Car & Van Hire - Karpathos

Karpathos has been inhabited since ancient times. Originally an independent state, it was later occupied by the Romans before becoming part of the Byzantine Empire in the 300s. In more recent centuries, the island remained under Ottoman control, even after the mainland successfully liberated itself during the Greek War of Independence. It remained part of the Ottoman Empire until 1912 before finally becoming part of Greece in 1948.

This rich and storied history makes Karpathos fairly unique, even compared to the rest of the Dodecanese islands. If you're thinking about car hire in Karpathos, there's plenty to discover during your stay. Start with a stroll through the village of Olympos. This quaint mountain remained isolated from the rest of the island for many years before it was connected to the road network. As such, it maintains a distinct local heritage that makes this village well worth exploring. Spend an afternoon taking in the sights as you explore meandering streets and savour the views of the Aegean at sunset.

If you're looking for more action, head to Pigadia. The island capital is a lively town with something for everyone. There's no shortage of restaurants and bars. However, those looking to immerse themselves in local life will want to order from the many tavernas in Pigadia. There's also a good selection of cultural attractions here. The Archaeological Museum of Karpathos might seem small from the outside, but inside this Art Deco building, you'll find a fascinating array of artefacts dating back to the Neolithic era.

No trip to the Dodecanese islands is complete without visiting a beach or two. With car and van hire in Karpathos, you can explore all 160 kilometres of shoreline. There's plenty of variety here. The beaches on the east coast of the island are pebbled rather than sandy, but they're protected against prevailing winds and tend to be fairly quiet. If you're looking for white sand and sparkling seas, head to the south coast.

Arguably the best stretch of sand on Karpathos is Apella Beach. As it's on the east coast, you shouldn't encounter too much competition for a good sunbathing spot. However, you will need to complete some of the journey on foot. If you're looking for more amenities, think about spending a day at Kyra Panagia. Here, you'll find bars and small restaurants serving up local favourites like lokma and baklava.

Even if you've driven in Greece before, navigating the roads of Karpathos takes some getting used to. Although municipal buses provide connections between the major towns and villages, many locals depend on their transport to get around. Just like the mainland, motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road in Karpathos.

The mountainous terrain of Karpathos can prove challenging for some drivers. The further inland you get, the steeper the roads become. If you've never driven in such conditions, it makes sense to keep an eye on your speedometer. The local road network is fairly accessible, although it's not possible to reach every destination by car. Certain stretches of coastline, such as beaches found on the north of the island, can only be reached via sea or hiking trails.

Although the roads here aren't designed for heavy traffic, most of the road network was recently laid. As such, the overall condition of the Karpathos road network is good. Road surfaces tend to be made from asphalt here, with few potholes. That being said, be extra vigilant when driving along mountain roads. Most routes are very narrow, only allowing for a single vehicle. However, these stretches do have extra-wide areas where cars can pull over and wait until oncoming traffic has passed.

While the road network leaves a lot to be desired, a major benefit is you won't usually have to deal with any congestion. When driving outside of major towns, you'll only occasionally pass another motorist. However, the island does get a lot busier during the summer season. If you're planning a trip in July or August and want to explore with a rental car, be ready for busier conditions.

Parking is generally free on Karpathos. This is true even in major towns like Pigadia. Most parking areas are available round the clock, though you'll face stiff competition from locals and other visitors to the island.

General Greek driving laws apply here. In major towns and built-up areas, you need to keep your driving speed within 50 km/h. Outside of towns, this rises to 90 km/h. This is the maximum driving speed allowed on the island, as Karpathos has no highways. When driving through the island interior, pay attention to local road signs as you may be required to slow down.