Karpathos might be quite the mountainous island, but it has beaches everywhere along its coast. Larger ones on the west coast, smaller, more secluded ones on the east coast. We went to the beach every day, even if we had been out exploring beforehand. The island has a lot to offer, so it makes sense to set some time aside to get to know it better. In the end, though, it was the beach and the sea that drew us to Greece, so of course we made the most of it.
Here are all the beaches of Karpathos that I personally visited and what I thought of them. Yours, Pollybert
Agios Theodoros: This is a small beach with rough sand and stones, but it is ideal in windy conditions, which is quite often the case on Karpathos. It is not so easy to get into the water, but manageable in some places. There are a couple of sunbeds at the far end, at €20 per set. Unfortunately, there is no shower or changing area, and the only restaurant in the area is on top of the cliff. The restaurant serves delicious food though, so the trek up is worth your while. The sea is calm here and the overall vibe is very relaxing. The sun is gone by about 6:30 pm in June, and the shade comes early to the front part of the beach.
Agios Theodoros @Karpathos
some loungers and umbrella @Agios Theodoros
your car stays all the way at the top @Agios Theodoros
shade comes early @Agios Theodoros
Gialoú Choráfi aka Limáni aka Lefkos beach: The beach looked gorgeous, with its white sandy beach area in a bay, safe from wind and waves. It is easy to walk into the water, as you can see from the turquoise water, and therefore popular with families with children. There are lots of loungers and umbrellas for rent, with a bit of natural shade at the back. I did not come here, because it was always full and there were just too many children for my taste.
Lefkos beach @Karpathos
seen from the other side @Lefkos beach
Frangolimióna bay ak Lefkos north bay beach: This was our favorite beach. It is a very long stretch of beach with rough sand and has four different umbrella and lounger areas. There is also a nude bathing section at the far side of this beach, but you do not come across it unless you look for it. Three lounger areas are in the front section, the nudists are in the middle, and at the far end there is another umbrella area. The sea here has a lot of waves, quite unlike the neighboring Gialoú Choráfi beach. There must be a different current creating them at this exact stretch of beach. Changing areas are available, but there are no showers. The umbrella set is €20.
According to my guidebook, the nudist beach is the next beach to the north. So maybe that is only happening in the pre-season here. There is one restaurant right at the beginning of the beach and a few coffee places dotted around. More restaurants are within easy walking distance, though. You will have sunshine here until it goes down. Best place if you prefer the late afternoon for the beach!
view in the direction of the nudist beach @Lefkos North Bay beach
my favorite spot @Lefkos North Bay beach
view to the south @Lefkos North Bay beach
Ahata Beach: This beach lies in a nice small bay and comes with pebbles and rough sand. More pebbles, though than sand. There is large tree for natural shade at either end of the beach. The beds are €30 per set and €8 for an additional bed. Ahata beach has two beach bars, which look like one but then turn out to be two: Anna, which also sells the beds, and Syrtis. They mostly serve drinks and coffee, as well as sandwiches, bowls, and salads. Everything comes in plastic, so maybe there is no water to wash the dishes in. The beach has one changing stall and there is also a toilet on site.
Ahata beach @Karpathos
as seen from the parking area @Ahata beach
Agios Nikolaos on the east side at Spoa: There is a small parking area with two little beaches next to each other, divided by a small street and some stairs. Both are pebbles beaches, or rather large rocks. The first beach has a changing stall and a functioning shower. The second beach, called Antiperatos, has both as well, but neither was working. It also has a rock wall that provides a bit of shade if you do not want to splurge on an umbrella set. We were charged €30 for two sets as we were three and everyone needed shade. Both beaches have a restaurant. The first one is a taverna, while the second one looks more like a shop turned beach bar.
Agios Nikolaos near Spoa @Karpathos
Agios Nikolaos at around 5:30 in the afternoon in June @Karpathos
Antiperatos beach @Karpathos
Antiperatos beach @Karpathos
Agios Nikolaos beach on the west side below Arkasa: A small strip of sandy beach, a bit wider at the beginning and tapering towards the back. There is a beach volleyball area, and the beach is completely sandy in front, with rocks at the back when you go into the water. There are two umbrella areas, one in front and one at the back, as well as two tavernas.
Agios Nikolaos near Arkasa @Karpathos
beach volleyball @Agios Nikolaos near Arkasa
Apella beach on the east side: This was by far the most stunning looking sandy beach we saw and it came with lounger sets. We arrived around noon and the parking was already full, so I only have pictures from above. Please keep in mind that this was in June. I am therefore not sure how the situation develops in summer. There is one restaurant on the way down to the beach.
Apella beach @Karpathos
