We spent a few days during our Aug/Sept 2024 Greece trip on Karpathos Island with one of those days was a beach day! After having a fantastic time in the Peloponnese we flew into Karpathos Island and we were ready for some beach time. We started out the next morning from our hotel near the southern portion of the Island and drove along the shore and stopped where we found places that looked amazing! I have tried to identify all of the beaches correctly, if I am wrong on any of them feel free to correct me!
Location
Karpathos Island is one of the Dodecanese Islands in Greece and a great island to have a beach day or two. Here are the beaches and places we visited.
Diakoftis Beach
We decided to drive south and cover that part of the island first and then head up the west side and continue checking out the beaches until we were ready to call it a day.
Diakoftis Beach was our first stop. Located on the southeast side of Karpathos, just south of the airport, this was the most flat area of Karpathos that we drove on. Once turning off the main road, you will drive on dirt roads until you reach the beach. Diakoftis Beach is easy to find and there is ample parking, at least earlier in the morning when we were here.
This organized beach not only has a beautiful view, but the golden sand has a pink tint to it! (None of my photos are enhanced). Add the beautiful Azure waters and you have quite the pretty picture. Considering the sea was calm and inviting, we were not surprised to see many people here already. As we prefer unorganized beaches with less people we walked around, took some photos, and decided to continue on our beach hunt for awesome beaches. Now if you are looking for a place to rent a beach chair and just chill for a few hours, this is the perfect spot!
Mesa Elari Beach
While on Diakoftis Beach, you can see a large bluff across the bay. Since we are curious, we decided to follow an unimproved road around to wherever it may lead. It led us to the southwest tip of Karpathos. I will say, it was a fun adventure.
We first came upon a beach which per google maps is called Mesa Elari Beach. It looked lovely but a van was parked near the area with a few people getting out so we decided to keep driving.
Exo Elaris Beach
Just a short drive farther and we found it! The perfect beach for us to go for a swim! Secluded, nice sand, perfect water, and just us! We excitedly scrambled the few rocks down to the beach and lunged into the inviting blue waters. Perfect, peaceful and refreshing. We swam for about an hour and it was pure luxury.
Paralia Michaliou
After our refreshing swim, we headed northwest and stopped at Paralia Michaliou. We did not swim here but loved walking around the rock formations. If you follow my blog, you know Steve and I really enjoy climbing around, whether it be rocky beaches in Greece, Portugal, and Italy; canyons in Utah and Arizona; or mountains in Colorado!
Unnamed Beach Near Agrilaopotamos Beach
We continued to drive northwest along the coast, stopping when we saw a place to our liking. Our next stop was right before Agrilaopotamos Beach. This was another secluded beach with not a soul around. We were going to just take some photos but it was hot and I was ready for another swim so we followed the steep road down to the beach. I
I will say, we had a heck of a time getting back up the hill, long story short, we were stuck. Out of no where, a man was driving down to the beach in a van and rescued us. Although.he only spoke Greek, and with our limited Greek we didn’t know how to say, “We are idiots and got ourselves stuck.”, he could obviously see we were spinning our wheels. He sat in the driver’s seat and gunned the vehicle and just like that was up the hill and also around the curve! We were very grateful.
Araki Beach
Continuing west we stopped next at Araki Beach. Although a bit of a hike down, it is a nice beach and a nice swim.
Foiniki
We headed north and stopped at the lovely fishing village of Foiniki. Foiniki is a small village but it is big on charm. Although we did not swim here, we walked around a bit and enjoyed the views. I absolutely loved the boats!
Lunch Time
We continued north as we wanted to eat lunch at a spot recommended highly to us, Under the Trees. This lovely taverna definitely lived up to the recommendations we received. We ordered bread, tzatziki , lava, souvlaki and also fries and all was delicious! Although it was quite hot out, the breeze and shade at this taverna truly cooled us off and we just sat and relaxed for a bit. It was just another perfect day in Greece and we were so relaxed we almost hated to leave yet we were excited to continue with our beach day on Karpathos.
Kato Lefkos
This beach was just on the outside of Lefkos going north. We really wanted to explore but after getting stuck earlier we were a bit shy about driving on this road/beach so therefore we just took the photo. Maybe next time! By this time it was after 1500 so we headed back to the hotel.
