Your Karpathos Guide
Discover everything you need to plan your trip to Karpathos, from windsurfing spots and beaches to local food, travel tips, and island life. Whether you're coming for the wind, the water, or the experience around it, this guide will help you make the most of your stay.
Quick Facts
- Reliable Meltemi wind throughout the season (from mid-June to mid-September)
- Two distinct windsurfing spots within minutes
- Airport located 5 minutes from the spots
- Best explored by car
- Authentic and uncrowded atmosphere
The best time to visit Karparpathos
The wind at Meltemi blows side offshore from the left (north-west) and is known for its consistency — unlike thermal winds, it blows steadily throughout the entire day, allowing for multiple sessions whenever you feel ready. During the main season (mid-June to mid-September), you can expect reliable wind almost every day, typically ranging from 5 to 8 Bft, while in the off-season (May, June, and September), it varies between 4 and 7 Bft.
Information for non-windsurfers
If you are traveling to Karpathos with non-windsurfing members of your group, please keep this information in mind:
- The Afiartis area is very windy, and on the windsurfing beaches (Chicken Bay, Gun Bay and Devil's Bay), it is not pleasant to relax on the beach due to the strong wind.
- There are no umbrellas and sunbeds on these beaches.
- The wind doesn't stop in the evening and night, so take a sweatshirt or hoodie with you even in August.
- If you are traveling with small children, always have some head and ear coverage with you.
- We highly recommend renting a car to be able to visit wind-protected beaches in the area and explore the whole island.
Getting to Karpathos
Getting to Karpathos is easier than you might expect. During the season, there are several direct flights from many European cities bringing you straight to the island within a few hours. The airport is located right next to our windsurfing center, so you can be on the water just minutes after landing.
Direct FlightsOur Tips for Restaurants
Restaurants in the Afiarti area
Anemos Restaurant
Anemos is located in Gun Bay above the ION Club, right in the heart of the windsurfing area. Run by Manolis, it offers a mix of international and Greek dishes — from burgers and gyros to curry. Weekly BBQs, parties, and great cocktails complete the atmosphere.
Barbaminas Taverna
Barba Minas Taverna in Chicken Bay is a great spot to enjoy traditional Greek cuisine, fresh fish, and seafood. We especially recommend the Barba Minas salad and the octopus. It’s the perfect place for a relaxed lunch or dinner with views over the windsurfers in the bay.
Karolina Beach Bar
Karolina Beach Bar is located in Devil’s Bay, on the far end of Vatha Beach. It’s a great spot for a relaxed lunch between sessions, offering tasty dishes, refreshing drinks, and a perfect view over the windsurfers in the bay.
Poseidon Blue
Poseidon Blue Restaurant is located just above Damatria Beach on the east coast of the Afiartis area. Run by Angela and Ingmar, it offers exceptional cuisine with beautifully balanced and presented dishes. From seafood and meat to vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone.
Taverna Rina
Taverna Rina, about 2 km from the Meltemi Main Station in Devil’s Bay, is run by Manolis and his family. It offers homemade Greek dishes made with ingredients from their own garden, including briam, soutzoukakia, stifado, and fresh goat cheese.
Meltemi Bar and Facilities
We invite you to explore our Meltemi Bar and the facilities at Meltemi Main Station in Devil’s Bay. Enjoy our food and drink menu with a beautiful view over the bay, and relax in our wind-protected pergolas or chillout zones between sessions.
Meltemi BarLocationWhere to relax on the beach in Afiarti
The most popular beaches around the Meltemi Stations
Vatha Beach
Vatha Beach sits in the same bay as the Meltemi Main Station, with one end offering some shelter from the wind. You can relax under an umbrella, enjoy a swim, and watch windsurfers in Devil’s Bay. The beach is sandy with small stones, and Karolina Snack Bar is just above.
Beach at Irini Hotel
This beach lies right in front of Irini Hotel, within easy walking distance of both Meltemi stations. It has small stones and natural shade from surrounding trees, offering protection from both sun and wind; no umbrella is needed.
Christou Pigadi Beach
Christou Pigadi Beach is about 2 km from the Meltemi Main Station in Devil’s Bay. With small stones and rocky surroundings, it offers partial shelter from the wind. Umbrellas are available for rent, and the beachfront taverna is perfect for a relaxed snack during the day.
Damatria Beach
Damatria Beach is just 3 km from the Meltemi Main Station in Devil’s Bay. A beautiful sandy beach with shallow, gradually sloping water, it’s ideal for families. Protected from the constant wind, it offers a more relaxed setting, with umbrellas available for rent. Nearby, Hotel Poseidon features a restaurant.
Diakoftis Beach
Diafkoftis Beach, about 5 km from the Meltemi Main Station in Devil’s Bay, consists of two sandy beaches with shallow water, making it ideal for families. It is partially protected from the wind, with umbrellas available for rent. Access is via a gravel road, and a nearby taverna offers food and drinks.
