Atlantis Hotel
Karpathos Town - Sea side street, Pigadia
Atlantis Hotel features a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, garden, a shared lounge and terrace in Karpathos Town.
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Pigadia, officially called Karpathos Town, is the beating heart of the island of Karpathos in the Dodecanese. With more than 3,000 inhabitants, this dynamic town stretches along a wide bay in the south-eastern part of the island, perfectly combining historical heritage with the demands of modern tourism.
The name Pigadia derives from the Greek word ‘Ta Pigádia’ meaning ‘The Fountains’, a reference to the wealth of groundwater that has characterised this area since antiquity. In fact, the city stands on the ancient port of Potidaio (or Poseidio), already inhabited during the Minoan period and later by the Mycenaean Greeks, representing an important trade centre in the eastern Aegean.
Today’s Pigadia was rebuilt in 1892 after centuries of neglect caused by pirate raids, particularly by the Saracens, which forced the population to take refuge in the mountainous hinterland. During the Italian domination (1912-1948), the town experienced a new period of urban development, of which important architectural testimonies remain that still characterise the historical centre.
Pigadia ‘s charm lies in its ability to harmoniously blend two different cultures and eras, the traditional Mediterranean and the more modern one linked to international tourism. The old town is built around the natural harbour, where early 20th century Italian architecture is mixed with elements of traditional Greek construction, creating a unique atmosphere in the Dodecanese.
The Municipal Palace, built during the Italian rule, is one of the most significant architectural complexes in the city. It consists of three connected ‘P’-shaped buildings bordering Alexandros Papagou Square, with the main building featuring four storeys, the clock and the flagpole, while the side buildings feature two levels connected by striking covered arches. Declared a historical site in 1997, this complex is an important testimony to the Italian period on the island.
The Archaeological Museum of Karpathos is located in Pigadia and houses a valuable collection of artefacts that narrate the long history of the island: from ancient coins to Mycenaean ceramics, from tools of daily life from the classical era to Byzantine artefacts, offering visitors a fascinating journey through the millennia. Particularly interesting are the finds from the archaeological site of Potideon, the ancient city that stood right where Pigadia is today, founded by the Mycenaeans in the 14th century B.C. and later becoming one of the most prosperous ports in the Dodecanese during the Doric era.
A walk towards the northern end of the harbour leads to the cemetery and continuing beyond the town, one comes to a scenic road that winds through a lush pine forest and ends at the Monastery of Panagia Lamiotissa. This Orthodox monastery, set in a green oasis, is not only an important spiritual centre but also offers an exceptional view of the entire east coast of Karpathos. Local legend has it that it was built on the site where a mother, after praying for thirty years for the recovery of her son kidnapped by pirates, found a miraculous icon that showed her the child still alive.
Continuing beyond the monastery, a path leads to the largest cross on Karpathos, an exceptional vantage point overlooking not only the sea but also the entire coastline stretching to the wild north of the island.
Just outside the town centre, on the road leading to the north of the island, are the ruins of ancient Potideon, the archaeological site that preserves the remains of the Mycenaean acropolis and subsequent historical stratifications. According to Homer, it was from this port that ships from Karpathos sailed to join the Greek fleet during the Trojan War, making this place a key stop in understanding the island’s role in the ancient history of the eastern Mediterranean.
Near the archaeological site is also the Basilica of Agia Fotini, discovered in 1972 and dating from the 5th-6th century AD, built on the remains of an ancient temple and dedicated to the martyr Agia Fotini the Samaritan woman who, according to Greek tradition, met Jesus at Jacob’s well.
The Beach of Pigadia is one of the capital’s main attractions, stretching some 3 kilometres along the bay with fine golden sand and crystal-clear waters that slope gently towards the open sea. This long stretch of sand offers many possibilities: in the central part, near the harbour, is the most organised area with taverns, beach bars and umbrella and sunbed rental services (around 20 euro for a complete set), while moving towards the extremities it is possible to find quieter and wilder stretches even during the high season.
The shallow, sandy seabed makes this beach ideal for families with children, while the wind conditions often turn it into a paradise for kitesurfers and windsurfers. The beach is always kept clean and offers the convenience of being within walking distance of restaurants, hotels and all town services.