Paralia Apela
On the east side of Karpathos Island our day included Apella Beach and it is as beautiful as can be , certainly has to rank on top for one of the best beaches in Greece. Although it was a bit crowded when we were here, we enjoyed swimming and snorkeling. I am guessing this beach is always crowded. This beach also is a bit of a drive on a dirt road to get here.
Kastelia Beach
This beach is just below our motel. I believe it is Kastelia Beach. We enjoyed snorkeling and swimming here in the evening just before sunset. It was so tranquil and the perfect way to end the day!
Dinner in Menetes
We drove up to Menetes and had dinner in a taverna there. I did not catch the name of it but with its distinctive building, you can’t miss it. The food and service was good and we left full and happy!
Where We Stayed.
We stayed at Aegean Village Beachfront Resort. Aegean Village is just above Katelia Beach and the views were amazing. The Resort is quiet, clean and showcases some great views.
Conclusion
We truly enjoyed our beach day on the Island of Karpathos in Greece. Although there are so many more beaches on this island we loved the ones we saw and especially the ones we swam in.
Books on Karpathos Island
Little Stories From Greece by John Sakellakis-I like to read books from places I travel to and I found this book on Amazon and read it before traveling to Karpathos. This true story its about the author growing up on Karpathos Island during WWII. I found it to be a wonderful book and I felt it enhanced my visit to the island.
Karpathos and Kasos Hiking Guide-We originally planned on hiking on the island but did not, regardless this guide had some good information in it.
Karpathos and Kasos Travel Guide-this book was not available when we traveled here but I inculded it because I did have a hard time finding travel books on Karpathos, also this book can also be read through Kindle Unlimited.
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Ancient Corinth-September 2024
Ancient Olympia: Birthplace of the Olympics-September 2024
The Old Fortress of Pylos-August 2024
Aria Estate Suites and Spa August 2024
Kardamyli Old Town-August 2024
The Old Sparta to Kalamata Road, August 2024
o the Top of Monemvaisa-August 2024
Exploring Ancient Sparta-August 2024
Anthemion Suites and Villas, Greece-August 2024
A Bit of Charm in Nafplio, Greece-August 2024
Acronauplia Fortress-August 2024
Argos Theatre and Agora-August 2024
Exploring the Larissa Castle of Argos,Greece-August 2024
Snorkeling the Sunken City of Epidaurus. August 2024
Ancient Epidaurus: Birthplace of Modern Medicne August 2024
Mycenaean Bridge and Acropolis of Kazarma-August 2024
Ancient Nemea Greece-August 2026
The Gen-X Travels recommendations for hotels, restaurants, activities or tour companies are based on our own experiences unless noted. We are not sponsored by any business or company and all trips are at our expense. All photos are by myself or my husband unless otherwise noted. We are affiliates of some companies such as Amazon,Viator, and others which we do receive a small commission from, at no cost to you if you buy or book through one of our links.
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Love Karpathos👍
We did too. Although we regret we only spent 4 days here. Could have spent weeks!!!
It is our go-to summer holiday destination for a week of pure relaxation. Normally we stay in Amoopi.
Oh wow! Very nice! We stayed near Amoopi.
Beautiful!
–Scott
It is a truly beautiful island!
Looks like the perfect place to get away from it all Lori. Such clear water and rugged coast lines. Happy Monday. Allan
It is such a beautiful island! Have a great week!!
Looks like every day’s a beach day in Greece! Thanks for sharing some of your favorite beaches with us. Given you’d visited Greece last August/September, I take it you’re gearing up for a return trip this summer? Have a great day!
lol.. yes. We are returning to Greece September 1st through September 27th this year. We will be visiting, Athens, Mykonos, Delos, Koufonisi, Folegandros, Milos, and Crete. So I need to get busy on my last few 2024 posts!
Have fun, and I can’t wait to read about your 2025 Greece trip…perhaps next year! XD
❤️
These all look like lovely beaches. The Exo Elaris Beach looks like a perfect spot to go for a swim. Even better that it was secluded. Looks like you ate quite well for lunch and dinner!
It was wonderful! We always seem to eat well in Greece!!!
It’s just beautiful!
That is so true!
beautiful beaches!
Yes they are!!
That blue of the water–so magical!!! I also loved your snap of the boat! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for reading! The blue is amazing!