Posted by Pigadia, the capital of Karpathos, is a picturesque port town with traditional charm and modern flair. Particularly worth seeing are the lively waterfront promenade and the nearby beaches, which invite you to relax.
Pigadia is the main town and most important port on the island of Karpathos. The town has only around 3,000 inhabitants, but it seems much larger. Pigadia is a modern and friendly place. It is typical of a main town on a medium-sized Greek island. Almost all life takes place on the approximately 1.5 kilometer long waterfront promenade and in the pedestrian zone a few meters behind it. The town is built in a semicircle around the large harbor basin.
By Juhani Komulainen, User Rafu on fi.wikipedia – Originally from fi.wikipedia; description page is (was) here, Public domain, Link
Pagadia Food: On the street directly on the shore, the taverns are, as is often the case in Greece, a little more expensive than those in the 2nd or 3rd row. But you have a better view of the harbor. Very good, Greek cuisine can be found cheaply in the tavern “O Helleniko” in the 2nd row – i.e. in the pedestrian zone – less than 200 meters from the harbor. Here you can get main courses for around 10 euros. A little away from the sea in Pigidia, a gyros pita costs only around 3 euros. There are also “kebab pitas” for the same price. The kebab is a specialty on Karpathos and is reminiscent of an overly long cevapcici. The best pita stand is on Demokratias Street, also a small pedestrian zone. Opposite is a good bakery where you can try a delicious spinach dumpling for around 2 euros. This bakery is also great for breakfast. You should avoid the taverns where people approach you as you walk past. As is often the case in Greece, these are the most expensive and the worst. You should definitely try the local Carpathian speciality Makarounes, a pasta dish with cheese.
Pigadia Karpathos Information: In what is perhaps the most beautiful tourist information office in Greece, all questions are answered in a friendly and competent manner. The small, round building is located in the middle of the harbor basin and is even built a little out into the sea. It is impossible to miss if you walk along the shore road. (see picture below).
We also have travel guides about Germany: For example, everything about the Alexanderplatz TV tower
Buses Pigadia:. The following bus timetable is valid for Karpathos in 2014. The timetable has hardly changed in recent years. All buses on Karpathos start and end in Pigadia. The timetable is only valid in summer or during the tourist season. Unfortunately, I have not found a link to an always up-to-date bus timetable for Karpathos, if anyone knows of a reliable online timetable, please send me an email.
Bus timetable Karpathos (2025 season) |
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| From Pigadia | To Pigadia | |
| Amoopi | daily except Sunday: 10:00, 15:35 | daily except Sunday: 10:20, 16:00 |
| Mesochori | Mon to Fri: 13:00 (school bus) | Mon to Fri: 06:50 (school bus) |
| Menetes, Arkassa | Mon to Fri: 13:30 (school bus) | Mon to Fri: 07:00 (school bus) |
| Aperi, Volada, Othos, Pyles | Mon to Fri: 7,11,13:30 | Mon to Fri: 7:30. 11:30. 14 |
| There are also buses to the north of Karpathos to Olymbos and Diafani. However, these only run twice a week (Wednesday and Thursday). On Thursday you can go there in the morning and back in the afternoon.
There are few buses to the airport, about 1 bus per day. All information is for summer 2024. |
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| So there are very few buses, it is better to rent a vehicle on Karpathos. | ||
Accommodation in Pigadia (Karpathos Town)
My favorite is Elias Rooms, about 200 meters from the harbor. Elias has cheap rooms. He is nice and is happy to answer any questions about his island in detail. All rooms have their own bathroom, the cheap ones have a shared refrigerator, shared terrace, etc. Also a good meeting point for single travelers. WiFi is available free of charge at Elias Rooms. Elias always picks up his guests from the ferry. Since he lived in the USA for a long time, he speaks good English. It’s best to call in advance and negotiate the price.
