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Even
though at first glance you can't understand it, Karpathos is a unique
botanic and zoological paradise with a lot of infrequent species
of plants and animals.
At the central part of the island is a marvelous, dense forest at
Spoa-Mesohori-Pyles region, with rich vines and fruit trees. At
the coasts' rocks find shelter two disappearing species of animals.
These species are Mavropetritis and Aeyeoglaros. At the sea caves
leaves the seal Monachus-Monachus.
Harbour
and capital of the island is Pigadia (wells), also called Karpathos.
Its name was given to it because of the many wells of the area.
Pigadia was inhabited at the beginning of 18th century. The picturesque
little harbour of Posi, gives to the village a traditional look.
Next to Pigadia is erected a rocky hill at the top of which was
built the Minoan Acropolis of Karpathos.
Other
remarkable villages of the island are Menetes and Arkasa. Menetes
were first inhabited in the years of the Medieval Era and had intense
cultural growth. The village provided to the island many famous
instrument players and the art of manufacturing Karpathian Lira.
Today, the settlement has almost 500 residents. Not far from Paleokastro
hill is Arkasa, a coastal village, amphitheatrically built, cut
in two parts by Riaki, a small river. Narrow streets and traditional
courtyards give picturesqueness to the village that attracts a lot
of tourists. Two kilometers to the north is Finiki, a fisher village
with a beautiful harbour, which got its name due to Phoenicians
who used it for their commercial activities at the end of the 2nd
BC millennium.
Old
capital of the island and today's hostland of Karpathos Metropolis,
Aperi, in central Karpathos, is hidden from the sea. It was built
during Medieval, when the residents of the coastal settlements were
seeking for a shelter to hide from the Aegean Pirates. Traditional
houses with their small but rich gardens give to the village an
air of mansion. An air supported by the cultural and spiritual activity
of its residents. Volada, Othos and Stes are three beautiful villages,
worthy to be visited. White houses with coloured doors and windows,
with balconies full of flowers, create a special scene at Pyles.
Mesohori (Middle Village) got its name for its geographical point.
Full of traditional buildings with flowered courtyards and streets
laid with pebbles will attract your attention.
At
the northern part of Karpathos is Olympos and its scala, Diafani.
Olympos was for years almost cut from the rest of the island, so
it managed to hold its special tradition. There is interest on its
traditional houses with their beautiful balconies and their owners'
initials written over their doors. These houses have just one room
supported on a wooden column situated at the middle of the room.
Their walls are full of decorative embroideries, plates and photographs.
Folklore
Museum at Otho, with interesting exhibits, mainly buckrams and ceramic.
The
Park of Karpathos, near the Town Hall, where is an outdoor exhibition
of archaelogical discoveries. Among the exhibits one can see a Protochristianic
Baptism Colymvithra of marble and discoveries from graves of 5th
century BC.
Northern
than Arlona region (near Olympos) are ruins of Vroukounta, one of
the four ancient towns of the island. The town was built at the
6th century BC. Among the ruins one may see part of its walls and
burring booths, diged into the rocks.
Churches
of Ayios Mamas and Ayios Antonios, at Menetes, with their marvellous
murals and the church of Ayia Anastasia at Arkasa, with the unique
mosaics.
The
bigger feast of the island happens at 15th August at Olympos. The
happenings last for three days and include traditional songs, dancing
and music with local instruments such as tsampirades.
To
Karpathos: There is coastal and air connection to continental Greece.
In certain days the boat does not stop only at Pigadia, the main
harbour, but at Diafani as well.
At Karpathos: You can use local buses to visit the whole island
as well as taxis (tel: 2245022705) and rented cars. There is daily
coastal connection from Pigadia to Diafani.
Health
Centre:
2245022228
Police Department:
2245022222
Port Authority:
2245022227
Airport:
2245022058
Karpathos Municipality:
2245022294
Soon
more information on Karpathos.
 
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