GAT Nord Karpathos 8 day Trekking Holidays

Wild, untouched beauty in the Dodecanese, sculpted by winds, customs and centuries-old traditions

The second largest island of the Dodecanese has no equal. It holds on dearly to its past in its ancient acropolis, caves, churches and even its traditional dress. The setting is dramatic in all the best senses of the word: stunning vistas from untouched, cliff top and mountainside villages that defy gravity and a fearful hammering from the wind to keep vigilant watch over the Aegean. In Karpathos you’ll discover an island with its Greek soul intact, living traditions, people of real character, musical skills passed down the generations and legendary festivals – untarnished by modern fads.
Manners and customs alive and unspoiled 
On this island, it’s as if time has stood still. Here you will find an authentic Greece, like something out of a bygone era. Many women still wear the traditional dress, while men harvest their crops with scythes. Men and women sit separately at village festivals, where musicians play the bagpipes, lyre and lauto, crafted on the island, and sing in the style of their ancient ancestors. In northern Karpathos you’ll find even older, sometimes strange customs still practiced faithfully. The festivals have to be lived to be believed.
Nature and history in the untrodden north 
The north, above Olymbos and all the way to Saria, is a favourite haunt for birds, seals, frogs and salamanders as well as the home of large, tasty but elusive fish. There you’ll also find the palaces of Doric Nisyros, sacred ancient Vroukounda and exotic Tristomo.Walk to your heart’s content 
If there is a hiker-paradise in the Aegean, it must be on Karpathos. Centuries-old cobblestone paths lead to forgotten ancient sites, roadless villages without electricity or other mod cons and breath-taking views. The hiking trails crisscross the island but are best in the north. 
A rare ecosystem
Karpathos, along with the islet of Saria, is one of the most important islands in Greece for the protection of rare species and ecosystems. Two sites are included in the Natura 2000 network for their bird and seal populations.