Not much worse and only a little more expensive, if at all, is Roses Studios. The studios are only about 30 meters from Elias. A little higher up above the town, good view. Tel.: 22450-22284. Also not far from Elias rooms is Hotel Karpathos, one of the cheaper hotels in Pigadia. Of course, there are also plenty of mid-range and package hotels in Pigadia. The tips above are inexpensive and simple accommodations for backpackers or similar. There is a good overview on Booking.com: Click here
Pigadia boat connections: The ferry connections are described on the Karpathos page.
Highlights in Pigadia (Karpathos Town)
Harbor promenade
The picturesque harbor is the center of the action in Pigadia. Here you can stroll along the promenade, watch fishing boats and enjoy typical Greek dishes in the numerous cafes and taverns – always with a view of the sparkling sea.
Pigadia Beach
The extensive sand and pebble beach right by the town is ideal for a relaxing day at the beach. The water is crystal clear and there are loungers and parasols as well as water sports.
Ruins of the ancient city of Poseidion
Remains from ancient times, including ruins of an acropolis and an early Christian basilica, are located on a hill south of the town. An exciting place for history buffs.
Agia Kyriaki Church
A charming little church on a hill with great views over Pigadia Bay – ideal for a stroll and a quiet spot for photos.
Market and shops
Along the streets of Pigadia you will find small shops selling local handicrafts, ceramics, traditional clothing and products such as honey, herbs and olive oil. Perfect for taking a piece of Karpathos home with you.
Boat trips
Daily boat trips depart from the port to the island’s famous beaches such as Apella, Kyra Panagia and Achata. These beaches are among the most beautiful in the Aegean.
Traditional tavernas
Pigadia offers many opportunities to sample the local cuisine. Specialties such as makarounes (homemade pasta with fried onions and cheese), fresh fish and pitaroudia (fried chickpea balls) are often on the menu.
Nightlife
Pigadia has a lively but relaxed nightlife. Bars and lounges along the harbor offer cocktails and Greek music – a nice end to a day of fun.
The most beautiful beaches around Pigadia Karpathos
Pigadia Beach
Distance: Right in town
Features: A long sandy and pebble beach that is great for a relaxing day. The water is clear and ideal for swimming. Tavernas and cafes are nearby.
Suitable for: Families, couples and water sports enthusiasts.
Apella Beach
Distance: Approx. 18 km north of Pigadia
Features: One of the most famous beaches in Greece with turquoise water, fine sand and surrounded by green pine slopes. A paradise for sun worshippers and snorkelers.
Suitable for: Peace seekers and nature lovers.
Kyra Panagia Beach
Distance: Approx. 15 km north of Pigadia
Features: A picturesque sandy beach with crystal clear water, overlooked by rocks and a small chapel. Sun loungers and tavernas are available.
Suitable for: Families, couples and photographers.
Achata Beach
Distance: Approx. 12 km from Pigadia
Features: A small, quiet bay with fine pebbles and emerald green waters. Perfect for snorkeling and a relaxed atmosphere.
Suitable for: Snorkelers and those seeking peace and quiet.
Amoopi Beach (Megali and Mikri Amopi)
Distance: Approx. 7 km south of Pigadia
Features: Two beaches – one sandy (Megali Amopi) and one pebbled (Mikri Amopi). The water is shallow and ideal for families. Restaurants and accommodation are nearby.
Suitable for: Families with children and beach walkers.
Distance: Approx. 30 km west of Pigadia
Features: A long beach with several sections including sandy and pebble beaches. The calm waters are ideal for children. Taverns along the beach offer fresh fish and Greek specialties.
Suitable for: families and connoisseurs.
Diakoftis Beach
Distance: Approx. 18 km southwest of Pigadia (near the airport)
Features: A fine sandy beach with turquoise, shallow water that conveys Caribbean vibes. Perfect for Instagram photos!
Suitable for: beach lovers and snorkelers.
Damatria Beach
Distance: Approx. 13 km south of Pigadia
Features: A quiet beach with pebbles and crystal clear water that is less crowded. An ideal place to relax and swim.
Suitable for: peace seekers and nature lovers.
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