Pigadia in Karpathos

Pigadia, or Karpathos town, is a rather late figment and the architecture is markedly different compared to the other villages on the island. Perhaps that is why one experience Pigadia as a little unruly. Many houses are from the sixties, a decade that has not been passed into history for its beautiful architecture.

Patitiri in Alonissos is a village with similar architecture. Pigadia means springs in Greek and the name comes from the many springs that existed before in the area. Most islanders say Karpathos instead of Pigadia. About 2,700 people are year-round residents.

Part of the waterfront promenade in Pigadia.

The waterfront is the dominant part of Pigadia, almost everyone pass here sometime during the day. The range of tavernas is as big as the quality is variable, here's everything from traditional ouzeries to tavernas with package-tourism slanted menus.

Taverna Orea Karpathos in Pigadia.

In general, you can say that the location is better than the food, but of course there are many exceptions. As everywhere in Greece, restaurants change both owner and chef, and what was good yesterday may not be today. Three tavernas I like are Orea Karpathos and Mesogieos on the harbour promenade, and To Ellinikon, which is on a street above the harbour promenade.

Restaurant To Ellinikon.

The restaurants Sofias Place and La Mirage.

One of the smallest alleys is named after Olof Palme (Swedish Prime Minister). After the assassination of Olof Palme, the municipality wanted to pay respect to Palme and named an alley after him. But it went a little too fast when the street sign was manufactured, namely it is written Ulof Palme street. In Olofs (Ulofs) alley there are two taverns, one is Mike's Restaurant, which has been around for a long time, good Greek food and friendly staff.

Ulof Palmes street and Mike's Restaurant a bit up the alley.

The street that begins near the fountain at the waterfront leads up to the taxi square. At the top of the street lies two good gyros places. The Music-taverna Pelagos, up in the village towards the beach, is a must for fans of Greek music, both listening to and dancing to.

Pelagos Music Taverna is a must for anyone who likes Greek music.

Gyros street that leads down to the port promenade.

The port promenade in Pigadia.

Excursion boats in the port.

The small boat port in Pigadia.

Pigadia at night.

The harbour promenade in Pigadia seen from a ferry.

Cozy cafe on the port promenade.

The almost 4 kilometres long Pigadia beach consists of pebbles mixed with sand. The majority of the tourists hang out at the beginning of the beach, closest to town, even if the beach will be better the farther away one go. At least I think so. At the beginning of the beach are several large hotels, and sunbeds are available to rent below the hotels. Further away the facilities are fewer. Near the road, about at the middle of the beach, stands a remarkable collection of columns.

The almost 4 km long beach in Pigadia.

A little closer to Pigadia.

ACCOMMODATION IN PIGADIA

Most that are travelling independently to Karpathos choose to stay in Pigadia that offers the widest range of hotels, shops and restaurants. We have been to Karpathos several times and we have always stayed in Pigadia. Below are some tips on good hotels in Pigadia.

Book Regina Studios & Hotel here »

Book Lemon Tree House here »

Book Porfyris Studios and Apartments here »

Book Odyssey Hotel Apartments here »

Book White House Hotel here »

Book other hotels in Pigadia here »