Monday, June 2, 2025

Karpathos, a stunning Greek island in the Aegean Sea, has been named the best island for outdoor adventures in 2025 by Griekenland.net, a leading Dutch travel website. Known for its world-class windsurfing and kitesurfing spots on its southern beaches, as well as its unique hiking trails in the rugged northern part, Karpathos stands out as the ultimate destination for nature lovers and thrill-seekers. The island’s diverse landscapes offer an exciting range of activities, including rock climbing, scuba diving, cycling, and even shipwreck exploration. Following Karpathos, islands such as Ikaria, Kythnos, Thassos, Kalymnos, and Lefkada are also highlighted for their exceptional outdoor experiences, making Greece a top choice for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.

On June 1, 2025, Griekenland.net, one of the leading Dutch travel websites dedicated to Greek holidays, named Karpathos as the best Greek island for outdoor activities in its much-anticipated 2025 rankings. This ranking, which is the result of careful and extensive research conducted by the site’s editors, highlights five Greek islands that are ideal for nature lovers and those seeking active, outdoor holidays. The editors of Griekenland.net based their decision on firsthand visits to the islands, evaluating their offerings for a range of outdoor pursuits and assessing their overall appeal to travelers who crave adventure and natural beauty.

Griekenland.net praised Karpathos for its exceptional variety of outdoor activities, which cater to all levels of adventure enthusiasts. The island’s unique blend of natural landscapes provides an extensive range of activities throughout the year. The southern beaches of Karpathos are particularly well-known for their world-class conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing. These two popular water sports have long been a draw for tourists seeking thrilling experiences in the Aegean Sea’s crystal-clear waters. Karpathos’ position on the southern part of the island offers ideal wind conditions that make it an attractive destination for those who are passionate about water sports. In addition to windsurfing and kitesurfing, visitors can also explore a variety of other water activities such as sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, ensuring that there is no shortage of adrenaline-fueled fun on the water.

Meanwhile, the northern part of Karpathos presents a completely different experience for visitors. Renowned for its rugged landscapes and breathtaking views, the northern part of the island features some of Greece’s most distinctive and stunning hiking paths. These trails wind through lush forests, steep cliffs, and ancient olive groves, allowing hikers to take in breathtaking panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea. The variety of hiking paths accommodates both casual walkers and more experienced trekkers, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the island’s stunning landscapes at their own pace. Whether exploring the lush hillsides or venturing along the rugged coastline, the hiking trails of Karpathos offer an unparalleled opportunity to experience the island’s natural beauty up close.

Beyond hiking and watersports, Karpathos also stands out for its offerings in rock climbing, cycling, scuba diving, and even shipwreck exploration. The island’s varied landscape offers an ideal setting for rock climbing, featuring a wide range of climbing routes suitable for climbers of every experience level. Cyclists can explore a network of mountain bike trails, while divers can discover the island’s clear waters and underwater caves, making Karpathos an ideal spot for both beginner and experienced divers. For those seeking a truly unique experience, Karpathos offers shipwreck exploration, with several historic shipwrecks scattered along the coastline. These sunken vessels provide a fascinating glimpse into the island’s maritime past and offer an exciting challenge for adventurous travelers.

One of the key factors contributing to Karpathos’ appeal is its relatively low visitor numbers compared to other popular Greek islands, even during the peak summer months of July and August. The island’s geography plays a significant role in this, as its diverse landscapes and varying terrains mean that visitors can always find a quiet, serene spot to enjoy their vacation away from the crowds. Whether it’s a peaceful day at the beach, a tranquil hike through the mountains, or an afternoon exploring the island’s charming villages, Karpathos offers a sense of solitude that many other popular tourist destinations lack.

Following Karpathos, the Griekenland.net rankings include Ikaria, Kythnos, Thassos, Kalymnos, and Lefkada as other noteworthy islands for outdoor enthusiasts. These islands are also renowned for their natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities, each with its own unique character and appeal. Ikaria, for example, is famous for its therapeutic hot springs and beautiful hiking trails, while Kythnos is known for its secluded beaches and hiking routes that explore its rugged interior. Thassos offers a mix of sandy beaches and mountain trails, making it perfect for both water lovers and adventure seekers, while Kalymnos is a prime destination for rock climbers and scuba divers. Lefkada, with its pristine beaches and serene countryside, attracts a variety of nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts.

Tasos Milios, Karpathos’ Deputy Mayor for Tourism, shared his excitement over the island’s recognition by Griekenland.net, describing Karpathos as a “broad canvas” offering endless possibilities for travelers. Milios highlighted that the island offers visitors the opportunity to create their perfect vacation by combining outdoor activities with relaxation, cultural experiences, and exploration of the island’s historical sites and quaint villages. In addition to its natural attractions, Karpathos is home to charming villages, traditional Greek architecture, and local cuisine that adds another layer of appeal to the island. Visitors can enjoy the island’s rich cultural heritage by touring its picturesque villages, sampling delicious local dishes, and learning about the island’s history and traditions.

This prestigious recognition of Karpathos as the best Greek island for outdoor activities is also a testament to the efforts of the Municipality of Karpathos in promoting the island to international media.By strategically engaging with international media and implementing focused marketing initiatives, the local government has effectively positioned Karpathos as a leading destination for adventure tourism, enhancing its status as a top travel hotspot.

Karpathos has been crowned the best Greek island for outdoor adventures in 2025, offering world-class windsurfing, hiking, and more. Alongside it, islands like Ikaria, Kythnos, Thassos, Kalymnos, and Lefkada also shine as top destinations for nature enthusiasts.

Karpathos has rightfully earned its place at the top of Griekenland.net’s rankings for outdoor activities in Greece, offering a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. With a wide range of outdoor pursuits, stunning landscapes, and a relaxed atmosphere, Karpathos has become the ultimate destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.