites with a pool and various facilities, close to the beach
Sunset Suites Annada – A small, beautifully decorated boutique hotel
Alpha Studios – Self-catering accommodation a short walk from the center of Arkasa village.
Finiki: Best place to stay in Karpathos for tranquility
Finiki is a small, tranquil fishing village with a relaxed atmosphere. Located just a couple of kilometres north of Arkassa, it’s a great area to stay in Karpathos if you are looking for to completely relax and unwind by the coast.
The village has a nice sandy beach, which is relaxed and ideal for families with children. There are loungers and umbrellas available.
You will see several restaurants on the seafront, many of which are owned by the village’s fishermen. This means that any fish or seafood that your order will be super fresh!
If you decide to stay in Finiki village, make sure that you spend one of your evenings enjoying the amazing sunset views from Saint Nicholas church.
Strictly speaking, there isn’t much to do in Finiki. But if, at some point, Finiki proves to be too quiet for you, Arkasa is walking distance!
Best hotels in Finiki Karpathos
The small settlement offers several options for accommodation. Here are two of the best:
Meraki – A small, beautifully decorated hotel opening up to lovely sea views
Alkioni – Bright, spacious apartments with their own private terrace.
Lefkos: Best beach area to stay in Karpathos (north)
Lefkos, or, more accurately, Kato Lefkos, is a small town on the north-west coast of Karpathos. A former fishing port, it is now a popular resort in north Karpathos, an hour’s drive from Pigadia on a winding road.
For the most part, Lefkos is relaxed and laid-back, yet it has enough tourist infrastructure for summer visitors. It is a great place to stay for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger tourist resorts – not that there are many of those in Karpathos.
There are several beautiful sandy beaches around Lefkos, each with its own charm and character. One of the most popular is Lefkos Beach, a long stretch of sand with a (rather excessive) number of loungers and umbrellas. The nearby coves are quieter, and there are even naturist options.
Places of interest in the area include an underground Roman cistern, an ancient quarry by the name of Pelekito, and a huge cave known as Kamara.
Best places to stay in Karpathos Lefkos
There is a good range of rooms, apartments and villas in Lefkos, to suit all budgets. Here are a few:
Dream Villas – A spacious apartment, a short walk from the beaches in the area
La Scala Luxury Villas – A luxurious beachfront option in the area, ideal if you want to get away from it all
Akrogiali Apartments – A nice self-catering option, very close to the low-key Potali beach, with lovely owners who let you pick fruit from their trees!
Is Olympos the best place to stay in Karpathos?
Nestled up on the mountains in North Karpathos, 43 kms (26.7 miles) north of Pigadia, lies the remote and historic village of Olympos. It is known for its unique traditions and culture, and due to its elevated position it enjoys beautiful mountain surroundings.
That is not to say that Olympos is untouched by tourism – quite the contrary. Despite its secluded location, Olympos attracts a steady stream of visitors. They are drawn by the allure of experiencing the local lifestyle, which is often described as “frozen in time”.
Although Olympos is certainly a charming location in Karpathos, it may not be the optimal choice for every traveler. Its relative remoteness might be challenging for those seeking a more connected and convenient position.
And while Olympos definitely retains elements of its charm and authenticity, it’s nevertheless a much visited village in Karpathos, which means that some of its uniqueness might have been lost.
Still, you could consider spending a night or two in Olympos. And if you are in Karpathos on the 15th August, you can witness a colorful Greek panigiri, where the local women wear their celebratory costumes and everyone dances the night away.
Where to stay in Karpathos Olympos
You can find a few accommodation options throughout Olympos village. Some of them will not be suitable for people with disabilities, as you can only go around the village on foot.
Here are two of the best places to stay in Olympos:
Olympos Archipelagos – a spacious apartment with all amenities, including a lovely terrace
Anemos Guesthouse – built in a traditional style, and offering amazing views towards the sea
Note that, if you have your own vehicle, you will need to leave it outside the village. So if you have lots of luggage, staying in Olympos might be a bit of a challenge.
Here is my guide to Olympos Karpathos.
Diafani: Best area to stay in Karpathos for hikers
Diafani is located on the northern part of Karpathos, close to Olympos and an 80 minute drive from Pigadia. It’s a charming fishing village with a tranquil ambiance, and the island’s second ferry port.
The village is relatively isolated and unspoiled compared to other tourist spots in Karpathos. It’s an idyllic retreat for those seeking a peaceful holiday, and is an excellent base for hikers.
You can get to Diafani either by road by car / public bus, or by boat from Pigadia. The long journey is definitely worth it, as the drive is very scenic.
Overall, we found Diafani an ideal place to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Karpathos. While it will be sleepy by some people’s standards, it will definitely appeal to others!
Tip: There are some boat trips departing from Diafani to the uninhabited Saria island, north of Karpathos. I totally recommend taking this day trip!
Here are my impressions: Boat trip from Karpathos to Saria.
Where to stay in Diafani
There aren’t TOO many hotels and rooms to stay in Diafani, and they are usually popular with hikers. As with anywhere in Greece, if you are planning to stay during the high season, it’s best to book ahead.
Here are two hotels in Diafani with excellent guest reviews:
Nikos Hotel – A small family-run hotel offering various types of rooms with breakfast
Diafani Villa Anna – A lovely, fully furnished spacious apartment with amazing sea views
If you have a vehicle, you will need to leave it on the street – but parking is not an issue in the small village!
Conclusion: Best place to stay in Karpathos
As you can see, choosing the right location to stay in Karpathos can make a difference in your overall experience of the island. Whether you prefer a vibrant port town, a beach resort, or a peaceful fishing village, there is something for every type of traveler in Karpathos.
In the end, it all comes down to personal preference and what you want to get out of your holiday. Hopefully this guide has given you some insights into the different areas in Karpathos and helped you make an informed decision on where to stay. Happy travels!
More Greece guides
Here are a few more articles about Karpathos and Greece that you will find useful:
- Where is Karpathos
- Things to do in Karpathos
- Best beaches in Karpathos
- How to get around Karpathos
- How to get to Karpathos
- Driving in Greece
- What to pack for Greece
- Best time to visit the Greek islands
- Why I fell in love with Kasos
Hi! I’m Vanessa from Athens and my mission is to visit all the Greek islands – I’ve been to about 65 or 70 now! Karpathos has some of the most stunning beaches I’ve seen in Greece, and the waters are the definition of “crystal clear”! Follow me on FB for more Greek-related news, trivia and photos!
