Every year thousands upon thousands of Brits descend onto the Greek islands for a spot of sun. Popular destinations include Santorini, Corfu, Mykonos, Crete and others, but what about the islands you don’t hear about so much? 

Karpathos is nestled between Crete and Rhodes, and its beaches are just as stunning as those found on the neighbouring islands.

It’s known as one of the best-kept secrets in Greece, so you won’t find the same busy crowds as you might elsewhere in more popular areas of the country – but the experience will be just as good if not better.

The island can be conveniently reached by ferry or domestic flights from Greece, so there’s no excuse not to visit it.

Located in the Aegean Sea, Karpathos belongs to the group of islands known as the Dodecanese, comprising 15 large and 150 small islands. Rhodes is the largest island in the group, followed by Karpathos. 

The island’s area is only about 330 km squared, and its landscape is mountainous apart from the flat southern region. Many visitors enjoy hiking around the mountains, and there are many trails available and local guides to help you.

The surrounding landscape includes luscious pine forests and olive tree gardens that remain unspoiled by human interference, and the beaches are exquisite. The sea is a deep turquoise, lapping at the perfect white sand.

There are several fabulous beaches on the island, such as Kyra Panagia, Amoopi, and Diakoftis Beach, but there are also secret locations which are only reachable by boat.

The capital of Karpathos is Pigadia, where you’ll find coffee bars, taverns, and souvenir shops – perfect for any busy tourist. There are also other smaller villages which offer pretty sights and authentic Greek culture.

This is particularly true for Olymbos, which is often referred to as a living folklore museum because of its well-preserved culture. Many women living in the village still wear traditional clothing, giving the impression of a snapshot in time.

The towns are full of ancient ruins full of history, such as the Ancient Tombs Vroukounta, complete with burial chambers, and the ancient site of Potideon, founded in the 14th century BC.

If you fancy something more action-packed, you can head to the sea for a spot of windsurfing. The island is known for its ideal wind conditions for the sport, and there are specific spots you can go to for the best experience, the best one being Kipi Afiarti.

This Greek paradise has everything to offer, it’s just less crowded than its neighbours.