Karpathos tours

Things to do in Karpathos

Karpathos greets you with the Aegean breeze that carries tales of ancient myths and time-honoured customs. Picture an island where untouched shores meet vibrant local celebrations, and mountain villages seem to be suspended in history. On a Karpathos tour with your knowledgeable guide, each village has its own narrative of history and genuine hospitality. Wander through the captivating village of Olympos on a private tour, where women still don their traditional attire and bake bread in age-old ovens. Your guide will unravel the island's mysteries, from hidden bays ideal for a quiet swim to ancient sites that resonate with echoes of bygone eras. Delight in a culinary journey, sampling homemade makarounes and traditional goat stew. Bypassing the usual crowd, your guide guarantees an experience of Karpathos' essence that goes beyond the ordinary. Uncover the soul of this island, where age-old traditions and the sea exist in a rare harmony. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Karpathos. Explore Karpathos your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Karpathos tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Karpathos for every interest, including: Layover tours: Your guide meets you at Karpathos Airport (AOK), stows your bag in the vehicle, and drives 10 to 15 minutes to Diakoftis or Damatria Beach for a swim and a cold drink. With a short window, you can grab a gyro in Arkasa and fit in a stroll along Pigadia harbour before returning to the terminal on time. Nature and Wildlife tours: Take a private boat north to Saria islet to spot Eleonora’s falcons and wild goats, then snorkel over Posidonia seagrass near Apella or Kyra Panagia to see sea bream and wrasse. Guides know sea caves where Mediterranean monk seals sometimes rest and will keep a safe, respectful distance while you watch from the water or boat. Hiking tours: Summit Kali Limni on a guided route from Lastos, with steady climbs and wide views across the Dodecanese. Or hike from Olympos to Avlona and down to the ruins of ancient Vrykounta and its small cliffside chapel, then refuel on makarounes at a family taverna back in Olympos. Villages are easy to walk once you’re there, but distances across the island are long and bus service is limited; your local guide can organise chauffeured tours or private transportation between beaches, trailheads, and villages. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Karpathos inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Embark on a private walking tour of Karpathos, exploring its neighborhoods with a local guide who can offer unique insights. - Pigadia: The capital and main port, bustling with tavernas and shops, perfect for those who love a lively atmosphere and local cuisine. - Olympos: Known for its traditional way of life and stunning views, ideal for cultural tourists and those seeking a deeper connection with island traditions. - Amoopi: A beautiful beach area, perfect for families and groups looking to relax and enjoy the sun and sea. Day trip ideas from Karpathos From Karpathos, plan day trips to nearby villages, beaches, and the small islet of Saria, using short drives or boat tours so you see more without packing up. - Olympos and Diafani: You see looms still clack in Olympos, windmills on the ridge, and wood-fired bakeries scenting the alleys; then you drop to Diafani’s harbour for lunch and a swim. Works if you like culture, light hikes, and big views, and your tour can link both with scenic stops. - Saria Island by boat: You ride north on a small boat to swim clear coves, snorkel sea caves, and walk up to the ruins at Palatia. Good if you want easy hikes, wildlife spotting, and quiet beaches, with boat tours running from Pigadia or Diafani in calm seas. - Apella Beach and Kyra Panagia: You split the day between two well-known bays for swimming, snorkelling, and simple taverna time, plus a short visit to the hilltop chapel of Kyra Panagia. Suits you if you want simple logistics and long swim stops, and your tour can shift timing to avoid the midday crowd. - Lefkos and Mesochori: You wander shady lanes, small coves, and a clifftop square that looks west to the open sea, then stay for sunset when the light turns soft. Best if you like a slow pace, local food, and casual photos, with an easy drive linking both. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Karpathos most travellers miss.