Karpathos is the second largest of the Greek Dodecanese islands, located about 47 kilometres southwest of Rhodos. The highest point is Mt. Lastos, at 1,215 metres. Pigadia (official name Karpathos), the capital and main port of the island, is located in the southeast of the island.
The capital is surrounded by the villages of Menetes, Arkasa, Aperi, Volada, Othos, and Pyles. In the north Mesochori, Spoa and Olympos. There are two ports, in Karpathos and in the north of the island next to Olympos named Diafani.
The island’s population is about 6,000 inhabitants. This number more than doubles in the summer months as many Karpathian expatriates come to the island for their vacation with their families. Also, taking into consideration the number of tourists that visit, there can be up to 20,000 people on the island during the summer months.
Karpathos is covered with high mountains, and is therefore a wonderful island for walkers/trekkers. There are many paths with walks ranging from easy walks to nearby beaches to more demanding walks in the mountains. Check Internet for routes, maps and recommendations.
If you stay in Pagidia, the beach is not the best. Rent a car or take a local bus to one of the many bays with sandy beaches. I have visited Lefkas on the west side and Apella Beach on the east side.