Exploring Olympos: A Journey to Karpathos Island’s Hidden Gem

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to Greece and consider adding a day trip to the ancient village of Olympos, nestled on the captivating Karpathos Island. This isn’t just a visit; it’s a step back in time, an immersion into a living culture, and a feast for the senses.

Olympos village on Karpathos Island, Greece: A stunning hillside view — Olympos: A Village Clinging to Tradition

During my exploration of Karpathos Island, a day spent in the small, yet remarkably resilient village of Olympos, proved to be a highlight. This remote village offers a glimpse into a Greece that has gracefully resisted the relentless march of time.

The journey to Olympos from the port is an experience in itself. The road, a serpentine ribbon, winds its way up and down steep hills, each turn revealing breathtaking vistas. As you ascend, the village gradually comes into view: a picturesque tableau of classic Greek architecture. Whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant blue trim, colorful rooftops, and the rugged embrace of the mountainside create an unforgettable panorama.

Olympos is not merely a pretty picture from afar. Once you begin to explore its narrow, winding streets on foot, you’ll discover a village teeming with authentic beauty, rich traditions, and a warmth that radiates from its people.

Planning Your Trip to Olympos

Getting There: Choose Your Adventure

Panoramic view of Olympos village and the surrounding landscape on Karpathos Island — The Approach to Olympos: A Scenic Drive

Until relatively recently, the only gateway to Olympos was by sea. Today, a single road connects Olympos to Pigadia, the capital of Karpathos, a distance of approximately 36 miles (58 kilometers). While the road offers convenience, I wholeheartedly recommend the alternative: a boat trip from Pigadia to Olympos.

This maritime journey will bring you to the charming port town of Diafani. From Diafani, you’ll need to travel by car to reach Olympos itself. This makes advance planning essential. Secure a rental car before your arrival or opt for one of the numerous organized tours that provide transportation to and from the village.

A traditional white and yellow house adorned with vibrant flowers in Olympos, Karpathos — Olympos: Where Beauty Blooms

My group had the pleasure of experiencing Olympos through a guided tour arranged with Ecotourism Karpathos. Our guide, Evangelia, a true daughter of Olympos, shared her deep connection to the village, her family having called it home for generations. Her insights and personal stories enriched our experience immeasurably.

Before reaching the heart of Olympos, we made a brief, but captivating stop at the ancient agricultural village of Avlona.

Avlona: A Step Back in Time

Avlona village on Karpathos Island: Small houses nestled into a rocky hillside — Avlona: An Agricultural Hamlet

Avlona is a village that seems suspended in time, a testament to the enduring traditions of Karpathos. Although largely uninhabited in the traditional sense, Avlona remains an integral part of the Olympos community. Residents of Olympos own land here, cultivating vineyards, vegetable gardens, fruit orchards, and wheat fields. Their harvests sustain their families and provide produce for sale throughout the island.

A whitewashed house with a bright blue door in Avlona, Karpathos — Avlona: Simplicity and Charm

Stepping into Avlona feels like entering a living museum. I was particularly struck by the ingenuity of the residents, who have successfully employed dry farming techniques for centuries. This seemingly barren landscape yields an abundance of produce, a testament to their deep understanding of the land and their commitment to sustainable agriculture.

Panoramic view of Avlona village on Karpathos, showcasing the traditional architecture and landscape — Avlona: A Landscape Shaped by Tradition

Olympos Village: Where Tradition Lives On

Olympos village on Karpathos Island, perched on a hillside with traditional architecture — Olympos: A Village Carved into the Mountainside

From Avlona, a short, winding drive up the mountain brings you to Olympos. If you’re driving, park your car at the village’s edge, and continue your exploration on foot. This is the best way to experience the true essence of Olympos.

