Karpathos island is located between the two well know islands of Rhodes and Crete, with a history dating back to the Minoan era and Mycenean tombs and settlements going back to the second millennium BC. In the Doric times (1 0 0 0 B C) it was referred to as Tetrapolis, after the four famous cities, Potideo (Pigadia), Arkessia (the present Arkasa), Vrykous and NisSyros Greece (in the area of Olympos). In the Classic and Hellenistic periods followed the history of the rest of Greece. In 42 BC Karpathos Greece was conquered by the Romans and later became part of the Byzantine Empire. From the 7th to 10th century the pirates ravaged A.D. Karpathos Greece. The people who lived close to the sea moved to the mountains. The Genoans, St. John's Knights, the Venetians and the Turks invaded the island. In the 1 8 2 1 revolution Karpathos Greece was liberated and in 1830 was given back to the Turks under a treaty. In 1 9 1 2 the Italians conquered the island and in 1 9 4 8 it was liberated and joined the rest of Greece.

Karpathos aims is at tourism, its authentic pure natural beauties, its unique wealth, all enhanced by the hospitality of its residents. Its magnificent beaches, its secluded small bays, its imposing mountain peaks and its local inhabitants who dress up in their traditional costumes.
The island is now one of the characteristic tourist islands that still keeps all its authenticity. Its natural beauties are superior to those of other islands, especially the areas of LefKos Greece, Mesochori, Achata, Olympos, etc. Every mountain, mountainside and coast is nothing less than a work of art. The wildness of the landscape blends with the sweetness of nature. Mountains, pine trees, fresh air and sea, make a superb scenery.

Karpathos Island National Airport, with its relatively large runway, is located on the south side (Afiartis area). Karpathos is connected to neighboring islands and to the mainland via ferries and airplanes. The ferries provide transport to and from Piraeus (via Crete island and Rhodes island). Scheduled domestic flights connect the island with Rhodes, Kasos, Crete and Athens daily. Additionally, charter flights from various European cities are frequently scheduled during the high season (April through October).
Within the island, automobiles are the preferred mode of transportation. The port, the airport, the main villages and other popular locations are connected by an adequate system of municipal roads, most of which are paved. During the summer months, small private boats depart from Pigadia to various locations daily, including Olympos (via Diafani) and some inaccessible beaches. Fixed-rate taxis (agoraia) and municipal buses are also available all year long.