Arkasa in Karpathos

Arkasa (531 inhabitants) is the second largest village on Karpathos. Arkasa i located about 16 kilometres west of Pigadia, and some 2 kilometres south of the small fishing village of Finiki. Arkasa is a very pleasant village that is quite scattered and divided in the middle by a lush ravine. The small square in the upper part of the village is framed by tavernas. The architecture is reminiscent of the architecture of the islands in the Cyclades, however, the houses in Arkasa are more colourful.

View of Arkasa.

Colourful Arkasa and the grand Ypapanti church.

Restaurant Taka Taka Mam in the square in the upper part of Arkasa.

Cycladic alleys in Arkasa in the Dodecanese.

The area is very interesting. It is believed that the area around Arkasa has been inhabited for several thousand years. Below the village, on a high cliff that juts out into the sea lies Paleokastro where there are ruins of an ancient city. Parts of the defensive wall are still extant. Many of the founded objects at Paleokastro can be seen in the Archaeological Museum of Arkasa.

View of the Paleokastro peninsula from Arkasa. Agios Nikolaos beach on the left.

To the left of Paleokastro lies the fine sandy beach of Agios Nikolaos. The beach is shallow and children friendly. Sometimes the sea runs high. The Taverna Glaros above the beach serves very good food. The taverna also has rooms for rent. See picture of the taverna further down.

I ate the best ribs I've ever eaten at Tavernan Glaros above Agios Nikolaos beach.

To the right, above the beach, is the church of Agia Sofia. Around the church are the remains of an older Byzantine church - Agia Anastasia - who is said to be from the 5th century. The mosaic floor of Agia Anastasia are partly preserved, but has been decayed from the wind and weather. Note that there is another beach on Karpathos named Agios Nikolaos, the other is located below Spoa.

Agios Nikolaos beach below Arkasa. Paleokastro is visible on the cliff.

Glaros studio and restaurant is located a stone throw from the beach.

ACCOMMODATION IN ARKASA

There are surprisingly many hotels in Arkasa, partly in the village itself, partly down on Agios Nikolaos beach. We have not stayed in Arkasa or up in the village, but if we were to stay a few nights, we would have chosen Glaros studio on the Beach, and not only because the taverna is so good.

Book Glaros studio on the Beach here »

Book other hotels in Arkasa here »

WHAT YOU MUST NOT MISS WHEN YOU VISIT ARKASA

Don't miss cosy little Finiki, which you can read about here »

READ MORE ABOUT KARPATHOS