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Karpathos is the mythological home of the Titan Iapetus and Protea and the home where Athina was raised. Promitheus also lived at some point in his life in Karpathos.
Karpathos is the second largest island of the Dodecanese Greek cluster (after Rhodes). It has an area of 300,152 sq.km., 160 km. length of coastline and a total population of 6.511 inhabitants. It is a rich Habitat and for this reason it has protected areas, where surviving populations were going toward extinction. The intense terrain of the island gives the visitor landscapes of great natural beauty, combining the beauty of the mountain and the sea. High mountains on the one hand and steep ravines on the other. On the cliffs and rocky shores there are the Eleonora's Falcon and the Aigioglaros, two endangered bird species. Karpathos is and passage of migratory birds.
Small coves and beaches with crystal clear waters formed along the entire eastern side of the island and accessed easily, most either with the paved road network, or by excursion boat from the town of Karpathos. Some of these have been awarded with the blue flag award, because of safety, organization and cleanliness. There are unknown and rugged coastlines, accessed by trails that pass through pines and wells. There are also caves with stalactites and stalagmites, mainly in the central part of the island.
The island lies in the middle of the Karpathiou sea between Rhodes and Crete and has Piagdia as its capital, with a permanent population of 2,200 approx. residents during the winter months.
The history of the island.
Karpathos is the mythological home of the Titan Iapetus and Protea and the home where Athina was raised. Promitheus also lived at some point in his life in Karpathos.
According to Homer, in his original reference, "Krapathos" was under Minoan influence and later was a member of the Athenian Alliance until 400 BC, which was then conquered by the Rhodians.
In antiquity, there were 4 fortified towns: Arkeseia, Vrikous, Karpathos and Nisyros, and the islet Saria which was formerly united with the island of Karpathos. At Strait about 100 meters separating the two islands today, from the side of Karpathos, there are ruins of the ancient temple of Poseidon, Porthmioy and the Bay of Tristomoy, which was the large natural harbor of the ancient Vrikous.
Later, it passed successively into the hands of the Romans and the Byzantines, the Byzantines (Andrea and Louis-), the Venetians (family Cornaro) and Ottoman Turks. The middle ages, the island was called Skarpanto (Scarpanto).
In 1913, it was granted to the Italians. On October 5, 1944, with the residents of Menetes as their protectors, began a revolution of the inhabitants of the island inorder to become united with the rest of Greece.
MESOCHORI
Mesochori is one of the most picturesque villages of the island. Located at a distance of 31 km. Northwest of the capital, it is built on a hill, featuring breathtaking views, while the whole village is a lively attraction. With the natural traditional beauty and authentic island identity,it impresses every visitor. Walk in the streets of the village and admire the excellent architecture of residential and public buildings. The narrow alleys lead to stone loose steps which lead to the old neighbourhoods of the village. Seaport of the area is the coastal village of Lefkos.
LEFKOS
Lefkos lies close to the village and at a distance of approximately 35 km. from the capital.
It is a small picturesque coastal settlement which is a major attraction for visitors of the region, due to its wonderful beach.
In the area there are hotel complexes that offer comfortable accommodation, with quiet and idyllic surroundings. Is the ideal place to stay for those who wish to leave behind the business of the city and relax while enjoying the tranquility of the countryside.
Just opposite of Lefkos lies the islet Sokastro.
Lefkos history
In 1968, there was discovered a Basilica with anarch in the sea, and a short distance further north, in the Gulf of Fragkolimiwna, ruins of an early Christian bath. A second Basilica was distinguished back from the sanctuary of our Lady of Gyalochwrafitissas. The Church itself retains fragments of frescoes from the fourteenth century. Near the junction of the road leading to the beach of Lefkos, with the road to Mesochwri, is the rare architectural type five-domed single aisle Church of Aghios Georgios, with murals in two layers, the oldest of which dates back to around 1300. On a hill above the Church were maintained Hellenistic fortress with isodomikis masonry tower and underground tanks.
In the Ria of Lefkos, a natural extended plateau East of the beach, is one of the most important and best preserved monuments of Karpathos. There is an underground cistern of the Romans, which consists of an underground rectangular room carved into the rock with a descending scale on the north side. There are two rows of pillars supporting three rows of large rectangles pwroplinthwn, which form the roof of the Hall. In the South and East of the wall opened a total of seven "blind" lodges with a vaulted ceiling. It?s walls as the walls and the floor of the main Hall are coated with hydraulic mortar.