Posted by The Most Beautiful Beach Paradises & Tips for 2026🏝️🌊
Karpathos is a paradise for beach lovers. The second largest of the Dodecanese islands lies between Crete and Rhodes and is known for its unspoiled nature, turquoise waters, impressive rocky coastlines, and numerous secluded coves. 🌊☀️
Unlike more popular islands such as Rhodes or Kos, Karpathos hasn’t yet been overrun by mass tourism. Even in the height of summer, you can find beaches here where you’ll be almost alone – and many of them are among the most beautiful in Greece.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly bay, a perfect spot for windsurfing, or a hidden swimming cove – you’ll find it all on Karpathos. Here are the island’s most beautiful beaches with all the tips for your summer 2025.
- See also: Information about buses on Karpathos and ferries to Karpathos
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🏝️ 1. Apella Beach – A postcard-perfect Aegean scene
📍 Location: Northeast coast, approx. 20 km from Pigadia
⭐ Tip: Arrive early or book a boat trip
Apella Beach is undoubtedly the most famous and perhaps the most beautiful beach on Karpathos. Nestled between steep cliffs, it boasts turquoise, crystal-clear water and a light pebble beach – a true postcard picture.
The beach isn’t large and is very popular in the summer, so it’s worth arriving early. Alternatively, you can also reach Apella by boat from Pigadia – a beautiful excursion along the coast.
💡 Tip: Especially great for snorkeling! Don’t forget your gear – the rocks are teeming with colorful fish.
🏖️ 2. Kyra Panagia – Picturesque Bay Beneath Red Cliffs
📍 Location: Northeast Coast
⭐ Tip: Combine with Apella for a day trip
Kyra Panagia is one of Karpathos’ most famous bays – and for many, the island’s most beautiful beach. The fine pebble beach lies below a red cliff face, and above it sits a small church with a red dome – perfect for photos.
Here you’ll find sun loungers, parasols, and a taverna – ideal for a full day at the beach. The water is deep blue, clean, and perfect for swimming.
💡 Tip: It’s quietest here early in the morning. Around midday, many day-trippers arrive by bus or rental car.
🏖️ 3. Achata Beach – Peace & Pure Nature
📍 Location: Northeast coast, 13 km from Pigadia
⭐ Tip: Perfect for a half-day trip
Achata Beach is a small, tranquil beach surrounded by mountains and pine trees. The mix of pebbles and sand, along with the incredibly clear water, makes it a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling.
There’s only one small taverna and a few sun umbrellas – nature takes center stage here. A particular highlight: In the afternoon, the sun casts a golden glow on the bay.
💡 Tip: The road there is winding but well-paved – a rental car or scooter is recommended.
🌅 4. Amoopi Beach – A Swimming Paradise for Families
📍 Location: Southeast coast, 6 km south of Pigadia
⭐ Tip: Ideal for families & children
Amoopi isn’t a single beach, but rather a complex of several small coves. Here you’ll find gently sloping sandy beaches, calm waters, and plenty of tavernas and beach bars.
Ideal for families with children or anyone who wants to spend a comfortable day. The different sections are called “Mikri Amoopi” (small beach) and “Megali Amoopi” (large beach).
💡 Tip: An evening stroll along the coast is highly recommended – the sunsets are breathtaking.
Absolutely worth seeing: The fishing village of Finiki on Karpathos
🏝️ 5. Diakoftis Beach – Caribbean vibes on Karpathos
📍 Location: Southwest, near the airport
⭐ Tip: Rental car or scooter necessary
Diakoftis is a true hidden gem and considered by many to be the most beautiful beach on the island. Fine, white sand and shallow, turquoise waters evoke the Caribbean.
Because the beach is somewhat secluded, it receives relatively few visitors – perfect for those seeking peace and quiet. There are no taverns or sun loungers, so be sure to bring your own food and drinks.
💡 Tip: Ideal when there’s no wind – it can get quite unpleasant here in strong winds.
🏖️ 6. Lefkos Beach – A Classic Beach Resort with Charm
📍 Location: West Coast, approx. 35 km from Pigadia
⭐ Tip: For a relaxing beach day with all the comforts
Lefkos is one of the most popular beach resorts on Karpathos. The main beach is a long, sheltered sandy beach with shallow water – ideal for families and anyone who prefers a relaxed atmosphere.
In the surrounding area, you’ll find other small coves, numerous tavernas, cafes, and accommodations. Lefkos is perfect for a day trip or even as a base for your vacation.
💡 Tip: A stroll in the late afternoon is particularly beautiful – the sunset here is spectacular.
🪸 7. Agios Nikolaos Beach (Arkasa) – For Surfers & Wave Lovers
📍 Location: Southwest Coast, near Arkasa
⭐ Tip: Good conditions for windsurfers
Agios Nikolaos Beach near Arkasa is the perfect spot for those seeking some action. There are regular waves here – perfect for surfing or bodyboarding.
Despite this, the beach isn’t crowded and offers a relaxed atmosphere. Tavernas and a beach bar cater to your needs.
💡 Tip: Swimming is safe here even in stronger winds – although it can get a bit choppy on windy days.
🌊 8. Agios Minas – Natural Beach for Adventurers
📍 Location: Northeast coast, difficult to access
⭐ Tip: Only accessible for experienced drivers or by boat
Agios Minas is a secluded natural beach visited by few tourists. It can be reached via a steep gravel road or by boat. Those who brave the journey are rewarded with crystal-clear water and absolute tranquility.
There’s no infrastructure here – just sun, sea, and nature.
💡 Tip: Perfect for a picnic or a day trip by boat.
🪸 9. Michaliou Kipos – A Hidden Gem
📍 Location: Near Ammopi
⭐ Tip: Combine with Ammopi or Achata
Michaliou Kipos is a small, often overlooked beach south of Amoopi. Nestled among rocks, it’s never crowded, even in the height of summer.
Ideal if you’re looking for peace and quiet but don’t want to travel far. There are no tavernas, so bring your own food and drinks.
💡 Tip: The light is especially beautiful here in the late afternoon – perfect for photos.
🏖️ 10. Potali Beach – Relaxed and Authentic
📍 Location: Near Lefkos
⭐ Tip: Quieter than the main beach
Potali Beach is right next to Lefkos but is significantly quieter. There are no sun loungers or beach bars here – just nature and the sea.
A perfect spot for anyone who wants to read a good book, swim, and simply relax.
💡 Tip: Especially beautiful at sunset – the west coast is ideal for this.
📍 Tips for your beach vacation on Karpathos
🚗 Renting a car is worthwhile: Many beaches are difficult or impossible to reach by bus.
☀️ Sun protection: Many natural beaches offer no shade – don’t forget your parasol.
🤿 Snorkeling gear: Apella, Achata, and Agios Minas are particularly ideal for snorkeling.
🧳 Pack a picnic: Many secluded beaches don’t have tavernas or bars.
🕐 Start early: The most beautiful bays are empty and quiet in the morning.
🏁 Conclusion: Beaches on Karpathos – nature, diversity, and turquoise water 🌊
The beaches of Karpathos are among the most beautiful in the Aegean – and the best part: Many of them are still hidden gems. 🌿
From the famous, picture-perfect Apella Bay to the family-friendly Amoopi and the secluded Agios Minas – you’ll find the perfect beach for every taste.
Karpathos is ideal for those who love the sea and want to experience Greece in its original, authentic, and unspoiled state.