Greek Karpathos named one of Europe’s most underrated islands: an alternative to crowded Santorini and Mykonos

While millions of tourists head to Santorini, Mykonos and Rhodes every summer, one Greek island remains relatively untouched by mass tourism. In a recent selection by the British publication, Karpathos was named one of Europe’s intriguing lesser-known islands, worth visiting for those who want to experience a quieter and more traditional Greece.

Karpathos is located in the southeastern part of the Aegean Sea, between Rhodes and Crete. This location, away from the most popular tourist routes, has allowed the island to preserve its distinctive atmosphere for a long time. According to travellers, it is still possible to find here what is becoming increasingly difficult to experience at Greece’s best-known resorts: small traditional villages, mountain roads, deserted stretches of coastline and the unhurried rhythm of island life.

One of Karpathos’s main symbols is the mountain village of Olympos. It is located in the northern part of the island and is known for preserving local traditions particularly well. In The Guardian article, travellers note that some elderly women still wear traditional clothing, while the local cuisine and everyday customs retain a connection with the past. On the village streets, visitors can see locals preparing traditional makarounes — a special type of homemade pasta characteristic of Karpathos.

However, the island is interesting for more than just its culture. Karpathos is gradually becoming known for its beaches, which are often compared with the finest spots in the Aegean Sea. The publication pays particular attention to Apella and Achata — coves with clear turquoise water, surrounded by cliffs and mountain slopes. Unlike many popular Greek islands, nature here remains largely untouched by major tourist infrastructure.

It is this combination of beach holidays and traditional island life that makes Karpathos an appealing alternative to famous resorts. There is no need to spend your holiday queuing endlessly at popular viewpoints or booking tables weeks in advance. Instead, visitors can explore mountain villages, drive along winding coastal roads, stop at small family-run tavernas and discover a quieter side of Greece.

For residents of the Republic of Cyprus, Karpathos may be of particular interest from a geographical perspective as well. The island is relatively close to Cyprus and lies on the route between two major Greek tourist destinations, Crete and Rhodes. At the same time, its atmosphere is noticeably different from that of its popular neighbours, making it better suited to those looking for a peaceful holiday and authentic experiences.

In recent years, travellers have increasingly been turning their attention to destinations like these. After decades of Santorini and Mykonos dominating the tourist scene, interest is gradually shifting towards islands where it is still possible to experience the everyday lives of local residents, rather than simply see a Greece created for holiday photos.

Karpathos is one such place. Wild mountain landscapes, historic villages, family-run tavernas and the clear Aegean Sea create the image of an island that has not yet fallen victim to its own tourist success. That is precisely why The Guardian included it in its selection of European islands that travellers have yet to truly discover.