Cars parked at the entrance to Olympos village on Karpathos, Greece — Welcome to Olympos

Olympos distinguishes itself from other Karpathian villages not only through its breathtaking beauty and isolated location, but also through its steadfast adherence to tradition. A defining characteristic of Olympos is the continued wearing of traditional handmade costumes by many of the village women. These garments, passed down through generations, represent a tangible link to the past.

A Karpathian woman in traditional dress standing in a doorway in Olympos, Greece — Sophia: A Keeper of Tradition

These colorful, intricately designed clothes are a visual feast. Each piece requires countless hours of meticulous hand-sewing. The woman pictured above is Evangelia’s mother, Sophia, proudly wearing traditional Olympos women’s attire.

Shopping and Dining in Olympos: A Sensory Delight

The heart of Olympos is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, connecting a vibrant array of cafes, restaurants, shops, and small businesses. Here, you’ll discover artisan crafts created by local hands, alongside souvenir shops catering to tourists. It’s a blend of the authentic and the accessible.

A woman dressed in black stands in a market surrounded by colorful textiles in Olympos, Karpathos — Olympos: A Treasure Trove of Crafts

A quaint side street with a shop selling shoes and bags in Olympos, Karpathos — Exploring the Streets of Olympos

A shoemaker at work in his shop in Olympos, Karpathos — The Shoemaker of Olympos

Handmade sandals on display in a shop in Olympos, Karpathos — Handcrafted Footwear

One shop that particularly captured my attention was J. Prearis Handmade Shoes. John Prearis, the artisan himself, can usually be found meticulously crafting leather shoes by hand. The quality of the sandals, boots, and bags available in his shop is exceptional. I purchased a pair of gold leather sandals, confident that they will not only stand the test of time but also add a touch of Greek elegance to my wardrobe.

A cobblestone street in Olympos, Karpathos, with a restaurant and a clothing shop — Cobblestone Charm

A food stall in Olympos, Karpathos, offering traditional Greek dishes — A Culinary Journey

Numerous cafes and street-side vendors offer a tantalizing array of culinary delights. Classic Greek dishes like souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmas are prepared fresh daily, their aromas filling the air and beckoning you to indulge as you wander through the village.

Bags of Makarounes (Greek pasta) for sale in Olympos, Karpathos — Makarounes: A Karpathian Specialty

You’ll also find an assortment of Greek spices and traditional Karpathos Makarounes – a unique, handmade pasta that I’ll delve into in my upcoming blog post – available for purchase.

Two women wearing traditional Greek scarves in Olympos Village, Karpathos — Adorned in Tradition

Shops also sell the traditional costumes worn by the women of Olympos, including the distinctive head scarves. We were kindly provided with these scarves and purchased them as treasured souvenirs of our time in Olympos.

The soul of Olympos resides in its people: the approximately 400 residents whose families have called this picturesque village home for generations. As is the case in many small villages around the world, Olympos faces a delicate balancing act between preserving its rich traditions and embracing modern progress, between the demands of daily life and the allure of tourism.

A Karpathian woman in traditional dress using a cell phone in Olympos, Greece — Tradition Meets Modernity

In the midst of these competing forces, food often serves as a unifying element, bridging the gap between the past and the present. I witnessed this firsthand in Olympos. At her family home, Evangelia and her mother, Sophia, treated our group to a memorable Makarounes cooking class, followed by a delightful feast of traditional Karpathian dishes. This unforgettable experience is something that you, too, can enjoy when you visit Olympos.

I’ll be sharing more details about this culinary adventure, as well as other aspects of Olympos and Karpathos Island, in my next blog post!

Explore More of Greece

Greece Travel Guide: Overview of Karpathos Island
Acropolis Tour in Athens, Greece
Where to Eat in Athens, Greece: Nolan Restaurant
Making Traditional Greek Makarounes in Olympos, Greece

My visit to Olympos was part of a #VisitKarpathos press trip. Our tour of Olympos was generously provided by Karpathos Travel. A special thank you to Evangelia of Ecotourism Karpathos for the exceptional tour! As always, all opinions and photographs are my own.