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
Karpathos Island’s cruise port is at Pigadia, also known as Karpathos town, on the south-eastern coast. This main harbour and commercial centre is where cruise vessels generally anchor.
When ships arrive, passengers normally tender ashore in smaller boats to Pigadia’s main harbour, immediately beside the waterfront promenade and town centre.
Sightseeing
The port is easy to explore on foot: Pigadia’s attractive centre, restaurants, shops and cafes are only steps away after landing.
Getting around
Hiring a car is likely the easiest way to explore Karpathos. Vehicles can be rented at the airport and in Pigadia, with Avis, Hertz, Enterprise and Europcar among recognisable providers alongside several island-based firms.
Karpathos offers a good variety of beaches. On the south-west side, there are sandy beaches with calm waters; winds mostly arrive from the west, where the sea also tends to be somewhat rougher.
Nearby places
For trips outside town, book an excursion to beaches, mountain villages such as Olympos or scenic points along the coast.