The first impression must be had with Pigadia (the capital of the island of Karpathos), which its more than 3000 islanders simply call "Karpathos".
The town extends over a large area in the south-eastern part of the island and is the main port, the administrative center and capital of the island of Karpathos.
Pigadia is the center par excellence of the island of Karpathos and here they all meet especially in the evening, whether for a walk, for a little shopping, for a dinner or a drink. Yet, it is at the same time a particularly peaceful and pleasant place (especially in the morning, when most tourists flock to the fabulous beaches of the island).
In summer, the promenade is closed to traffic and visitors, together with the inhabitants, can wander through the quiet streets of the city, among shops, bars, restaurants and taverns: places characterized by a serene atmosphere that always hovers all around.
The arrival of the ferries from Athens and the Dodecanese islands, bring visitors every day to the island and the port teeming with tourists who arrive and depart crowding the central square with its local cafés overlooking the crystal clear sea that characterizes this fabulous island!
And for those arriving by plane .. the show is equally guaranteed ..
In short ... if the holiday in Karpathos starts like this ... it promises very well!
The origins of Pigadia
Today Pigadia is the most popular tourist center on the island of Karpathos, with hotels, apartments, restaurants, cafes and evening clubs.
The opening of the international airport has allowed the development of tourism in Karpathos, starting from Pigadia (the capital), where most tourists reside.
But how was it in the past? The city was already inhabited during the Minoan period and was later occupied by the Mycenaean Greeks. But it must be said that the quiet town we see today has not always been so peaceful, especially in antiquity. The pirates, in particular the Saracens, represented a real threat to the island and its inhabitants, therefore the city was abandoned in the Middle Ages, and the inhabitants of that time withdrew into the hinterland thus founding new settlements. After the pirate retreat, the people of Pigadia began to live on the coasts and to relive the daily life previously lost due to the Saracens. A few centuries later the city was rebuilt and named "Pigadia". In 1892 it was then baptized as the capital of the island of Karpathos, becoming the peaceful town it is today, where everything flows without haste and with a calm that characterizes all the daily life of the islanders.
What to visit in Pigadia?
Pigadia is not just relaxation and tranquility. It is also history, art and culture of the island of Karpathos. You will first see it at the Archaeological Museum. If you want to immerse yourself in the historical culture of the island, the museum is the ideal destination: with its three rooms it presents historical finds ranging from 4000 BC. until the Byzantine period. You will find numerous finds dating back to the period of Ancient Greece, such as coins, pottery and tools for everyday life. Near the museum there is also the Eparchiou, a palace built during the Italian domination and used as an administrative headquarters.
While on days when you prefer to relax by the sea, it is sufficient that you go to the bay of Vrontis, of which Pigadia occupies the southern end. Here you will find three large and beautiful beaches. In one of these, you can visit the remains of the Basilica of Agia Fotini, which was built on the traces of a former Greek temple in the 5th or 6th century, in honor of the martyr Fotini.
Another unmissable attraction is the famous Acropolis of the ancient city of Potideon (or Poseidon), of which unfortunately, due to time and poor conservation, little remains to be seen. But if you turn your gaze to the horizon, a wonderful panorama will open before your eyes: from this hill you can observe a special and magical view and you will have the immense pleasure of being able to take splendid photographs of the town and all that surrounds. Needless to say, the view from here is priceless! To reach it, just follow the road from the promenade to the cemetery with the Church of San Nicola behind.
Don't miss Agii Apostoli, the former main church of the city, which contains frescoes by very interesting local artists. If you are an art lover this is the perfect place.
You will also notice the presence of an ancient Italian villa, whose style contrasts a lot with that of the other buildings, but fits in creating a unique, somewhat bizarre, particular but fascinating view. Today it houses the offices and structures of the local administration.
As you may have guessed, Pigadia offers various services and possibilities. There is something for everyone, from art worshipers to relaxation lovers. So why not take a trip to the most lively, popular and populated citadel of the beautiful island of Karpathos? Pigadia is waiting for you!