Summer on Karpathos Island!
A remote island at the southeastern corner of the Aegean Sea makes a unique stage for the unfolding of a seven-day adventure in the Mediterranean with crystal-blue seas and pine-covered mountains.
Join us to experience a combination of trekking and snorkeling sessions, gastronomy courses and strong local cultural influence at the National Park of Northern Karpathos and Saria Island.
Experience the adventure and indulge yourself in a unique blend of natural aromas and flavors pouring straight out of the Mediterranean wilds.
Slow down and follow the nature’s rhythm exploring the timeless lifestyle of an authentic community that dates back to the Middle Ages.
Discover the Aegean seabed and learn about the remote life of the Mediterranean monk seal, one of the most threatened marine mammals of Europe.
A microcosm full of surprises awaits to be discovered and yet be rescued from oblivion!
1st Day
In the morning, we arriving in Olympos village and meeting our tour leader.
After settling into your rooms, the remaining hours will be available for taking a first stroll around the village of Olympos,
learning the history and observing the traditional architecture.
A guided tour through the history of the village and its numerous windmills will help us to discover the secrets of this primeval community.
Here, we meet craftsmen making the traditional leather boots, fit either for labor or dancing, and others who make musical instruments for feasts and festivals.
Don’t be surprised if you happen to come across women wearing their traditional dress and baking bread in ovens alongside the narrow paths of the village.
Just thank them for the hot steaming fresh-made pastry that may slide into your palm and relish the hospitality pouring out of a welcoming verse or so-called mantinada.
Lastly, a visit to the cultural museum of Olympos will give us a compact idea of the cultural heritage of the place and its people.
Then, we will continue with walking in the around area meeting the regional flora and fauna for the first time.
Later, in a preserved house right across Olympos village, we will start our first activity “show cooking” preparing the most traditional meal “makarounes” and after that
we will enjoy what we made!
2nd Day
In the morning, we will have the opportunity of a guided visit to the Information Centre of the Protected Area of North Karpathos.
At the Centre, we will learn about the natural features of the Marine Park area and especially about one of the healthiest populations of monk seals in the Aegean Sea.
After that, we will start trekking to Papa Minas beach where the next hours will flow smoothly along
seaside letting us relax and enjoy the Mediterranean summer sun and the tranquil beach.
Evening:
The day ends with traditional cooking lesson and BBQ!
3rd Day
We depart from Diafani by boat to Saria Island north of Karpathos and the bay named “Giaplos”.
The tour starts with crossing the island of Saria from south to north ending up with a guided visit at abandoned but well preserved rural settlement of Argos.
Our way back to the Palatia beach passes through the medieval pirate hamlet spread around the cove.
After a brief interval, we all get on board our diving boat where our instructors will guide us to discover the magnificent, crystal clear seabed of Saria island, using only a
simple snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, a pair of flippers).
Evening:
Around 18:00 pm we will have returned by boat to Diafani and we will have dinner in a local restaurant.
4th Day
Following the hiking trail that starts from Avlona settlement to the bay of Tristomo, after a 4-hour trek.
At the natural sanctuary of Tristomo we are going to spend the rest of the day, exploring the picturesque settlement, standing right upon the
brink of the waves, and the old dilapidated Italian barracks (kazarmas), swimming and snorkeling.
Afternoon
A snorkeling session across the calm sea of the bay will display the rich biodiversity of the seabed, varying from the Posidonia sea grass to Noble pen shells and little groupers.
A brief voluntary beach cleaning session, attended by the staff of the marine park, will be also available for whoever may wish to contribute to the removal of accumulated marine
debris from the seashore.
After snorkelling session, we will have a special Greek barbeque to power up and around 19:00 pm we will return to Diafani by boat.
5th Day
In the morning, we will depart from Diafani to Vroukounta bay. There, we are going to have a guided tour around the ruins of fortifications and the burial chambers
and learn the history of this ancient Doric city (1st millennium b.C.)
As soon as, we feel hungry we have a picnic in the shade and then we set out for our next stop, at the Avlona village. A 3 hour of ascending trek may seem challenging
but the magnificent view of the Avlona plateau, at the end of the trail, is definitely rewarding.
By late afternoon, we return by bus to the hotel for a shower and a few hours of rest.
Dinner time and along with traditional music!
6th Day
Boat Excursion in the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches!
Around 10:00 in the morning, we will depart by boat to Forokli, Agios Minas and Nati beaches!
We will enjoy the sun and the sea and we will completely relax
our mind and body in the most beautiful and virgin beaches!
When we feel hungry we will have a special fish BBQ under the trees!
In the evening, around 18:00 we will return back to Diafani village.
7th Day
Karpathos on the way!
Our last day is dedicated to other villages. In the morning, we will go to the south part of Karpathos and visiting Spoa, Mesochori and Lefkos villages.
We will swimming in Lefkos beach and rest for few hours.
Later, in the afternoon we will continue to Arkasa village to see the amazing sunset and have our dinner.
Overnight in Arkasa village.
8th Day
End of Summer Program!
We transfer you to Airport for your return flight.
- Also the duration of the programme is flexible and may be altered in 3, 10 and 15 days depending on the participants preferences.
- These hiking tours serve as an example and may be altered depending on weather conditions.
https://ecotourism-karpathos.com/en/summer-program#sigProId1b38f64681
