Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
whole island on a scooter.
By bus
Pigádhia's “bus station” is a car park at the
western edge of the town centre. Regular buses, run by
KTEL (
T
22450 22338), go to Pylés, via Apérí, Voládha
and Óthos (3-4 daily); Ammopí (5-6 daily). Less
frequent services run to Menetés, Arkássa, Finíki and
Lefkos, with some continuing to Mesohóri; and to Kyrá
Panayía, Ápella and Spóa.
By taxi
Set-rate, unmetered taxis congregate two blocks
inland from the harbour. Typical fares range from €10 to
Ammopí up to €42 to Lefkos.
Boat excursions
Boats offer day-trips from Pigádhia to
isolated east-coast beaches. In addition,
Chrisovalandou III
(
T
02410 51292) sails to and from Dhiafáni every day,
typically leaving Pigádhia at 8.30am and Dhiafáni around
4.30pm, for a one-way fare of €15.
Pigádhia
The island capital of
PIGÁDHIA
(
Kárpathos Town
) lies on the southeast coast, at the
southern end of scenic, 3km-long
Vróndi Bay
. The town itself makes little of its
spectacular setting, typically reaching just one or two streets back from its long
curving waterfront. All the main action is concentrated along its southernmost
section. From the jetty where ferries and excursion boats dock, at the far end, the
quayside curls north, lined initially by seafood restaurants and then an increasing
number of cafés and music bars. The only buildings that catch the eye are a group
of stately but fading Italian-era port police and county-government buildings,
overlooking the port from a low bluff at its northern end. Beyond them, another
hotel or two, most large but reasonably tasteful, seem to join the procession along
the bay each year, stretching Pigádhia ever further northwards. While there's nothing
special to see, Pigádhia does offer most conceivable facilities, albeit with a package-
tourism slant.
ACCOMMODATION PIGÁDHIA
A long line of beach hotels is snaking ever northwards along Vróndi Bay; the larger and newer ones tend to be dominated
by package clients, but in any case you're likely to enjoy Pigádhia more if you stay closer to the harbour.
8
Amarylis Hotel
T
22450 22375,
W
amarylis.gr.
Nice
little budget hotel, on the hillside just above the bus
terminal and central car park, with sixteen clean,
whitewashed and surprisingly large studios and
apartments. All have a/c
, sho
wers and kitchenettes, half
have sea-view balconies.
€30
Atlantis Hotel
T
22450 22777,
W
atlantis
hotelkarpathos.gr.
Welcoming little hotel in a great
central location, facing the Italian “palace” just up from the
port. Helpful management, and nice rooms. Ch
eape
r rooms
overlook the pool; pay €9 extra for a port view.
€63
Electra Beach Hotel
T
22450 23256,
W
electra
beachhotel.gr.
Imposing modern hotel a 5min walk along
the beach from the harbour. Each of its somewhat small but
very neat and tastefully modernized rooms has its own
balcony, with dazzling views of the bay, and there's also a
good pool. Buffet breakfasts included. In summer it tends
to be filled with
Scandi
navian groups, but look for bargain
low-season rates.
€100
Elias Rooms
T
22450 22446 or 697 85 87 924,
W
eliasrooms.com.
Simple little converted house,
perched just above the
Hotel Karpathos
in the heart of
town, with sea views from the balconies. Three plain
little en-suite double rooms, two larger and slightly
more e
xpen
sive apartments that sleep four. Closed Nov-
March.
€35
EATING AND DRINKING
Ì
Mezedhopolio To Ellinikon
T
22450 23932.
Serving what's unquestionably Pigádhia's finest food, this
cosy indoor dining room is set back a block inland from the
middle of the harbour. Diners are invited up to the raised
kitchen to choose from daily specials like a fabulous stuffed
aubergine for €5, or a substantial grilled bream for €12;
expect free trimmings such as a rich tapenade.
Open all
year, daily lunch & dinner.
Orea Karpathos
T
22450 22501.
The best all-round
restaurant along the harbourfront strip, near the southern
end; almost nothing costs more than €10.
Trahanádhes
soup for €4.50, spicy sausages for €7.50, marinated
artichokes, great spinach pie, and palatable local bulk
wine. Locals use it as an ouzerí, ordering just mezédhes.
Evenings only, closed Dec-Feb.
Sofia's Place
T
22450 23152.
Sit and enjoy the life of the
port from the blue chairs on the terrace of this pretty little
restaurant in the heart of the action. Friendly service, good
local seafood at above-average prices, and tasty grilled-
meat specials.
Daily noon-late.
