Walking tourism is a field in which Karpathos can offer unique emotions. The island has very good hiking trails – mainly on its northern side – with a network of about 60 trails, which are mapped and electronic and lead to the secret beauties of the area.
The hiker has many options, depending on his level and strength. Usually, hikes are done in the form of a full day excursion and are combined with a bathroom, a lovely beach or a visit to a cave with stalactites. Most of these routes are in pine forests and have a sea view. Walkers should have a water canteen with them, a snack or a fruit, definitely a hat and glasses, as well as a cane and sneakers.
Some beautiful routes:
- Kato Lastos – Spoa: Easy route. It combines mountain and sea (3 hours + 10’).
- Avlona – Tristomos – Vananda – Diafani: Route with special interest, relatively difficult, combined with swimming (7 1/2 hours approximately).
- Avlona – Vananda – Diafani: A passable route with pine trees and sea (4 1/2 hours).
- Sopoa – Mesochori: Easy route with pine and sea (1 hour).
An interesting route will bring us to the unexploited cave with stalactites, above the beach of Achata. Along the way there are picturesque churches and springs with crystal clear waters.
Of great interest are the stone-built cobbled streets, which still maintain their traditional character. Most trails start from Olympus, while Saria with its gorge is also of interest. The island has hills covered by wild flowers and small villages, to explore” in its walk.
The Association of Friends of Karpathos Mountain every Sunday takes separate routes to places where there is no other way of access than walking and is a unique opportunity for someone to visit.
Sources: www.enikonomia.gr, www.olympicair.com