If you’re planning a trip to Greece’s sun-drenched Dodecanese islands in the southeastern Aegean Sea, you’ve 15 major islands and 93 islets to choose from. All share the same sense of history and are rich in archeological antiquities, medieval and Byzantine monuments. They also share a climate of mild winters and long hot summers, their shores lapped by the same alluring crystal-clear blue waters. But that’s where the similarity ends as each island has its own distinctive character and charm.

Karpathos is the second largest of the islands after Rhodes and is known for its mountainous interior, which is arid in summer, pine forests, traditional villages and for its windmills and colourful local festivals.

Karpathos Airport opened in 1970 to look after the slowly growing tourist industry as well as connecting the island’s residents to Athens. Today, there are flights to Greece’s second city Thessaloniki as well, along with charter flights bringing international travellers through the summer. However, Karpathos remains off the beaten track compared to its Dodecanese island neighbours like Rhodes or Kos. As a result, you’ll find Karpathos airport, one of the smallest in Greece serving international passengers, quieter than many of the more popular destinations. Inside the terminal building, you’ll find a small café, a gift and duty-free shop. Outside there’s a taxi rank, bus stop and parking.

If you are planning a trip to Karpathos, our friendly Avis team at Karpathos Airport is on hand to offer advice and provide the perfect rental car for your trip.

You’ll find our Avis counter in the arrivals hall at Karpathos Airport close to the exit from the terminal building. The Avis rental car park is just across the road, a short walk from the terminal entrance.

Karpathos Airport is located 15 km southeast of the island’s capital, Karpathos town (also known as Pigadia).

From your Avis pick-up point at Karpathos Airport, the drive northeast along the coast to Karpathos town will take you around 20min. The town is well signposted in English as well as Greek.

If you are heading to Karpathos in search of relaxation, you’ll find it. Karpathos remains one of the more unknown of the Greek Islands and peace and tranquillity are not hard to find here.

Head to the south side of the island for the best beaches and water sports. This area is more developed and you’ll find cafes, restaurants and bars serving the dishes of the island and the freshest of fish.

Inland you’ll discover traditional mountain villages with churches to explore, brightly coloured houses and windmills dotted over rocky hillsides.

In the town itself, wander the harbour area and enjoy people-watching over a coffee. Pop into Evangelistria Church, an impressive building in the main shopping street, and stop of at the archaeological museum for a taste of the island’s history.

Karpathos Airport is on the southeastern tip of Karpathos Island just a short drive from the capital Karpathos.  As well as exploring laid-back Karpathos town, the island also has plenty in store for travellers looking to plan a Greek island road trip.

Olympos

Olympos, the village of windmills, is in the far north, a 55km drive from Karpathos which takes around 1hr20min along the coast road and across the centre of the island.

Stradling the mountainside, the houses in this traditional hilltop village are brightly painted and sit above green terraces stocked with fruit and vegetables. This is an opportunity to experience authentic Greek village life. Each house has a well and its own windmill. Call in to see the church of Panagia in the market square at the heart of the village, which is usually open to visitors. On your way back to Karpathos, make a detour to see the remains of Ancient Vrikous which date back to the 5th century BC.

Acropolis of Arkasa

A short drive around the western coast of Karpathos takes you to the Acropolis of Arkasa. The trip of 12km takes around 30min. Perched above the sea, the ruins of this ancient citadel are hauntingly beautiful. As you wander beneath its towers and heavy walls, you can look out to sea and catch a glimpse of nearby Kassos Island.

Saria Island

For peace and serenity and the chance to explore an uninhabited island, drive to Darfini (a 1hr15min drive north from Karpathos) and take a boat trip to magical Saria Islet for hiking, swimming, and snorkelling around what many travellers describe as the perfect Greek Island paradise.

Travelling by bus is the only public transport option on Karpathos so hiring a car from Avis at Karpathos Airport is a great option to enjoy the freedom of exploring the island from the moment you touch down.

Hiring a car is a popular and easy way to explore the Greek islands. The roads on Karpathos are quiet and traffic is light even in the town centre. However, if you have not driven in this part of the world before, we’d advise checking the road rules for driving in Greece before you set off.

Be aware that as in the rest of mainland Europe, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road as you leave the airport.