Karpathos island is one of those islands that have kept the same name
since Homer's times, Karpathos has references at Minoan and Mycenaean
tombs as well as to many remains of settlements in Greece from the second
Millennium B.C. Karpathos located west of Rhodes and is part of the Dodecanese.
Karpathos with the most southern Dodecanese island of Kasos, located on
the sea way that connects Rhodes with Crete. The two islands mark the
south west limit of the Aegean sea.
Karpathos is unique in the Dodecanese islands for being the habitat of
many rare species of flora and fauna. Many of these can be found in the
dense forest in the central region of the island or around its rocky coastlines.
The capital of the island is the picturesque harbour town of Pigadia (or
Karpathos). Pigadia is the Greek word for wells, given to the area because
of the many wells and natural sources of water that were found here. To
the side of Pigadia is a rocky hill where the Minoan acropolis of Karpathos
was built in ancient times. This is quite different from the old capital,
Aperi, which lies inland in the centre of the island, hidden from the
sea, in order that the people of the coastal villages could find a refuge
during the frequent attacks by pirates during the Middle Ages. The whole
island boasts many pretty little villages of traditional balconied houses
overflowing with flowers during Spring and Summer.
Of particular interest to visit is, the village of Menetes renowned for its musical tradition. Many famous musicians hail from here and the village still keeps up the traditional craft of producing the Karpathian Lyre. Secondly, close to the Paleokastro (old castle) is the seaside village of Arkasa. Very popular with tourists because of its quaint charm, narrow streets and small river. Two kilometres north of Arkasa lies the picturesque fishing village of Finiki. Finally, unique to Karpathos, is the village of Olympos . Olympos houses have a special traditional architecture, constructed with one room that is supported on a wooden column situated in the middle of the house. Each house has a beautiful balcony and the owner's initials can be seen carved over the door. The women who live in these houses take great care in their decoration, hanging beautiful embroideries and handpainted plates on the walls. The main feastday of the island is on 15th August at Olympos. This festival lasts for three days and includes traditional songs, dancing and music with local instruments such as tsampirades providing a unique experience found only in Karpathos.
Karpathos, like many islands in the region, has its fare share of ruins to see as well as museums, an outdoor exhibition of archeaelogical discoveries, and some very beautiful little churches decorated with mosaics and murals.
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