The proximity to the town centre makes it easy to combine seaside relaxation with town life: in the morning you can shop at the local market, have lunch in one of the many waterfront taverns and in the afternoon move to the beach for swimming and relaxation. The seafront promenade that runs along part of the beach is one of the most pleasant places for evening social life, with its cafes, bars and restaurants that come alive at sunset, offering spectacular views of the bay and the surrounding mountains.
A short distance from Pigadia are some of the most beautiful beaches on the entire island of Karpathos, easily accessible by car or by taxi boats that depart daily from the port. Amoopi, only 5 kilometres from the capital, is the most popular beach destination for tourists, with its multiple coves of fine sand and coloured pebbles protected by rock formations that create natural pools of rare beauty. The clear turquoise waters, the seabed rich in marine life and the location sheltered from the winds make Amoopi ideal for snorkelling and for those seeking a more exclusive setting than the urban beach of Pigadia.
Damatria, located about 15 kilometres from Pigadia near the airport, is one of the most pleasant surprises on the island with its unique combination of white pebbles and fine golden sand. The crystal-clear turquoise waters, which can already be seen from the main road, and the shallow waters make it particularly popular with families, while the presence of the Poseidon Blue Hotel directly on the beach guarantees quality services and catering. From the beach, it is possible to admire the small rocky island of Moira with its ancient ruins, which can only be reached by boat and is the destination of interesting underwater archaeological excursions.
Pigadia is the only centre on Karpathos where one can find a relatively lively, though never chaotic, nightlife. The pedestrian promenade comes alive after sunset with the traditional Greek promenade, while the numerous bars and cocktail lounges provide entertainment until the wee hours. The Greek tradition of dining late (rarely before 10pm) allows one to fully experience the city’s nightlife atmosphere.
Festivals and cultural events celebrating local traditions are regularly organised during the summer, while the weekly Saturday market is an unmissable opportunity to discover typical island produce and local handicrafts. Fishing remains one of the most important economic activities, and every morning you can watch the return of the fishing boats and the lively fresh fish market along the harbour quay.
The accommodation offer of Pigadia is characterised by its variety, ranging from large resort hotels overlooking the bay to family studios in the old town. The Konstantinos Palace is the town’s most imposing structure and the benchmark for organised package tours, while numerous guesthouses and flats run by local families offer more authentic and economical solutions.
The waterfront area concentrates most of the tourist accommodation, ensuring proximity to both the beach and the main city amenities. Many establishments occupy renovated historical buildings that retain the charm of early 20th century Italian architecture, offering a unique accommodation experience in the Dodecanese.
We offer a selection of hotels at Pigadia to suit all categories of travellers. The most booked by tourists are the sea-facing hotels, often right on the beach. If you want to play it safe, choose one of the following: they are among the most booked hotels in Pigadia, sorted by number of reviews.
If you prefer space, privacy and the ability to prepare your own meals to a hotel holiday, book a holiday home at Pigadia. We recommend a few below, but in this case we advise you to book early because houses and apartments for rent at Pigadia are in high demand.
Karpathos Airport is located just 15 kilometres from Pigadia and is served by direct flights during the summer season through major tour operators. Domestic connections with Athens are provided all year round by Olympic Air and Sky Express, while charter flights from several European capitals are added during the summer. From the airport, Pigadia can be reached by bus (regular service), taxi or rental cars available from several companies in the terminal.
The port of Pigadia is the main port of call for ferries connecting Karpathos with the rest of Greece. The company Anek Lines (Prevelis Ferry) offers regular connections 3-4 times a week with Rhodes, Crete, Santorini and Piraeus, while Blue Star Ferries provides a direct weekly connection with Athens. Connections to the island of Kasos are almost daily, with 2 trips at weekends, while tourist caiques to the northern beaches of the island and the island of Saria also operate during the summer.
What's the weather at Pigadia? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Pigadia for the next few days.
Pigadia occupies the most strategic position on Karpathos, being located in the south-eastern part of the island in a protected natural bay. The town is 15 kilometres from the airport, 5 kilometres from Amoopi, 23 kilometres from Arkasa on the west coast and 52 kilometres from the mountain village of Olympos in the north of the island.
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