Tourism in Karpathos.

Tourism on Karpathos Island began only to develop

years after the end of World War II and post-Greek Civil war era (1940-1949). Karpathos slowly healed and recovered its economy and transportation with ferry boats visiting the island almost daily.

In the 1950’s and 1960’s the economy began developing more rapidly all over Greece, initially with the help of the U.S. Marshall Plans' grants and loans, and later through growth in the tourism sector.

At the end of the 1950's the Scandinavians discovered Karpathos and initiated programs via ferry boats from Athens, Piraeus Port to Karpathos via Rhodes Island. An awareness of the island in the International tourism markets was gradually increasing. Karpathos even today is connected daily to neighbouring islands and
to the mainland via ferries. In 1970 a small airport located on the south end of Karpathos (Afiartis) began operation.

The airport building was the size of a small house and only used for ticketing purposes; luggage was received directly from the plane. In the winter months only domestic flights from Athens and neighbouring Rhodes Island were available a couple times a week. When the summer months came, the airport with difficulty accommodated daily domestic as well as direct international charter flights from Germany, Austria, Italy and other European countries. In 1986 a much needed upgrade to the airport brought a new building of 700 square meters where a single automated belt was to disperse all luggage, a small café served snacks and a new runway funded by the Greek air force grows to dimensions 2100 x 30 meters.

Finally the airport in cooperation with the European Union and an increased demand to better serve domestic and international travellers expands to 12500 square meters in 2009.

Accommodations for tourists have grown to please

any type of varied holiday seeker. From the frugal ‘rooms to let’ popular in the seventies, to the island style family bungalows complete with kitchenettes and the recently built all inclusive luxury resorts. Karpathos is an island that can offer many types of vacation styles to its tourists that are either in need of solitary rest and relaxation, family oriented activities or even seeking adventure.

Tourism to Karpathos Island comes in many forms.

There is the return of the immigrant Karpathians, and then there is also Cultural Tourism concerning the islands culture, lifestyle and history, Ecotourism and the rapidly increasing Sport Tourism.

The Karpathians that live abroad visit almost every summer from every corner
the globe commencing their annual family reunions as well as maintaining their summer homes on the island. The population of the island triples when the expatriates visit.  The population density is greatest during the 15th of August due
to the Panagias festival (Assumption of Mary), which is considered the most important festival on the island. Individuals travel from around the world to attend
the festival and view the many traditions that still remain on the island.

Cultural tourism has always been the main interest of foreign visitors.

Karpathos deep rooted culture, specifically the primitive lifestyle customs, dialect and attire of the people living in the village of Olymbos has remained the same for over a thousand years since the Byzantine Era 961A.D. The history, art, architecture, religion, and other elements that helped shape their way of life have stood still in
t he passing of time.

Ecotourism or ecological tourism. Struggling to survive, a large number of

Mediterranean seals have sought refuge at the island complex of Karpathos, especially northern Karpathos and Saria. Non-governmental and non-profit organization “Mom” aims to the protection of the Mediterranean seal. Its action includes research, protecting and attending to injured, sick or orphaned animals, creating protected areas, and informing and sensitizing habitants.

Sport tourism is on the rise for Karpathos island.

Karpathos Afiartis area has become the home of many beginner as well as ardent windsurfers which visit religiously every summer. Since 2006 the Island of Karpathos has been hosting the ISWC (International Speed Windsurfing Class) Speed-surf World Cup every summer. The excellent organization, the familiar atmosphere and the famous wind conditions have steadily promoted this event into the largest event of its kind world-wide.  

In addition to windsurfing, organized diving excursions with Karpathos Diving Center are attracting many interested in exploring the spectacular underwater beauties surrounding the island. Hiking has always been popular on the island and recently Karpathos  Hiking Club organizes weekly events. The canyons in the northern part of the island have satisfied the adventurous of rock climbers and for those that love horses, a horse back riding ranch is set to open next year.