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Rural Tourism Cluster

Karpathos: Europe’s “secret” island with stunning nature trails, according to the international media

The “secret” beauties of Karpathos have recently been highlighted by media outlets in Germany, the UK and Poland. The German edition of Esquire reports that “whilst mass tourism has taken hold on many Greek islands, Karpathos has managed to retain its authenticity and serene charm. There is something wild and unspoilt about the island, and this is precisely what makes it so appealing in 2025. Rugged mountains criss-cross the island, meeting crystal-clear, turquoise waters that look as if they’ve been edited for Instagram. Hiking and running on the island is a dreamlike experience that comes highly recommended for those who love to explore”.

The British Mirror compares Karpathos to “a precious hidden gem reminiscent of the Caribbean”, whilst emphasising that “unlike the crowded islands of Santorini and Mykonos, which suffer from overtourism, Karpathos is one of the few Greek islands that has not been worn down by mass tourism. Tucked away in the south-eastern Aegean, this enchanting island rightly stands out as one of Europe’s best-kept travel secrets. For those seeking a more active holiday, Karpathos is full of trails offering stunning views of the island”.

The leading Polish tourism website, TTG, also echoes this sentiment, describing Karpathos in an extensive tribute as “a true paradise for lovers of beautiful beaches, Greek culture and quality leisure” and adding that “the sense of the unexplored, the breathtaking landscapes with stunning beaches, the charm of the unpretentious, the deep-rooted, unchanging tradition, the rich local cuisine of Karpathos, the range of alternative activities from diving to hiking and running, and the high-quality tourist services, including accommodation, restaurants and tourist businesses that are on a par with other popular destinations are the reasons that make Karpathos truly unbeatable.”

With the aim of boosting the island’s profile, the Municipality of Karpathos is implementing a multifaceted programme to promote both well-known and lesser-known aspects of the island through press trips, international media briefings, ongoing contacts with airlines and tour operators, participation in international exhibitions, social media development and online campaigns featuring original videos starring visitors from abroad. “Our aim is to preserve our authenticity whilst developing the destination with new experiences,” explains Tasos Milios, Deputy Mayor for Tourism in Karpathos.

In this context, the Karpathos Run 2025 running event (raceid.com/en/races/13329/about) is being organised on 24 May, combining running and a holiday on the second-largest island of the Dodecanese. The races will feature three different routes of one, five and ten kilometres in length, passing through beautiful natural landscapes with views of picturesque villages, historical sites and exotic beaches.

Source: amna.gr