Greece - Korina Miller [432]
From Diafani, excursion boats go to nearby beaches and occasionally to the uninhabited islet of Saria, where there are some Byzantine remains. Click here for details.
BUS
Pigadia is the transport hub of the island; a schedule is posted at the bus terminus ( 22450 22338; M Mattheou) and the tourist info kiosk Click here. Buses (€2; July and August only, daily except Sunday) serve most of the settlements in southern Karpathos, including the west-coast beaches. There is no bus between Pigadia and Olymbos or Diafani.
CAR, MOTORCYCLE & BICYCLE
On the eastern side of Pigadia, Rent A Car Circle ( 22450 22690/911; 28 Oktovriou) hires cars and motorcycles. Possi Travel also arranges car hire.
The precipitous, and at times hairy, 19.5km stretch of road from Spoa to Olymbos is being slowly graded and will one day be sealed. You can drive it with care; do not tackle this road by motorcycle or scooter. If you hire a vehicle and plan to drive to Olymbos, opt for a small jeep and fill up your tank before you leave.
TAXI
Pigadia’s taxi rank ( 22450 22705; Dimokratias) is close to the centre of town where you’ll find current rates posted. A taxi to Ammoöpi costs €8, the airport €15, Arkasa and Pyles €16, and Kyra Panagia €20.
Return to beginning of chapter
PIGADIA ΠΗΓΑΔΙΑ
pop 1690
While it may feel a little forsaken by the rest of the Dodecanese, Pigadia (pi-gha-dhi-ya) is laden with restaurants, hotels and bars. Small and compact, it spills down to the edge of Vrondi Bay, where boats bob in a small harbour. The architecture is nothing special (mostly cement blocks erected in the 1960s and ’70s) but, with its lively atmosphere and sandy beach, it’s a pleasant spot to base yourself.
Orientation & Information
The ferry quay is at the northeastern end of the wide harbour. It’s a short walk to the centre of Pigadia, which is punctuated by the main street, Apodimon Karpathion. This in turn leads west to the central square of Plateia 5 Oktovriou. For the sandy beach, head west 300m to Pigadia Bay.
Avra Tourist Shop ( 22450 22388; fax 22450 23486; 28 Oktovriou 50) Sells maps for driving and hiking.
Cyber Games ( 22450 22110; seafront; per hr €2; 9am-1am) Get online amongst gaming teenagers.
National Bank of Greece (Apodimon Karpathion) Has an ATM.
Police ( 22450 22224) Near the hospital at the western end of town.
Possi Travel ( 22450 22235; possitvl@hotmail.com; Apodimon Karpathion) The main travel agency for ferry and air tickets.
Post office (Ethnikis Andistasis) Near the hospital.
Pot Pourri ( 22450 29073; Apodimon Karpathion; per hr €3; 7am-1am) Internet access amidst a comfortable cafe.
Tourist information office ( 22450 23835; Jul-Aug) In a kiosk in the middle of the seafront.
www.inkarpathos.com Locally maintained with articles, news and info.
Sights
Looking down over the town from a small seaside bluff, the Archaeological Museum of Karpathos (admission free; 9am-1pm & 6-8.30pm Tue, Thu & Sat, 8.30am-3pm Wed, Fri & Sun) houses local artefacts including coins, an early baptismal font, and ceramics.
Follow the coast southwest from town to find a sandy stretch of beach and, after 2km, the ruins of the early Christian Basilica of Agia Fotini resting on the seashore. If you head east along the coast and past the ferry quay, you’ll come to a peaceful chapel high on the hill with stunning views back to town and across the sea.
Sleeping
Pigadia’s accommodation is plentiful, with lots of budget options. A few enterprising owners meet the boats.
Hotel Karpathos ( 22450 22347; fax 22450 22248; r €25; ) A little worn but spotlessly clean, these rooms have a fridge and well-scrubbed bathrooms. They’re small but you can escape onto the balcony. The top floors have sea views.
Rose’s Studios ( 22450 22284, 6974725427; www.rosesstudios.com; r €30; ) Slightly characterless but very well maintained rooms have kitchenettes and great balconies with views to the sea. Rooms facing the back are a little cheaper. The lovely