Karpathos is ideal for bird tourism, as it is the last destination for migratory birds before they fly to Africa. It is a real “refuelling oasis” for migratory birds passing through on their journey between Europe and Africa. In fact, the island is the home of a unique species of sea turtle, the Thalassoptera.

It is an excellent place for birdwatching and has those characteristics that can make it an important birdwatching destination.

The main advantages of the area can be summarised as follows:

(a) a wide variety of birds (small birds, raptors, seabirds)

(b) rare species such as the Spotted Eagle, the Aegean Gull, the Black-backed Gull and many migratory species

(c) easy birdwatching and photography especially during the migration period (e.g. observation of large raptors using the migration corridor that passes through Karpathos for their journey to Africa)

(d) important habitat types supporting the presence of different bird species

(e) rich cultural and folklore interest with local traditions and many forms of folk art that survive to this day; and

(f) protected area B. Karpathos, Saria and Astakidonisia, which has been included in the European Network of Protected Areas NATURA 2000, whose protection and management is undertaken by the Management Body of Karpathos – Saria.

Guide & Map Bird watching

The Tourism Committee of the Municipality of Karpathos has released the Birdwatching Guide, entitled: “Karpathos of birds”.

The guide includes over 200 species of birds to be observed, an ornithological map and 10+2 routes that can be followed by any nature lover visiting Karpathos.

The form and the map have been published in Greek and English.