Located at the north side of Driopida village, it is one of the largest in Greece and partly open to visitors, with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Archives
Panagia Kanala
This monastery, dedicated to the island’s patroness saint, is situated at a beautiful spot at the village of the same name. The icon of the Virgin Mary is considered to be miraculous and, according to tradition, it was created by Apostle Loukas. A major feast takes place in the church of Panagia Kanala on 15th August.
Thermal springs
It’s no coincidence that the island’s original name was Thermia (meaning “baths”). Located at the area of Therma /Loutra, Kythnos’ two hot springs and modern spa centre attract many visitors annually.
Castle Orias, Vryokastro and Maroulas
Castle Orias, the former medieval capital of the island, overlooks the Aegean, featuring the remains of houses and two churches. From here you can enjoy the superb views, as long as you mind the rough path that leads to the fortification. Vryokastro is the ancient capital of Kythnos – among the relics here you can see the acropolis, aqueduct and temples. Last but not least, in the area of Maroulas lies a Mesolithic open air settlement (the only such discovered in Greece), with important findings.
Local specialties
Makarounes (type of handmade pasta), kolokythopoulia (zucchini flowers), skaros fish, kopeles (herb pies), tourtes or mizithropites (pies filled with local cheese sitaka or mizithra) and the Karpathian baklavas (type of sweet).
Time for action
Karpathos is ideal for hiking, 4×4 routes and diving (mostly in the regions of Kastellia, Agios Petros, Achata and Diakoftis, where a well-known Italian shipwreck lays at the sea bottom). Windsurfing is also very popular (the Speed Windsurfing World Championship takes place in the area of Afiarti).
Visit Kasos
Karpathos’ neighboring island is going to charm you with its traditional, unspoiled character.
More ancient sights
At the area of Pigadia you can see the ruins of the ancient city of Posidion, the early Christian basilica of Agia Sofia and the cave of Poseidon (a former ancient religious centre). Near the village of Lefkos, lay the remains of an ancient city, with acropolis, roman cistern and churches.
Paleokastro
Situated at the coastal village of Arkassa, this hill is occupied by the remains of the ancient city of Arkessia, the relics of the 5th c basilica of Agia Anastasia and the ruins of the 14th c BC Mycenaenan acropolis with cyclopean walls.
Day trip to Saria
The small, uninhabited satellite island of Karpathos is 100% pristine. It features important archaeological findings, beautiful beaches, while it is also a shelter for numerous rare bird species, as well as the Mediterranean monk seal. Together with the northern part of Karpathos, they are an ecological protected area.