It’s Not Santorini: This Island Is Greece’s New Breakout Destination

Karpathos & Greece, Europe have gained new visibility on the global travel map after the island was named among the world’s top 10 must-visit destinations, highlighting a growing interest in destinations that combine nature, culture, and low-impact travel. Located between Crete and Rhodes in the South Aegean, Karpathos is increasingly attracting travelers looking for authentic island experiences beyond mainstream resort tourism.

Karpathos has long been known within Greece for preserving its traditional character. Unlike larger islands with dense development, the destination offers open landscapes, remote beaches, and villages where local customs continue to shape daily life. This balance between nature and tradition has become central to the island’s appeal for international visitors seeking alternative travel experiences.

karpathos Tourism

For travelers, Karpathos offers a varied landscape within a compact island setting. Rugged mountain ranges run through the island’s interior, creating dramatic viewpoints and natural barriers between villages. Along the coastline, wild beaches stretch across both sheltered bays and wind-exposed shores, supporting activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and wind-based sports.

The island’s villages remain a strong draw. Settlements such as Olympos and Aperi are known for their preserved architecture, local dress traditions, and community events that follow seasonal rhythms. Visitors can experience everyday life shaped by agriculture, fishing, and local crafts, adding cultural depth to a beach-focused itinerary.

In response to rising international interest, the municipality of Karpathos, supported by funding from the South Aegean Region, is implementing two new projects designed to expand thematic tourism. These projects focus on developing climbing areas and hiking trails, enhancing opportunities for outdoor travel and active exploration.

Hiking has become an increasingly important part of Karpathos’ tourism identity. Existing footpaths connect villages, chapels, and viewpoints, offering routes through mountain terrain and coastal cliffs. The planned expansion of marked trails aims to improve access and safety while guiding visitors through less-visited areas of the island.

Greece Island Tourism Growth

Climbing areas add another layer to Karpathos’ adventure tourism profile. The island’s rocky landscapes and sea cliffs provide natural settings for climbing activities that appeal to travelers seeking physical challenges alongside scenic surroundings. These developments support tourism outside the peak summer beach season, contributing to more balanced visitor flows throughout the year.

From a travel planning perspective, these projects broaden Karpathos’ appeal beyond traditional sun-and-sea tourism. Visitors can structure trips around hiking routes, village exploration, and outdoor activities, combining physical movement with cultural encounters. This diversity encourages longer stays and repeat visits.

Infrastructure improvements are also supporting tourism growth. The municipality has secured funding for a permanent desalination plant, ensuring a reliable year-round water supply for Karpathos town and the nearby Aperi community. The facility is designed to produce sufficient water to support residents and visitor demand, addressing a key operational need for island destinations.

Reliable water supply is an important factor in tourism sustainability. For travelers, it supports consistent accommodation services, dining operations, and public facilities. For the destination, it allows tourism growth to align with environmental management and resident needs.

Karpathos’ inclusion among the world’s top travel destinations reflects broader shifts in traveler preferences. Many visitors are prioritizing destinations that offer space, authenticity, and connection to nature. Karpathos’ low-density development and strong local identity align closely with these trends.

Access to the island supports its growing international profile. Karpathos is served by an airport with seasonal and domestic connections, while ferry routes link it with other Aegean islands. These transport links allow travelers to include Karpathos as part of wider Greek island itineraries or focus on the island as a standalone destination.

Tourism on Karpathos remains relatively small-scale compared with Greece’s most visited islands. Accommodation options include family-run hotels, guesthouses, and rental homes, reinforcing the destination’s community-based tourism model. This structure supports local participation in tourism while maintaining the island’s character.

For visitors, daily experiences often revolve around simple rhythms. Morning swims at uncrowded beaches, afternoon walks through mountain paths, and evenings in village tavernas define the pace of travel. Seasonal food, local produce, and traditional recipes connect travelers to the island’s agricultural heritage.

The development of hiking and climbing infrastructure complements these experiences rather than replacing them. By guiding visitors into natural areas, the projects encourage respectful interaction with landscapes while spreading tourism activity beyond coastal zones.

Karpathos’ recognition as a top global destination also supports Greece’s broader tourism strategy, which emphasizes destination diversification and regional balance. Smaller islands with distinct identities play a growing role in attracting travelers seeking alternatives to heavily visited locations.

Conclusion

As tourism interest continues to build, Karpathos is positioning itself as a destination where growth aligns with quality rather than scale. Outdoor activities, preserved villages, and infrastructure planning work together to support a visitor experience grounded in place.

For travelers planning future trips to Greece, Karpathos offers a combination of scenery, culture, and active exploration that fits evolving travel expectations. Its recent recognition on the global stage signals not just popularity, but readiness to welcome visitors looking for meaningful island travel shaped by landscape, tradition, and thoughtful development.