Time-worn Olympos is the jewel in Karpathos' rugged crown. Perched atop a perilous mountain ridge, this hilltop hamlet is a living museum where locals still wear traditional embroidered costumes and ancient ways of life are still very much alive.
Sophia, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Olympos is a land apart which existed more or less in isolation for so long that linguists come to study the dialect here, which has ancient roots. Even today, with visitors from all over the globe, locals guard their heritage fiercely. Traditional crafts, music and farming are all an important part of daily life here.'
Setting off from Karpathos harbour, we'll cruise along the coast to the port town of Diafani, where a bus will be waiting to whisk you into the arid hills of the northwest to explore the hub of Greek culture and cuisine that is Olympos.
Sophia says, ‘It might be small, but there's lots to see. Craft workshops, a museum, historic windmills and several tiny Orthodox churches are scattered through town. Don't miss the richly decorated Ekklisía Koimíseos tis Theotókou church.'
After free time to explore the pastel-blue and beige alleys of Olympos and perhaps have some lunch, enjoy those dazzling views down to the sea one last time before the return transfer to Diafani. Here, you'll have some time to stroll the seaside promenade, watch the boats come and go as you relax with a drink in a bar or head to the beach for a dip. Next, it's back on board the boat for the return trip to Karpathos Town.
