Diakoftis is the white-sand lagoon at the southern tip of Karpathos, a shallow arc of turquoise water often called the island’s most Caribbean-looking beach. Set behind the airport among sand dunes and rocky coves, its powdery pale sand and glassy. Shallow water make it a favourite for families and a memorable first or last swim … Read more
Lefkos is a relaxed seaside village on the west coast of Karpathos, built around three linked coves of pale sand and shallow. Clear water sheltered from the wind by low headlands and offshore islets. Once a quiet fishing settlement, properly called Kato Lefkos, it has grown into a low-key beach resort with tavernas. Rooms and … Read more
Kyra Panagia is one of the most photographed beaches on Karpathos, a semicircular cove of golden sand and pale pebble set between white cliffs. With luminous turquoise water and a little red-domed chapel perched above the sand. Fully organised yet still striking, it is the easiest of the island’s famous east-coast coves to reach and … Read more
Apella is the most celebrated beach on Karpathos, a cliff-framed cove on the east coast where white pebbles drop into water so clear the seabed shows metres down. Backed by a slope of pine and cedar and reached by a short walk from a car park above. It was once ranked among the most beautiful … Read more
Karpathos strings its beaches along three very different coasts, and knowing which is which decides whether you swim in glass-calm turquoise or chase a force-six wind. The sheltered east coast holds the island’s famous cliff-backed coves. The flat south around the airport gathers sandy shallows and a world-class surf bay. The quieter west scatters small … Read more