Making the most of Karpathos
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The cruise port on Karpathos Island is located in Pigadia (also called Karpathos town) on the southeastern coast of the island. This is the island’s main harbor and commercial center, and cruise ships usually anchor here when visiting.
When cruise ships arrive, passengers are typically tendered (transported by smaller boats) ashore into the main Pigadia harbor area, which sits right by the waterfront promenade and town center.
Sightseeing
The port is highly walkable: once ashore you’ll find yourself right in Pigadia’s charming town center, with restaurants, shops, and cafes just steps away.
Getting around
Getting around by car is probably the most convenient way to explore Karpathos. Vehicle rental services are available both at the airport as well as in the town of Pigadia. Recognizable vendors include Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, and Europcar, in addition to a selection of local firms based on the island.
There is a good variety of beaches on Karpathos. The south-west side of the island has sandy beaches with calm waters. The wind mostly comes in from the west and also the sea tends to be somewhat rougher to the west.
Nearby places
For adventures beyond the town, you can book excursions to beaches, mountain villages like Olympos, or scenic coastal spots around the island.